West Mercia Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to after a mobile phone was stolen from a man who had fallen asleep on a bus in Rednal / Longbridge.  

The 21 year old’s phone was taken at around 7am on 12th November last year, as he travelled on a bus in Groveley Lane.

The man pictured was also on the bus and officers believe that he may have information which would help them with their enquiries.

Description:

• white man
• 20-22 years old
• tall
• short, light coloured hair
• black trousers
• blue shirt
• dark jumper.

West Mercia Police are asking the man, or anyone who recognises him, to contact them on 101 quoting incident 143S of 12 November. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or through their website. 

A giant inflatable obstacle course is set to challenge fun seekers in Cofton Park this spring!

The Gung-Ho! obstacle course provides a unique 5K fun run or fun walk experience for participants of all ages and abilities. [See video above!] The course is focused on fun and isn’t timed – but you could time yourself and your friends for an extra challenge!

The course features a selection of obstacles such as a gaggle of 6.5ft tall inflatable balls to dodge, a super bouncy air filled cushion to cross, another filled with potholes to avoid, a labyrinth and an inflatable slide as high as three double deckers.

Thrillseekers can take part just for fun or as a fundraiser for one of Gung-Ho’s supported charities (Acorns Children’s Hospice or Children in Need) or any other charity of their choice.

Event details

• When: Saturday 6th May 2017 9am – 2pm
• Where: Cofton Park, Lowhill Lane, Longbridge, Birmingham B45 8UN
• Who: There are no age restrictions – participants must be 1.23m / 4ft tall and under 11s must be accompanied by an adult
• How much: Entry costs between £31 and £60

• Find out more about Gung-Ho! Birmingham
• Buy tickets for Gung-Ho! Birmingham

West Midlands Police are investigating after a teenager suffered a stab wound in an incident in Kings Norton/Northfield this afternoon (Wednesday 18th January).

The 17 year old boy was injured in the incident, which happened at around 2.30pm in Wychall Road, near the shops close to Popes Lane.

A police spokeswoman said: “The 17-year-old was taken to hospital for treatment to a small puncture wound to his lower back. Enquiries are ongoing to trace the offenders.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

From Welsh House Farm Big Local:

The residents of Welsh House Farm in Quinton are set to celebrate in style this weekend as they get together to help launch Welsh House Farm Big Local, a project that will see the investment of an extra million pounds in the area over the next 10 years.

Big Local is a Big Lottery funded scheme that is an exciting opportunity for residents in 150 areas around England to use at least £1m each to make a massive and lasting positive difference to their communities. Big Local brings together all the local talent, ambitions, skills and energy from individuals, groups and organisations who want to make their area an even better place to live.

Its been less than a year since the project in Welsh House Farm was given the official go ahead and already they have set up a partnership board of local residents to run the project, appointed a local resident as a trainee community development worker and set up a programme including activities for young people, exercise classes for senior citizens, a community chest scheme and an environmental action group. Big Local now want to hear the ideas of more local people about what should be the priorities for the area!

The launch event on Saturday 28th of January will take place at Welsh House Farm Community School between 12.00pm and 2pm. The Free event is open to all members of the local community and there will be activities for all the family including face painting for children, arts activities for older children, stalls from local agencies who have been involved in Big local as well as refreshments and live music from Quinton’s own Community Choir! There will also be a chance to find out how you can apply for funding from the Community Chest and to participate in a consultation about what you would  like to see in area.

Michael Thawe, Development Worker for Welsh House Farm Big Local said: “We are really excited about the opportunity that Big Local represents for Welsh House Farm, it’s a chance to make a real difference for the area. This launch event is the first time we have really had the opportunity to celebrate the scheme and it is a chance to hear what the wider community want to see happen. We really need local people to get involved.”

The Welsh House Farm Big Local Launch Event takes place at Welsh House Farm Community School, Welsh House Farm Road, Quinton, B32 2NG between 12.00 and 2.00pm on Saturday 28th of January. Entrance is free. Get there early as the entertainment begins at 12.15pm

Plans to demolish a hundred year old Rubery pub, and replace it with houses, have been resubmitted to Birmingham City Council.

Built in 1811, The Cock in Rubery Lane is the oldest pub in Rubery. It has been vacant for around two years and is sadly in a state of disrepair, having been vandalised.

It is said that the RAF were billeted at The Cock Inn during WWII and operated barrage balloons at Rubery Quarry, to protect the factories in Longbridge.

Last year, Malvern Estates PLC, alongside Unique Pub Properties PLC, sought permission to develop the former coaching inn as part of a proposed housing development. The development would consist of 8 detached and 4 semi-detached homes with a private access drive running adjacent to Rubery Lane.

However, the initial application was unsuccessful with the council’s planning committee turning down the plans on the grounds that there were issues with access, meaning that vehicles, such as refuse lorries, may have to reverse out on to Rubery Lane. Another reason for refusal was that trees under a Tree Preservation Order would be affected.

Now developers have resubmitted their plans having addressed these issues. They have resubmitted new drawings to demonstrate that, in their view, there is room for large vehicles to enter the access road, turn around and exit facing forwards into Rubery Lane. They have also worked with a Tree Officer from Birmingham City Council to modify their tree plan.

The proposals state that developers have considered turning the existing building into properties but that it was unviable, citing lack of space for rear gardens and the state of disrepair of the building as some of the reasons.

Independent Cllr Ian Cruise tweeted this morning: “Of course I’m going to oppose demolition. Too much of our local heritage has been lost.”

Local residents and stakeholders have until 23rd February 2017 to submit comments for consideration by the city’s planning committee. 

You can access the planning application, view all the documents and leave your views on Birmingham City Council’s Planning Online site. Please note, this is a new amended application and if you submitted views before you may wish to submit them again.

From West Midlands Police:

Police were alerted to a sexual assault which took place around 4.15pm on Wednesday 25 January on Swinford Road, Selly Oak.

A woman was walking her dog in the alleyway when she was approached by a schoolboy who engaged her in conversation. He is then believed to have touched the woman inappropriately before walking away.

This is believed to be a random incident and officers are not linking it to other recent reports in the area.

Anyone with information or who saw any suspicious behaviour can contact police on 101.

West Midlands Police are investigating a report that a woman was sexually assaulted while walking in Quinton in the early hours of Sunday morning (29th January).

It is reported that a 19 year old woman was grabbed and assaulted by a man as she walked in White Road at around 2.30am.

The woman managed to run away and contacted police.

Description:

• White male
• Believed to be in his 50s
• Medium build
• Dark hooded top
• Black trousers

Detective Inspector Ian Ingram said: “Our officers are carrying out a thorough investigation and are currently examining CCTV and making house to house enquiries. However, we are keen to talk to anyone who saw anything which may help our enquiry.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and ask to speak to DI Ian Ingram. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously online or by calling 0800 555 111

‘SAVE OUR SCHOOL!’ Communities need local schools. Save Baverstock! @SaveBaver #Birmingham pic.twitter.com/Fl4KXhiwp7

— Momentum South Bham (@MomentumSBham) January 30, 2017

The community turned out in force tonight to make clear to a senior education official that they say “No” to the threatened closure of Baverstock Academy in Druids Heath. 

According to campaigners, around 450 people, of all political colours, turned out to a protest rally against the proposed closure, while Regional Schools Commissioner Christine Quinn met with parents and staff inside the school as part of a month long consultation. Local residents, parents, carers and pupils past and present, stood alongside politicians and activists to demand that the government “Save Baverstock”.

The school was first judged inadequate during an OFSTED inspection in 2014. In 2015, the Education Funding Agency also identified financial issues at the school and issued a ‘Notice to Improve’.

In June 2016, LEAP Academy Trust who run the school asked the Secretary of State for Education for permission to close the school. A further OFSTED report, in October 2016, concluded that the school was still ‘inadequate’ and it remains in ‘Special Measures’.

After being unable to find another sponsor to take over the Academy due to the financial and educational challenges it presents, the Regional Schools Commissioner has now opened a period of consultation before the Secretary of State makes a final decision.

Last week, the Department for Education responded to a petition presented in parliament by MP Steve McCabe (Birmingham Selly Oak, Labour) stating that a final decision will not be made until after the consultation ends on February 7th. The response, from School Standards Minister Nick Gibb, said: “The Department will ensure that children’s education is not disrupted and will work with the LEAP Academy Trust and the local authority to identify alternative places for students where needed.”

Tonight, the community demanded that Education Secretary Justine Greening MP Save Baverstock School from closure. 

Submit your views:

Parents, carers, staff or anyone else with an interest can submit their views to the Regional Schools Commissioner by:

• Email: wmacademy.responses@education.gov.uk
• Write: Office of the Regional Schools Commissioner for the West Midlands,
  Earlsdon Park,
  53-55 Butts Road,
  Coventry
  CV1 3BH.
• Responses must be received by Tuesday 7th February 2017.

The community spoke tonight! No to closure of Baverstock! @JustineGreening pic.twitter.com/GHgLZCvqzD

— Save Baverstock (@SaveBaver) January 30, 2017

Great turn out for @SaveBaver tonight 400+ Hands off Baverstock!!! No more academies @JustineGreening pic.twitter.com/y2mn2GuWbT

— nicky (@nickyebrennan) January 30, 2017

Fantastic to see a cross-party turnout tonight at the @SaveBaver rally – vitally important academy in the community! @adamhiggs5 pic.twitter.com/e5Jwj4mz4i

— Thomas Coffey (@ThomasOCoffey) January 30, 2017

At the @SaveBaver demonstration. This community wants to keep their school. #DruidsHeath: pic.twitter.com/72kh7Z8Gzo

— Claire Spencer (@thedancingflea) January 30, 2017

Across the political divide Cllrs came to @SaveBaver, thank you for supporting our school and community

— EvaPhillips (@EvaPhillips) January 30, 2017

.@B31Voices the turn out was amazing all ages past and present students a credit to the community https://t.co/Bi2zmQMvSm

— andy (@CLLRAndyC) January 30, 2017

A man has been remanded in custody on theft, fraud and begging charges relating to a string of offences which left some South West Birmingham residents afraid to answer their doors over recent weeks.

A large number of people posted on our Facebook page throughout January, complaining of a man knocking on doors – including those of elderly and vulnerable residents – and asking for money in and around the Bartley Green, Weoley and Shenley areas, often late at night.

After many called police, a local man, in his thirties, was arrested on 19th January and released on bail, pending an identification parade.

However, local residents were again reporting incidents to B31 Voices that same day and encouraged to report to 101 and the Bartley Green Neighbourhood Police team, if they had not already.

(1) Officers have arrested a male for sexual assault and begging today. Currently in custody awaiting medical assessment and interview.

— Bartley Green Police (@Bartleypolice) January 31, 2017

With continuous reports of similar incidents, the Bartley Green team again arrested the man on Tuesday 31st January and have spent the last two days working hard gathering evidence to ask the Crown Prosecution Service to remand the man in custody.

This evening (Wednesday 1st February) the CPS remanded the man in custody on seven charges ranging from begging, theft and fraud. He will appear before magistrates tomorrow.

Sgt David Cotter said: “Hard work by local Bartley Ward officers has paid off. This is a good example of police and community working together to fight crime.”

Thanks to all who reported and to Sgt Cotter and his team for their hard work. 

We’ll post more information regarding the charges if and when we are able.

Birmingham women are being encouraged to set themselves a challenge to help beat cancer by signing up to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 2017.

Cancer Research UK relies on public fundraising to be able to carry out its life-saving research. Last year, the charity spent over £9 million on research in the West Midlands – helping more men, women and children survive.

Pick your perfect challenge 

Want to seriously smash your 5k time or run your first 10k? Want to take a walk in the park with your little ones or have muddy giggles with the girls?

Race For Life offers women and girls of all shapes, sizes, abilities and (vint)ages the opportunity to challenge themselves while having fun and fundraising for this worthy cause.  Boys up to the age of 12 may also run with their families and friends.

This year,  there will be a 5k Race For Life at Cannon Hill Park in Edgbaston or if you prefer to get a bit mucky, The Pretty Muddy Race For Life 5k returns to Longbridge’s Cofton Park in July. And if you’re ready for an even bigger challenge this year, there’s a 10k race at Arrow Valley Park in Redditch in June.

Challenge yourself – help fight cancer

Deborah Jennings, Cancer Research UK’s Birmingham Event Manager, said: “Signing up to take part in Race for Life is a great way for women to set themselves a new and exciting challenge for 2017. Race for Life events are non-competitive and participants can choose to walk, jog or run around the course.

“Every day, people are diagnosed with cancer in the West Midlands. That’s why we’re calling on women in Birmingham to make 2017 a year to remember. Together, we can stop this devastating disease in its tracks.”

One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before. Survival rates have doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer sooner by funding life-saving research.

By taking part in Race for Life, YOU can make a real difference in the fight against cancer. To find out more and to sign up for Race for Life visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770

A Northfield man has been sentenced to almost 4 months in prison after assaulting a ticket inspector over a £2.20 train ticket.

Elliot Nash, 32, was verbally abusive to three revenue protection managers and refused to buy a ticket when he was challenged as he travelled on a train between Kings Norton and Northfield on 11th November 2016.

A female inspector’s body camera filmed Nash as he swore at the inspectors and threatened them with physical violence before assaulting one male inspector, pushing hum and kicking him.

Nash was identified from the footage and arrested at his Northfield home two hours later by British Transport Police officers. He was charged with common assault and two public order offences against both staff and members of the public.

Nash pleaded guilty at Birmingham Magistrates Court and on 19 January was jailed for 15 weeks.

PC Nicola Mallaber from BTP said: “Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Nash had the audacity to deny the offences initially, only changing his plea when the case went to trial.

“As the footage shows, his attitude is completely unacceptable and there was absolutely no need for this to have escalated into violence… all for the sake of a £2.20 fare.

“No member of rail staff should be spoken to in this way or attacked simply for doing their job. We hope this spell behind bars will teach Nash a valuable lesson and make him review his behaviour in the future.”

London Midland’s head of security and revenue protection, Darren Hanley, said “No colleague or customer should have to see behaviour like this when travelling by train. Fare dodging, anti-social behaviour and violence will never be tolerated by London Midland.

“In partnership with the British Transport Police and local forces we have made great strides in reducing crime and fare evasion in recent years. Incidents like this just make us more determined to make our railways even safer.”

Community partners in Longbridge ward have vowed to address community safety concerns following a series of assaults by a large group in Frankley and Longbridge last Friday night (3rd February).

And a local Inspector says police are “not aware of any problems” after a Rednal headteacher advises pupils to boycott a local youth centre until further notice.

Disorder

Police were first called when a Frankley shopkeeper was hit with a hammer after challenging a large group of around 20 young people in the Premier supermarket in Holly Hill Road just before 9pm. He was taken to hospital with a head injury but was later discharged.

Shortly afterwards, a cyclist was hit in the arm with a hammer as he passed the group close to McDonald’s in Bristol Road South, Longbridge.

A smaller group of teens was then set upon by the group, resulting in one lad receiving a superficial stab wound to his lower back. A mobile phone was also stolen.

Officers managed to arrest five of the group, aged 16 and 17, after a foot chase in the area of Longbridge Station. Enquiries are still underway into the incidents.

Community safety concerns

Since Friday, Cllr Andy Cartwright (Labour, Longbridge) has said that he will arrange to meet lead agencies “to ensure the safety of our young people and community.”

Cllr Brett O’Reilly (Labour, Northfield) said: “The acts of violence in the Longbridge area are completely unacceptable and, whilst I am relieved to hear that nobody has been seriously injured, I would hope that the perpetrators are dealt with to the full extent of the law.”

With the injured youngster being a pupil of Colmers School in Rednal, headteacher Barry Doherty spoke to pupils and sent a letter to parents and carers, advising that youngsters aren’t out alone after dark and stay in groups if they are out.

‘Unresolved concerns’ re youth centre

Although he does not suggest that any incidents on Friday night were linked to the youth centre in Longbridge, Mr Doherty’s letter also advised parents to: “prevent […] children from attending the youth club at The Factory [Young People’s Centre, Longbridge] until further notice” citing “unresolved concerns regarding this venue and whether or not it presents a risk to local children from others who would seek to intimidate or hurt others.” Read the full letter

B31 Voices has since received a number of enquiries from concerned parents, unsure whether they should allow their children to attend the Birmingham City Council run centre or not.

‘No complaint’ re youth centre

Cllr O’Reilly, who is the Cabinet Member responsible for Birmingham’s Youth Services, confirmed that no complaint had been made to the council by Mr Doherty about the facilities at The Factory: “Whilst I appreciate that the Head Teacher of Colmers School has a duty of care to his pupils, no complaint or enquiry regarding The Factory has been made by Mr Doherty. Birmingham City Council will be undertaking a full investigation, and I would urge Mr Doherty to engage fully with this process.”

Chief Inspector Mandy Platt, from Birmingham West Neighbourhood Policing Unit confirmed that West Midlands Police had not received reports of any particular concerns regarding The Factory. She said: “We are happy that the venue does not form part of our investigation at this stage and we are not aware of any problems reported to us concerning the club. If anyone has any issues they should speak to our local neighbourhood team.”

Moving forward, working together

Cllr Ian Cruise (Independent, Longbridge) said: “As a Corporate Parent, I would like to commend Mr Doherty for his commitment to safeguarding his pupils in light of this attack but would urge him to work with the staff at The Factory in eradicating any friction or tensions between the young people attending a flagship youth centre, which is involved in an amazing amount of great work. I will be in contact with Mr Doherty, our Neighbourhood Policing Team, my colleagues in both Longbridge & Northfield Wards and the staff at The Factory to work collaboratively in reducing violent incidents and foster a culture of respect between young people in the locality – no matter which school or college they attend.”

‘Isolated incident’

Chief Inspector Platt said: “Enquiries into the events on Friday night are continuing and I would like to reassure the local community that we are treating the events on Friday as an isolated incident. We have a number of extra local patrols by neighbourhood officers in place.”

Anyone with any information which may help officers investigating Friday night’s events is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you have any concerns regarding community facilities or community safety, contact one of your local councillors in Longbridge ward: Cllr Andy Cartwright, Cllr Ian Cruise, Cllr Carole Griffiths or Northfield ward: Cllr Brett O’Reilly, Cllr Debbie Clancy, Cllr Randal Brew

A woman has sadly died after being struck by a train at Barnt Green Railway Station this morning. 

British Transport Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to the station on Fiery Hill Road just before 6.55am this morning to find a woman had been in collision with a train.

A WMAS spokesman said: “Unfortunately it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.

“Early indications suggest the incident was a tragic accident.”

A full investigation will now be carried out by British Transport Police to determine exactly what happened, but they have confirmed that the death was not thought to be suspicious.

A spokesman said: “The ambulance service attended but the woman sadly died at the scene. The death is not believed to be suspicious at this time. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”

UPDATE 11.20am London Midland report all services have returned to normal

Trains between Longbridge and Redditch have been cancelled and road replacements are in place. Other services on the Cross City Line may see disruption. Updates from London Midland

image West Midlands Ambulance Service 

A West Heath care home which provides respite care services for children with severe learning disabilities looks set to close, as its services are moved across the city as part of Birmingham City Council’s budget reducing proposals.

Previous threat of closure

Charles House was previously threatened with closure in 2011/12 when the council proposed to move all respite care into foster placements. A staunch campaign was led by parents and supported by B31 Voices, Communities Against the Cuts and many local Labour politicians. After listening to parents’ views and receiving a petition of over 2600 signatories, the council backed down and maintained the invaluable service at its West Heath location. [Read about the previous campaign]

Relocating…

Although the council say there is to be no reduction in the level and amount of respite care on offer, they propose moving the service currently provided at Charles House to another facility at the other side of the city in Erdington. It is thought that some staff would move in the merger.

Andy Pepper, assistant director of Birmingham City Council’s children in care service, said: “[…] we are considering […] moving the service to a modern building which has far better facilities, and would provide a better environment for the children, with good links to the local community.”

Although Mr Pepper says the move would be for the benefit of the children in Charles House’s care, he admits that budget savings need to be made. He said: “These are part of wider changes to the disabled children’s service in response to government funding cuts which mean we need to make some savings within our service. However, this will not affect the amount of short breaks the children already receive.”

British Transport Police have issued a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to after a woman was killed in a tragic accident at Barnt Green Station yesterday morning.

According to witnesses, the woman was struck by a train as she and a man she was with tried to cross rail tracks to the other platform, just before 7am yesterday (Thursday 9th February).

The 29 year old woman from Dublin had arrived at Holyhead in Wales by ferry in the early hours of yesterday morning. She travelled to Birmingham by coach before being spotted on CCTV with a man at New Street Station at around 5.30am.

Police are not treating the death as suspicious but are keen to trace the woman’s last movements to build a full picture of what happened and they would like to speak to the man to help.

British Transport Police say that the pair are understood to have been trying to get to Worcester and boarded a Redditch-bound service shortly before 6am, getting off at Barnt Green, where they tried to walk across the line to another platform

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Fitzpatrick said: “It appears the man made it to the other side but sadly, the woman was struck and died at the scene.

“We are conducting numerous enquiries to confirm the man’s identity, but we need to find him as we believe he is a key witness and the last person to see his companion alive.

“I would like to stress he is not in any trouble – we just need to talk to him. The woman’s family are understandably devastated and it is important we understand the circumstances leading up to her death so we can give them the answers they so desperately need.

“I would also urge anyone who saw the man in the image in the Barnt Green area yesterday and knows where he may have gone after the incident to contact us.”

Anyone with info is asked to call BTP on 0800 405040 or text 61016 reference 83 of 09/02/17.

Image by David Holt on Flickr

You may have noticed that part of the car park close to Lickey Hills Visitors’ Centre has been closed off. There are also restrictions to some parts of Cofton Hill.

You may also have been alarmed to see a large pile of felled trees on the hill. 

Here Steve Hinton, Senior Ranger at Lickey Hills Country Park, explains why the work is being done and how you can help the Parks and Nature Conservation team to protect the Lickey Hills heathland.

Phytophthora ramorum: A Hidden Threat to Our Parks

You may have noticed large scale tree works being undertaken across the Lickey Hills.  We are currently undertaking this work for two very important reasons.  Not only are we trying to preserve and keep our heathlands but we are also fighting the threat of a plant disease currently impacting on our park.

Our heathlands at Lickey Hills are special and unique places.  Our heathlands contain flora and fauna that are restricted to this habitat. Heathlands nationally are a threatened habitat as they have been undervalued in the past as they had very little economic value.  If you think of the place names locally, Kings Heath, Druids Heath, Walkers Heath, West Heath, much of our area would have been covered in heathland in the past.

The heathland at Lickey Hills is even more special due to our geographical position, as our heathlands more closely resemble the upland heaths of the Cairngorm Mountains than our nearest lowland heath located at Sutton Park.  The plant that makes our heathland special is Bilberry.  Bilberry is normally associated with rugged coast lines and upland environments rather than with our lowland position.

Sadly our heathlands were planted up with Coniferous trees over eighty years ago as a cash timber crop which should have been cut down in the past. The planting of trees on our heathland was done before anyone understood the fragility of this type of habitat and how little of it remains within the UK.  The heathland habitat within the Lickey Hills has become fragmented and degraded by the planting of trees on it.  Once common species have disappeared from our heathland or are now under threat.  We have been carrying out heathland restoration work for nearly 30 years across the hills. In the past these works have been on a smaller scale and less noticeable. Sadly we have had to increase the scale of our works due to the new threat of Phytophthora ramorum.

There are lots of plant diseases out there that affect trees and plants in our parks and gardens; most of the time they live their lives unnoticed.  Occasionally something will travel from further afield which has a dramatic impact on our natural environment. Dutch Elm disease had a pronounced impact on our landscape, as Ash dieback will in years to come.  These diseases and their consequences have been heavily publicised, but have you heard of Phytophthora ramorum?

Nationally, Phytophthora ramorum is having a major impact in our parks, woodlands and gardens, and it is having a dramatic impact locally too. In 2011, Phytopthora ramorum was identified on the Lickey Hills by a routine survey from the Food and Environment Research Agency.  It was initially identified in Rhododendron, Bilberry and later in Larch and Sweet Chestnut.  A Statutory Plant Health notice was issued.  Under the terms of this notice the park is required to manage the outbreak on our land.  To manage the outbreak, infected plants and plants of the same species nearby were cut and burnt.  For the Lickeys this meant the removal and destruction of 362 mature Larch trees, 6 acres of Rhododendron, and about 100 square meters of Bilberry.

The pathogen Phytophthora ramorum that causes so much destruction belongs to a group of organisms known as the oomycetes. Until recently oomycetes were believed to be fungi as they have many characteristics, such as spores and hyphae, which are also shared by fungal species. However, they are actually more closely related to algae and are now in their own taxanomic group Chromista.  Phytophthora ramorum can infect a whole host of species although the species of concern are Bilberry, Rhododendron and Japanese Larch, as it readily sporulates in these species. There are over 20 species of native Phytopthora that live alongside our plants which don’t cause massive problems.  The Potato famine was caused by a Phytophthora, Phytophthora infestans, which gives an indication on how devastating they can be.

We are continuing to work with the Food and Environment Research Agency, The Forestry Commission, Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Animal and Plant Health Authority to manage the outbreak.  This will mean the further removal of infected plants in some cases, and the opening up of more of the heathland, as Phytophthora doesn’t like bright, dry, windy conditions. We will also close some paths through high infection areas, alter where you can ride your bike and horse and where you are able to let your dog off the lead.  The current work we are carrying out has nearly finished on Rednal Hill, although we will have to go back in to remove some larger Larch trees and remove some of the larger pieces of timber. The work on Cofton Hill will continue into March; we are hoping that we will have the car park back open and in use before the Easter Holidays and the return of the good weather.  There will be further work undertaken in September and through next autumn and winter especially across Bilberry Hill, which is suffering badly from the Phytophthora ramorum infection.  Additionally we will be carrying out some preventative work on our Sweet Chestnuts to reduce the risk of infection over the summer as well as trying to remove Larch trees before they become infected.

We would ask that you help us and support our work in trying to stop the spread of this disease by observing any closures and by cleaning your shoes, wheels, and dogs’ paws so this disease isn’t carried off site.  In order to reduce the impact of Phytophthora there are big changes happening in how the Hills look and are used.  Sadly, if we don’t take these actions, what makes the Lickey Hills such a unique place will be lost forever. 

There will be a community drop-in session in Rubery tomorrow (Thursday 16th February) ahead of major works to prevent sewer flooding to a number of homes.

Currently, some homes in the Windmill Avenue area are at risk of flooding during periods of heavy rain, as water drains from paths and roads into the sewer.

Severn Trent will be replacing existing sewer pipes with new, much bigger pipes, allowing surface water to drain away much more quickly and minimising the current flooding risk to homes.

Works will begin on March 13th and complete in December. There will be some disruption and road closures / diversions around Windmill Avenue, Leasowe Road, Segbourne Road and Waseley Road.

Noor Kanber, from Severn Trent, said: “This is a really important project for residents in Windmill Avenue who are currently at risk of sewer flooding – that’s why we’ve taken the decision to invest in new pipes to help prevent the problem from happening. To do this our contractors Amey will be installing much bigger pipes that can remove twice as much waste water. This will mean that during heavy downpours the sewers should be able to cope with the quick increase in water.

“We’ve been working closely with the local council to plan in this work and now we’d like to invite local residents to come and see us to find out more about the scheme and share their views.”

Severn Trent’s mobile community office which will be outside Select and Save in Windmill Avenue tomorrow afternoon (Thursday 16th) between 4pm and 6.30pm.

Noor said: “Our engineers will work as quickly as possible to complete the work and they will consult with local residents before starting any work outside their homes. We know that some disruption will be caused but we hope that everyone will see the long-term benefits this scheme will have.”

Anyone who wants to be kept up-to-date with the work by Amey can text the word WINDMILL to 01952 780333.

 For more information visit www.stw.works

Mandy Cook has found a “Time Capsule” in plaster in her home in the Hollymoor area of Northfield. 

On removing a false wall, it was found that contractors had left a message scrawled in plaster – providing a lasting memory of the price of beer and cigarettes in 2003!

“Dave, Andy and Dean 2003. Fags £4.00 beer £2.30 a pint”

A man in his twenties was taken to hospital this afternoon (Monday 20th February) after he was injured in an incident in Northfield.

Paramedics and police were called at around 3.15pm to reports that a man had been stabbed in Taysfield Road, in the Ley Hill area.

Paramedics treated the man for a number of injuries at the scene before transferring him to hospital. A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed that his injuries were not believed to be life threatening.

A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police confirmed the incident. She said: “Police were called to Taysfield Road in Northfield at around 3.15pm this afternoon following reports a man had been stabbed.

“A man was taken to hospital with minor injuries. No-one has been arrested at this stage.”

Officers are currently seeking and checking CCTV images. Anyone with any information is asked to call West Midlands Police CID on 101 quoting Log Number 1397 20/2

“It’s outrageous that people think dumping rubbish on a road, blighting our city, is acceptable – it is not.” Jacqui Kennedy

Waste Enforcement Officers from Birmingham City Council are appealing for the public’s help to find flytippers who dumped more than a hundred fridges in a Hawkesley street.

110 fridges dumped

Officers attended Ithon Grove in Kings Norton yesterday (20th February) after receiving a report that six fridges had been left there. On arrival they discovered 110 fridges abandoned in the road in the latest large scale flytipping incident to hit South West Birmingham.

Jacqui Kennedy, Acting Strategic Director – Place for Birmingham City Council, said: “It’s outrageous that people think dumping rubbish on a road, blighting our city, is acceptable – it is not.  Enforcement officers are currently investigating to try and identify the perpetrators, so if you have any information please contact the council.”

‘Totally unacceptable’

Jacqui Kennedy said: “I know the local community will be as horrified by this as I am, so I hope anybody with information will be brave enough to come forward.  This is totally unacceptable and we will prosecute flytippers where evidence is available.

“Keeping Birmingham’s streets clean is everyone’s responsibility – no one wants to live in a dump – so we will continue to clamp down on these criminals, targeting areas where there’s a persistent problem.”

Big problem locally?

Aside from people flytipping their own waste, there have been numerous reports of large scale flytipping happening in South West Birmingham over recent months.

The area around Ithon Grove, off Green Lane in Hawkesley, is awaiting redevelopment and has regularly seen flytipping. In June last year there was a large dumping of items including sofas, microwaves, ripped bags of clothing, baby seats and even several car bumpers along the slip road running adjacent to Redditch Road.

In March 2016, Bell Holloway in Northfield was completely blocked as rubbish was strewn along 70 metres of the pretty thoroughfare.

September saw a criminal investigation as a large truck, hired from a company in Yorkshire, was abandoned after getting stuck in a ditch on public land in Frankley after dumping tonnes of processed waste.

Reporting flytipping

Flytipping offenders can face an unlimited fine and up to five years’ in jail if convicted at Crown Court.

Birmingham’s Waste Enforcement Unit investigates dumped rubbish with a view to prosecuting flytippers.

If you have any information on this or any other flytipping, visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/dumpedrubbish or email flytipping@birmingham.gov.uk

Disposing of larger items safely

If you have rubbish that you need to have removed from your property, it is worth noting that metal recycling plants won’t take appliances such as fridges, freezers and washing machines.

Ideally, use the council’s own bulky item collection service to ensure your rubbish is disposed of correctly and safely. The service costs £23-25 and you can book online. The collection can include up to 6 bulky items and 3 bin bags can count as one item.

Companies have to be registered with the Environment Agency to carry waste. If you don’t wish to use the council service, we would recommend that you ensure anyone you use is officially registered. You can check the waste carrier register online