MARCH/APRIL 2019
Other Side Of
Off-road bike misery p2 Sing to boost health p3 Wildflower scheme p4 Cemetery booze ban p5
Solihull Second BAFTA for Castle Brom film-maker Castle Brom, Kingshurst, Chelmsley Wood, Smith’s Wood and Marston Green
A FILM-maker who grew up in Castle Bromwich has once again won one of the industry’s top awards. Jonathan Hodgson was delighted to pick up a second BAFTA for his animation Roughhouse – inspired by real-life events from his student days. The 15-minute film – which took 15 years to bring to the screen – bagged the award for best British short animation at last month’s glittering awards ceremony. The project was completed last year having been put together over more than a decade. Speaking to Other Side of Solihull, Mr Jonathan Hodgson Hodgson said: “It’s not often you finish a film and collects his BAFTA get immediate success. “There’s a lot of highs and lows on a long Roughhouse won project like this, one of the big highs is actually “Best British short getting the money to make it! animation” “Then it’s a slog to get it done and there’s relief when you finish and a pause to see what the world thinks.” Roughhouse was inspired by events which unfolded in the student digs the creator had shared with friends several decades ago. When one of the group stopped playing the rent, the other flatmates had “made his life a misery”. “We wondered how we could have done that to someone who was a friend,” said Mr Hodgson, now 58. “It was something I felt uneasy about, but I also thought it was worth talking about and exploring. studying illustration in Brighton and head to “As a film-maker you are always looking for Merseyside. It was only when he was signed up a good story and if you experienced something on the animation course that the path for his yourself then that makes it easier in a way.” future career was laid out. The former Park Hall School pupil had enjoyed And today he has come full circle, helping tutor the likes of Tom and Jerry and Wacky Races as a the next generation through his lecturing work at child, but hadn’t considered a career in animation. Middlesex University. In fact it was the chance to soak in Liverpool’s He says that those entering the industry “have vibrant music scene that tempted him to stop to enjoy hard work” but it is an exciting time for
British animation. “I think generally it’s a good time ... Ten years ago, with the crash, I would say it was particularly awful. “Now, even with Brexit, there’s a lot of investment in this country at the moment and it’s going to get better. “It varies from a couple of people working in a little studio to anything up to 600 people working in more like a factory.” Mr Hodgson has a few ideas for future projects but said it wasn’t always a good idea to rush into a new production. “Good ideas don’t just come when you want them. That’s the frustrating thing with being an artist or film director or writer. “It’s like waiting for buses, you might get three come along at once!”
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Page 2 Other Side of Solihull
Frustration as off-road bike nuisance resumes Camera catches speedy drivers THOUSANDS of drivers have been caught by the speed cameras installed in Castle Bromwich. Recent figures confirmed that 3,420 offences were recorded by the devices on the Bradford Road. This is more than half the 6,015 incidents captured at three sites in Solihull between August 2016 and March last year. Solihull Council recently confirmed it would look at the options for expanding the technology to other sites.
POLICE have warned there is no easy way to deal with the offroad bikes that are a regular sight around North Solihull. Several councillors are concerned that the problems have returned with a vengeance. And anger at riders who race around local parks and along pavements often comes hand-in-hand with calls for the authorities to do more to stop them in their tracks. There was, however, a good result this month, with more than 20 men – including several local residents – being sentenced by the courts.
The gang were convicted for taking part in a mass ride-out, which had caused mayhem on local streets in June 2016. But debate continues about how best to handle the issue, with concerns that complaints are once again on the increase. At a recent scrutiny board, Coun Mark Wilson (Green, Smith’s Wood) said: “Dirt bikes, scramblers, quads, whatever you want to call them ... It’s starting to rise again. “I have been told that they’re coming from Shard End some times, that they are crossing boundaries into Castle Bromwich, Kingshurst and Chelmsley Wood.” Supt Richard Agar, from Solihull Police,
Police seize bikes during an operation a few years ago.
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admitted there was not “an easy fix” but there had been some success with prosecutions and injunctions. “It is a challenge in terms of what we do, but a couple of things we are exploring at the moment include community protection notices...” Officers are also doing more work to direct riders to dedicated race tracks. While the recent court case saw a number of people jailed for public nuisance, the same meeting heard that getting results wasn’t always easy. Caroline Naven, the council’s head of neighbourhood and regulatory services, said this could prove “frustrating”. “We had an operation that involved 200 offenders, 45 of the cases got to court and of those 45 the majority of them were found not guilty. “I just don’t think people are appreciating the gravity of that offence and how much of an issue it causes to local communities. The danger it poses...” Another borough councillor, Robert Hall (Ind, Kingshurst & Fordbridge) had recently warned that bikers using Babbs Mill were putting local lives at risk.
Containers to form indoor Event to sync facilities for playground with Velo ride PLANS to create an indoor area at Meriden Adventure Playground have been given the green light. Solihull Council has approved placing two converted shipping containers at the Chelmsley Wood site. Submitting its application earlier this year, the playground said that it lacked any indoor facilities which meant that visitor numbers tailed off during the winter months. The “much-needed” changes will provide a space for the children and will also be available as an office and for storage.
Ali Wood, from the Meriden Adventure Playground Association (MAPA), said: “The containers would be converted and fitted out off-site. “Then transported ... and installed via a crane onto a concrete or paved base.” Coun Chris Williams (Green, Chelmsley Wood) had supported the plans, arguing they would have “significant” benefits locally. Officers approved the proposals earlier this month and it’s hoped the containers will be in place in time for next winter.
A FAMILY event will be taking place in Kingshurst to coincide with a major cycle ride in around six weeks’ time. Activities will be held at Babbs Mill on May 12, to coincide with the Velo Birmingham and Midlands. Around 17,000 riders will be travelling the 100-mile course, 25 miles of which are in Solihull. Council chiefs hope the ride will be a major boost for the borough’s economy, although some residents worry about disruption. The family event at Babbs Mill will run from 11am-12.30pm, with a gazebo, coffee cart and games activities. More details are set to be announced closer to the time.
Other Side of Solihull Page 3
Join our community choir and sing yourself to health A CHELMSLEY Wood-based singing group is on the lookout for new members. The Wellbeing Community Choir uses music and song to promote physical and mental health. Originally set up by the NHS, funding ceased four years ago and the project was taken forward by a small group of volunteers. The choir featured in last year’s Commonwealth Games handover ceremony in Birmingham. Sessions take place each Monday evening at the Fordbridge Centre, in Nineacres Drive (5.30-7pm). If you are interested in joining or would like further details call Keely on 0784 192 4289 or email thewellbeingchoir@outlook. com
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The Wellbeing Community Choir holds weekly rehearsals
Cuts dubbed ‘cruel and unsustainable’ TENSIONS over the gulf between different parts of the borough once again bubbled to the surface in last month’s budget debate. Solihull councillors traded blows over the area’s inequality in an often passionate meeting at the council house. The exchanges between the ruling Conservative group and opposition parties were reminiscent of those last year. The Tories said they had managed to keep the increase in council tax to 2.9 per cent and insisted Solihull’s finances were well-managed. However, the Greens said that austerity had taken a heavy toll on services and it was the most vulnerable residents who would suffer. Chelmsley Wood councillor Karl Macnaughton (Green) described the cuts as “cruel and unsustainable”. “I do appreciate that’s not entirely this council’s fault,” he said. “This is largely due to government funding but why are we still silent on that? When are we going to actually speak out? It’s all very well doing our
‘...What we’ve got – I think most people agree here – is not enough ... We need more funding’ best, which we have to do with what we’ve got. “But what we’ve got – I think most people agree here – is not enough ... We need more funding.” He pointed out that core spending for older adults was now at “the absolute statutory minimum”. Fellow ward councillor Chris Williams said: “This council is overseeing widening of inequality. “We haven’t got all the measures that we need to actually tackle it.” He argued the public health budget had been “plundered”, meaning there was no longer support for a Wildlife Trust mental health project in Chelmsley Wood. Senior Conservatives had hit back, attacking the Greens for failing to put
Friends request to adopt station FRIENDS of Marston Green Station are set to make a formal application to “adopt” the site. The group is preparing to lodge the request with West Midlands Railway. The Friends will hold their next formal meeting at St Leonard’s Church in May.
Coun Karl Macnaughton forward an alternative budget for the year ahead. Coun Ted Richards (Con, Castle Bromwich) made a strong defence of his party’s record and the support for the north of the borough. “I do take exception to one remark which was made over there that we only care about certain parts of the borough. “There’s been an argument ever since I came on this council [in 1984] that there’s the north and the south. “There isn’t ... there’s one borough. And we’re all here to look after all of the residents of the borough. And that’s what this administration has done...” The £147 million budget will run from next month. The increase in council tax will mean a £38 increase for those in a ‘Band D’ property.
Calls to clean up roadside rubbish MORE than 200 people have backed calls to clear-up one of North Solihull’s busiest roads. An online petition, launched by Smith’s Wood Litter Pickers, has complained about the current condition of the A452 Collector Road. The group has said that the dual carriageway is in a “disgraceful” state, with litter strewn along the roadside and fly-tipping in the lay-bys. Only a few weeks ago, reams of newspaper littered the verge at the Pimple Hill end. The petition urges Solihull Council to carry out a clean-up, consider installing litter bins and repair fencing along the embankment – to prevent larger items being dumped. Derek Churchard, among those to put their name to the appeal, said: “I’m appalled at the impression the rubbish gives to visitors coming to Solihull.” The transport and highways team is expected to consider the requests once the petition has been formally submitted.
Page 4 Other Side of Solihull
Parade aims to improve health REBUILDING Kingshurst Parade will be about more than just bricks and mortar, council officers have insisted. The local authority believes that the scheme offers wider opportunities to make major improvements to the local area. They include designing a centre which will deter anti-social behaviour and encourage healthier lifestyles. It is widely acknowledged
that the ageing parade, which dates from the 1960s, is far from perfect. Units face inwards and the site has to be locked up after 9pm to keep troublemakers out. Officers believe that if visitors feel safer and there is a stronger sense of community it will improve residents’ health. The centre has been earmarked for redevelopment for over a decade.
Artist’s concept of Kingshurst Parade
‘Let’s learn from past projects’
Wildflower wonder MORE than 10,000 wildflower bulbs are set to be planted across North Solihull before March is over and done with. Details of the highly ambitious programme have been revealed by the B37 Project – which supports art and environmental schemes in the area. The bulbs have been dug into the soil at a range of sites, with hopes of colourful displays emerging in the months and years to come. Activity in recent weeks is the first phase of an even bigger horticultural project, with as many as 50,000
flowers set to be planted in the next 18 months. Bluebells, snowdrops, wild garlic and red campion are among the perennials already in place, with funding provided by the Birmingham Airport Community Fund. So far planting has taken place at locations including Chapelhouse Road, Babbs Mill and the so-called “woods with no name” – a remnant of the ancient Forest of Arden. At this spot alone there are now more than 2,000 bulbs beneath the surface. The B37 Project said: “These seemingly insignificant woods are in
fact an important reminder of B37’s natural heritage. Before the council estate was built, Chelmsley Wood was a vast woodland in the countryside, teeming with wildlife. “Older generations will remember escaping to ‘The Bluebell Wood’ for the day to take in the sights and scent of bluebells and wild garlic nestled under the mighty oaks.” It is hoped that the flowers will invoke memories of the estate’s greener past. You can find out more about the recent activity and other local schemes via the Project’s official Facebook page.
Award for breast-feeding support
The presentation at Chelmsley Library
AN INCREASING number of mums in North Solihull are breastfeeding, according to the latest figures. Around 27 per cent of women locally are now breast-feeding at six to eight weeks after giving birth. This is ahead of the target of 22 per cent but still trailing the borough as a whole. UNICEF recently gave support services in Solihull their seal of approval.
The children’s charity has declared the set-up “baby friendly”, with a special presentation at Chelmsley Wood Library. Elaine Kindred-Spalding, infant feeding co-ordinator, said: “Breast-feeding can significantly improve a child’s development so it’s really important that parents are aware of its impact and receive any support needed for their child to benefit from it.”
CHELMSLEY Wood residents will remember the shock when a popular local shop suddenly closed a few years ago. Bassi’s Supermarket, based at the old Craig Croft parade, had abruptly shut up its store/Post Office, in response to a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO). Solihull Council later admitted that it had expected the business to try to negotiate an extension instead of quietly packing up and moving on. Now Chelmsley Wood councillor Chris Williams (Green) has said that he hopes lessons will be learned from the handling of the Chelmund’s Cross redevelopment. He told a recent council scrutiny board that he would not want to see a repeat of the issue during the forthcoming redevelopment of Kingshurst Parade. “That shop was then standing empty for another 12 months, rent we could have had as well, and with a lot of elderly residents there, that caused issues.” While another Post Office later opened in Yorkminster Drive, the closure effectively killed off hopes that a branch would be worked into the redesigned village centre. Council officers have suggested that the Kingshurst scheme will differ from Chelmund’s Cross in that businesses will be able to stay open nearby during the work. Because the shopping precinct is not on a main route, like the Chester Road, the fear is that shutting down retailers during construction could kill off trade for good. It has therefore been suggested that any outlets which form part of the new development will be housed in temporary premises while building takes place.
Other Side of Solihull Page 5
Booze ban at cemetery to stop bad behaviour
Coun Alison Rolf
YOUTHS drunk on booze they had taken from graves at Woodlands Cemetery, started flinging mud among the headstones. The incident, which happened a few months ago, was one of several which has forced Solihull Council to ban alcohol from the site. It is reported that the cans and bottles left by mourners are fuelling anti-social behaviour, with thefts and threats of violence also occurring. From April 1, visitors will be forbidden from bringing in, drinking or leaving alcohol at the facility. Coun Alison Rolf, cabinet member for stronger communities and
partnerships, said it was important that people felt comfortable. “We want to make sure our cemeteries are a peaceful place for visitors when they come to pay their respects to their loved ones,” she said. “While many people are respectful when they visit, there have been times when others have behaved inappropriately. “This has been caused through drinking alcohol which they have obtained from it being left on graves.” Problems at Woodlands, which lies between Chelmsley Wood and Coleshill, have prompted Warwickshire Police to start plain-clothes patrols in the vicinity.
Commonwealth service honour for artistic Neve AN ARTY schoolgirl has been flying the flag for North Solihull... Neve Russell, a Year 6 pupil at Marston Green Juniors, had won a borough-wide contest to design a bit of artwork to celebrate the Commonwealth. Having impressed judges with her design, she was picked to give the order to raise a special flag at Solihull Council House. A number of dignitaries from around the region were there for the ceremony, held in honour of Commonwealth Day. The event takes place every March and celebrates the bonds between the group of nations, many of which were once part of the British Empire.
In addition, cemetery staff across Solihull have all been issued with personal alarms – in the event of any trouble. Julie Williams, from the council’s bereavement services team, said it was important there was a “dignified” atmosphere at the place of rest. She had told councillors about the problems over the Christmas period with youths entering the cemetery and causing trouble. “People leave cans, bottles of Jack Daniels and things like that on the graves,” she said. “They’d been drinking them and then they started throwing stones at headstones, having a mud fight from grave mounds.” On another occasion, an out-of-work adult had got very drunk on alcohol that had been left at the site. Challenged by his wife about spending money, he confessed he’d “been to Woodlands Cemetery”. The alcohol ban will also apply at the borough’s two other council-owned cemeteries – Robin Hood and Widney Manor.
Chippy open for longer! A YEAR on from its official opening, Chelmsley Wood’s community-run chippy has extended its opening hours. Chelmund’s Fish and Chips is now opening its doors 3-10pm on Mondays to Thursdays and 12noon-10pm on Friday and Saturday. The Chester Road takeaway is not open on Sundays.
Concert date Mayor of Solihull, Coun Flo Nash, meets Neve Russell and her parents.
Donations needed for charity project CAN you help a local scheme which is helping schoolgirls who can’t afford basic sanitary products? As we reported last year, the Red Box Project has been set up in North Solihull to help tackle period poverty. It is collecting essential items such as
tampons and pads to provide for free in secondary schools. But with demand growing all the time, volunteers would welcome any donations from individuals and businesses. For further details on how you can get involved, visit the group’s Facebook page.
NORTH Solihull Singers will be staging their spring concert in a few weeks’ time. The group will be performing live at the Three Trees Centre on Saturday, April 6. Proceeds from the Chelmsley Wood show will go to Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice. The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £6 each and available on 0121 582 0767.
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