New edition of Other Side of Solihull now available

THE latest edition of Other Side of Solihull's digital newspaper is now available.
You can read it online here or email theothersideofsolihull@gmail.com to be added to the subscribers' list.
Don't forget to contact us with your stories or ideas for the next edition.

Former soldier forced to sleep in his car after failing to find home in Chelmsley Wood

AN IRAQ War veteran from North Solihull has been forced to live in his car for six weeks after being made homeless, the Birmingham Mail reports.

Far-right group demonstrate at business park near Marston Green

POLICE have confirmed that a protest staged by a far-right movement near Marston Green passed without any major incident.
Approximately 200 people - around half the number expected - took part in yesterday's rally.
Demonstrators from the anti-Islamic Pegida UK group marched from Birmingham International Station to nearby Birmingham Business Park, assembling in Starley Way.
Several protesters were seen carrying placards which said "Trump is right" - a likely reference to controversial comments made by US presidential candidate Donald Trump about banning Muslims from entering America.
In the run-up to the event, politicians locally and nationally had accused organisers of trying to sow division.
Labour MP Liam Byrne said: "We simply won't stand for people coming into Birmingham trying to divide our communities and spread fear and hatred. Brummies are proud of our diversity and we don't want it threatened by racists."
Tommy Robinson, the former leader of the English Defence League (EDL), hit back at critics when he stood up to address the crowd.
"Let them know what’s happened: we met up, we were civilised, we walked in complete silence, we held speeches, we exercised our freedom of speech, we showed solidarity across Europe and then we went home – that’s all that happened."
West Midlands Police had drafted in a number of officers amid fears that the protest could turn violent.
They were tasked with keeping the Pegida protesters separate from Unite Against Fascism, who had arranged their own demonstration nearby.
Following the event, the force confirmed there had been no serious disturbances or injuries. Only one man, a 39-year-old participating in the counter demonstration, was arrested for a suspected public order offence.
Chief Supt Alex Murray, from Solihull Police, said: "We’ve been planning the operation for months; the collective efforts of our officers, Solihull Council, partner agencies, protest organisers and community groups helped ensure the event passed off without any serious disorder.
"Disruption was kept to a minimum – Bickenhill Lane was closed temporarily to allow for protesters to walk from Birmingham International to the demo point but hopefully it didn’t hugely inconvenience motorists or local businesses."
The region's Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, paid tribute to the police operation but said that the presence required at such events put a significant drain on resources.
"I sincerely hope this is the last protest of its sort that we see here for a good long while," he said.
"The West Midlands is a place where people live side by side happily…it is sad when people from outside the region try to undermine that."

Fresh concerns raised about off-road bikes in North Solihull.

CALLS for the authorities to do more about the scourge of off-road bikes in North Solihull intensified this week.
The problems being reported in a number of local communities were raised by Councillor Chris Williams (Green, Chelmsley Wood) at Tuesday's Full Council meeting.
He told the region's Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, that many residents felt despondent because they had been making efforts to alert police, but saw little action being taken.
"One thing that is raising the fear of crime very much is off-road bikes," said Coun Williams (pictured, right).
"Especially when there are 12 going past your property late at night, with masks, balaclavas and no lights.
"West Midlands Police disbanded your off-road unit but you're now asking residents to report the information...Residents are doing that and they're giving up because they're saying they're passing on that intelligence and they're getting no reply, no information, no feedback."
Mr Jamieson acknowledged that off-road bikes were a "common problem" across the region, but insisted that officers would act on tip-offs from the public. He cited the example of one operation in an area where bikes were descending every Friday evening.
"[The police] got a team of about five cars and officers, closed in on them, took the bikes, crushed them and got rid of them. The problem has been gone for about nine months and hasn't reappeared.
"That's what I call intelligent policing; using new technology, empowering people to actually get something done about it by reporting it on the internet."
Tuesday night's exchange comes after residents launched a petition calling for councils to make it harder for the bikes to access local parkland.
Coun Debbie Evans (UKIP, Kingshurst & Fordbridge) has supported the efforts, which are being led by the campaign-group Action for Babbs Mill.
"The time for talking has come to an end and action now needs to be taken," she said.

• Read more about the Police and Crime Commissioner's comments on local policing in the next edition of the Other Side of Solihull newspaper - out at the beginning of next week.

Chelmsley Wood charity signs up to London run

A CHELMSLEY Wood-based charity which supports people with learning disabilities has signed up to take part in a running event in London this autumn
Members of Solihull Life Opportunities (SoLO) are among the first to secure places at the inaugural Parallel London, which is expected to attract over 10,000 participants.
The event will see runners cover distances ranging from 100metres to 10km and is open to people regardless of their age or ability.
Janet Down, SoLO's chief executive (pictured, right), said: "Since taking some members to the London Marathon to support our runner, we have been looking for opportunities for our members to get involved in something on a similar scale.
"Parallel offers just this and we are really excited to be in at the beginning."
A spokesman for the event said: "[It] is not just about racing against the clock, but about celebrating the spirit of togetherness and everyone crossing the finishing line."
The challenge takes place on Sunday, September 4, just days before the opening of the Paralympic Games in Rio.
If you have a disability and would like to get involved, email Janet at janet@solihullsolo.org

Teenager charged following machete attack

A TEENAGER from Chelmsley Wood has appeared in  court charged in connection with a machete attack last month.
Carl Gamble, 19, of Lowerstack Croft, was arrested yesterday (Monday) and subsequently charged with wounding and possession of a weapon in public.
The incident happened on Tile Cross Road last Monday morning (January 25). A 50-year-old man suffered serious injuries in the attack and and spent two days in hospital. He has since been discharged and police said he was currently recuperating with his family.
A 29-year-old, previously arrested on suspicion of assault, remains on police bail and inquiries are ongoing.
Officers continue to appeal for witnesses to the attack and anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Colourful display above North Solihull

IF you were lucky enough to look skyward at tea-time you may have spotted rainbow-coloured clouds in the skies above North Solihull.
The nacreous cloud formation, sometimes known as mother-of-pearl clouds, were visible at around five o'clock this evening (Monday).
The clouds are a rare sight in the UK, more often appearing during winter in countries to the far north, such as Alaska, Norway and Iceland.

• If you took a picture, email it to theothersideofsolihull@gmail.com and we'll post it on our Facebook page.