DECEMBER 2018
Other Side Of
Merry Christmas
Solihull Dread at police cuts amid surge in crime Castle Brom, Kingshurst, Chelmsley Wood, Smith’s Wood and Marston Green
Coun Flo Nash, Mayor of Solihull (front) at the official opening of Saxon Court.
Mayor opens £7m care facility A MAJOR new development in Chelmsley Wood has had its official opening just in time for Christmas. Mayor of Solihull, Coun Flo Nash, was invited to cut the ribbon at the Saxon Court complex, in Marlene Croft. The £7 million
scheme, which will provide extra care accommodation for over 55s, has been built on the former site of Coleshill Heath School. Solihull Community Housing (SCH) has said that the project is the largest of its kind it has created.
RISING crime and police cuts have left many residents living in fear, a meeting heard this month. Several councillors from the north of the borough raised these concerns directly during a Q&A with the region’s Police and Crime Commissioner. And their comments came on the back of reports that groups were getting together in areas such as Chelmsley Wood to conduct unofficial street patrols. Councillor Cheryl BuxtonSait (Green, Castle Bromwich) highlighted the problems in the community. “Burglary is endemic in my ward ... I’ve got some residents that have been very unfortunate that they’ve been burgled not once but twice. “I’ve got residents that are at the point where they’re scared to leave their houses overnight.” Coun Bob Sleigh, Leader of the Council, told the PCC he was constantly contacted by constituents who had concerns “It is really now where you prioritise the next policing plan to restore public confidence in our police service and to make people feel safe in their homes.” Coun Ben Groom (Green, Smith’s Wood) said: “I’m sure it hasn’t escaped your
attention that the West Midlands is now, outside of London, the worst place in the country for knife crime.” Total recorded crime rose across the borough in July to September, but the highest rate of offending continues to be in the north. There were 409 offences in Chelmsley Wood, with more than four times the 97 incidents logged in Knowle. Over the same threemonth period, there were 312 offences in Smith’s Wood and 278 in Kingshurst & Fordbridge. The PCC, David Jamieson, said: “I always remind councillors and Members of Parliament that all of your constituents are my constituents as well. “Because they are people who can vote me in, or vote me out as they choose. “The reduction of crime and reduction of harm to people is the single most important thing that we do.” But he warned that officers were having to deal with rising levels of violent crime and new types of offences despite significant budget cuts. He reminded the Full Council meeting that West Midlands Police had 2,000 fewer officers than seven years ago.
Christmas gift for area’s homeless A CASTLE Bromwich takeaway has announced plans to hold a special dinner for the homeless on Christmas Day. Lime Pickle, in Windleaves Road, recently confirmed it would be serving hot food and drink to some of the region’s most vulnerable residents on December 25. Setting out its plans on Facebook, the Indian eatery said: “The holidays are a time for everyone to come together with their families and friends.”
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Page 2 Other Side of Solihull
Battle of the bulge: Bid to combat obesity trend War hero’s special day PCSO Allan Cameron and Laurie Brunger
A WAR hero has praised a PCSO for “making his day” after he recently arranged for him to attend the unveiling of a war memorial statue. PCSO Allan Cameron struck up a friendship with World War II veteran Laurie Brunger last summer, while out on patrol in Kingshurst. Mr Brunger told the officer all about his time as a sailor and how he often wondered if any of his old shipmates were still around. Touched by the tales, Allan contacted Elaine Butler, who sits on Solihull’s Independent Advisory Group and also happens to work for The British Legion. Together with Solihull Council, they managed to put Mr Brunger in touch with some of his old comrades and invited him to
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the unveiling of a new Tommy sculpture in Shirley. PCSO Cameron, from the Castle Bromwich and Smith’s Wood neighbourhood team, said: “After hearing everything Laurie has done for his country I wanted to do something special for him. By working with partner agencies, we were able to link Laurie to his old regiment and welcome him to the unveiling of the new Tommy statue. “It was a really special day and great to see how much it meant to Laurie.” Other Side of Solihull recently reported that another of the Tommy statues has been erected in Woodlands Cemetery, near Chelmsley Wood.
SMITH’S Wood school pupils are far more likely to be overweight than those living in Solihull’s more affluent areas, recent figures suggest. The data presented to councillors revealed almost one in four Year 6 pupils growing up on the estate could be classed as “very overweight”. By comparison, the number of children in Knowle who would be placed in that category is around seven per cent. It is the latest startling statistic, demonstrating just how much North Solihull is lagging behind the rest of the borough when it comes to health. In an attempt to close the gap, a new initiative has recently been launched which aims to encourage physical activity in more deprived areas. The Active Communities programme has seen Solihull Council pair up with neighbouring Birmingham City Council, Sports England and the Active Wellbeing Society. The north of the borough is one of six neighbourhoods across Birmingham and Solihull where efforts are being targeted.
Ian Mathis, the council’s assistant director for health and wellbeing, said the authorities needed to take a different approach if they were to make an impact. “We’ve got a problem on our hands and we know it’s a wicked problem,” he said. “There are no easy answers. “We are encouraged to take escalators, we are encouraged to take the car. We need to disrupt that system a little bit if we are to get people more active.” Millions of pounds in National Lottery cash is being sunk into the project over the course of the next four years. Numerous studies have shown that North Solihull residents die, on average, more than a decade before those living south of the A45. Locals are also more likely to develop disabilities earlier in life and suffer from serious health problems, including cancer and heart disease. On the issue of obesity, Coun Mark Wilson (Green, Smith’s Wood) has recently suggested that there should be greater restrictions on takeaways. He voiced fears that in his ward there were two fast food outlets and a Greggs in close proximity to a nearby primary school.
Cheap petrol blamed for road chaos ROAD chiefs are investigating concerns raised by residents about traffic jams in Castle Bromwich. A couple of months ago almost 800 people had backed calls for the council to take another look at controversial changes to the road layout. Critics claim the Hurst Lane Place Project, completed three years ago, had made congestion far worse. Although at a meeting last month, Coun Ted Richards, cabinet member for transport and highways, suggested cheap petrol was part of the problem. He believed jams were made worse because drivers were queuing to enter the Morrisons filling station and blocking Chester Road. Coun Richards said: “I noticed in the press today that they are offering 10p off it if you spend £50 in the store, so I’m sure that’s likely to make the situation probably even worse. At the end of the day, one of the big problems there is driver behaviour...” He said that he had contacted the local police sergeant to ask if officers could help make sure motorists stuck to the traffic regulations. Addressing road safety concerns, he said that in the
The Hurst Lane Place Project, in Castle Bromwich. three years prior to the changes there had been nine injuries, one of which was serious. In the three years since, there had been four injury accidents – none of which were classed as serious. Highways officials are due to report back in more detail about the issues at the location in the New Year.
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Former Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington visits Marston Green Junior School.
Concern as planners continue to ‘nibble away’ at our green spaces
‘We’ll be living like battery hens’ RESIDENTS have said they will continue to oppose any suggestion of development on an area of open space in Chelmsley Wood. Earlier this month, local people poured into the Fordbridge Centre and said that the plot of land at Clopton Crescent must be preserved. Back in October, in the face of fierce criticism, Solihull Council agreed to defer a decision on disposing of the site. And now those living nearby are demanding that the proposals, which could pave the way for a new housing development, be permanently shelved. At the meeting of
Fordbridge Town Council, emotions ran high, with a number of residents arguing the estate’s green spaces were under siege. John Tocker, who lives in Newby Grove, said that “land-grabbing” would leave local people living like battery hens. “I want the freedom of an open space, just to walk down the road and enjoy the nature and the sights. “We want the freedom to choose to walk our dog, to kick the ball, to skip, to run, play hide and seek, what the kids have done over the generations.” The 76-year-old’s fear was that “enclosing” residents in could herald a return to the crowded estates he had
grown up in. “Chelmsley Wood was built on the concept of open, green pocket spaces, because the planners of the day realised what people from Nechells, Aston and areas like that were living with.” Ian Reece, from the Bacons End Triangle Residents Association, said there had been no consultation “of any relevance” with local people “What’s wrong with asking local residents what they think of the quality of their green space, that they use, that nobody else does?” Coun David Cole, who is both a town and borough councillor, said he was “alarmed” by proposals. “My children thrived when they came here, it was the
Success for annual festive campaign GENEROUS residents have once again thrown their support behind North Solihull’s Christmas hamper campaign. Pupils from Coleshill Heath School and Fordbridge Community Primary donated more than 130 hampers. These will be delivered to elderly and vulnerable residents, including victims of crime, in the local community. Fordbridge Primary said: “We are extremely proud of our parents/carers, pupils and staff who have contributed so many hampers for such a fantastic cause!”
The annual campaign, co-ordinated by Solihull Council’s neighbourhood team, started a few years ago. Its success was praised by Coun Karen Grinsell, cabinet member for adult social care and health, at this month’s Full Council meeting. During the same discussion, Chelmsley Wood councillor James Burn had reminded members how many people suffer loneliness over the festive period. Previous research by the mental health charity Mind suggested that one in 10, 25 to 34-yearolds, spend December 25 on their own.
best thing we ever done. And green space was the reason why we came. “And they’ve been nibbling away, bit by bit, place by place.” John Halton, from the North Solihull Partnership, which oversees the Regeneration project, said there was an urgent need to build new homes. “I appreciate people don’t often welcome housing, but with affordable housing there is a dire need. Not only here in the borough but nationally. “Obviously we want to make sure that we can take as many opportunities as possible to provide that.” He insisted that current plans would mean only a fifth of the land would be built on. And it was intended that developers would invest in improvements to what remains, which could include an upgraded football pitch. Solihull Council has confirmed it is still considering options for Clopton Crescent and two other sites in Smith’s Wood (at Anglesey Avenue and Auckland Drive). A date has yet to be set for the matter to go back to the cabinet.
Golden girl dives in to congratulate star pupil ONE of Britain’s most successful Olympians recently dropped in at a North Solihull school. Double gold medallist Rebecca Adlington had visited Marston Green Juniors to congratulate one of its pupils. Eight-year-old Isabella Collins had won a competition to design a banner for leisure centre operator Everyone Active. As a reward, arty Isabella and her classmates were invited to join Rebecca for a swimming masterclass at North Solihull Sports Centre. “We received so many exceptional entries to the competition, but Isabella’s really stood out,” said the star of the London and Beijing Games. Isabella’s headteacher Lynn Clark said: “We are so proud of Isabella and it has been such an amazing experience for both her and her classmates. “For our pupils to spend time with such an inspirational Olympian like Becky was a wonderful and memorable day for us all.”
Village sing-song A TRADITIONAL Christmas carol service will be taking place in Marston Green this month. Organisers are hoping villagers will join them for the sing-song on December 18. Meet at the Garden of Memory at 7pm. There will be carols and readings followed by refreshments.
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Lady Leshurr pays tribute to Kingshurst KINGSHURST grime artist Lady Leshurr has spoken about the enormous debt she owes to the area where she grew up. The performer, whose songs have attracted international recognition – and millions of hits – on YouTube, returned to the estate where she grew up for the recent radio feature. The 28-year-old honed her skills at the local youth club, originally performing as ‘Lady L’ – although she expressed her regret that the facility had since shut down. “I’m happy I was brought up in Kingshurst,” she said. “I wasn’t in an area where there was a lot of violence, a lot of drugs happening and stuff. I was actually in a very quiet area ... everything was pretty good growing up as far as going outside and being able to do what I needed to do. So Kingshurst is a big, big, big part of me as an artist.” Despite being from one of the few black families
‘... I will never, ever forget this place – this made me who I am’ in a predominantly white area, the artist said she hadn’t really encountered racism on the estate. “None of that really affected the way I grew up or how I used to express on the mic.” Though she originally feared her Brummie accent could hold her back, she now believes it is ”refreshing” to hear different dialects in grime music. “I’m blessed because I’m just being myself.” Returning to the premises where she had first nurtured her talents, she described it as “the best place”.
Queen’s award for dedicated volunteers THE tireless work of volunteers -– who help those in greatest need – recently received the Royal seal of approval. Seeds of Hope, in Over Green Drive, was bestowed with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services in the Birthday Honours List. They have now been presented with the prestigious award by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the West Midlands, John Crabtree OBE. The gong recognises the outstanding voluntary work carried out by Seeds of Hope for more than a decade. Based at St Barnabas Community Hub, in Kingshurst, the team run a range of activities. Project worker Jean Johnson said: “Many of the volunteers have been with us since we started 16 years ago. They have helped hundreds of local people since then and this fantastic award is a wonderful tribute to their RESIDENTS have lost their battle to enthusiasm and dedication. stop an eight-house development in “Seeds of Hope has always Kingshurst, despite concerns it would been a special group and cause a raft of problems. receiving the [award] is Last month, Solihull Council’s something that we’re all very planning committee gave the nod to proud of.” the scheme, which will see the semiThe team host a support detached homes erected on land at group for those recovering 214, Cooks Lane. from strokes, a sequence Many neighbours had objected on dancing group for the over the grounds that the housing would 60s and organise day trips and add to parking problems in the area. talks for older residents. They also argued there were a And they will once again number of unanswered questions about be laying on Christmas dinner accessing the site and where wheelie for local people who would bins would be placed. otherwise be spending the Amo Bassi, who moved into the area festive season alone.
The community centre, in Marston Drive, was a victim of cutbacks to facilities around the borough. “I wish it was still open, unfortunately it’s been shut down. This whole place shaped me as an artist and MC. “If it was open I would be able to show you guys the actual Seeds room where I recorded of Hope my first mix tape when volunteers I was 14. I mixed and Jan Rix mastered it myself ... and Ann and that’s just due to Sherriff having the space and with the the facilities to be able Lordto do that. Lieutenant “So I will never, for the ever forget this place. West This made me who I Midlands, am. This created Lady John Leshurr shall I say.” Crabtree OBE The full hour-long programme is available on the Red Bull Radio website.
New houses ‘will affect the community’ earlier this year, had said the decision would “affect the future” of the community. “[This] has all the ingredients to lead to neighbourhood disputes,” he told the committee. Coun David Cole (Lab, Kingshurst & Fordbridge) said Cooks Lane was already heavily congested and he had “grave concerns” about the proposal. “The parking issue is still prevalent and in time the residents will be proved right,” he said. Councillors, who had deferred their decision following a previous meeting in September, argued they could only consider the parking issue.
Their officers had said they were content that sufficient spaces were available to meet the needs of the scheme, which will provide supported living to those with disabilities. Coun Diana Holl-Allen (Con, Knowle) said: “There’s absolutely no reason I believe not to approve it.” A number of members sympathised with concerns that numerous bins would be piled up on one street corner, but admitted this didn’t fall within their remit. The committee eventually voted in favour of the plans by a majority of seven to two.
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Work on the HS2 rail link is due to start in earnest in the coming months
Concept art for the Interchange Station, which will be a key part of the HS2 rail link.
Fears rail works could grid-lock Chester Road CONCERNS have been raised that the Chester Road could be flooded with construction traffic when work starts on the HS2 rail link. There have been complaints about congestion at several points along one of North Solihull’s busiest routes. And Meriden’s MP, Dame Caroline Spelman, is worried that a further increase in vehicles may make matters worse. She has suggested it might be more appropriate for the lorries to make greater use of the Collector Road instead.
Pointing out that the dual carriageway had been built to ease traffic on the M6, she believed it could have key role to play. “The Chester Road is very, very busy, very congested,” she told HS2 officials earlier this month. [It] has had some pedestrianisation, which means it has actually been narrowed to slow the traffic. “And in the rush hour it becomes very congested. It’s a ribbon development, so you’ve got residential [homes] close to the highway along the entire length of it. “Traffic can be stationary at times
Online support for mums A NEW Facebook group has been set up for Castle Bromwich mums on maternity leave. The forum was launched a few months ago to “offer support, share relevant events and organise meet-ups to reduce the risk of loneliness and isolation whilst on maternity.” A recent survey by polling firm ComRes found that almost half of women are lonely during this period. Almost a third didn’t enjoy maternity as much as they thought they would and two in five found they missed being at work.
Police seized quad bike ANOTHER quad bike has been taken off the streets in Smith’s Wood. The vehicle was seized by police in Windward Way on December 5. Local officers have vowed to continue a crackdown on the bikes being ridden in an illegal or anti social manner.
and I wondered if any more thought had been given to getting the traffic off onto the Collector Road.” Jonathan Lord, HS2’s senior area engagement manager, said that the company would look at the issues and report back next year. With construction due to start in earnest in the coming months, fears that the project could cause great disruption on local roads have grown. It has already been reported that one route in the Balsall Common area will be used by up to 400 vehicles a day.
Event neglected COMPARATIVELY few Chelmsley Wood residents attended an event to view plans for the HS2 Interchange Station. The designs for the new site, set to be built near the NEC, were officially unveiled in October this year. And while more than 1,000 people examined the plans at a series of roadshows, the event at The Loft had the lowest attendance. According to figures from HS2 Ltd fewer than 100 people dropped in.
No project to redress land loss THERE has been disappointing news for Chelmsley Wood residents waiting to discover how they will be compensated for the impact of HS2. Locals had been hoping that a significant improvement project would be announced to make up for the loss of part of Heath Park. One proposal would have been to invest money in Bluebell Park, a short distance away, but this month it was confirmed that any scheme would not be specifically incorporated into HS2’s mitigation measures. Instead it would depend on a successful bid to the project’s Community and Environment Fund. Coun Karl Macnaughton (Green, Chelmsley Wood) said: “That is obviously a potential avenue for some improvements. “I am disappointed. I was very much led to believe there would be more to come
... and if that’s all that’s come I think that’s quite poor.” Dame Caroline Spelman had said that she would like to see residents offered assistance in preparing bids. “It is going to require a bit of extra help. Goodwill will stand you in good stead during what is inevitably a period of disruption.” Residents have been pushing for answers for several years as to how they will be compensated for the removal of land at Heath Park. It had originally been hoped that a replacement open space would be provided at Brickfields Farm. But this proposal was ruled out when the HS2 plans progressed through the House of Lords. This prompted some to suggest that the improvements to Bluebell Park would be a sensible alternative.
Page 6 Other Side of Solihull
Bookies punished for gambler’s stolen stash The 54-year-old, of Somerton Drive, was jailed for five years in December 2017. Now the Gambling Commission, the industry’s official regulator, has rapped the bookies for not carrying out sufficient checks. Richard Watson, from the watchdog, said: “Operators have a duty to all of their customers to seek to prevent the proceeds of crime from being used in gambling.”
It has been confirmed that the Dogs’ Home, based at Catherine de Barnes, will get back the money that Price gambled. Peter Jackson, Paddy Power Betfair’s chief executive, apologised for the failings. He said: “In recent years, we have invested in an extensive programme of work to strengthen our resources and systems in responsible gambling and customer protection.”
Display tells the tales behind our war memorials THE story of a national hero with links to Castle Bromwich is among the extraordinary tales recounted in a new First World War exhibition. William Leefe Robinson has been
awarded the Victoria Cross after becoming the first British pilot to shoot down a German zeppelin on home soil. The pilot, who became an overnight celebrity, was so shocked
Coun Joe Tildesley, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and sport and Solihull Mayor, Coun Flo Nash, at the exhibition.
by the sudden fame and swooning women that he soon begged for a posting to the Western Front! While his place in the history books has been assured – some claim his VC was the fastest ever presented – the local connection is rather less known. It has been documented by Solihull Council’s heritage and local studies team and features in the Solihull Remembers exhibition, at The Core Theatre. The display collates more than four years of painstaking research by the heritage experts and local studies team. Their investigations shed light on those local men who had fought in the conflict, as well as the impact the war effort had here in the borough. Tracey Williams, who oversaw the project, said: “We wanted to tell the stories behind the names on our war memorials.” In the case of Mr Robinson, he had trained at Castle Bromwich in 1915,
William Leefe Robinson
A BETTING firm was recently fined more than £2 million after allowing a Marston Green man to gamble money stolen from a charity. Paddy Power Betfair was ordered to pay the hefty penalty for failing to prevent two customers from frittering away significant sums. One of them was Simon Price, the former boss of Birmingham Dogs’ Home, who had defrauded the organisation out of hundreds of thousands.
a year before he brought down the enemy airship. The use of a new type of incendiary bullet was a landmark moment, effectively bringing the German bombing campaign to a juddering halt. As for the young pilot, still only 21 years old, he would eventually get his wish and was posted to France, but was tragically captured on his first patrol. His incarceration took a heavy toll on his health and while he survived to be released, he would sadly succumb to the Spanish Flu on New Year’s Eve 1918. The exhibition also details those recruited to fight from Marston Green’s Cottage Homes and the auxiliary hospital also set up in the village. Launched to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, when the guns finally fell silent, the exhibition runs until February 2.
Grave concern: cemetery will be full in five years
Appeal launched for defibrillator
NORTH Solihull residents must have access to a local cemetery, councillors have said. They have made their feelings known after being warned that Woodlands Cemetery will be full within five years. Solihull Council has already been investigating the options to extend the site, near Chelmsley Wood. However, it has proven difficult to find land to expand the facility. There is also the added complication that the site is in fact just over the border with Warwickshire. Alan Brown, assistant director for highways and the
MERIDEN Adventure Playground is hoping to raise the funds to install lifesaving equipment on site. Last month, volunteers launched an online appeal to place a defibrillator at the popular play facility. The playground has said that the kit – to be used if someone suffers a cardiac arrest – would be a major asset. “By having a defibrillator on the outside of the building this will enable local people in the community to access in an emergency situation. “[It would provide] peace of mind that in an emergency, in a remote park, this equipment could potentially save a life.” The campaign, set up on the Local Giving website, aims to raise £2,300.
environment, warned the project was unlikely to be cheap or easy. Despite this, a scrutiny board has insisted that council officers press on and try to find a solution. Their fear is that should Woodlands run out of burial space, it will create obvious problems for those nearby. Bereaved relatives, many of them elderly, might face difficulties travelling to cemeteries further afield. And should burials have to take place in other local authorities, the cost is likely to be higher for families.
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Watt a great idea! New club’s eco cars for hire RESIDENTS in North Solihull are being urged to take advantage of a new car club which has been launched in the local area. E-Car Club allows local people to hire one of 18 electric Renaults which are being placed at their disposal. Vehicles are available to hire for as little as £3.50 an hour as part of a scheme designed to provide a cheap alternative to taxis. It has been decided to pilot the initiative in the north of the borough, where there are thousands of people who drive but don’t own a car. And the fact that the fleet is entirely electric is seen as a step on the road to encouraging more people to use the greener cars.
‘Apart from the environmental benefits from this scheme which I am sure we all support, we are also helping to reinforce our region’s position as the centre for battery-powered vehicle design and manufacture’ Coun Ted Richards, cabinet member for transport and highways, said Solihull Council was committed to promoting electric vehicles, as part of efforts to tackle air pollution. Speaking at the initiative’s official launch, in his own Castle Bromwich ward, he said he had high hopes for the scheme. “This is an exciting project for the
north of the borough, providing a flexible and affordable option to residents.” The hatchbacks have a range of up to 180 miles on a single charge and can be connected to the facilities which have been specially installed in the area. The charging points have been created at locations including Parkfield Drive and Burtons Farm
Park, in Smith’s Wood. Some of the cars have been emblazoned with eyecatching artwork, to help promote the scheme, with others having rather plainer paint jobs. Russell Fenner, E-Car Club’s head of innovation, believed that attitudes to the technology had seen a significant shift since the start of the decade. He pointed out that models were becoming a more common sight nationwide and that the Government was moving to phase out petrolpowered vehicles “You did used to get those questions about how fast they could go and things like that, but that’s changing.” The West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, also gave his wholehearted backing to the car club. “Apart from the environmental benefits from this scheme which I am sure we all support, we are also helping to reinforce our region’s position as the centre for battery-powered vehicle design and manufacture.” While car clubs have previously been launched in different parts of the UK, they tend to target more affluent city areas. There are hopes that the success of a scheme in an area where car ownership is lower will prove that similar initiatives can be rolled out elsewhere.
Candlelight carols
Coun Ted Richards launches the E-Car Club in Castle Bromwich
Plan to clampdown on obstructive parking PROBLEM parking in a part of Marston Green has been identified as the No 1 priority for Solihull’s road chiefs next year. Last month, the Highways Department confirmed the 12 requests for highways restrictions it was planning to take forward in 2019/20. And having weighed up the various criteria, officers believe that the obstructive parking in Land Lane and Elmdon Lane was the single biggest issue. Other locations where there is set to be action include Saxon Way, Kingshurst, and Blackcat Close,
Nineacres Drive and Arderne Drive – where parking is reportedly preventing bin collections. The nine remaining sites are in the south of the borough. Solihull Council receives scores of requests for traffic regulation orders (TROs) each year, but its £30,000 budget is usually only enough to cover the costs of between 10 and 12 schemes. A points-based system is used to decide which appeals will be treated as a priority. Around 25 others are put on a reserve list.
OH come all ye faithful ... a Candlelight Carol Concert is taking place in Chelmsley Wood. North Solihull Singers will be belting out a range of festive favourites at the Three Trees Centre, All money raised from the event will go to Solihull’s care leavers, supporting young people over the Christmas period. The concert will be held on Tuesday, December 18, starting at 7.30pm. Entry is £4 per person.
Station’s new friends A NEW Friends of Marston Green Station group has been launched in the village. The band of volunteers will work to improve the station and its surroundings, with regular meetings throughout the year. The group, which has its own Facebook page, is hoping it can enlist more support from local people. A number of residents have already got in touch with suggestions about how to improve the station’s facilities.
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