Solihull
APRIL 2017
Other Side Of
Castle Brom, Kingshurst, Chelmsley Wood, Smith’s Wood and Marston Green
Page 4
The ongoing battle against off-road bikes
Page 7
Arts initiative arrives in Chelmsley Wood
Six months to keep play zone PARENTS, children and volunteers are among those to have thrown their weight behind a campaign to keep Meriden Adventure Playground open.
COMMUNITY groups, l residents and councillors from across
The future of the awardwinning facility was placed in serious doubt after Solihull Council announced that it would only continue funding for another six months. Supporters were dismayed by the move, which has left the playground facing a monumental fight to become self-sufficient between now and when the local authority support comes to an end in September. Opposition councillors have “called-in” the decision and a meeting will be held on April 24 to consider Parents and children at Meriden Adventure Playground – which has welcomed whether the issue should be hundreds of visitors during the Easter break. referred to Full Council. In the meantime, more than 1,000 petition letters have been signed by local people - urging the council to rethink its current timetable. And the playground has also thrown itself head-long into a search to find alternative funding. Ali Wood, the chair of the Meriden Adventure Playground Association (MAPA), said there had been overwhelming support from local people. “Our main worry is how little time we have to sort something out,” she said. “I think if there was a couple of years to put something together we would be able to do it, but six months doesn’t give us very much time at all. “We are trying to make clear the consequences for the community if this closes down. We’re really a ‘village hub’, we get to know the families and we refer them on to other services.” The playground was set up in 2007 with the help of Big
Lottery funding and its popularity has snowballed over the past ten years. Several hundred youngsters can visit each day during busy periods and the site has been credited with helping tackle anti-social behaviour locally. Councillor Ken Hawkins, cabinet member for the environment, housing and regeneration, has acknowledged the playground is a valuable resource and said efforts would be made in the coming months to help MAPA develop a business plan. He suggested the lack of any such proposal at present would make it difficult for the local authority to commit additional funds. “I’m not entirely happy about this [decision]... but also I have to take into consideration the financial constraints and budgets of this council.” If you can help in any way, email aliwood@blueyonder. co.uk or contact the playground via their Facebook page.
ND
S P
LA
R
AVE OU
YGROU
Send your stories or subscribe – theothersideofsolihull@gmail.com
the political spectrum have emphasised the importance of the playground. The Community Action Network (CAN) was among the organisations to express concern about the council’s handling of the situation, and said it was “extremely disappointed” by the recent decision. A spokesman said: “The closure of the adventure playground [would] have a disastrous effect on the area and result in huge social and financial costs to Solihull. This decision is short-sighted and reflects a clear lack of understanding and indifference towards North Solihull and its residents.” Councillor Chris Williams (Green, Chelmsley Wood) argued the facility saved the council far more money than was invested, while Coun Debbie Evans (UKIP, Kingshurst & Fordbridge) said she was “gutted” that funding was being withdrawn. When Other Side of Solihull visited the facility during the Easter holidays, several parents praised the services available. Michelle Moulton, from Water Orton, has been visiting with her son Franky, aged eight, for the past three years. “He just loves it here,” she said. “It’s very, very important to have something like this.”
Page 2 Other Side of Solihull
Save Meriden Playground EVERY council in every part of the country is fond of the phrase “efficiency savings”. You see these two words scattered through dozens of documents which barely anyone bothers to read. And why would you? Reports about household refuse collections (bin men) or local development plans (lots of houses) are hardly pageturners. But of course councils kind of like it when you buy into the idea that their work is all about box-ticking and shuffling pages. Some newspapers, traditionally the thorn in the side of any local authority, have become unwitting collaborators – dropping council coverage in favour of stories which
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR look more colourful on the website. The truth of course is that efficiency savings have another, rather less boring, name. Cuts! The harm these can do to local people is demonstrated by the recent decision to cease funding to Meriden Adventure Playground. This much-loved site has been given just six months to stand on its own feet. If it can’t manage this, it may well close. Local families, to their immense
l Ron living life to the full A MARSTON Green man who spent £50,000 savings after being told he had three months to live is still alive 15 years later. Eighty-four-year-old Ron Adams had been diagnosed with incurable lung cancer in 2002. The father-of-two splashed out on a Mercedes, ornamental koi carp and handed wads of money to his sons. Doctors subsequently found that Mr Adams’ cancer was in fact slow-growing and the illness has been kept in check with radiotherapy.
credit, are already rallying, desperate to secure the facility’s future. It will be an immense battle, but one they are determined to fight. Other Side of Solihull will do all it can to publicise their efforts, because we believe that facilities such as the playground are the lifeblood of North Solihull. The area would be poorer without them and they must be protected at all costs. With this in mind we would appeal to the council to think again. A bit more money, or even just a bit more time could make all the difference as to whether this service is still running this time next year. Let’s hope that they make the right decision.
Introducing:
l Fine hike for litter bugs MERIDEN MP Caroline Spelman has welcomed government plans to get tough on those who drop litter. New measures could mean that those who drop rubbish are slapped with £150 fines, double the current penalty. Dame Caroline described littering as “a blight” on the constituency and supported the proposals.
l Music, dancing, bingo... A NEW lunch club will be launched at The C’s next month. The Catholic centre’s series of community afternoons will feature live music, dancing and bingo. The first event will take place on May 17 (1.30-3.30pm). Visit www.thecs.co.uk
Editor: David Irwin Design: Justine Flavell Get in Touch: Facebook.com/ NorthSolihull
@North_Solihull
Email - theothersideofsolihull@ gmail.com
A nice bed of bluebells? These aren’t flowers, they’re fibres! Denim fibres to be precise, scattered on patches of ground to help seeds germinate. An in-jean-ious idea. How does it work? The recycled fibres help retain moisture and encourage the seeds to sprout. The technique has been used at several sites, including Winchester Drive/Bosworth Drive and Lowbrook Way. So when will the meadows be ready? Solihull Council expects the flowers will be in bloom from July onward.
Out & About
Month in Numbers
l Singers’ spring concert NORTH Solihull Singers will soon be raising the roof of the recently redeveloped Three Trees Centre. The group are preparing to perform a spring concert at the Chelmsley Wood venue on May 5. Tickets are £5 on 0121 788 3402 or email tickets@northsolihullsingers.co.uk
Solihull
Hydroseeding technique
l Machete violence POLICE have appealed for witnesses after a young man was attacked in broad daylight with what is believed to have been a machete. The 20-year-old was airlifted to hospital after suffering wounds to the hand, following the disturbance in Kennet Grove, Smith’s Wood on April 12. West Midlands Police said that a 56-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. Enquiries are ongoing.
Other Side Of
THERE will be thrills and spills aplenty when Robert Wilkinson’s Funfair returns to Meriden Park next month. The touring show pitches up from May 18-21. Admission will be £1 per person and £1 per ride.
* 44 years since he was pulled from Hatchford Brook, businessman Andy Steggles (pictured) has been reunited with the woman who helped save his life. * Residents want £20,000 funding for Meriden Adventure Playground 27 and a half pence for every taxpayer in the borough. * 67 per cent of Solihull is currently classed as green belt.
Your say ‘One of the decent things they do have for kids and they want to close it down.’ Richenda Wilson, on the threat to the Meriden Adventure Playground.
Anniversary 1991: Yorks Wood becomes the latest site in the borough to be designated a Local Nature Reserve.
Other Side of Solihull Page 3
Street initiative creates ‘a sense Approval for of community’ Yorkswood make-over
PLANS to create a new teaching block at Yorkswood Primary School have been given the green light. The new development will include classrooms, a hall, staff room, offices, stores, a sensory room and toilets. The site is being redeveloped as part of the North Solihull Regeneration, a key element of which is the improvement of school facilities. At one stage it had been suggested that work on the ageing Yorkswood building would be limited to refurbishment, but the local authority later concluded that more radical work was needed. Councillor Jim Ryan (Con, Bickenhill) said it was an “outstanding” application. “It is something I think we all appreciate and the community of Kingshurst I’m sure will appreciate.” He did however suggest something should be done to address the “harsh” appearance of the boundary fencing. The scheme was given unanimous approval by the planning committee.
l Minister visits BUSINESS Secretary Greg Clark paid a visit to Chelmsley Wood last month. The cabinet minister was joined on a whistle-stop tour of the estate by Meriden MP Caroline Spelman and Andy Street, the Conservative candidate for West Midlands Mayor. He also dropped in at Teal Patents, a firm which is based in Waterloo Avenue and specialises in making portable sinks and basins.
l May Market date MARSTON Green’s May Market is to be held in a few weeks’ time. The event is taking place at St Leonard’s Parish Hall on May 13 (10am-2pm). There will be market stalls, a tombola and traditional Maypole dancing.
SETTING up a series of Street Associations has helped bring communities closer together, Solihull Council has argued.
September 2014 and since then seven others have sprung up. All but two of these cover areas in North Solihull. The associations tend to be set up in neighbourhoods where there are above-average levels of crime, anti social Councillors recently considered a report which assessed behaviour and isolation. The overriding aim is to help the impact of nine associations which have been address these problems by organising community events established in the borough. bringing neighbours together. The first two programmes started in Smith’s Wood in A council report concluded that the schemes had achieved many of the objectives and there are now hopes that the project can be expanded to other locations, including Kingshurst. Melanie Lockey, the council’s head of partnerships and communities, said: “Each Street Association is run by a core group of sixten people. “[They] meet once a month for an hour and organise events to bring people together...encourage friendships and find ways to help neighbours who might need a lift or help with a bit of DIY.” Vauxhall Crescent, which was one of the first two street associations, has been held up as a particular success. Since a barbecue launched the initiative over two and a half years ago, residents have organised events including a Christmas fair and Easter egg hunt. Speaking 12 months after the association was set-up, local resident Sue Piper said it had made a difference. “I would definitely recommend it to anyone. It’s great for all ages and means people become friends who wouldn’t otherwise have met. “Now people say ‘hello’ to each other when they pass Kieron Adshead and Amy Taster from Chelmsley Wood Specsavers on the street and there’s a real sense of community.” While the street STAFF at Chelmsley Wood Specsavers The opticians was among a number associations have been set recently organised a party in aid of of schools, businesses and local groups up with council backing, the Red Nose Day. to support the charity event. original idea came from a The store raised a total of £80 for At the CTC Kingshurst Academy, Birmingham couple, Martin Comic Relief, with events including a students could bid to see their and Gina Graham, and more bake sale and ‘guess the number of than 100 schemes have sweets’ contest. teachers take a dip in the gunge tank. been created around the UK.
See how much we raised!
Page 4 Other Side of Solihull
Police warn: ‘Those who flout the law could expect a knock at the door’ Residents have described bikers turning the Collector Road into a race track
Residents’ fury as boy racer misery continues FROM an upstairs window, a resident films the chaotic scenes below. A group of six or so bikers cut across the grass and head for a narrow footbridge in an attempt to escape the policeman on their tail. But when a second officer appears on the other side of the river, the riders are left with no choice but to retreat back the way they came. The video, shot in Chelmsley Wood last month, is one of several doing the rounds on social media which show the extent of problems being caused by motorbikes, quad bikes and mini-motos screeching through North Solihull. It’s important to point out that this isn’t an entirely new phenomena. A quick search of YouTube turns up footage of a couple of quad bikes tearing through the streets of Marston Green some seven years ago. That said, complaints about boy racers tearing around parks, along pavements and down public roads have definitely increased in the last year or two and no longer do problems seem to be confined to the long summer evenings. There are regular reports of rallies being held along the Collector Road and gangs use sites such as Facebook to organise mass “ride-outs”, including a particularly notorious incident at Halloween last year; at one stage a group of up to 100 riders launched a frenzied attack
on a police van. Although these incidents are those most likely to make the headlines they’re interspersed with scores of reports of residents kept awake by racing engines, afraid to use certain parks and recounting near-misses which could have ended in tragedy. Commenting on our Facebook page, Robyn Owens recalled the day she had nearly been involved in a head-on collision after a bike jumped a red light. “The day I came so close to killing one of them changed me as a driver,” she said. Previously the police had been criticised for not doing enough to tackle the problem. When Insp Allan Green, the neighbourhood inspector for Meriden, appeared at a recent meeting in Castle Bromwich, many residents were frustrated by an apparent lack of action. The officer, who said many of the riders were “nasty, hardened criminals”, insisted that police were taking steps to seize bikes and warned that those who flouted the law could expect a knock at the door early one morning. “We will find out who these people are and we will do all in our power to stop them,” he assured locals. Councillor Chris Williams (Green, Chelmsley Wood) was among those to have previously raised concerns about the police response, but he did believe that recent operations were making a difference. He said the dawn raids – in which bikes are impounded and often sent to be crushed – had acted as a deterrent, s ke bi ad Police seize qu although ation in during an oper he was less ar last ye Smith’s Wood convinced that an injunction
Your say Other Side of Solihull asked local people for their take on the problem. Here are some of the responses. Julie Cleal: “We have one regularly going up and down our road. Even with speed bumps they bomb down the road and make so much noise doing wheelies.” Wendy Crees: “They need to get some respect, I didn’t think they would use an off road facility even if it was offered... seems like they enjoy trying to cause a disturbance.” Jayne Robinson: “Sick of feeling threatened in the park walking my dogs. They may think it’s a hoot and that they are having fun but I’m scared to death.” Claire Heath: “They don’t have respect for other motorists and think they own the road.” Stan Freeman: “The toe rags race past our house most days, it’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.” Melissa West: “It’s going to come to a point where people are going to take the law into their own hands.” which Solihull Council had secured to ban road racing had made much difference. “The attitude of the police has improved a lot,” he said. “A year ago, they were dismissive so we worked hard to get that attitude changed. Now, the police understand why we were pushing them so hard and they have taken action. “But there’s still a long way to go. There are still a lot more off road bikes being used inappropriately that they need to deal with, so the police need to redouble their efforts to get there.”
Other Side of Solihull Page 5
Candidate for Mayor vows to fight inequality A CHELMSLEY Wood councillor who is standing to become the first Mayor of the West Midlands has vowed to tackle inequality head-on.
‘The economy is growing at the moment, but it’s clear that the wealth isn’t being shared’
Coun James Burn, who will be standing as the Green Party candidate in next month’s election, has officially unveiled his manifesto. He chose to hold the launch event in the
ward he represents, having made clear in his policy document that he has concerns that “disadvantaged” residents often struggle to be heard.
Spring has sprung! RECENT warm weather has brought Castle Bromwich’s blossoms out in full bloom. The flowers erupting on hawthorns and cherry trees are one of the best-loved signs of spring.
Coun James Burn
“The economy is growing at the moment, but it’s clear that the wealth isn’t being shared,” said Coun Burn. “We are seeing a handful of individuals get richer, while the rest of us are seeing a fall in our living standards. “A whole generation of working young people are unable to even consider the possibility of owning their own home or having a stable job that pays decent wages. “At the moment, more than half of all West Midlands adults have less than £100 in savings. They are just a broken washing machine or winter coat away from disaster.” Other key policy announcements include the creation of an investment bank to help small businesses, improving public transport links and appointing a “citizen’s jury” to hold the Mayor to account. Coun Burn, who has been a councillor since 2014 and is also a qualified social worker, has not been uncritical of the role that he is standing for. While he welcomes the principle of handing more power to local communities, he believes that the devolution deal agreed for the West Midlands has been shrouded in secrecy. He has vowed to lobby THE chair of Marston for more scrutiny, to publish Green & District his expenses online and only Lions is to take part take a salary of £28,000 – in a charity bike ride the average for the region. between Blackpool The rest of the £79,000 and Birmingham. pay packet would be put Simon Moss, and towards helping deprived fellow Lion Jaap communities “getting more de Jonge, will be voices heard.” setting out on April The election takes place 23, hoping to raise on Thursday, May 4. Full £1,000 for Hearing details of all the candidates Dogs for Deaf and other news are available People. on our blog.
Nellie celebrates Unexploded grenade sparks Bike ride for 101st birthday search in Chelmsley Wood dogs charity ONE of the borough’s oldest residents has this month celebrated her 101st birthday. Nellie Hunt, a resident at the Friendly Inn Care Home, Chelmsley Wood, received a special visit from Solihull’s Mayor Mike Robinson. The pensioner was born on April 19, 1916 – when Britain was mid-way through the First World War.
BOMB squad officials paid a visit to a Chelmsley Wood street after a live grenade, which apparently originated from one of the homes, was found in Birmingham. The unexploded device was discovered by men sifting through a consignment of metal at a recycling site in Nechells on March 27. Emergency services were called in at around 12noon
and police set up a cordon so that the grenade could be assessed by the bomb squad. Officers and explosives experts then paid a visit to Lyecroft Avenue, although a search found nothing dangerous at the address. A photo of the van, with Royal Logistics Corps Bomb Disposal on the side, parked in the street was later posted online.
Page 6 Other Side of Solihull
Council’s caught between a rock and the greenbelt SOLIHULL Council should take the “crunch” decision to develop greenbelt sites rather than continue to cram homes into built-up areas, the borough’s longest-serving councillor has said. Coun John Windmill, leader of the Lib Dem group, said the local authority was caught between a desperate need for more homes and local opposition to new estates. Addressing a cabinet meeting this month, he noted that the borough had few brownfield sites, such as old industrial sites or waste ground, to choose from. This left a clear dilemma as to whether to allow more housing in densely-populated neighbourhoods – with the likely loss of sports fields and parkland – or carve up parts of the greenbelt, which makes up around two thirds of Solihull. “You can put so much density into an urban area that the quality of life is destroyed for those that are living there,” said Coun Windmill, a long-
serving member of the planning committee. “It is more realistic...that, here and there, with land of lower value in the green belt we do allow housing.”
His comments came in a debate in relation to a government report which specifically looks at how to address the nation’s mounting housing crisis. Leader of Solihull Council, Bob Sleigh, acknowledged that the document posed a number of question as to what was required of the council and said there was “confusion” in some areas. Coun Tim Hodgson (Green, Shirley West) said: “In an area like the West Midlands you can see the needs of younger people finding it so difficult to get on the housing ladder. “That is especially acute in areas like Solihull where the house prices are so expensive.” The discussion comes amid renewed concern that closer collaboration between the region’s councils will put more pressure on Solihull to make land available to help meet the housing needs of neighbouring areas such as Birmingham.
Alan Watkinson
It’s the dream theme at precinct
Dish tribute to ‘Mr Alan’ A CASTLE Bromwich takeaway has announced it has named a dish in memory of a regular customer who died earlier this year. Lime Pickle has dubbed its creamy chicken dish – a personal favourite of local man Alan Watkinson – “Mr Alan’s Massala.” The 73-year-old had died from his injuries several days after a collision at the junction of Windleaves Road, just yards from the Indian eatery. A Lime Pickle spokesman said it had wanted to do something to remember the popular pensioner. “He will be missed tremendously, he was a great customer and a friend to everyone here... always putting a smile on our faces.” Mr Watkinson’s granddaughter Chloe said the takeaway’s tribute was “a lovely idea.”
FROM Easter bunnies to white rabbits! An Alice in Wonderland-themed event was held at Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre earlier this month. Families enjoyed crazy golf and a chocolate treasure hunt around the precinct, as well as having the chance to meet characters from Lewis Carroll’s famous story.
Contract to run centre out to tender COUNCILLORS are to consider whether to hand the job of running North Solihull Sports Centre to a new company. At the moment, the Chelmsley Wood-based facility is managed on a dayto-day basis by Parkwood Community Leisure. Solihull Council has insisted that while it is happy with the job Parkwood has done, it would be putting the current contract out to tender. It is expected that Parkwood – which also operates Tudor Grange Leisure Centre – will bid alongside other leisure management companies. An operator will be appointed at the end of this year, with the new contract to take effect from April 2018.
Other Side of Solihull Page 7
Golden girl cuts ribbon on new build business AN OLYMPIC champion was invited to open a new business in Castle Bromwich earlier this month. Lily Owsley, a member of Team GB’s gold-medal winning hockey side, cut the ribbon at the new branch of EH Smith. The builders merchants has opened a premises on the Chester Road, its latest outlet in the Birmingham and
Amiyah steps out as mascot A YOUNG dancer from Castle Bromwich will be an official mascot for Team England at this year’s Dance World Cup. Amiyah Josephs will be competing in the international competition, due to take place in Germany in June. The ten-yearold, a member of the Spotlight Stage School, has also taken part in the two previous contests, held in Romania and Jersey.
Solihull area. Marketing director Mike Mallinder said it had been “great” to welcome the player to the official opening. Lily, a University of Birmingham student, recovered from a collar bone injury in order to qualify for the Rio Games and was made an MBE in the New Year’s Honours.
Art idea focuses on finding local talent HUNDREDS of local people got involved in a series of community art projects taking place in Chelmsley Wood town centre earlier this month.
cameras – a true novelty in the age of the iPhone – and asking people to go out in the local area and take photos. The images were then developed and turned into an anonymous exhibition. Debbie Gara, from the B37 Project, said: “We’re just a group The week-long programme of activities, inside an empty unit of people who come together to do something like this and on the parade, was organised by the recently set-up B37 Project. then go back to our day jobs. The group of volunteers aim to bring the community together “We have had an incredible response from those coming in through a range of creative activities. this week. One of the main things we want to do is support Among the first salvo of ideas included handing out disposal local talent, we want to give a platform to the ideas that people have.” A number of local artists were helping with the activities; pieces by Ronnie Cashmore adorned one corner of the unit, while Rachel Symonds was co-ordinating the “selfie” project. Her aim was to collate 1,000 photos of local people to put together into a massive A CHARITY disco will mosaic. be held at St John’s “When you look at Club, Smith’s Wood what’s happening in other next month. parts of Solihull, in London, The event will be in Bristol, wherever, Artist Rachel raising funds on Ma there’s no reason why the Symonds was 27 for cancer units at people in Chelmsley Wood encouraging Solihull and the QE shouldn’t have the same residents hospitals. opportunity to express to take part Doors open at themselves,” she said. in the 1000 8pm, with admission “There’s an energy to selfie project £3. Dress code smartart. It can bring out a casual. colour and a character that we don’t always see and I think people enjoy the escapism.” Buoyed by the success of their “launch” event, B37 Project hope to SMITH’S Wood Sports College has been including pupil outcomes, quality of disabilities or special needs. continue organising other placed in “special measures” following teaching and effectiveness of leadership. Special measures is a status applied to events and are keen to hear from residents with a recent Ofsted inspection. The sixth form - which it has already schools which are found to have fallen ideas. It is also hoped that Inspectors attended earlier this year been confirmed will be closing from short of the acceptable standards. the initiative could lay the and in a report published last month next year - was criticised for the “below As part of the process an external foundations for more public noted that standards had “declined average” progress of the students. review will be carried out and a art around the estate. significantly” since the last visit. The school was, however, praised recommendation made that newlyYou can get in touch Overall, the school was ranked as for its child protection service and qualified teachers are not taken on in with the group via their “inadequate” in six different areas, the provision it made for pupils with the majority of subjects. Facebook page.
Dance date for charity
Standards decline at sports college
Other Side Of
Solihull ONLINE For more news, views and events from around North Solihull, visit northsolihullnews.blogspot.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @North_Solihull