Solihull Castle Brom, Kingshurst, Chelmsley Wood, Smith’s Wood and Marston Green
MARCH 2017
Other Side Of
Between a rock and a hard place: Council votes to raise taxes to tackle mounting care crisis
Tax the poor to help the poorly COUNCIL tax bills are set to rise by almost five per cent in Solihull as the local authority once again grapples with cuts in funding. In common with most councils, Solihull is being placed under particular strain by the costs of adult social care, a system sinking into crisis across the country. The Budget, which was brought before councillors earlier this month, will mean that council tax bills stand at £1,269 for a ‘Band D’ property. This figure does not include sums levied by the likes of police and parish councils. Councillor Bob Sleigh, the Leader
of Solihull Council, admitted that the local authority was facing “massive challenges” and said he supported a national debate on how to deal with the financial pressures, which are being driven up by the growing number of elderly people who need support. Councillor James Burn (Green, Chelmsley Wood) said there were “no easy answers”. “We may have seen less cuts per head than some of our colleagues, but it’s still been very, very difficult,” he told members. “Council tax is obviously regressive, it hits the poorest hardest, but we have no choice – we have been cut to the bone.”
Coun Burn said that he supported the rise in itself, but joined Green colleagues in voting against the Budget. Among the opposition’s main concerns were a lack of transparency over cuts and a failure to ensure all the council’s staff were paid the Living Wage. Coun Ted Richards (Con, Castle Bromwich) rose to defend the Tories’ record and rebuked the Green group. “I think this is the 32nd Budget I’ve sat through in this council chamber and I have to say that this evening I have seen what I can only describe as the most pathetic attempt by the opposition to try to
turn down a responsible Budget. “They have got no ideas, they don’t know where they’re going and they’re just being a pathetic, whinging opposition.” Coun Debbie Evans (UKIP, Kingshurst & Fordbridge) raised concern over the scale of increases being imposed by parish councils – which do not face the same restrictions as Solihull Council in relation to the rises they can introduce. “I have to say I am appalled that one of the parish councils in the poorest part of the borough has decided to put their council tax precept up by 58.5 per cent.”
Golden date for singers CASTLE Bromwich Singers are preparing to celebrate their 50th anniversary. The group have raised tens of thousands for various good causes since first forming in 1967. Their inaugural concert came three years later at Arden Hall and featured “John Leedham and his Xylophone.” Almost half a century on, the troupe are putting the final touches to their new show. It will take place at Highbury Theatre, Sutton Coldfield, on April 2. Tickets £6 each from Greg (07825 969298) or Stella (0121 748 7635).
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Page 2 Other Side of Solihull
Finding the right balance I BELIEVE I have spoken in the past about the importance of promoting good news stories. When I was a trainee reporter I had it drummed into me that any edition of any newspaper had to provide light and shade. The importance of striking a balance between crime and community news, council cuts and good deeds should be applied to any patch. But it is particularly important in areas such as North Solihull, where too much emphasis has no doubt been placed on the challenges that the area faces. As someone who worked for one of the local titles for the best part of seven years, I would like to make
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR clear that there was never any agenda to give Chelmsley, Kingshurst or neighbouring areas a kicking. In truth there were as many “bad” news stories coming in from the villages and suburbs – whether it was parish councillors behaving like squabbling children or lead being nicked from the church roof. In fact it’s telling that two of the issues which seem to cause residents most frustration on our Facebook page – the loss of green space and the twits on off-road bikes – pose a
l Session for snappers THOSE with an eye for a picture are invited to an open session being organised by the Smith’s Wood Photography Group. The event will be taking place at Auckland Hall on March 16 (between10am-12noon). Paul Gwilliam, who runs the group, said: “Last year we went out just around the local area, but this year we’re looking to go further afield.”
l Open day at academy THE WMG Academy for Young Engineers will be holding an open day early next month. Prospective students can visit the Chelmsley Wood-based centre on April 1 (10am-2pm).
Introducing:
similar headache in places such as Knowle and Hampton-in-Arden. The difference is that I don’t think the media has published enough positive stories from North Solihull to provide the balance I have just referred to. When distribution was cut and papers stopped dropping on people’s doormats, the steady flow of community news dried up. Reporters turned instead to classic sources such as the law courts and the council chamber to find out what was happening and that obviously tilted the balance towards articles with a harder-edge. These stories are obviously important, but they’re only part of the picture.
Never heard of him (or her)! That’s because she - or he isn’t due to arrive in Parliament until 2020. That’s when the boundaries of constituencies are set to be heavily redrawn. Does that mean Meriden is no more? Plans are still being finalised, but if the map unveiled last year is agreed by Parliament then that’s likely to be the case.
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How do local people feel about this? Opinions are mixed. At present the whole of Solihull is represented by two MPs whose
Any idea who the MP is likely to be? A decent amount of Dame Caroline Spelman’s current constituency will form part of the new seat, although on paper the new territory will pose a harder battle for the Tories.
Out & About THE popular Birmingham Comic Con returns to the NEC this month. Star guests this time around include former Doctor Who star Billie Piper and David Soul, of Starsky and Hutch fame. The celebration of cult film and TV runs from March 18-19.
l Feeding those in need
CONCERNS have been raised about the number of teenagers on pedal bikes cycling on the pavement outside shops in Marston Green. The owner of Impress dry cleaners, in Station Road, has discussed the matter with local police to try to find a solution to the ongoing problems. The issue has also been raised at the most recent meeting of Marston Green Residents’ Association.
Editor: David Irwin Design: Justine Flavell
seats don’t extend into other council areas. The new boundaries are rather more messy, although some residents may argue that they actually serve the north of the borough better.
A WEBSITE is doing its bit to raise awareness of the dangers associated with loan sharks in the area. Families Online Solihull has warned of the dangers of people struggling to pay their bills turning to unscrupulous characters. You can find out more at www.familiesonline.co.uk/local/solihull
l Pavement cyclists issue
Solihull
The MP for Chelmsley Wood and Solihull North
l Dangers of loan sharks
CASTLE Bromwich residents have helped feed more than 250 people since the start of the year. St Mary & St Margaret’s Church is a collection point for the Kingfisher Foodbank, which provides food to local people in need. Bring items to the church on Wednesday or Sunday morning, or alternatively drop them in at the parish office on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.
Other Side Of
Month in Numbers (Budget Special) * Solihull Council’s annual Budget stands at £136.462 million. * There will be a three per cent increase in tax to fund adult social care. * More than £8million in cuts over the next three years.
‘ Your say
‘The police had rings run around them. A disgrace!’ Eddie O’Rourke, Facebook [on off-road bikes].
Anniversary
10 years ago... March 2007. Work under way on the redevelopment of Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre.
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Sixth-form to close due to student deficit THE sixth form at Smith’s Wood Sports College will close next year, following a fall in the number of students.
On Other Side of Solihull’s Facebook page, a number of residents said they weren’t surprised by the news. Annette Short said: “My daughter had to go to CTC to continue doing the level 3 course she wanted to Solihull Council this month has agreed a timetable do, due to not passing her Maths and English. Smith’s which would see the set-up shut down after the Wood said she wasn’t allowed to do it there.” current Year 12 pupils finish their exams in summer While Rachel Stewart added: “Maybe if they actually 2018. offered the courses the students want and need they A report prepared for councillors said that given would have stayed rather than go elsewhere.” the current roll-call, the current situation was Ann Pearson, Solihull Council’s director of children’s unsustainable. A consultation exercise is due to begin services and skills, said the sixth form had opened eight in the coming weeks, ahead of the school becoming an academy on April 1st. years ago and it was envisioned that it would cater for around 200 16 to 18-yearolds. Numbers peaked in 2012, when there were 160 students. “[There has] been a steady decline ever since,” said Ms Pearson. “In September 2017 there were 67 on roll, of which only 37 are Year 12. “Such small number teaching groups in the sixth form are not viable. In order to overcome some of the potential barriers, the school have timetabled some sixth form pupils to be taught in mixed year groups, although this is not ideal.” Work is expected to start shortly on helping Year 11 pupils plan their future. It’s thought the majority of students who want to continue into further education will BIRMINGHAM City defender Paul Robinson was asked to go to other local sixth forms, present a new strip to Marston Green under 9s after the team Solihull College or the newlywon a national competition organised by DIY firm Wickes. opened WMG Academy.
New kit’s got store’s name on it!
Firms breach wage laws LOCAL firms were “named and shamed” by the Government last month for breaching minimum wage laws. Adam Askey Ltd, a Marston Green-based construction company, failed to pay £575 to a member of the workforce. While Castle Bromwich hairdressers The Cutting Room failed to pay £1,189 to one of its workers. Business Minister Margot James said: “Every worker in the UK is entitled to at least the national minimum or living wage and this government will ensure they get it.”
Football club will fold if plans to build on pitch go ahead A SMITH’S Wood mum has said that the football club she set up could be put at risk if Solihull Council presses ahead with plans to build on their home turf. Stacey Lanchester is the latest local resident to speak out against proposals to put homes on Bosworth Wood playing fields. She started Cars FC because her own son was travelling to Knowle to play and she thought it would be beneficial to set up a local side.
“We are a popular local team attracting up to 20 young people per game,” said Stacey. “We rely on the use of the pitch as it is the only one near to ‘The Cars’ estate. If the pitch was lost for housing, then the club would fold, as there are no other facilities nearby. We are looking to expand, not close down.” The consultation into the Local Plan, of which the Bosworth Wood plans form part, closed earlier last month.
‘Hot spot’ blamed for high number of North Solihull accident victims PEOPLE living in Smith’s Wood and Kingshurst are among the most likely in Solihull to be injured in a road traffic collision. While the greatest number of incidents are recorded south of the A45, in areas such as Solihull town centre and Shirley, there is a disproportionately high number of victims in the north of the borough. This is particularly the case for incidents involving under 16s, with North Solihull described as a “hot spot.” The figures form part of Solihull Council’s latest road safety report and suggest that a historic problem has yet to be solved. It is now eight years since David Jamieson, a former Road Safety Minister and now the West Midlands’ Police and Crime Commissioner, criticised figures which suggested that children in the north of the borough were at far greater risk on the roads. Generally speaking, the number of people killed or seriously injured on the highways has fallen dramatically across the borough over the past 15 years. At the turn of the Millennium, there were almost 140 incidents recorded in the space of a year, but by 2015 this had fallen to just over 40. Children, young drivers and the elderly remain the groups most likely to be involved in a serious accident.
l Pupils back Fairtrade PUPILS from a number of North Solihull schools recently took part in Fairtrade Fortnight. Children at Castle Bromwich Junior School and Coleshill Heath were among those to support the initiative.
Page 4 Other Side of Solihull
Your say
Controversial rail link finally gets go ahead WORK is all set to start on the HS2 rail link after the multibillion pound project cleared its final hurdle in Parliament. The rail line, which will carry trains a hair’s breadth from Yorkminster Drive, Chelmsley Wood, has divided opinions locally. Opponents have been highly critical of the impact that the scheme will have on local residents, with the loss of green space and the disruption during the lengthy construction period among the main concerns. Joe Rukin, campaign manager at the Stop HS2 action-group, claimed that “spin” had triumphed over evidence. “This is a terrible project which will not deliver on its promises, come in years late, miles over budget, create havoc during construction and have disastrous environmental consequences.” On the other hand supporters have welcomed the fact that the Bill has at last received Royal Assent, arguing that the first phase of the project, carrying trains between Birmingham and London, will be a major boost to the West Midlands. Coun Bob Sleigh, a local councillor who also
Other Side of Solihull asked for local residents’ views through our Facebook page. Here is a selection of responses... Kerry Brooke: “Nothing we said worked and we’re still going to lose over half the park.” Jodie Patience: “If it means less people using the M6 and causing our city to come to a standstill when something happens on the motorway, then I am all for it.” Adrian Saunders: “Please do consider, the disruption during construction will be massive.” Wayne Rogan: “Negative effect on house prices in the Yorkminster Drive area. Very few local jobs created. Already well over budget.” Julie Rathbone: “All for it. It will create jobs and boost the Midlands economy. If we never had progress we’d still be driving around in horse and carts.” Emma Yates: “Great transport link, new jobs will also make the property value higher!” Tina Everill: “They should have put it in the south, they have more land for it to run on.”
chairs the West Midlands Combined Authority, said that the region had been waiting for the legislation to be rubber-stamped. “HS2 is going to happen and we’re ready to capitalise fully on the opportunities it offers to transform places, create jobs and attract investment. Royal Assent is important because it makes HS2 an absolute reality.” Meriden MP Caroline Spelman, who spoke during the Parliamentary debate, said: “You hear names like Bickenhill and Chelmsley Wood and they conjure up lovely rural locations but
at no point are you any further than eight miles from the centre of Coventry or eight miles from the centre of Birmingham. “So we’re talking about land which is very precious to those that try to keep the balance of green space and urban density... while a matter of three or four hectares of green space may not appear all that important to anyone else who is listening to this debate, for the residents of Chelmsley Wood this is an important issue.” While construction could begin within weeks, stage one is not set to open until 2026.
Centre completion is a ‘fantastic achievement’ A MAJOR redevelopment project at a Chelmsley Wood community centre has been completed. The Three Trees has confirmed that the extension of the current building, which has created three new meeting rooms, a training room and a lounge, is now finished. The centre, in Hedingham Grove, has been at the heart of community life for more than 40 years, but was in urgent need of repair before
work began. The project, which involved a major fundraising campaign, was spearheaded by Rev’d Neil Roberts (right). A Three Trees spokesman said that the end of the work was “a fantastic achievement”. “We started back in 2010 and loads of people have helped and supported through that time, as well as putting up with dust,
being moved about, and being squashed and cold.” An open day at the venue will be held on March 14, with an art exhibition, storytelling and live music. The Mayor of Solihull will attend the official opening at 6pm and a concert with North Solihull Singers will round off the day’s events.
United on the air OTHER Side of Solihull is pleased to announce a partnership with a local community radio station. 107.5 Switch Radio, a notfor-profit station broadcasting locally, will be hosting our various blog posts on their website. You can visit the Switch website at www.switchradio. co.uk/
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Phone call confession snares paedophile A CASTLE Bromwich pensioner, who abused a vulnerable boy at a children’s home during the 1980s, has been jailed for 12 years. Bill Cranston (pictured) molested his victim while working at Harborne’s Oakhill Centre − a former reception for children seeking foster families or long-term care. Cranston, now aged 90, groomed the youngster, who was 11 years old at the time, and subjected him to regular sexual assaults throughout his teens.
Chillingly many of the attacks took place at the defendant’s home in Bradford Road − often while his wife slept in another room. He also assaulted the boy at holiday homes in Spain and Italy, after taking him away on summer breaks. The victim lived with the torment for more than 30 years before finally informing the police in 2015 following counselling sessions. And he provided detectives with a
recording of a phone conversation in which he questioned Cranston over the abuse and secured a confession. The pensioner went on to admit three charges of child buggery, plus multiple counts of indecent assault, and was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court earlier last month. Solihull Police have urged anyone else who may have been a victim to call the Historical Abuse team on 101.
Plea to help much-valued adventure playground SOLIHULL Council has been urged to provide greater support to Meriden Adventure Playground.
Summer Marie Yeates puts her feet to the pedals for Cancer Research UK
Pupils’ productive pedal power STUDENTS at the Grace Academy recently tackled a six-hour cycle marathon and raised £400 for Cancer Research UK. A total of 20 pupils from the Chelmsley Wood school slid into the saddle for the fundraising event. Year 8 pupil Summer Marie Yeates said: “I raised £72 just with the cycle ride and I really enjoyed doing it. “My mum had a skin cancer test last year and I’d like to help more people by raising money to help save lives. I’m doing a sponsored run tomorrow to raise more money.” The event was one of several activities organised by the academy for World Cancer Day, with cake and key ring sales also taking place.
Councillor Debbie Evans (UKIP, Kingshurst & Fordbridge) said that the facility had been used by thousands of children since it opened in 2006 and was “very highly-regarded” by the local community. While the playground has recently achieved charitable status, it has had to battle for a series of grants in order to keep going. Coun Evans noted that staff were currently waiting with “bated breath” to see if their latest bid for funding had been successful, with concerns that staff could be out of a job in April if the application is unsuccessful. Addressing Full Council last month, she called for the council to consider what more could be done to help
Group’s free meals A FRIENDLY group of volunteers is offering free meals every Wednesday evening at the Three Trees Centre. Nourish Kitchen provides a freshly cooked, nutritious meal for anyone who would like one. Food is served at the venue, in Hedingham Grove, Chelmsley Wood, from 6-7pm. All welcome.
sustain the project, which has also had to overcome a series of arson attacks in recent years. “I need not remind this council that the reduction in youth services provision has made organisations like this one invaluable,” said Coun Evans. “Nor do I have to remind this council that this organisation is situated in an area of high deprivation, which is densely populated.” Coun Ken Hawkins, the cabinet member responsible for the environment, housing and regeneration, said that he was due to consider the options at a meeting in March. He said that he would be asking to work with the trustees to get a business plan prepared.
Page 6 Other Side of Solihull
‘I didn’t take Chelmsley Wood support for granted’ Nick Stephens
A FORMER Labour councillor has strongly denied the suggestion that his party took support in Chelmsley Wood for granted. Nick Stephens (pictured), who represented the community for four years, prior to losing his seat in 2014, was responding to an article in The Guardian about how the Greens had emerged as the dominant party in large parts of North Solihull. The author Lynsey Hanley said that the surge in support for a proimmigration party suggested that the erosion of the Labour vote in former
heartlands was not because working class people were becoming more right-wing in their views, and in fact their main concern was not being listened to. Ms Hanley argued the Greens’ success on the estate where she grew up had been because they had engaged with residents. She said: “Meeting people’s needs at a local level goes beyond leftright party politics, and this is where progressive parties can and must steal a march on right-wing charlatans who promise the stars and aren’t interested
Cash boost for domestic abuse cause EXTRA money will be pumped into Solihull to help support those who are victims of domestic abuse. While this is a problem across the borough, previous studies have suggested that there is a disproportionately high number of cases in the north. In 2014/15, figures collated by Solihull Council showed that more than a third of incidents took place in either Chelmsley Wood or Smith’s Wood. Support available to sufferers was affected by the closure of the Make a Better Life (MABL) Trust a few years ago. The charity had been in operation for over a decade and ran a helpline for victims. Now there is hope of increased help after more than £600,000 was made available for the West Midlands. Councillor Tony Dicicco, cabinet member for stronger communities and partnerships, said: “Domestic violence is a devastating crime that wrecks lives. Sadly, 10 per cent of recorded crime in the West Midlands is domestic abuse, and these are only the cases we know about. “We also want to develop timely and dedicated services for target groups. I look forward to seeing the impact this funding will have.” * Birmingham & Solihull Women’s Aid run outreach sessions in Chelmsley Wood every Tuesday and Friday. Call 07891 492 327 for further details.
in delivering them.” In a letter to the paper, Mr Stephens hit back and pointed out that it was he who had won back the seat in 2010 following the shock victory of the British National Party (BNP). When he was unseated himself four years later, he said the Greens had played heavily on discontent over the Regeneration programme, but argued they had done a “poor job” holding the Conservative-run council to account since becoming the official opposition. “The Greens established a foothold in Chelmsley Wood by bringing in swathes of supporters (and sometimes their candidates) from across the West Midlands, which was almost impossible to fight against,” said Mr Stephens. “While I have respect for some individual Green party councillors who no doubt work hard as their Labour predecessors did, I totally reject the glib comments that Labour councillors took Chelmsley Wood for granted, as I gave a huge amount of time in serving the residents of an area with historical social problems, while holding a full-time job at the same time.”
Work to restore bells begins Misery at tools theft THE bells at a Castle Bromwich church have fallen silent following the start of a major restoration project. Having raised the £100,000 needed to refurbish the six current bells and install two new ones alongside them, the team at St Mary and St Margaret’s Church are delighted the longawaited renovation has begun. Taylor’s Bell Foundary was at work on the ring for several days earlier this month. The Loughborough-based company – which has a history stretching back centuries – will be installing a new cast iron
frame to replace the ageing timbers presently in place. Because some parts of the current frame are very old, it makes it harder to ring the bells. Fear that the installation would eventually fail prompted the bell ringing team to launch their fundraising project several years ago. Bill Dargue, a member of the bellringing team, has said the installation will be held later this year. Once the work is finished a service will be held later this year to welcome the new bells.
A NORTH Solihull social enterprise has paid heartfelt thanks to community groups who stepped in to help after their equipment was stolen from a tool shed. Gro-Organic, which runs a number of projects in and around Chelmsley Wood, was alerted to the theft on February 24 - just days before it was due to complete surprise garden makeovers for elderly residents. Following the setback, Shirley Round Table and The Heart of England Community Foundation came forward during the organisation’s “hour of need” and offered to make substantial donations to replace the items. In a post on Facebook, Gro-Organic said: “There is a very small minority of scum who steal from charities but I have to say my faith in people has been fully restored.”