A CRUEL thief has targeted a charity which provides vital support for local people with learning disabilities.
Solihull Life Opportunities (SoLO), which is based in Chelmsley Wood, reported a break-in last Thursday evening (November 23).
Under cover of darkness, the culprit had smashed one of the windows at the charity's Walnut Close premises and stole the organisation's new smart TV. It's understood the alarm was raised by neighbours at around 9.30pm.
The crime comes just a few weeks after staff, volunteers and service users had celebrated the launch of the building's new extension, for which fundraisers had drummed up £145,000.
Writing on Facebook following the break-in, a SoLO spokesperson said: "This is a horrible and unfortunate situation and a very sad reflection on our society. Fortunately, nobody was hurt..."
There was an immediate outpouring of sympathy from local people, with Councillor Debbie Evans (UKIP, Kingshurst & Fordbridge) describing the crime as "absolutely heartbreaking."
A fundraising page has been set up to raise £800 towards a new TV, and local residents have also been asked to consider taking part in a reverse advent calendar campaign - putting aside a small donation each day in the run-up to Christmas.
This month's theft is not the first time that SoLO has been targeted. In 2010, burglars had broken a hole in a store room roof and stolen a raft of electronic equipment.
Solihull Police are investigating this most recent incident. If you have any information about the crime, call officers on 101 [quoting crime number 20SH/254023K/17].
Thursday, 30 November 2017
Castle Brom takeaway scoops national award
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| WINNERS: Jay Alom and the Lime Pickle team with host John Bishop |
A CASTLE Bromwich takeaway has been named the nation's best - bar naan!
Lime Pickle took home the top prize at this week's British Takeaway Awards.
The team from the Indian eatery were presented with the smart-looking trophy at a star-studded ceremony, which took place at London's Savoy Hotel on Monday evening.
It was a case of third time lucky for Lime Pickle, which had been a finalist at the inaugural event in 2015 and was named the best takeaway in the West Midlands last year.
And the staff were stunned when stand-up comedian John Bishop, who was hosting the 2017 event, announced that they had clinched the national title - receiving more than 1,000 votes from the public.
Lime Pickle owner Jay Alom said: "We are absolutely blown away that Lime Pickle has won Best Takeaway in Britain.
"I would like to say a big thank you to the staff for their hard work day in, day out, ensuring our customers receive the best food and service possible. We couldn’t have got here without them or our loyal customers. We’re over the moon."
A video shown at the event highlighted some of the work that the Windleaves Road business does within the community, including efforts to support the homeless. Last Christmas Eve, they had paid for ten rough sleepers to stop in a hotel.
A spokeswoman for the British Takeaway Awards said: "[Lime Pickle] encapsulate everything that is phenomenal about this brilliant industry."
The awards were set up to recognise the stand-out businesses in a sector which is worth £9billion to the UK economy. Celebrity guests at this year's gala evening included the chef Ainsley Harriott, model Kelly Brook and Countdown star Rachel Riley.
Wednesday, 29 November 2017
Venue loses its licence following teenagers' deaths
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| LOSS: Dylan Booth |
Dylan Booth, aged 18, had taken the Class A drug during an evening out at the Rainbow club, in Digbeth, where he was celebrating the start of 2016. Following the New Year's festivities he fell ill and was rushed to hospital, where he died a few days later.
On October 30 of this year, another young man - 19-year-old Michael Trueman - had also died after reportedly taking MDMA at the club.
Following the second tragedy, Birmingham City Council's licensing sub-committee yesterday (Tuesday) took the decision to revoke Rainbow Venues' licence.
In its decision notice, the council said: "All in all the sub-committee lacked confidence that personnel at the premises would be able to uphold the licensing objectives, no matter how tightly conditioned.
"There was a clear risk of further crime and disorder, and a risk to public safety, particularly in relation to drugs."
Rainbow Venues has said it intends to appeal against this week's decision.
"We firmly believe that our team took great care, time and passion to create a safe environment for people to enjoy our events," said a statement released today.
"We had very robust policies that West Midlands Police have accepted are more stringent than any other licensed premises in the country.
"As operators we can’t be false. The decision is wrong. We can’t pretend we agree, we can’t promise that drugs will not enter licensed premises; people go to extreme lengths to get drugs into venues, if they succeed over the border, prisons and even Parliament, then they will find a way into a club. They are breaking the law. Are we?"
Marston Green man faces prison over charity fraud
A FORMER charity boss from Marston Green has been warned he faces jail after admitting his part in defrauding Birmingham Dogs Home of hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Simon Price, 53, of Somerton Drive, has pleaded guilty to 10 counts of fraud by abuse of position, dating from his stint as the charity's chief executive.
His former partner Alayna Price, 39, who had been the home's commercial manager, admitted five counts of the same charge.
Today (Wednesday) the pair were warned by a judge at Birmingham Crown Court that they should expect custodial sentences for their actions - which saw huge sums of money defrauded over the course of four years.
It's understood that the financial irregularities came to light last year, with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirming that they would press charges last month.
Judge Avik Mukherjee acknowledged that the estranged couple - who have since separated - were of previous good character, but said they nonetheless faced severe punishments.
"For my part, I can't see an alternative end to this case other than significant custody for both of you," he said.
The Dogs Home was founded in the late 1800s and was based in Birmingham city centre for well over a century. Two years ago, a new purpose-built facility opened near the village of Catherine-de-Barnes, Solihull.
Simon Price, 53, of Somerton Drive, has pleaded guilty to 10 counts of fraud by abuse of position, dating from his stint as the charity's chief executive.
His former partner Alayna Price, 39, who had been the home's commercial manager, admitted five counts of the same charge.
Today (Wednesday) the pair were warned by a judge at Birmingham Crown Court that they should expect custodial sentences for their actions - which saw huge sums of money defrauded over the course of four years.
It's understood that the financial irregularities came to light last year, with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirming that they would press charges last month.
Judge Avik Mukherjee acknowledged that the estranged couple - who have since separated - were of previous good character, but said they nonetheless faced severe punishments.
"For my part, I can't see an alternative end to this case other than significant custody for both of you," he said.
The Dogs Home was founded in the late 1800s and was based in Birmingham city centre for well over a century. Two years ago, a new purpose-built facility opened near the village of Catherine-de-Barnes, Solihull.
Tuesday, 28 November 2017
Arrest in Chelmsley over alleged loan shark activity
A MAN was arrested in Chelmsley Wood today (Tuesday) on suspicion of illegal money lending and money laundering.
The 56-year-old was detained as part of ongoing efforts to root out those who are allegedly operating as loan sharks.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), working alongside Solihull Council's Trading Standards team and West Midlands Police, executed a warrant at an address on the estate.
Paperwork, electronic devices and an undisclosed quantity of cash were seized at the property.
The suspect is currently in custody and being questioned by IMLT officers.
In September, a report in The Guardian revealed that illegal loan sharks continued to target deprived areas, seeking out those struggling to make ends meet.
If you’ve been issued a loan with no paperwork or are receiving threats over a loan you have already paid off, you can get in touch with the IMLT on 0300 555 2222.
The 56-year-old was detained as part of ongoing efforts to root out those who are allegedly operating as loan sharks.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), working alongside Solihull Council's Trading Standards team and West Midlands Police, executed a warrant at an address on the estate.
Paperwork, electronic devices and an undisclosed quantity of cash were seized at the property.
The suspect is currently in custody and being questioned by IMLT officers.
In September, a report in The Guardian revealed that illegal loan sharks continued to target deprived areas, seeking out those struggling to make ends meet.
If you’ve been issued a loan with no paperwork or are receiving threats over a loan you have already paid off, you can get in touch with the IMLT on 0300 555 2222.
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Monday, 27 November 2017
Parking makes more than £2million for Solihull Council
SOLIHULL Council raked in £2.26million in parking charges in the last financial year, new statistics reveal.
This figure represents revenue brought in from standard car park charges and penalties issued to those who ignore restrictions.
The figure for 2016/17 was up from £1.87million in the previous 12 months and is the first noticeable rise in the borough for three years.
According to a league table collated by the RAC Foundation, Solihull lies 93rd out of 353 councils in England when it comes to the amount of money it made over the course of the year.
The Local Government Association (LGA) insisted that funds are put back into essential transport projects, although the RAC Foundation believes that taxpayers should ask for more detailed information about how local authorities spend the cash.
The league table shows that London dominated the list in terms of the sums of money raised. In Westminster, which is top of the pile, the surplus from parking revenue was an eye-watering £73.2million.
Solihull's position put the borough slightly below the likes of Harrogate and Worcester, but just ahead of Cheltenham, Coventry and North Tyneside.
This figure represents revenue brought in from standard car park charges and penalties issued to those who ignore restrictions.
The figure for 2016/17 was up from £1.87million in the previous 12 months and is the first noticeable rise in the borough for three years.
According to a league table collated by the RAC Foundation, Solihull lies 93rd out of 353 councils in England when it comes to the amount of money it made over the course of the year.
The Local Government Association (LGA) insisted that funds are put back into essential transport projects, although the RAC Foundation believes that taxpayers should ask for more detailed information about how local authorities spend the cash.
The league table shows that London dominated the list in terms of the sums of money raised. In Westminster, which is top of the pile, the surplus from parking revenue was an eye-watering £73.2million.
Solihull's position put the borough slightly below the likes of Harrogate and Worcester, but just ahead of Cheltenham, Coventry and North Tyneside.
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