Concern that North Solihull could be hit with a major shortage of school places

NORTH Solihull could be left facing a critical shortage of school places in the future, an ex-borough councillor has warned.
Graham Craig, who represented Smith’s Wood for over 20 years, has grave concerns that the local authority is sitting on a “time bomb.”
This month he called on Solihull Council to scrap plans which could see homes built on the former site of Bosworth Wood Primary, arguing the land may need to be returned to educational use at a later date.
Outlining his fears, Mr Craig insisted he had always been a supporter of the Regeneration scheme and, in fact, this had cost him his council seat five years ago.
But he believes that disposing of the site could be incredibly shortsighted as it is the only area left on the estate large enough to accommodate the new primary which he believes the community will inevitably need.
“There are thousands of the original residents still on the estate, many in three bedroom houses, the vast majority in their late 60s and early 70s,” he told councillors.
“When they pass on, those three bedroom houses will be taken by young couples with children, starting the process all over again.
“Coupled with that, the houses still to be built in Smith’s Wood... there will be a need for primary places in our schools.”
When Bosworth Wood closed its doors in 2009, it left what is now the Smith’s Wood Primary Academy as the last remaining non-faith school for four to 11-year-olds.
This is in stark contrast to when the estate was newly-built and had four separate schools to serve the community.
The closure, which was itself deeply controversial, was justified on the basis that pupil roll calls were falling. Seven years on, Mr Craig argues that many in Smith’s Wood are already having to send their children to schools in nearby Kingshurst and Castle Bromwich because of the lack of places.
Councillor Ian Courts, the Deputy Leader of Solihull Council, said there would be a full consultation before the land at Bosworth Wood was released for residential development.
“The implications of additional housing in the locality on school place planning will also be considered.”

Outdoor cinema launches new community space

SHOWTIME: Comedy horror Hocus Pocus, starring Bette Midler, Kathy
Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker was a popular choice for the first film

FROM bowling green to silver screen! Part of a Chelmsley Wood park is to be transformed into an open-air cinema this weekend.
Community enterprise Gro-Organic is organising the Halloween screening of Hocus Pocus on the old bowling area in Meriden Park.
The special event, taking place on Sunday, has been arranged to celebrate the creation of a new community space.
Organisers said they were inspired to show a film amid concerns about the increasing expense for families paying a visit to their local multiplex.
The screening was advertised on social media at £1 per person, with the tickets selling out in a matter of hours – before the choice of film had even been confirmed.
Future “cinema” sessions are already under discussion, with suggestions that another family favourite, Polar Express, will be shown in the run-up to Christmas.
The bowling green which is set to be transformed into an outdoor picture house had fallen into disuse in recent times.
Earlier this year, Solihull Council confirmed that the area would no longer be retained for the sport and launched a consultation on how the land could be given a new lease of life.
Gro-Organic was subsequently awarded the contract to run the site and has talked about a number of possible activities including tai-chi sessions and even a regular farmers’ market.
A spokesman said: “We want to make sure that it is a space that can be used and enjoyed by both young and older generations and will hopefully become the centre point of the park for all activities.”

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Man hospitalised in Chelmsley Wood crash

POLICE have appealed for information following a serious road crash in Chelmsley Wood last night (Tuesday).
The collision happened in Helmswood Drive, near the Greenwood pub, at just after 9.30pm.
Emergency services attended the scene and the force said that a 57-year-old man had to be cut free from a taxi cab.
He was taken to hospital on a spinal board but fortunately it has since been confirmed that he has not suffered life-changing injuries.
Police want to trace a small red car which may have been involved in the smash.
If you were in the area or saw what happened, call officers on 101, quoting crime number 2488 25/10.

Halloween hooley in North Solihull

A HALLOWEEN fun day for families will be taking place in Smith's Wood later this week.
The spook-tacular event will be held at Auckland Hall, with apple bobbing, hot food and "a bat hunt" around the estate to enjoy
The free activities, organised by the Vauxhall Crescent Street Association, run this Thursday (October 27) from 2-4pm.
Other Halloween-themed activities taking place locally include:

• Pumpkin Workshop for children at the Crafty Cow, Castle Bromwich (Friday, October 28)
• Reggae-themed Halloween Party at Chelmsley Wood Conservative Club (Friday, October 28, from 7.30pm).
• Zombie Zumba (at Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre this Saturday, 11am-4pm).
• Light Night event at St Andrew's Church (on October 31).

Council launches crackdown on illegal firework sales

REMEMBER, REMEMBER: Most nights of the year it is illegal to set off
fireworks after 11pm.

WITH Bonfire Night celebrations just round the corner, Solihull Council has announced a campaign to curb the illegal sale of fireworks.
The council's Trading Standards team will be working with police officers and the fire service to stop the sale of devices from shops which don't have a licence.
The crackdown will also tackle the sale of fireworks to under 18s and the offer of products which don't adhere to the UK's safety laws.
Spot checks will be carried out at a number of local outlets and officials will also be visiting retailers to remind them of the current legislation.
The visits will form part of a wider campaign in response to the traditional spike in anti social behaviour which coincides with Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night.
The council will also be aiming to raise awareness about the laws against setting off fireworks after a certain time of night and the dangers of unauthorised bonfires.
Complaints about firework misuse should be reported to the police on 0845 113 5000.

Wife pays tribute to man following fatal stabbing

A YOUNG man who died after being stabbed in Kingshurst earlier this week has been named as Giovanni Lewis.
The 28-year-old (pictured, right), who has been described as "a gentle giant", had been taken to Heartlands Hospital on Tuesday evening (October 18) after being attacked in Hadfield Way.
Doctors had fought to save his life but he was pronounced dead at just before 9pm. A post mortem confirmed he had suffered a stab wound to the heart.
The victim's wife, who has not been named, has issued the following tribute.
"My heart has been ripped apart, Giovanni was my gentle giant and my beloved husband.
"Words cannot express how I feel right now, I do not know how I’m going to get through this, he was my soul mate.
"Giovanni will truly be missed by all, by me, his family and his friends."
Police have said that the investigation into the killing continues and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Det Insp Justin Spanner said: "This is a fast paced inquiry and it is only a matter of time before we arrest the person responsible for this tragic incident.
"My officers are working around the clock to piece together the circumstances that led to Giovanni losing his life.
"I would at this point like to appeal directly to the person responsible to do the right thing and to come forward, it is only a matter of time before we knock your door and by coming forward it will give you a chance to tell us your side of the story."
A 27-year-old man, from Shard End, was arrested shortly after the incident and released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Two 38-year-old women appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court yesterday (Friday) charged with perverting the course of justice.