Bus services diverted

SOME of the main bus routes through North Solihull are being diverted this week due to resurfacing works out towards Spitfire Island.
The No 71 and the No 966, which run through the north of the borough, will be affected early in the morning and during the evening while the work on Newport Road is completed.
Buses will be diverted around the back of Castle Bromwich after 7pm and some morning services will also be affected, as the overnight roadworks will not finish until 6am.
The resurfacing work is due to be completed on Friday (December 16).

Chelmsley Wood councillor criticises plan for new grammars.

GRAMMAR PLAN: Theresa May

A CHELMSLEY Wood councillor has said that government plans to increase the number of grammar schools could lead to a greater divide in standards of education locally.
Coun James Burn (Green) said this week that he had concerns about Theresa May's much-publicised policy to allow the first new grammars to open for 50 years.
Urging Solihull Council to oppose the proposals, Coun Burn said there was clear evidence that the changes would be bad news for an already "polarised" borough.
Addressing Full Council on Tuesday, he said: "Grammar schools have, yes, worked for one or two people and we all know anecdotes of people who will say 'well I went to a grammar school, it worked fine for me'.
"But we have to rely as councillors on evidence not just anecdotes. On balance, a grammar school benefits children from advantaged backgrounds far more than it benefits children from disadvantaged backgrounds."
Coun Alison Rolf (Con, Bickenhill) said her son had gone to a grammar school outside the borough after passing his eleven plus and was "thriving".
She said: "I'm sorry but I can't support the motion because as a parent I want to have a choice. I want to make the best choice for my child."
Coun Burn's motion was ultimately defeated when put to the vote.

Grammar dilemma:
Grammars select children on the basis of academic ability and were once a key part of Britain's education system. In the mid 1960s, reforms by the then Labour government started a process which saw many grammars either convert to comprehensives or become independent schools. Today there are fewer than 200 state grammars remaining nationwide. Solihull, in common with many councils around the country, has none remaining.
During the summer, it emerged that the new Prime Minister was drawing up plans which would allow the creation of new grammar schools for the first time in decades. Supporters argue the policy will increase social mobility, while critics suggest it will actually lead to greater inequality.

Bright idea to raise money for popular playground

A "NEON disco" will be taking place at Meriden Park Adventure Playground tomorrow evening (Saturday).
The sponsored event, which will see a group set out with glow sticks for a teatime tour of the surrounding area, has been organised to help raise funds for the popular facility.
People can pick up a sponsorship form from the playground or use their own. There will be free hot chocolate and marshmallows by the campfire for those who complete the route.
The event starts at 5pm and may be a good follow-on to the Christmas Market taking place in the afternoon.

Sessions in Smith's Wood for young jobseekers

COURSES which aims to help local young people into work will be running at the start of next week.
The employability sessions, open to 18-25-year-olds who are currently looking for work, will be held at Elmwood Place, Smith's Wood on Monday and Tuesday (December 12 and 13).
Sessions run from 9.45am-3pm. There will be refreshments and a £20 gift voucher for those who attend.

Santa's sleigh in Marston Green and Chelmsley

A VISIT FROM ST NICHOLAS: The sleigh
routes raise money for various good causes

ROUTES are now available for the Marston Green & District Lions sleigh routes.
Father Christmas will be touring the streets of Marston Green and Chelmsley Wood between December 12-20. The full programme is set out below.

Monday, December 12 (6.30–9pm)
Charlbury Avenue, Lambourne Grove, Hillys Croft, Leyburn Road, Buckden Close, Oxford Grove, Chichester Grove, Wavers Marston, Clarksland Grove

Tuesday, December 13 (6.30-9pm)
Perch Avenue, Grantley Drive, Pendrell Close, Conway Road, Stapleton Drive, Fencote Avenue, Elmore Close, Hadfield Way, Anstey Croft

Wednesday, December 14 (6.30–9pm)
Clopton Crescent, Newby Grove, Tyne Close, Runcorn Close, Tay Croft, Rowan Way, Box Road, Whitebeam Road

Thursday, December 15 (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, Partridge Close

Friday, December 16 (6.30–9pm)
Pike Drive, Bream Close, Graylings Walk, Chilham Drive, Ludlow Close, Wardour Drive, Penrith Grove, Drummond Way, Keepers Gate

Saturday, December 17 (3.00–6.30pm)
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, Aylesford Drive

Sunday, December 18 (3.00–6,30pm)
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, Lyndon Croft

Tuesday, December 20 (6.30–9pm)
Shirland Avenue, Ludworth Avenue, Holbrook Grove, Enville Close, Costock Close, Maple Leaf Drive, Byford Way, Harby Close, Radlow Crescent

Police appeal following cash box robbery in Green Lane

A SECURITY man was injured while doing his rounds in Castle Bromwich on Friday (December 2).
The robbery happened as the G4S driver was leaving the Tesco Express store, in Green Lane, at around 4.45pm.
The offender ran up behind the driver and snatched the cash box from his hand as he approached the vehicle. The driver's shoulder was injured in the incident.
Solihull Police are investigating the incident and today appealed for any information. Call officers on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Christmas Market coming to Meriden Park

A CHRISTMAS Market is to be held at the new community space in Chelmsley Wood's Meriden Park.
The event will be taking place on the site of the former bowling green next Saturday (December 10).
There will be a variety of stalls, festive food, carol singing and a visit from Father Christmas and his elves. The market will be open from 10.30am-3.30pm.