Other Side of Solihull: Editor's update

I AM aware that this page has been dormant for a fair old while without any update, for which I can only apologise.

It was never my intention to put the blog on hiatus but I suppose there are worse excuses than the fall-out from a global pandemic. 

I had desperately wanted to continue keeping residents informed during Covid, when reliable sources of local information became more important than ever. Early on I chose instead to share the relevant articles from my full-time reporting role, since trying to produce similar but separate content for here would prove an immense challenge. 

Also to be honest, from a purely selfish perspective, writing about the crisis day-in-day out gave me a limited tolerance for continuing that after hours as well and for my own sanity I needed stuff in my life which wasn't focused on coronavirus. So in the long evenings of lockdown I returned to my other loves of reading, growing courgettes and painting small metal models of goblins. 

As we emerged from the worst in 2021, I also took the decision to embark on a career change - which brought the curtain down on a 15-year stint (part-time and full-time) in local journalism. This meant a tough decision on whether I should try and continue this blog.

I genuinely had loved running this site for the best part of six years and deciding to give it up was a tough call, but there were a few reasons I decided it was the right time to call it a day.

1. Time and money: Updating the site, checking emails, doing social media and other commitments took at least an hour an evening, which is obviously a sizeable commitment alongside other things. There are no doubt ways of cutting corners but not without reducing the quality of the journalism and quality journalism was for me the whole point. The project also came with a financial cost through paying for each page of the e-paper to be designed each month. Our wonderful sub-editor Justine, who was the other member of our two-person operation, is a mate and had offered to handle the pages for free. But I'd seen enough good journalists working for free to know that was never something I'd be prepared to endorse and so I ensured, from the outset, she was paid for the design work. Obviously meeting that cost when I had a salary to draw on was feasible. After returning to full-time education it's rather harder!

2. Facebook's algorithms: A real pleasure of nurturing this blog was seeing the audience for stories gradually grow over time. But a few years back I suddenly found that the readership of articles dropped dramatically after an extended period increasing, chiefly due to changes in the way Facebook promotes content. It's now much harder as an independent outlet to circulate articles on social media. No doubt I'd improve my reach by starting writing extensively about Piers Morgan's hated of vegan sausage rolls and those other hot topics beloved by social media types. But as a hyperlocal that always put the emphasis on local that was never really an option.

3. More scrutiny: When I started the blog almost a decade ago, coverage of North Solihull was particularly patchy. Rather disturbingly for an area of 50,000 or so residents not a single outlet was giving any meaningful attention to council meetings. At a time when parkland was under threat and services were collapsing under the weight of austerity this was deeply concerning. Fortunately the local situation has improved since then. For several years my day-job was with the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a BBC-funded scheme which has helped reverse the long-term decline in local government scrutiny. Solihull also has dedicated patch reporters who have been providing first-rate on the ground coverage of recent events, such as the tragedy at Babbs Mill. While regional reporting country-wide continues to face significant challenge, it's pleasing to know that coverage in our particular area has been expanded in recent times. As things stand there is no longer the gap there was when this site was established.

More generally I have no doubt that hyperlocal operations will continue to be an important part of what I will rather pretentiously call the media landscape. When I started there was still a sniffiness about so-called "citizen journalism". The term extended largely to community pages with an abundance of doorbell camera snaps of "suspicious characters". 

These do, I'm afraid, still exist and if poorly moderated they can descend very quickly into breeding grounds for dangerous speculation and debates about migration in which few people mention migration but lots of posts say, very pointedly, "it's not like that now."

In recent years however more and more professional journalists and interested amateurs willing to put the work in have taken the leap to set up independent outlets. Many are run purely for public information, although a steadily increasing number actually manage to make money as well!

While Other Side of Solihull never succeeded in making the leap to a print edition as perhaps I'd once hoped - the thought of the admin and having to sell ads horrified me - I'm pleased the project was part of a new generation of news source which has steadily taken advantage of new technology. I'm aware there are a lot of "news" in that sentence, which helps explain why I paid for a sub!

For my part I loved covering a patch where I was born (like many of my friends I was a child of Marston Green Maternity Hospital) and where I went to school. I never believed this blog should gloss over the challenges this area has faced and continues to face, but I felt it was high time to break the cycle of every report about a Chelmsley Wood man continuing "has appeared in court..." 

Unfortunately crime does almost as well on the algorithms as Morgan's vendetta against meat-free baked goods. But the blog has also tried to bring you stories about Bafta winners, community litter-picking squads and public art projects which represent the very best of this area. 

It's not to say that running this site has been entirely plain sailing.

I was aghast during the darkest days of Covid when I shared some stats about Solihull's infection rate - then among the worst in the country. Within 12 hours I'd received an angry message from someone who was quick to point out they were a journalist. "This is poor reporting and scaremongering when people need facts," she told me. I was happy to send tables with figures for the area which confirmed what I was saying was 100 per cent accurate. The message proved to me, however, that there was an enduring contempt for some smaller outlets from some who couldn't imagine the person running them was 

themselves fully-qualified and capable of fact-checking.

Conversely I'm still staggered that the Coleshill and Castle Brom Post - which delivers to thousands of local homes - thought it was acceptable a few years ago to print some of our stories verbatim and uncredited. Apparently they'd been "sent" the articles - by whom and for what purpose is uncertain - and hadn't thought to question their origin. To be fair they insisted they wouldn't have done it if they'd known they "was yours" [sic].

These incidents were, I'm happy to say, far outweighed by the pleasure I have taken from the good results I've been able to report on over the years. Meriden Adventure Playground, whose fight for survival was the basis of our first full-blooded campaign, mobilised the community after an end to council funding and is still playing a vital role locally. Michael Sheen's favourite chip shop, Chelmund's Fish and Chips, is still doing a roaring trade as the area's premium community takeaway.  And after a gestation period which has lasted longer than the council meetings which charted its progress - and trust me, that really is saying something - work is finally underway on redeveloping Kingshurst Parade. True the area's bus services are still bloody awful, but you can't expect miracles. 

All-in-all journalism looks totally different today than when I started back in 2007 (a now seemingly ancient era which was post-typewriter and pre-Twitter). I can't pretend I think all the changes that the digital revolution has brought with it are good. The loss of dedicated print titles in particular has hit many communities hard. And yet the need for the principles that underpin good local journalism - accuracy, even-handedness, empathy and accountability - remain as important right now as ever they have.

Whether it's reporting on election hustings, planning decisions or Kingshurst's dizzy duck race this site has tried to uphold them. Hopefully it mostly succeeded. 

Campaign to save town "treasure trove" from closure

A MUCH-loved book shop and community hub near North Solihull is in a race to raise the £30,000 it needs to stop open.

Books Revisited, on Coleshill High Street, has until the end of the month to drum up the five-figure sum it needs to fund vital renovations.

If it fails to meet its target the premises, which is a valuable source of revenue for the Mary Ann Evans Hospice, will shut for good.

Volunteers launched the last-ditch bid to save the store from closure after the charity announced that a hefty maintenance bill and spiralling energy prices had made the branch unsustainable.

The cost of the repair work to the building is said to be the single biggest issue; the site is Grade II-listed and falls within the town's conservation area, which adds to the financial burden.

Deb Bromage, who set-up an online crowdfunding page last month, said there had been an outpouring of support from the local community.

"We honesty cannot believe the generosity and kindness from everyone making us believe that we are doing the right thing in trying to save our shop," she said, in an update last week.

"Not only for our high street but for the charity itself who will get continued much needed funds if we do stay open."

Since the fundraising campaign launched less than a fortnight ago, online pledges have already topped £8,000 and customers have also made cash donations in-store.

It is hoped that a sell-out quiz night at Coleshill Town Hall, to be held later this week, will help add to the running total.

Neighbouring businesses have also mobilised to help, donating raffle prizes and decorating their windows with messages of solidarity ahead of tomorrow's World Book Day event.

Books Revisited opened back in 2012 and has become a stalwart of the town centre; it hosts a monthly book club and has served as a springboard for a number of other community groups.

But mounting financial pressures led to the charity announcing "with a heavy heart" that it was scheduled to close the branch on April 1.

Elizabeth Hancock, chief executive of Mary Ann Evans, had said: "While the decision to close is disappointing, over the years Books Revisited has made huge contributions to the costs of hospice services ... as a team we are very proud of that."

Many residents have voiced their support for the shop and their hopes the fund raising appeal will allow it an eleventh-hour reprieve.

Rose Parton said: "Books Revisited is a 'treasure trove' and essential to our high street in Coleshill. We can't lose you."

While Georgina Leah Ward recalled trips to the shop with her granddad.

"I have great memories of him happily rummaging through the books getting a bargain - followed by cake and tea in the café. I hope you can remain open for many others to enjoy."

To find out more about the campaign and how you can help, follow this link to the volunteers' fund raising page.

North Solihull prepares to applaud the NHS

NORTH Solihull residents are being urged to join what could be the largest round of applause in Britain's history this evening.
As the coronavirus crisis grips the nation, people across the country are invited to take part in the Clap for our Carers.
This will see people standing in windows, on doorsteps and balconies and showing their appreciation for doctors, nurses and other NHS staff on the frontlines of the fight against Covid-19.
Many locals in Castle Brom, Kingshurst, Chelmsley Wood and other local areas have indicated they will be taking part.
The applause will take place at 8pm.

Litter picking teams in mass Chelmsley clean-up

MORE than 100 bags of rubbish were filled during a litter picking blitz in Chelmsley Wood this weekend.

Volunteers of all ages took part in an event organised as part of Keep Britain Tidy's Great British Spring Clean.

The day had been billed as "the big one", drawing support from groups across the borough, and was supported by the likes of Love Solihull, Citizens Advice and TSB bank.

Paul Sultana, a local litter picking volunteer, said: "People often talk about ‘the north/south divide’ when Solihull is mentioned.

"Well this is living proof that litter knows no boundaries, and that we can all come together to beat this anti social, environmental issue!"

Appeal to North Solihull's youth groups

A CHELMSLEY Wood-based social enterprise is keen to hear from youth groups in the north of the borough.

Gro-Organic is compiling a map of services for a project it is currently working on and has urged services to get in touch. 

Organisations can email sarah@gro-organic.co.uk

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.

Man hospitalised in Castle Brom crash

POLICE have appealed for information after a young man was hurt in a road crash in Castle Bromwich at the weekend.
The pedestrian, who was in his 20s, was reportedly involved in a collision on Hurst Lane North on Saturday evening (December 14).
The man in question was taken to hospital, following the incident at around 5pm. He suffered severe facial injuries
Anyone with information should call 101.

Who North Solihull residents can vote for tomorrow...

WITH less than 12 hours until the polls open, here is a reminder of the candidates standing in North Solihull at this week's General Election.
All four parties with a presence on the local council - the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats and the Greens - are battling for the seat.
Here is a brief summary of those hoping to get your vote in the Meriden constituency:

Teresa Beddis (Labour): Labour has selected former teacher Teresa Beddis to stand, with her nomination agreed shortly before the deadline last month.
She has spoken about the immense pressure on public services - particularly the NHS - and has slated the Conservatives for pursuing austerity policies.
Defending the cost of her own party's radical programme, she has said Labour has the chance to roll out radical changes - similar to those introduced by the party's government after the Second World War.
On Brexit she has said she supports a second referendum and would campaign to Remain.
A final fact: Is confident that her party's message will appeal to many people and has in fact placed a bet on a successful night for Labour.

Saqib Bhatti (Conservative): After Meriden's longest-serving MP, Dame Caroline Spelman, announced she was standing down, the Tories were in need of a new candidate.
Businessman Saqib Bhatti was selected, having seen off a challenge from Theresa May's former advisor Nick Timothy.
Mr Bhatti, a president of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, has said many voters are very angry that the result of the 2016 referendum has not been honoured. He said a Tory majority would allow the EU withdrawal agreement to pass.
Acknowledging that public finances have been under strain, he has said the Conservatives will now "invest in the future" and that their economic plan is credible.
A final fact: If successful, Mr Bhatti would be Meriden's first MP from a black, Asian or minority ethnic background.

Steve Caudwell (Green): The Castle Bromwich councillor has urged people to send a strong message in what his party has dubbed "the climate change election".
The businessman has been pleased to see the environment shoot up the political agenda, arguing that there is no Planet B.
During this campaign, the Greens locally have also advocated sweeping changes to the electoral system, which they argue often leavers voters having no choice but to back "the least worst option".
Coun Caudwell has also spoken about the need to build more homes and provide extra funding for services - citing the impact that years of cuts have had on council services.
As the candidate for a smaller party, he has done much of the leg-work himself and had previously asked for online donations to his fighting fund.
A final fact: Coun Caudwell was elected to the council in May and so is in fact fighting his second election campaign of 2019.

Laura McCarthy (Liberal Democrat): A community campaigner who got involved in local politics a few years ago, she has used the campaign to highlight cuts in school funding and fears over Brexit.
Coun McCarthy has described her party as "passionately pro-European" and spoken about the concerns over what the EU could mean for constituencies like Meriden.
She has said that following the campaign trail around the wildly contrasting wards that make up the seat, the largest in the West Midlands, has often highlighted sharp divides in views and predicts some surprises when results are declared.
Has said that her experience as a ward councillor, representing Elmdon, makes her well placed to stand up for residents.
A final fact: At 32 she is the youngest candidate standing in either Meriden or neighbouring Solihull.

Polling stations are open tomorrow (Thursday) from 7am-10pm.

Marston Green & District Lions Santa's sleigh routes.

FATHER Christmas will be doing the rounds again from next week.
Marston Green and District Lions have confirmed that Santa's sleigh will be completing a tour of streets in Marston Green and Chelmsley Wood in the coming weeks.
And in exciting news for Kingshurst residents, the team will be adding the estate to their rota for the 2019 tour.
A Lions spokesman said: "While we will always try to complete our routes below, our licence requires us to stop by 9pm each evening and it is possible that we will not be able to finish, especially if the weather is bad. We apologise for any disappointment that this causes."
Monday, December 9 (6.30-9pm):
Charlbury Avenue. Lambourne Grove, Hillys Croft, ​Ilkley Grove, Kettlewell Way, Grassington Drive, Leyburn Road, Buckden Close, Oxford Grove and Chichester Grove.
Tuesday, December 10 (6.30-9pm): 
Perch Avenue, Grantley Drive, Pendrell Close, Conway Road, Stapleton Drive, Fencote Avenue, Elmore Close, Hadfield Way and Anstey Croft.
Wednesday, December 11 (6.30-9pm):
Clopton Crescent, Newby Grove, Tyne Close, Runcorn Close, Tay Croft, Alder Drive, Rowan Way, Box Road and Whitebeam Road.
Thursday, December 12 (6.30-9pm):
Bluebell Drive, Yorkminster Drive*, Lyecroft Avenue, Foxland Close, Waterson Croft, Ryeclose Croft, Hawksworth Road, Drake Croft, Hawksworth Road, Kitegreen Close, Heathgreen Close and Partridge Close.
* - From Bluebell Drive to Waterson Croft.
Friday, December 13 (6.30-9pm):
Pike Drive, Bream Close, Graylings Walk, Chilham Drive, Ludlow Close, Wardour Drive, Penrith Grove and Drummond Way.
Saturday, December 14 (3-6.30pm)
Elmdon Lane, Canterbury Drive, Greenway, Newlands Lane, Digby Drive, Elmdon Road, Somerton Drive, Ashfield Lane, Moat House Lane, Wolverton Road, Rotherby Grove, Farndon Avenue, Hidcote Grove, St Leonard’s Close, Land Lane, Hall Drive and Aylesford Drive.
Sunday, December 15 (3-6.30pm)
Bickenhill Lane, Coleshill Road, Station Road, Chelmsley Lane, Alcott Lane, The Orchard, Holly Lane, Moseley Drive, Martin Rise, Marston Croft, Elm Farm Avenue, Wayside, Bickenhill Road, The Oaklands, Mowe Croft, Brook Croft, Bickenhill Road and Lyndon Croft.
Monday, December 16 (6.30-9pm)
Stokesay Close, Keepers Gate, Carisbrooke Avenue, ​Starley Way, Longley Walk, Wavers Marston, and Clarksland Grove
Tuesday, December 17 (6.30-9pm)
Hamar Way, Shirland Avenue, Ludworth Avenue, Holbrook Grove, Enville Close, Costock Close, Maple Leaf Drive, Byford Way, Harby Close and Radlow Crescent.
Wednesday, December 18 (6.30pm start) --- NEW KINGSHURST ROUTES
Fordbridge Road, Schofield Road, Townshend Road, Dunton Road, Stonebridge Road, Oakthorpe Drive, Bromcroft Road, Dalewood Road, Bannerlea Road and Foxwood Grove
Thursday, December 19 (6.30pm start) --- NEW KINGSHURST ROUTES
Meriden Drive, Wheeley Moor Road, Marston Drive, Overgreen Drive, Kingshurst Way, Yorkswood Drive, Hemlingford Road, Silver Birch Road, Gilson Way, Moxhull Road and Mullensgrove Road

Health advice as norovirus sweeps North Solihull schools

HEALTH chiefs are urging people suffering from the winter vomiting bug - which has recently forced the closure of several North Solihull schools - to stop at home.
NHS Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has issued advice to those who are struck down by the norovirus.
The guidance released today (Monday), follows the decision of several schools to shut for "deep cleans".
Smith's Wood Academy and John Henry Newman Catholic College had announced closures and Tudor Grange Academy Kingshurst soon followed suit
Acting principal of Tudor Grange, Matthew Boyle, said he had taken the decision following discussions with Public Health England. The school was due to reopen today.
Writing to parents last week, Mr Boyle said: "[It is] a brief period to enable a full deep clean and to allow students and staff to recover from any prevailing illness."
NHS advice for those who have fallen sick is as follows:

• Stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have passed.
• Do not visit anyone at hospital while you are still contagious.
• Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food. Don't rely on alcohol hand gels, as they do not kill the virus.
• Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated. It's best to use a bleach-based household cleaner.
• Wash any items of clothing or bedding that could have become contaminated separately on a hot wash to ensure the virus is killed.
• Don't share towels and flannels.
• Avoid eating raw, unwashed produce.

 Dr Richard Mendelsohn, the CCG's chief medical officer, said "Norovirus affects between 600,000 and 1 million people each year and it’s vital that members of the public work with us to prevent the spread of the disease. 
"The message is to stay at home, make sure you have a well-stocked medicine cabinet and call NHS 111 if you are concerned and need further advice."

Chelmsley Wood hustings as election contest hots up

WITH fewer than three weeks left until voters go to the polls, General Election candidates will once again be attending a hustings in North Solihull.
All four men and women who are vyeing to be Meriden's next MP have been invited to the Question Time-style event.
It is a chance for those in the running to answer questions on some of the single biggest issues, including NHS, the economy, school funding, crime and Brexit.
It was confirmed earlier this month that all parties with a presence on Solihull Council would be fielding candidates in the constituency.
Whatever the outcome of next month's poll, it is certain that the seat will have its first new MP for more than 20 years, following the decision of Dame Caroline Spelman to stand down.
Those battling for your vote are:
Teresa Beddis (Labour)
Saqib Bhatti (Conservative)
Steve Caudwell (Green)
Laura McCarthy (Liberal Democrat).
The Brexit Party had announced a few weeks ago that it would not be contesting seats that the Tories had won in 2017, while no independent candidates have put themselves forward this time.
The hustings is taking place at the Three Trees Centre, Chelmund's Cross on Sunday, December 1.
Rev'd Neil Roberts, from Three Trees, has confirmed that the Election Special will start at 7.30pm.
Polling day is scheduled for Thursday, December 12 and don't forget that you have until midnight on Tuesday (November 26) if you haven't registered to vote.

Warning after lock snap burglary in Chelmsley

CHELMSLEY Wood residents are urged to be on their guard following reports of a so-called lock snap burglary.
It's understood that thieves had broken into a property on Whitebeam Road on Saturday night (November 16).
In a police alert following the incident, officers said that the crooks had managed to enter the home via the rear patio, using the lock snapping technique.
Designer clothes, jewellery and keys to an Audi A3 were stolen from inside the property.
Solihull Police said: "We advise homeowners to purchase anti-snap locks for external doors, and please consider getting security lighting and CCTV as a visible deterrent."
There always tend to be campaigns urging homeowners to be extra careful once the darker nights are here.
The clocks going back often coincides with a spike in crime and the run-up to Christmas can be an ideal time for opportunists, taking advantage of families being out.
Anyone with information about the Whitebeam Road incident should call officers on 101.

Windrush compensation meeting at Kingshurst church

SCANDAL: The controversy was named after the Empire Windrush liner,
which brought some of the first Caribbean migrants to Britain in 1948.

A COMPENSATION meeting for those affected by one of the biggest political scandals of recent years will be held in Kingshurst tonight (Monday).
The event at the New Testament Church of God, in Gilson Way, will be offering advice to those caught up in the Windrush controversy.
When the scandal broke last year, it emerged that many who formed part of the so-called 'Windrush generation' had been wrongly detained, denied legal rights and either been deported or threatened with deportation.
The issue affected various residents who had lived in the UK for decades and the government's handling of the scandal led to the resignation of then Home Secretary Amber Rudd.
The event has been organised by Bishop Dr Desmond Jaddoo and a Home Office representative is also expected at the meeting. It starts at 6pm.