Will the sun shine beside the seaside in B37?

ORGANISERS will be hoping that today's glorious weather goes on a little longer, with a beach party planned in Kingshurst next weekend.

The event, taking place on the Parade next Saturday (June 30), will bring the British seaside to B37.

Taking place from 11am-4pm, the event is one of several being hosted in North Solihull as part of the Mayor's Community Weekend.

Scores of events are being held around the region, with organisers receiving funding from the Big Lottery Fund.

Residents locally can also look forward to an afternoon tea at Ipswich House, Chelmsley Wood, and take part in a project to paint a mural at the Community Victory Garden.

You can find out about the full programme of activities and timings for individual events at the weekend's official website.

4x4 set ablaze late at night

BURNED OUT: Firefighters assess the blackened remains of the 4x4
Photo by Sheldon Fire Station

A LAND Rover was torched in a Marston Green street earlier this week.
Residents have said that the 4x4 was set alight in Wells Walk late on Sunday evening (June 17).
Sheldon Fire Station confirmed that firefighters from red watch had been out to dowse the flames at just before midnight.
It's not thought that anyone was injured in the incident, although the blaze also caused damage to a second vehicle parked nearby.
Anyone with information about the arson attack should call police on 101.

Police appeal following attempted car theft

POLICE are asking for help in tracking down four men who attempted to use an electronic device to steal a car in Castle Bromwich.
The would-be thieves had smashed the window of an Audi Q5, parked on a drive in Lyndon Close.
The gang spent almost half an hour attempting to start the vehicle using a device, popular among thieves, which allows a car to be started without the keys.
Fortunately their efforts were in vain and they left the scene empty-handed.
Following the attempted theft, in the early hours of last Wednesday (June 13), the owner discovered the damage and contacted police.
Officers have now released CCTV images of one of the suspects holding the device and urged anyone with information to contact detectives. The incident happened at just after 5am in the morning.
The incident is the latest in which crooks have attempted to use new technology to steal a vehicle.
Last month, Solihull's Police Commander, Chief Supt Bas Javid, urged residents to take steps to thwart the thieves.
"A Disklok [steering lock] that costs less than a £100 will prevent that type of crime," he said.
"It does not matter how great their technology is ... they cannot drive away with the car."
If you recognise the man caught on camera or can assist with enquiries, call West Midlands Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Please quote crime number 20SH/134951T/18.

Residents' group's AGM to take place tomorrow

MARSTON Green Residents' Association could be forced to wind-up unless it is able to find replacements for a number of key posts.
The group is set to lose both its chairman, who is moving out of the village, and the minutes secretary, who has decided to step down from the role.
If people can't be found to fill these positions, the association has warned that it "seems certain" that it will cease to exist.
A spokesperson said: "It is very sad, that after all these years, all the good work done by the residents' association and of course all the work yet to do, no one is willing to give a little time each month to take the association forward."
Anyone who would be willing to fill either of the vacancies should attend the AGM at the Free Church Hall. It is set to take place on tomorrow (Thursday), starting at 7.30pm.

Reed bed project to start off Fordbridge Road

WILDLIFE HAVEN: The council has said that the new reed bed on the
banks of the River Cole will benefit birds, fish and other creatures.

WORK to create a new reed bed in North Solihull is set to get underway this month.
The wildlife habitat will be developed on the banks of the River Cole, near to the junction of Fordbridge Road and Gilson Way.
The project, expected to take several weeks to complete, is part of the borough's wider Habitats and Nature Improvement Project.
Solihull Council confirmed that the works, part-funded by the EU, will see wetland species planted by the riverside. The work is expected to reduce pollution, as well as offering shelter to birds, fish and other creatures.
The local authority has admitted that there will, however, be some degree of disruption while the project is being completed.
Councillor Tony Dicicco, cabinet member for the environment and housing, said: "These works will protect and enhance our natural assets in the north of Solihull for the benefit of wildlife, residents and visitors alike.
"There will unfortunately be some temporary disruption to achieve this, with footpath closures and some noise due to the machinery being used.
"However, we will aim to keep any disruption to a minimum, with the area of work fenced off and signs in place to inform residents of any changes."
The Habitats and Nature Improvement Project is designed to enhance sites around the borough, with funding previously used to thin the trees at Alcott Wood.

Crematorium scheme raises thousands for hospice.

METAL recycled from cremations at Woodlands Crematorium, near Chelmsley Wood, has helped raise vital funds for the Marie Curie Hospice.
A cheque for £5,000 was presented to the charity last week by Councillor Alison Rolf, cabinet member for stronger communities and partnerships.
The money, which was also collected through the borough's other crematorium, at Robin Hood, was derived from the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Recycling of Metals Scheme.
All of the material recycled is only processed with the written consent of each bereaved family.
Coun Rolf said: "We are extremely proud to be involved in this scheme and be able to provide a donation to Marie Curie, which is a fantastic charity providing help to so many local people and their families through difficult times.
"I know that cremation is a sensitive issue and can be hard for many people to deal with, but I’m so thankful to every bereaved family that has agreed to take part in this scheme. Without their support we wouldn’t be able to donate such an incredible amount of money to this worthwhile cause."

Investigation continues into Chelmund's Cross concerns

ROAD chiefs have confirmed that they are looking at concerns raised by residents about "hostile" parking restrictions at Chelmund's Cross.
There has been mounting frustration about the number of people being fined during visits to the recently completed village centre.
Organisations, including the Three Trees Centre, have warned that the situation is making motorists wary about parking in the vicinity and could ultimately mean that visitors don't return.
Following the submission of a petition back in April, which was signed by well over 400 locals, Solihull Council pledged to look at the issues that had been raised.
The urgent appeal from

the community asked the local authority to create more parking spaces at the site, review the restrictions currently in place and restore the bus service.
At his decision-making session on Thursday of this week, Cllr Ted Richards, the cabinet member for transport and highways, was told that his highways team had now met with Heather Turner-Croft - who had spoken on behalf of worried residents at the recent Full Council meeting.
Following these initial discussions, the local authority has confirmed it will continue with an investigation and, where necessary, talk with other agencies - including Transport for West Midlands, who oversee bus routes.
A report will be presented to Cllr Richards at the next meeting on July 26. This will confirm whether the residents' requests will be acted upon.