Terrible teeth...but a great cause!

OWL'S ABOUT THAT: Characters from the
popular children's book. Photo/Gro-Organic

A TRAIL which takes inspiration from one of Britain's most popular children's books is being created in Chelmsley Wood.
Sculptures based on characters from The Gruffalo, by Julia Donaldson, have been installed in the community garden behind Bishop Wilson CofE Primary.
A snake, owl and fox, not to mention the mighty beast that gives the story its name, have been recreated from a range of materials.
The project has been co-ordinated by the green-fingered team from the North Solihull-based social enterprise Gro-Organic.
"We have been working hard to get this ready for all local families to enjoy the space," the group said.
"Soon residents will be able to enjoy pond dipping, outdoor cooking, fire lighting and forest activities, bike rides and more."
Parents were given a sneak-peek of the trail last month and it's hoped that the various activities will be getting underway soon.

Castle Brom bells will sound to mark 100 year anniversary

A CASTLE Bromwich church is keen to recruit new bell ringers, as the team prepares for the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day.

St Mary and St Margaret's Church will be joining a nationwide effort, with the bells set to sound on November 11 - a century on from the end of the First World War. 

If you would be interested in joining the team and helping commemorate the anniversary of the date which brought the global conflict to an end, visit their website.

Crossbow seized during police patrol in Chelmsley Wood

SEIZED: Photo of the crossbow shared on social media by local police.

POLICE in Chelmsley Wood seized a crossbow while out on patrol this week.

A photo of the weapon was posted on the neighbourhood team's Twitter account on Tuesday (June 12).

The item is understood to have discovered by officers during a patrol.

The team said: "This is now in a safe secure place and will be destroyed."

Appeal following flytipping in Chelmsley street

POLICE are appealing for information about rubbish dumped in a Chelmsley Wood street.
The neighbourhood team this week posted photos of fly tipping in Conway Road, with items including clothes, shoes and timber strewn on the tarmac.
The latest incident follows recent concerns a few weeks ago over reports of waste being abandoned in Lanchester Park, Smith's Wood. Solihull Council confirmed at the the time that its environmental crime team was investigating the problems.
Anyone with information about the incident should call officers on 101.

Times are changing at North Solihull medical centre

EXTENDED HOURS: Bosworth Medical Centre, in Crabtree Drive.
Photo/Google Street View

APPOINTMENTS at evenings and weekends will be available in North Solihull from the beginning of next month.
As of July 1, the extended service will be introduced at Bosworth Medical Centre, in Chelmsley Wood, with GP, nurse and healthcare assistants seeing patients outside of normal working hours.
Evening sessions will take place from 6.30-8pm and there will also be slots available on Saturdays (9am-12noon) and Sundays (9-11am).
The Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said that the appointments during these hours can be booked via the following surgeries: Arran Medical Centre, Bosworth Medical Centre, Castle Practice, Chester Road Surgery, Coventry Road Practice, Croft Medical Centre, Green Lane and Sheldon Surgery, Kingshurst Medical Practice, Manor House Lane/Chelmsley Lane Surgery and Parkfield Medical Centre.
Former Prime Minister David Cameron had previously pushed for family doctors to provide patients with seven day access.
Ministers believed the drive would ease pressure on beleaguered hospital wards, although some in the medical profession had accused the Government of trying to "scapegoat" GPs for the pressures facing the health service.

Police appeal following gun incident on local bus

POLICE are investigating following reports of a gun being fired on the top deck of a bus route which passes through North Solihull.
The incident, which happened on Saturday, April 14 but has only just been made public, is alleged to have taken place aboard the X12 service.
During a journey earlier this year, it is understood that a firearm discharged and damaged the roof of the double-decker. No-one was injured in the incident, which happened at around 3pm.
The suspect police want to speak to in connection with the incident - a white male - had boarded in Castle Bromwich and was carrying two carrier bags, one of which is alleged to have concealed a weapon believed to have been a shotgun.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101, quoting crime reference number 20BE/83922F/18. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Accident fears prompt crossing petition in Smith's Wood

RESIDENTS are pushing for a crossing to be installed near to a Smith's Wood school, amid fears about parking during peak times of the day.

More than 200 people have put their name to an online petition, calling for action in Burtons Way.

The campaign was started by Aaron Clarke, who noted public concern about cars queuing and vehicles parked on blind bends.

He argued that a solution should be reached before an accident happens at the site, a stone's throw from the estate's Primary Academy.

Solihull Council has said that while the petition had not at this stage been formally submitted, it was aware of the one which had been posted online. 

A spokeswoman added: "Once this is received it will be considered through the petition reporting process, whereby it will be taken to the transport and highways cabinet member decision session for consideration.

"Officers are aware of this location and have worked with the school and local ward councillors within the last 12 months to address concerns associated with parking at this location."