Oi ref! Chelmsley Wood's wobbly lines make headlines.

THE wildly wobbly lines left on a football pitch by a Solihull Council contractor have caused a sensation on social media.
The erratic markings were painted on the playing surface off Bluebell Drive, in Chelmsley Wood, but photos posted to Twitter suggest that they wouldn’t quite meet Premier League standards.
Castle Bromwich Alliance's Tom Payne took pictures of the markings which have been shared thousands of times in the past 48 hours, with scores of social media users and armchair pundits having their say
After being alerted by Mr Payne on Wednesday of this week, the council admitted “that doesn’t look good” and a spokesman has since confirmed that the twists and turns were the handiwork of someone who was new to using the kit.
The lines have since been removed, with the contractors having repainted markings rather less likely to leave the players feeling somewhat unsteady on their feet.
As the photos spread, many sports fans were quick to give their opinion on the flawed first attempt.
 “Obviously the same guys in charge of the offside lines for VAR,” joked one Twitter user, in reference to football’s controversial video refereeing decisions.
Another chipped in "Looks like Old Trafford. What's wrong with it??", while it was also suggested that the botched job might be why England would struggle to win the World Cup.
A Solihull Council spokesman said: “This was the result of someone who had just been trained to use the equipment having their first go – turns out it’s not as easy as you might think!
“Their colleague left them to do half of the pitch while they did the other, then quickly realised it wasn’t their forte! Everyone has to start somewhere...”
The sports facilities at Bluebell Recreation Ground lie on land sandwiched between the M6 and the Chester Road and are understood to play host to both adult and junior teams.
The area is also near to where the HS2 rail line is set to carry trains, on a section of the route between Birmingham city centre and the new Interchange Station.

Big Bike Project rolls into North Solihull

A BIKE Hub in Chelmsley Wood is launching free cycling activities for adults and children as part of a new initiative.
Delivered by the Big Bike Project, and funded by Sport England, the facility will be aimed at groups including beginners and those who don't normally ride a bike.
Learn to ride sessions, maintenance courses and leisure rides will be run as part of the programme, which officially launches this week.
These sit within the wider Active Communities project, which has been hailed as one of "the biggest" initiatives of its kind.
One of the overriding aims is to boost fitness in the north of the borough, where life expectancy and health tend to lag behind Solihull as a whole.
Coun Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council, will be officially opening the event on Thursday (January 16) at 10am.
Residents are invited to drop-in at North Solihull Sports Centre (between 9.30-11am) to find out more.

Furry fellow found in Chelmsley street

DO you recognise this furry customer?
The errant ferret was found in Yorklea Croft, off Bosworth Drive, on Saturday (January 11).
The animal has been taken to the Solihull-based 608 Vets Practice.
If you recognise the pet call the surgery on 0121 705 3044.

Police appeal after attempted robbery at Greggs

POLICE are appealing for help tracing a man alleged to have been involved in an attempted robbery at a Kingshurst food outlet over the Christmas period.
The incident occurred at Greggs, on The Parade, on Saturday, December 28.
It is alleged the man, who CCTV shows as hooded and clad in black, had reached across the counter and threatened staff to hand over money.
Although he ultimately fled the premises empty-handed.
Anyone who recognises the person pictured or has any information about the incident, which happened at around 4.30pm, should call Solihull Police on 101.

Open day at Kingshurst community hub

TEAM EFFORT: Volunteers gathered at The Space last month

THE third in a series of open days is taking place at the recently revamped Kingshurst Youth & Community Centre this weekend.
A team of volunteers had worked hard before Christmas to get the building, which had been shut up for several years, up to scratch.
It is hoped that by bringing the site back into regular use it will bolster the case to build a permanent facility into the revamped shopping parade, when this scheme finally moves forward.
A community café is being created on-site and locals are also being invited to offer up ideas on how best to make use of the space, in Marston Drive.
Residents, ward councillors and community groups have all teamed up to put the pilot project together and efforts have also been supported by locally-raised grime artist Lady Leshurr, who had attended the venue as a teenager.
The Space is open tomorrow (Saturday) from 11.30am-3pm.

Sad news of employee's death at Castle Brom store

A SUPERMARKET in Castle Bromwich closed its doors today (Tuesday) following the sudden death of a staff member.
The employee, who has not been named, is understood to have suffered a cardiac arrest at the Morrisons store, in Hurst Lane.
Paramedics had rushed to the scene following a 999 call, but despite efforts to carry out CPR, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The premises reopened after being shut for several hours, following the tragedy at just before 9am.

Local champions named in New Year's Honours.

A CHARITY fundraiser and a dedicated volunteer have been recognised in the New Year's Honours.
Joan Lloyd, from the Friends of Woodlands Cemetery, received a British Empire Medal (BEM).
Ms Lloyd said she was "so proud" to be awarded the gong, which was presented "for services to the community in Solihull".
In a Facebook message she reflected on the role of the group, founded in 2005, which has worked on a number of projects alongside visitors, relatives and the borough council.
The Woodlands site, which lies between Chelmsley Wood and Coleshill, is likely to expand in the coming years, with existing burial space rapidly running out.
Elspeth Martin, who had served as Mayoress of Solihull during the mid-noughties, also received a BEM in recognition of her charitable services to the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
The organisation, which helps fund three air ambulance services covering the region, said it was "delighted" to announce the good news.
Following the announcement a number of wellwishers paid tribute to Elspeth's work, with many  people keen to pay tribute to the "long-standing volunteer".
John Stokes wrote: "Lovely to see someone honoured in general that has done good for the community to help others."

Disturbance in Chelmsley in early hours of New Year's Day.

A MAN was hospitalised after trouble broke out in Chelmsley Wood in the early hours of New Year's Day.
It's understood that the victim suffered a fractured cheekbone after a disturbance in the vicinity of The Centurion pub at around 1am.
A police helicopter and paramedics were dispatched following reports of a disorder and a 36-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of affray. She was later released pending further enquiries.
According to reports, the altercation had happened in Forth Drive at around 1am - a little an hour after revellers had ushered in the start of 2020.
If you have any information about the incident call Solihull Police on 101.