Solihull Castle Brom, Kingshurst, Chelmsley Wood, Smith’s Wood and Marston Green
AUGUST 2017
Other Side Of
Kingshurst residents lose faith in the police amid crime wave – ‘foot patrols are non-existent and officers fail to act when offences are reported’
Flowers line the pavement in Haselour Road, Kingshurst, where Callum Lees was found with fatal wounds earlier this month. A police investigation into his death continues.
‘We’re scared out of our wits’ RESIDENTS who have lived in Kingshurst for decades have told a public meeting that crime on the estate has never been as bad as it is now.
Scores of people had packed into St Barnabas Church to voice concerns about the police response; claiming that foot patrols were nonexistent and that officers had failed to act when offences were reported. This month’s meeting had been organised by Meriden’s MP, Dame Caroline Spelman, amid rising anxiety within the community. While the murder of 20-yearold Callum Lees had been widely publicised, various other incidents were highlighted during the course of the 90 minute event.
These included a young man being threatened with a meat cleaver outside KFC, flagrant drug dealing and incidents of pensioners being deliberately knocked over by bikes. Coun Debbie Evans (UKIP, Kingshurst & Fordbridge) said that residents had lost faith in the police. “There was an incident on the Parade involving knives. They phoned 999 and it was engaged. “When they finally got through it took [officers] half an hour to get there, by which time the kids had gone. “I have lived on Kingshurst for most of my adult life and I have never known anything like this.” One resident claimed to be “scared out of their wits” while
another spoke of her frustration that concerns did not appear to be acted upon. “I have lived here for 52 years...I like this community and I have always been quite proud to say I come from this area, until now.” As tensions boiled over, a panel which included Dame Caroline, Solihull Chief Insp Colin Barnes and representatives from Solihull Council sought to reassure the audience. Chief Insp Barnes insisted the force would act on reports from the public, although he admitted that cuts had affected police responses. Echoing comments made at a meeting in Castle Bromwich back in January, he acknowledged there
had been a particular shortage of call handlers. “We have been aware of the issues with the 101 [non-emergency] number for a few months and that we couldn’t always get to the calls. “We have known this on the front line for a while and it took a while for that to filter up the chain of command. “There has been a recruitment drive and I hope that is starting to pay dividends.” Official figures suggest crime rates in Kingshurst have been erratic over the past five years, with a fall in offending some years and a rise in others. • Concern over cuts to youth services – Page 3
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Page 2 Other Side of Solihull
Large response to small meadow SUMMER is a time for surveys, polls and findings. It’s what papers fill their pages with when all the kids – and MPs – are off on holiday. I tend not to pay too much attention to what Daz (they still make Daz, right) or B&Q or TaxSmart Accountants have found out about the Great British public. That’s mostly because I’m not sure that a quick straw poll by a marketing company in Whitstable, which probably involved something like 62 people, is an accurate gauge. I mean, let’s put this way, most of the major polling companies completely cocked up over the Election, so why would we believe that a tin-pot outfit acting on the orders of The Lavender Fresh Toilet Cleaning Co have accurate data on
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR how much we spend on weddings, our favourite overseas resort or the best flavour of loo roll. That said, there was one survey a couple of weeks ago which did make me sit up and take notice. It suggested that around one in ten Britons haven’t visited the countryside in two years. While it seems unbelievable, it does chime with some of the reaction to stories that Other Side of Solihull has run in recent weeks. I was surprised to see, for instance, that a little piece we wrote about the wildflower meadow which has been planted opposite ASDA generated so many comments on Facebook. It’s only a small display but it is obviously much appreciated by kids and mums
l Man on machete charge A MAN has been charged in relation to an alleged machete attack which followed an altercation at a Castle Bromwich petrol station. The incident happened at the Morrisons garage, in Chester Road, on June 25 and later the same day the victim was attacked with the blade in a country lane near Warwick. Police confirmed that a 33-year-old, from Sheldon, had been charged with wounding with intent, driving while disqualified and without due care and attention.
on the school run or people making their way to the shops. The fact is that those people who live in built-up areas value their green space. If you live in a flat you don’t have a garden, if you have a garden it may be a small one. There are parks of course but as we saw with Babbs Mill, these aren’t always sacrosanct and many open spaces have been lost in North Solihull. Whether or not it’s true that many city-dwellers barely set foot outside their estates, the fact is that while they’re there they like to have a little bit of nature around them. So here’s to the meadow on Bosworth Drive and here’s hoping that next summer there will be room for a couple more!
Introducing:
That’s quite a first impression. Indeed. The Facebook footage of Matt singing I Dreamed a Dream, from the musical Les Mis,
POLICE are investigating following a carjacking in the middle of Marston Green on August 17. A female driver had got out of her car to use the cashpoint at the One Stop shop, in Station Road, when she was confronted by three men at just before 9pm. The gang assaulted her and took the keys, before dragging a male passenger out of the seat. They then drove off in the grey Seat Ibiza. Two 17-year-olds and an 18-year-old have been bailed pending further enquiries.
Solihull Editor: David Irwin Design: Justine Flavell Get in Touch: Facebook.com/ NorthSolihull
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MATT BOND – bUSKER The name’s Bond... But it took a while for people to find that out. When a clip of the 28-year-old was posted online it went viral, attracting 350,000 visits in a little over a week, and viewers soon wanted to know who the singer was.
l Couple’s carjacking terror
Other Side Of
in Lichfield town centre won plaudits around the world and the performer was inundated with booking requests. He later revealed himself. Has he been serenading shoppers for long? About three years. He revealed in a newspaper interview that he had started busking to help pay for his fees at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music.
YOUR SAY:
“The bus changes are so stupid. What used to take me an hour home from work now takes me two hours with two sometimes three bus changes and a 20 min walk.” Latasha Hartley
Out & About ALL the staples of a summer fete – from hook-a-duck to egg and spoon races – will be taking place at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens. The event will be held on August 17 (from 11am-3.30pm). Visitors can also look forward to a treasure hunt and pit their wits against the maze.
Month in Numbers
Anniversary
l Fantastic fundraising effort CHILDREN at Smith’s Wood Primary Academy have raised an impressive £260 for Age UK. Pupils were invited to take part in the Flourishing Fivers Campaign, investing £5 and working to grow the sum. Mayor of Solihull, Coun Stuart Davis, congratulated the children on their “fantastic” fundraising effort.
l Fury at travellers’ mess RESIDENTS were left fuming after a group of travellers left rubbish strewn on land in Castle Bromwich. The caravans had moved onto the tract of open space on the Parkfields estate last month and remained there for several days. They finally moved on July 28 after Solihull Council secured a court order, but left a large quantity of waste behind.
• 15 parks in Solihull have been awarded Green Flags, including Babbs Mill and Meriden Park. • Smith’s Wood man Daniel Michael avoids jail after reaching speeds of up to 70mph in a police chase. • 332 parking fines were issued for offences outside borough schools during the course of a 12 month period.
August 2007: THE North Solihull’s Got Talent project highlights local artists including Smith’s Wood singer Montana and the band Dry Rain.
Other Side of Solihull Page 3
MP Caroline Spelman
MP refutes unfair homes quota MERIDEN MP Caroline Spelman has denied that North Solihull is taking a disproportionate number of new homes. Speaking this month, Dame Caroline said that when the most recent plans were drawn up to divide housing schemes between the borough’s 17 wards, it was taken into account that areas including Chelmsley Wood and Kingshurst were already densely populated. She argued that instead it was the more
rural areas such as Dickens Heath and Balsall Common which had borne the brunt of the recent development, with the latter seeing the construction of 1,200 dwellings. Although she did concede that she believed Solihull Council had made a mistake in releasing part of Babbs Mill Local Nature Reserve for development. “Personally my view is that it has been too costly to the community,” she said.
Anger at shortage of activities for youths RESIDENTS have once again raised concerns that there is not enough effort being made to provide activities for young people.
Summer art shows a success A SERIES of art shows staged in Chelmsley Wood over the summer have been hailed a big success. The exhibitions, coordinated by the B37 Project, have been held at the old Halifax bank in the town’s shopping centre. Following an appeal for local artists to get in touch, more than 30 individuals had their work displayed during July and August. Debbie Gara, from the Project, said: “We have been amazed by the level of creativity and standard submitted, and have met some great people, which has resulted in a number of spin-off, collaborative Jessica Lucas was one of the artists to take part projects based in North Solihull.” Among those to take part in the series of three events were Chelmsley Wood photographer Ben Clifton THE Leader of Solihull Council has North Arran Way, to update the and Castle Bromwich praised the progress made over facilities for people in the borough man Ian Carr, who juggles plans to redevelop Kingshurst “It is something that I think artwork with his day job as Parade, although questions about this administration and previous a PCSO. housing provision at the site remain. Conservative administrations should Another featured artist Councillor Bob Sleigh updated be proud of delivering.” was Jessica Lucas, a recent members on the multi-million However, Solihull Green Party Grace Academy graduate project at last month’s Full Council continue to push the Tory-run whose collection of portraits meeting, confirming that a full-scale authority on the issue of support for tackled the negative impact demolition of the current precinct existing tenants. that beauty editorials can would take place. Coun Sleigh said he had been have on women today. He said: “I think [this] fulfils the advised that some of the dwellings Following the success of commitment that has been made... on the development site would be the exhibitions, the B37 by this authority to do what we can social housing, although a precise Project hopes to hold similar in North Solihull, as we have already number has not been provided at shows again next year. done in Chelmund’s Cross and in this stage.
Update on Parade plans
At a meeting in Kingshurst this month, anger often boiled over about a perceived lack of youth services in the north of the borough. Residents cited the loss of facilities over the years, including the water sports centre at Babbs Mill Lake and Smith’s Wood Youth and Community Centre. While representatatives from Solihull Council argued that new services continue to be introduced, frustrated locals maintained that these were either poorly advertised or difficult to access given often limited public transport links. David Cole, from Kingshurst Parish Council, said: “What’s happened with the bus services is absolutely criminal. “If the [young people] want to go into Chelmsley Wood to go swimming or into Solihull to go skating they just don’t have the option. We want to see some action.” Another resident stressed how important services could be for local young people, noting that one of the rising stars of the British music scene – Lady Leshurr – had discovered her passion for music at MCing sessions in Kingshurst. Councillor Tony Dicicco, cabinet member for stronger communities and partnerships, said that he was sympathetic to the challenges facing the community, revealing he had grown up on a Walsall estate “which made Kingshurst look like Beverley Hills”. “This local authority does do a lot of stuff for young people,” he argued. “But we do want to engage more people in that age group.” Gillian Crabbe, the council’s community safety manager, highlighted activities increasingly taking place at Smith’s Wood Sports College and the CTC Kingshurst Academy. While Meriden MP, Dame Caroline Spelman, said she believed the council was trying to engage with young people, she acknowledged the obstacles for some families. “I am aware that services in Chelmsley Wood would not be accessible to those people in Kingshurst who may not even have the money for the bus fare,” she said.
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Harry’s award singles out remarkable teenager
Courageous carer: Hannah’s a young star Hannah Carthew
A CASTLE Bromwich teenager recently received an award in recognition of her efforts as a young carer. Sixteen-year-old Hannah Carthew helps support her mum Tina and two siblings and is one of 700,000 young people who play a pivotal role caring for members of their family. The Park Hall Academy pupil recently received the Harry’z Young Stars Award – an honour bestowed on local children and teenagers who have shown remarkable courage. The Awards were launched in 2014 in memory of Harry Moseley, a Sheldon schoolboy who was diagnosed with a brain tumour and spent his final years raising more than £500,000 for charity. Harry’s mum Georgie said: “Hannah sums up the very reason I launched these awards. “So many wonderful young people go above and beyond being an average child and we as a society need to do more to recognise these incredible youngsters.” She was nominated for the accolade by Naomi Perryman, a support worker at Solihull Carers Centre, who was impressed by her eagerness to help others despite her own responsibilities. Last year, Hannah signed up to the peer mentor project, drawing on her own personal experiences to offer support to other young people who are caring for loved ones and feel either isolated or vulnerable. Following the award win, Hannah and her family were invited to meet the Mayor of Solihull, Coun Stuart Davis, at the Civic Suite. “It has been a real privilege meeting Hannah,” said Coun Davis. “She is a great role model and inspiration for other young carers and peer mentors. Carers play a vital role in our community and it’s fantastic that Hannah has been recognised through these awards for the fantastic work she does in caring for her family and supporting other young carers.”
Drugs blamed for 16 deaths SIXTEEN drug-related deaths were recorded in Solihull over the course of a three year period, official figures have revealed. The data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) included people who had poisoned themselves with illegal drugs, such as heroin and ecstasy, or overdosed on either prescription or over-the-counter substances. Solihull, along with Sandwell, had the lowest number of deaths of anywhere in the West Midlands between 2014-16, although concerns about the impact of substance abuse continue to linger in local communities.
Vow to review sprinkler option SOLIHULL Council has promised a “full review” into whether to retro-fit sprinklers in the borough’s 37 highrise tower blocks. As reported in the last edition of Other Side of Solihull, the local authority has faced calls to install the safety systems in the wake of the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower, West London. Coun Robert Hulland, who has recently been appointed as the cabinet member responsible for housing, said he had been in discussions with Solihull Community Housing about the options available. Coun Hulland said: “Our decision will also be informed by the outcome of the public inquiry and investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy and any fire safety recommendations which emerge.” At present, the UK’s health and safety legislation demands that sprinklers are installed in all newlybuilt tower blocks but there is no obligation, by law, to fit them in existing buildings.
Recognition for unsung hero Terri A CHELMSLEY Woodbased police officer who recovered from terrible leg injuries to return to her old patch has been named as one of West Midlands Police’s “Stars of Summer”. Over the course of August, the force is posting details on social media about some of its unsung heroes and PC Terri Discenza (pictured) was one of the first to be recognised. It is five years since
the officer was knocked over by an off-road biker while responding to reports of anti social behaviour. The leg injuries she received in the incident were so severe that doctors advised against returning to front-line duties. But after months of rehabilitation, she came back to active service and is today a member of the Chelmsley Wood neighbourhood team.
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Snapper Glynis shoots for society honour PICTURES taken by a Smith’s Wood photographer have caught the eye of judges from the Royal Photographic Society. Images captured in and around Birmingham by Glynis Harrison had impressed the esteemed organisation and she has now been awarded a licentiate. She had to submit ten separate photos to the
society in order to achieve the qualification. “My favourite genre is street photography, and this shows in my panel,” said Glynis, who also runs Kingshurst Arts Space’s Camera Club. “Many of the images were taken in Birmingham and will be recognisable to most people. I love capturing special moments of everyday life.”
l Bygone blessing AN ANCIENT Anglo-Saxon ritual has been performed at the Three Trees veg patch. To mark Lammas, a festival traditionally held in August to mark the wheat harvest, a ceremony took place at the allotment corner. Rev’d Neil Roberts reported on Twitter that the “field blessing” was fitted in between typically British rain showers.
Battle continues to keep play area open tribute to the “fantastic” efforts of local people. Last month, it was confirmed that enough had been done to ensure that the popular facility – which has been visited by hundreds of children during the busiest days of the summer holidays – would remain open beyond September. A spokesman said that while the site was not yet “out of the woods”
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Trustees have paid tribute to the extraordinary efforts of residents, who have thrown their weight behind a major fundraising drive. The sum raised will prove crucial as the Playground prepares for the end of Solihull Council funding, which is set to stop from next month. Around £1,900 was collected at a family fun day, which was held at The Centurion pub, Chelmsley Wood, on
August 13. Another £1,900 flooded in via a specially set up Go Fund Me page, a cheque for over £1,000 was donated by Pact, a local community group, and several hundred pounds was collected in charity buckets and through sponsorship forms. In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the Playground paid
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THOUSANDS of pounds has been raised by the local community to help keep Meriden Adventure Playground open.
YGROU
they were now able to guarantee that it would remain open after the local authority funding stops. “Whilst we can say we are definitely not closing, we will be living hand to mouth for quite a while. “This may mean reducing opening times now and again, but we are hoping not – this all depends on which applications are successful.” Talks are also taking place with council officers to secure a lease of the playground at a peppercorn rent. It is understood the lease will take effect from April, with the local authority set to cover the utility bills between now and then.
Activity day for visiting children
TEENAGERS affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster paid a visit to Kingshurst earlier this month. The six boys and six girls are all in remission from varying types of cancer. The illness is all too common in the region of Belarus still blighted by radiation from a reactor explosion more than 30 years ago. The group were invited to the CTC, in Cooks Lane, which is running a number of activity sessions during the school holidays. The visit formed part of a four-week holiday in the UK, overseen by the Solihull branch of the Chernobyl
Children’s Project UK. Kath Ruane, the charity’s co-ordinator, said: “All of the children and their host families very much enjoyed themselves and we were so impressed by the welcome
we received from the staff.” The group have also visited Shustoke Sailing Club, the Severn Valley Railway and StratfordUpon-Avon during the course of their stay.
l Ready for upward dog? YOGA classes will be starting up in Marston Green next month. The weekly sessions will be taking place at the Baptist Free Church, Land Lane, from September 8. For further details call Angela on 07548 317703.
Page 6 Other Side of Solihull
Praise for Sarah’s ‘brilliant’ project A CHELMSLEY Wood-based social enterprise has been named as a runnerup at the West Midlands Outstanding Citizens’ Awards. Gro-Organic, which works to regenerate public spaces, was praised for the work it does helping young offenders learn new skills and find a way into full-time work. At the awards ceremony last month, the not-for-profit venture came second in the Outstanding Community Project category. Sarah Gill, who founded Gro-Organic
five years ago, said: “I began helping neighbours who were facing eviction because of their overgrown gardens. Other neighbours began to join in my quest, learning new skills themselves and teaching others. “Soon, we had an army of over 60 of us who hit the estate helping other residents. Young people volunteer in their holidays and after school and it gives them a real sense of pride and achievement, particularly for those who were getting involved in risky behaviour. “The way I see it is that we’re
the vehicle that helps people reach their potential, regardless of their background or barriers.” West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, who hosts the annual awards, said: “GroOrganic is doing brilliant work in Chelmsley Wood to clear up public spaces that have been neglected or vandalised. “And they’re training young people who are at risk of falling into crime, to give them both skills and aspiration for their future.”
Sarah Gill
Applause as business park decision shelved COUNCILLORS have decided to postpone a decision over plans to expand Birmingham Business Park, with one member claiming that aspects of the current proposals were “totally unacceptable”.
Distribution Centre, near Digby Drive. In that case he said that noise caused by vehicles reversing and moving pallets about, often late at night, had led to battle after battle with the car giant. He told members that the Birmingham Business Park development would in fact have an even greater impact on those living in nearby Blackfirs Lane, which is why it was so vital to have the full details to hand. “The applicant has a duty, in my view, to work with officers and the local authority and local residents to get the best outcome that can be had regarding the layout. It’s in their interests to do that moving forward. “Residents may have to face agony for years as a result of this 24/7 operation of traffic, of movement...” The applicants, Prologis UK Ltd, argued that the plans submitted for two new units would be a big boost to the local economy and create around 300 new jobs. But Coun Robert Grinsell (Con, Olton) said the “overriding” consideration had to be those residents living closest to the land, while Coun Stephen Holt (Green, Smith’s Wood) said that the way the site was accessed could create difficulties. The Birmingham Business Park viewed from Blackfirs Lane Earlier in the meeting, ward councillor Alison Rolf (Con) said the community had grave concerns about the plans put forward. Addressing the committee, she said: CASTLE Bromwich Theatre Group will be “Please either defer this application, reject ALMOST 3,000 fines have been issued to motorists caught holding a new members night next month. it or provide residents with some conditions by a speed camera installed in Castle Bromwich 12 months The event will be taking place at Arden they can live with because as far as they’re ago. Hall on September 19 (starting at 7.30pm). concerned this site is a disaster.” The digital device was placed on the Bradford Road, The group said it would be ideal for Richard Cobb, speaking on behalf between Old Croft Lane and Chester Road, and came into those looking for a new hobby or hoping of Bickenhill and Marston Green Parish operation last August. to rekindle an old passion. Council, said that while it was accepted the Since then, 2,925 vehicles have been caught breaking the site would be developed, strict conditions speed limit along the stretch of road. should be imposed to protect local The camera was one of eight new devices installed at residents. some of the region’s most notorious accident blackspots. PROUD locals are organising another “These are plainly going to be two very They were funded through a partnership between community clean-up in Smith’s Wood later large buildings with limited opportunity to Solihull Council, Birmingham City Council and West this month. reduce their scale,” he said. Midlands Police, amid concerns that road deaths were on Head to Auckland Hall on August 31 Following the discussions, the committee the rise. (11am-12noon) to collect your equipment. voted unanimously to defer the application In total, the network has caught in excess of 23,000 Then meet back at the venue for prompting spontaneous applause from the motorists since being switched-on. refreshments afterwards. audience.
l Join theatre group
l Help spruce up wood
Councillor Jim Ryan (Con, Bickenhill) argued the application should be deferred given the “scant” information available to the planning committee. He drew comparisons between the development and a previous application to build the Land Rover
2,925 caught speeding
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Fears as gap between rich and poor widens A SOLIHULL Council report has admitted that inequality in the borough is worse than anywhere in the country. Paperwork submitted to the council’s governance committee last month recognised there was a massive gulf in living standards, despite the affluence in many villages and suburbs to the south. Assessing the challenge, the report said:
“National deprivation statistics suggest Solihull is the most polarised authority in the country, with 16 per cent of the borough’s neighbourhoods classed among the most deprived in the country and 39 per cent among the least deprived. “The impacts of this are felt across a broad range of outcomes including educational attainment, employment, crime and health.” The deepening inequalities in Britain were thrown
What a good year for the berries! BLACKBERRIES are now ripe for the picking at Babbs Mill Park. At the start of the month, the Woodland Trust suggested that a cold spring had meant the fruit had ripened later than usual. Now however the bushes in North Solihull are laden with berries. Local resident Margaret Amos said: “Best year I’ve known. The fruit are everywhere.”
into the spotlight by recent events in the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea, where families are being squeezed into run-down tower blocks in an area where there are also some of the country’s most expensive properties. Worryingly, the latest report suggests the divisions in Solihull are even more pronounced, although probably less noticeable because the authority covers a larger geographic area. Councillor Mark Wilson (Green, Smith’s Wood) suggested one of the main difficulties was the reduced opportunities for people living in the north of the borough. In particular he highlighted the widely-known disparity in the number of 18-year-olds who went to university. “Smith’s Wood Primary [Academy] was the highest achieving school in 2016 – in the whole of the borough. These kids have the ability to do whatever they want. “At 16, GCSE results in the borough are not much different between affluent and less affluent areas. So what goes wrong in the fact there is a 70 per cent disparity between 18year-olds from Smith’s Wood and Dorridge going to University? The system is not working for those who are less well-off.” There are concerns this gap may grow following the decision to close the sixth form at Smith’s Wood Sports College, although conversely another local school, THE flag at the Jaguar plant, Castle Bromwich, the Grace Academy, this month flew at half mast to mark the passing of one of reported that all of the A Level Britain’s last surviving Spitfire pilots. students who had applied for a Flying ace Ken Wilkinson, dubbed a “true degree had got a place. gentleman” by the Battle of Britain Memorial Councillor Joe Tildesley, the Trust, has died at the age of 99. cabinet member responsible for The Spitfire obviously has special significance in education, has previously said Castle Brom; around 11,000 aircraft were made at the council has to work harder to the factory site now occupied by the car marque. deal with the issue.
Firm loses rail franchise Tribute to flying ace LONDON Midland – the company which operates Marston Green Station – has lost the West Midlands rail franchise. The Department for Transport confirmed that West Midlands Trains Ltd will be taking over the routes from December. London Midland has run the franchise since 2007, although the firm had previously been criticised for frequent delays and cancellations. Managing director, Patrick Verwer, insisted the firm had created “a strong foundation” for the new operator to build on.
School’s plan approved despite ‘eyesore’ concerns PLANS to change access to St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School have been approved, in spite of concerns by some councillors about the loss of green space. The school sought permission to create a new pedestrian entrance, accessed from Schofield Road, and a change to the boundaries. Councillor Jim Ryan (Con, Bickenhill) said the access could
be provided without taking the “pleasant” wedge of open space away. “You have got a green area both sides and you’ve got trees. Now the proposal is to move the palisade fence right to the footpath boundary and that green area will be lost as an
amenity to local residents. “And we know in Kingshurst and other areas it’s heavily congested, heavily built up... and every little green, open space is treasured.” Coun John Windmill (Lib Dem, Olton) said: “I have very great sympathy with Coun Ryan.I see no reason
whatosever for destroying what is a very nicely maintained area of green open space. “An iron fence, two metres high, all along there is an eyesore quite frankly.” While Solihull Council’s planning committee voted to approve the plan by a majority, the application was subject to conditions and Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).
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