As Birmingham took to the polls for yesterday’s General Election, the Labour Party held on to all their seats, including two key marginal seats in the south west corner of the city. And in North Worcestershire, Conservative Communities Minister, Sajid Javid, held his Bromsgrove seat.

The Conservative Party had hoped to make gains with their challenges in Northfield, Edgbaston and Selly Oak.

With no UKIP candidates standing in the area, where the thousands who voted for them in 2015 placed their votes was key.

Northfield

Richard Burden (Lab) 23,596
Meg Powell-Chandler (Con) 18,929
Roger Harmer (Lib Dem) 959
Eleanor Masters (Green) 864

Majority: 4,667
Turnout: 61.54%

Former No 10 Special Advisor Meg Powell-Chandler (Conservative) had hopes of taking the seat from Richard Burden, Labour MP for Northfield for 25 years.

With the UKIP vote accounting for over 7000 ballots in the last General Election, it was unclear where those voters would place their votes.

In the end, with a turn out of 61.54%, Richard Burden was re-elected with a majority of 4667, compared to just 2506 in 2015.

Votes for the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party were down significantly compared to the last general election.

Bromsgrove

Sajid Javid (Con) 33,493
Michael Thompson (Lab) 16,920
Neil Lewis (Lib Dem) 2,488
Giovanni Esposito (Green) 1,139

Majority: 16,573
Turnout: 73.73%

Conservative minister Sajid Javid held on to his Bromsgrove seat by a clear majority once again.

Labour, represented by District Councillor Dr Michael Thompson, walked away with around 17,000 votes.

Here too, efforts by the Liberal Democrats and Green Party attracted less support than in 2015.

Edgbaston

Preet Gill (Lab) 24,124
Caroline Squire (Con) 17,207
Colin Green (Lib Dem) 1,564
Alice Kiff (Green) 562
Dick Rodgers (Europe Needs Us) 155

Majority: 6,917
Turnout: 64.22%

Edgbaston was another seat the Conservatives had hoped to take from Labour, after previous Labour MP Gisela Stuart announced she would not be standing in this election.

Emphasising her family connection, Caroline Squire – great, great-granddaughter of former Birmingham mayor and founder of the University of Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain – had hoped to take back the marginal seat for the Conservatives.

Sandwell Labour councillor Preet Gill stepped in as Labour candidate and won with a majority of almost 7,000 votes to become the UK’s first female Sikh Member of Parliament.

Selly Oak

Steve McCabe (Lab) 30,836
Sophie Shrubsole 15,629
David Radcliffe (Lib Dem) 1,644
Julien Pritchard (Green) 876

Majority: 15,207
Turnout: 66%

Selly Oak was identified by some as a possible marginal seat for this election, after showing a strong vote for Birmingham’s first elected mayor, Conservative’s Andy Street.

Former University of Birmingham student, Sophie Shrubsole, a Conservative councillor in Kent, was the party’s candidate.

However, defending MP Steve McCabe held on to the seat with a large majority of over 15,000 votes, taking almost two-thirds of the poll.

A Rubery family had a shocking awakening in the early hours of this morning (Friday 9th June) when a prestige car crashed into their own two cars, causing damage to their home. 

West Mercia Police received a report that offenders had forced entry into a house in Whetty Lane in Rubery sometime between 11.30pm yesterday (Thursday 8th June) and 2.54am this morning (Friday 9th June).

The thieves stole car keys for a black Bentley Continental and a silver BMW One Series and took off with both vehicles.

At just before 3am this morning, the Bentley was involved in a collision with two Audis parked outside a home in Callowbrook Lane, forcing one of them into the front of the house.

The stolen BMW was involved in another collision nearby shortly afterwards.

No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.

West Mercia Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed – or has any information on – the burglary or the two collisions.

You can contact the police on 101, quoting incident number 54S of 9 June. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org 

Click images to enlarge: 

Parents, carers and supporters – who have campaigned to keep provision of a respite service for disabled children in South West Birmingham – are celebrating after being told that proposed changes will not go ahead.

Charles House in West Heath provides respite care services for children with severe learning disabilities.

Proposed relocation

Earlier this year, it was proposed that services provided at Charles House be moved across the city as part of Birmingham City Council’s budget reducing proposals.

The proposals would have seen a merger of staff and services at Charles House with another facility in Erdington.

Following a lengthy consultation where council officials listened to the views of staff, parents and carers and local politicians, and a campaign which saw parents petition the council and speak before a full council meeting, the decision has been taken not to relocate the service.

Campaigners battling to save Charles House respite home for autistic youngsters in south Birmingham. pic.twitter.com/up35iSMQVQ

— Neil Elkes (@neilelkes) April 4, 2017

‘Too disruptive’

In a letter to parents, Assistant Director of BCC’s Children in Care Services, Andy Pepper wrote: “After consulting with Parents, staff and stake holders I have decided not to move the short break service at Charles House to Reservoir Road. It was clear from the consultation that this would be too disruptive at this time for children and their families who currently access short breaks.”

‘Tears of joy’

Louise Fage, from Selly Oak, was one of the parents who were active in the campaign. Her son, Owen, suffers from severe autism and hypermobility and takes breaks at Charles House. She said: “When I received the message this morning I cried! Tears of joy.

Louise added: “Charles House and their outstanding team mean the world to my son and I. We fought for our children and won! Thank you to everyone who continued to support us”

‘Delighted’

Cllr Julie Johnson, who supported the parents and staff, said: “Cllr Cartwright, Cllr Carole Griffiths and myself met with the parents and knew the impact that this closure would have.

“This is why we supported their petition to the council and we are extremely pleased with the outcome. I’m delighted for the parents and the children.”

Thanks to all who signed the petition or helped in any way!

500 Words

As part of our 2017 General Election coverage, we have contacted each candidate standing in Northfield, Bromsgrove, Edgbaston and Selly Oak constituencies asking them to contribute to this election’s ’500 Words’ series. 

Each candidate has been invited to describe themselves and their campaigns in their own words. Their submissions will be published without editing, in the order that they are received. Should they be longer than 500 words, they will be cropped.

Caroline Squire – Conservative – Edgbaston

Our Conservative Plan for a Brighter Birmingham

The manifestos are out and the choice has never been clearer. Theresa May and the Conservatives will invest in young people’s futures, through fairer funding for schools, more apprenticeships and greater job creation. Corbyn will take us back to the 1970s.

I’m standing for election as the Conservative candidate in Birmingham Edgbaston because I share Theresa May’s vision for Britain. Like my great-great grandfather, Joe Chamberlain, who founded the University of Birmingham and helped lay early foundations of the welfare state, I am a One Nation Conservative. I want a country that works for everyone, not just the privileged few, and delivers prosperity to ordinary working families across the country.

Birmingham doesn’t need another dose of Labour’s economic incompetence. What our city needs a strong and stable government capable of delivering the right conditions for the aspirational to flourish. Only the Conservatives, with our proven track record of providing economic growth, better standards of living and more jobs, can provide this.

Since 2010, in Birmingham Edgbaston alone, 4,650 people have started apprenticeships, 475 small businesses have opened and those claiming out of work benefits in Edgbaston has dropped by 35 per cent. Over 45,000 people in Edgbaston have had their income tax cut in the last two years. These aren’t just numbers, these are thousands of real, ordinary working people whose lives who have been transformed for the better by the Conservative government.

Nor are those thousands in Edgbaston who have benefited confined to the well off, with the Conservatives having a proud record of helping the less fortunate in our society. Edgbaston schools have received £6.1 million in the last year alone for disadvantaged pupils through the Pupil Premium. More young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are going to university than ever before.

I’m looking forward to building on the Conservatives’ national record to deliver to Birmingham. From HS2 to further planned cuts in corporation tax, over the next Parliament the Conservatives are determined to make Birmingham an even more attractive place for investment.

On top of this, Andy Street, the newly elected Conservative Mayor for the West Midlands, has vowed to fight tooth and nail to secure Birmingham as the new location for Channel 4. If successful, Channel 4’s relocation will bring even more investment and graduate jobs to Birmingham.

There is so much that the Conservatives have to offer for Birmingham that the choice has never been clearer. If you want a shambolic administration which, so consumed with party infighting, fails to address any of your concerns, vote for Corbyn’s coalition of chaos. If you want more jobs, greater investment and economic growth for Birmingham, vote for Theresa May’s strong and stable Conservative government.

If you’d like to hear more about Caroline’s campaign for Edgbaston, you can follow her on Twitter or Facebook or read more about her policies on her website.

See also:

General Election 2017 Events & Hustings in South West Birmingham

Click event for more details:

West Midlands Police are investigating after a teenage lad was stabbed in Frankley yesterday evening (Wednesday 14th June).

Officers attended to reports of a stabbing in Ringwood Drive, Frankley just before 8pm.

A 16 year old boy remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital today, after suffering stab wounds to his arms and legs.

A police spokeswoman said: “Investigations are currently on-going we urge anyone with information to call PC Sarah Cox on 101 ext. 822 3073.”

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org 

No arrests were made and no firearms found after armed police were called to reports of a man being seen with a gun in Coriander Close yesterday evening (Wednesday 14th June).

Residents were shocked when police officers – including armed police and dog units – attended at around 7.20pm, searching a vehicle and house.

A West Midlands Police spokeswoman confirmed that no firearms were found and no arrests were made.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A teenage lad was arrested after a man was injured in a disturbance in Frankley last night.

Officers were called to the incident centred around Wareham Road and Frogmill Road at around 7.30pm on Wednesday night (14th June).

The older man was assaulted and taken to hospital with a head injury which is not believed to be serious.

The 17 year old was arrested on suspicion of wounding and has been released pending further investigation. 

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org 

City refuse workers have voted in favour of strike action as Birmingham City Council announce 122 jobs are to go in the next fortnight – around 20% of the current workforce.

The workers, members of Unite, have voted 90% in favour of strike action, with 93% for industrial action short of a strike.

Loss of jobs ‘a disgrace’

According to Unite, the results have come at the same time as council waste management bosses have said that they plan to reduce the waste collection workforce by around 20%, with 122 collectors losing their jobs within the next two weeks.

Lynne Shakespeare, regional officer for Unite, said: “Loyal employees, who have worked, in some cases, for up to 30 years in waste services, are being told that they are no longer wanted and need to find alternative work.

“The loss of jobs in this area is a disgrace, as bosses continue to increase recruiting agency workers – there appears to be no coherent workplace planning by the council” she said.

Ms Shakespeare said that Unite had found that their members were being asked to perform tasks which the council had not budgeted for, such as collecting side waste (extra bags and boxes beside bins) and collecting green garden waste from residents who had not paid for the service.

‘Incompetence’ & ‘mismanagement’

She accused management of incompetence and being unable to keep to a budget – highlighting a £9.7m overspend in the financial year for 2016 – and said that workers “are going to pay the price […] with their jobs” as taxpayers pick up the tab for mismanagement.

‘Disappointed’

On behalf of Birmingham City Council, Cllr Lisa Trickett, Cabinet Member for Clean Streets, Recycling and Environment, said: “We are very disappointed by the result of the ballot, taken by just one of the unions representing the waste collection workforce.

“The city council, as a responsible employer, has consulted extensively with the unions on a new waste services operating model proposal since January 2017, and in a genuine attempt to reach agreement the council went beyond its obligation to consult for 45 days, extending on a number of instances up to 112 days – more than double the time required by law.”

Cllr Trickett said that all those affected will be offered alternative employment within the council, in an attempt to minimise the impact and stabilise and secure the workforce.

‘Regrettable’

She said: “It is regrettable that one union has refused to acknowledge the need for changes in working methods that are required to ensure the council’s services are on a sound financial footing.”

Cllr Trickett said that changes to modernise the service had to be made, pointing out that maintaining the service as it is would cost the council an extra £10 million a year, putting other council services at risk.

She said that crews working five seven-and-a-half-hour days in other cities were known to be more efficient than Birmingham crews that work four nine-hour days, saying that moving in line with other councils would save the city £4 million a yer and deliver a better service. She said: “The way Birmingham’s waste management service currently operates is no longer modern or efficient and does not offer best value for taxpayers.”

Moving forward?

Cllr Trickett urged Unite to: “reconsider its stance on this issue as a matter of urgency.”

Unite are now consulting with members on the next steps to take toward industrial action.

Apologies over missed collections

Earlier this year, Birmingham City Council were forced to apologise as hundreds of refuse and recycling collections were missed, with no clear reason given as to why: some blamed staff shortages or claimed collectors were operating an unofficial ‘work to rule’ in fear of cuts to their pay and hours. Cllr Lisa Trickett said performance had reduced as “some crews [were] slowing down and [that] caused a drop-off”.

An exciting new education centre is soon to open at the RSPCA’s Newbrook Farm Animal Centre.

The centre in Frankley – which opens in August this year – will promote the importance of animal welfare to children and young people from local schools and groups, teaching important life lessons and compassion.

The education centre aims to support families, children and young people develop their compassionate skills, learn about nature and the five animal welfare needs.

Debbie Caffull, animal centre manager, said: “We are so excited to be launching the education arm of RSPCA’s Newbrook Farm Animal Centre this summer. Education is such a vital part in ensuring good animal welfare in the future. The centre hopes to inspire children to love and care for animals as much as we do, and teach them important life lessons along the way.”

Craig Osborne, animal hospital manager, also supports the education centre, he said: “Programmes that teach children and young people compassion towards animals can help them realise the potential they have in their own lives and the valuable contribution they can make to their community.”

Newbrook Farm has recently been awarded a Quality Badge from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom and is now expanding on this with a dedicated education centre.

Charlie Chan, community engagement manager, who is developing the education centre, said: “All the programmes are completely free and can work alongside the national curriculum or an organisation’s own projects.

“As well as school visits, activity days and animal welfare programmes for schools, youth groups and families, there will also be opportunities for outdoor learning including fun trails to get back to nature.

“The activities are designed to be achievable and rewarding as well as having an element of discovery and learning. Education is key to ensuring that everyone is aware of the five animal welfare needs and how to meet them.”

The Newbrook Farm Education Centre is urging schools, local groups and organisations to get in touch now to find out how they can book into the education centre.

There is also a need for more volunteers to get involved with the Volunteer Speaker Scheme. This scheme sees volunteers delivering talks to school groups and assemblies about the work of the RSPCA and the five animal welfare needs. The role would suit anyone with some spare time who is comfortable speaking to groups, passionate about animal welfare and looking to help.

The education centre could also be a brilliant opportunity for a university student to use as a placement to support and enhance their studies, or for someone looking for work experience in this sector.

If you are a school or organisation looking to get involved with the new project, or want to discuss volunteering opportunities, contact Charlie Chan on charlie.chan@rspca.org.uk

Keep up to date with what’s happening at the RSPCA’s Newbrook Animal Centre by following them on Facebook or on Twitter.

For free educational resources and activities visit the RSPCA education website

SaveSaveSaveSave

A tiny kitten was rescued by the fire service and RSPCA after a customer heard its distressed cries when it became trapped in a tight wall space at a Northfield DIY shop last week.

The customer of the Bristol Road South shop called the RSPCA and West Midlands Fire Service after hearing the meows behind shelves of wallpaper last Tuesday (13th June).

RSPCA Animal Collection Officer Vic Hurr and the fire service had to cut the wall to bring the small cat – just weeks old – out to safety.

The terrified kitten had fallen down a pipe from the roof of the shop – where it would appear there are a often a number of stray cats – and become wedged in a gap just inches wide with no way of getting itself back out again.

Vic said: “If we hadn’t have been alerted then he would have died a horrible slow death of starvation. The poor thing was terrified.

“We don’t know for certain how long he was there for and the only way we could free him was by breaking through the wall. The gaps will now be blocked off so hopefully no more cats will get themselves stuck like this.”

The rescued kitten is now being cared for in Worcester where it is hoped he can be socialised with another litter of kittens of a similar age.

Vic said: “It is early days for him as he needs a lot of TLC, he is quite a nervous little chap. It has been quite an ordeal for him.”

If you see an animal in distress, please contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

To help the RSPCA carry out animal rescues, text LOVE to 87023 to give £3 (text costs £3 + one standard network rate message) or visit www.rspca.org.uk/give.

Longbridge’s 3 ward councillors are inviting local community groups to work together toward innovative ways to provide sustainable support for the local community.

Councillors Andy Cartwright, Ian Cruise and Carole Griffiths have invited groups based within Longbridge ward to a meeting on Wednesday 21st June to discuss ideas on how the ward should allocate its share of the Local Innovation Fund (LIF) provided by Birmingham City Council.

The LIF was put forward by the council as a way of funding local projects to support their communities following recent budget cuts.

Each ward has been allocated £48,000 to support imaginative and forward-thinking ways of providing services.

Ward councillors are responsible for working with their communities to decide how to allocate the funds and each ward has had a different approach.

Cllr Andy Cartwright said: “This is a great opportunity to support Longbridge becoming sustainable. As a group we can work together.”

If you are a group that is based in Longbridge ward and would like to contribute your ideas or join in the discussions, Cllrs would like you to attend the first Longbridge LIF planning meeting at Longbridge Methodist Church at 6pm on Wednesday 21st June. 

Refuse workers at Birmingham City Council are to strike next week, says the Unite union. 

Last week, Unite members voted by 90 per cent for strike action over proposed job cuts to the city’s waste and refuse service and attempts by council bosses to tear up long standing agreements with the union covering staffing levels and working patterns.

The results were announced on the same day that council officials announced that 122 jobs in waste collection – around 20% of the workforce – were to be lost by the beginning of July.

Since the ballot, a large number of readers have reported that their bins have gone un-emptied, with workers leaving official council tabs giving reasons such as the lid being slightly open or the bin being too heavy.

Will you be affected?

The first day of strike action will see workers strike for just under 5 hours, with 5 more 2 hour strikes planned over coming weeks, at 8 day intervals.

An overtime ban will begin on June 30th and, from the same date, crews will return to the depot for all lunch and tea breaks, which will slow down their rounds.

When:

• Friday 30th June – Strike 10:45 until 15:37. PLUS: workers begin overtime ban & return to depot for breaks
• Monday 3rd July – 2 hour strike
• Tuesday 11th July – 2 hour strike
• Wednesday 19th July – 2 hour strike
• Thursday 27th July – 2 hour strike
• Friday 4th August – 2 hour strike

Council overspend?

Unite said that the overspend for the 2016/17 financial year, previously thought to be £9.7 million, had been confirmed by a top council boss as rising to £11.9 million contradicting the authority’s previous press statements that these cuts were due to budget cuts and austerity measures.

Unite regional officer Lynne Shakespeare has written to the city council’s chief executive Stella Manzie calling for talks under the auspices of the conciliation service, Acas, as since the council was informed about the industrial action, management has refused to talk to Unite to resolve the issues.

Council ‘bullying’ union members?

Commenting on the dispute, Lynne Shakespeare said: “The council’s actions have managed to combine financial incompetence in the waste management team and now they have started bullying our members as the bosses attempt to cut full-time jobs.

“The council wants to axe 122 waste collection jobs after a woefully inadequate consultation with the unions.

“The process was a sham, bordering on a farce – and that’s why Unite members will be taking strike action to protect services to the public in the UK’s biggest local authority.

“Unite also wants to preserve their jobs from an unnecessary cuts programme which has also seen a sharp increase of agency staff replacing permanent workers which is of no benefit to anyone.”

In her letter to Ms Manzie, Lynne Shakespeare said: “This situation cannot go on any longer hence our action ballot. I would invite you to join with us in non-binding conciliation with Acas as otherwise we shall have no alternative but to increase our action and fight this campaign on the streets, in the media and in the courts, if we need to.”

‘Regrettable’

Speaking in response to the last week’s ballot result, Cllr Lisa Trickett – cabinet member for said: “It is regrettable that one union has refused to acknowledge the need for changes in working methods that are required to ensure the council’s services are on a sound financial footing.”

Cllr Trickett said that changes to modernise the service had to be made, pointing out that maintaining the service as it is would cost the council an extra £10 million a year, putting other council services at risk.

She said that crews working five seven-and-a-half-hour days in other cities were known to be more efficient than Birmingham crews that work four nine-hour days, saying that moving in line with other councils would save the city £4 million a yer and deliver a better service.

She said: “The way Birmingham’s waste management service currently operates is no longer modern or efficient and does not offer best value for taxpayers.”

A group of school children from Kings Norton had a great time when they were invited to visit firearms police at a state of the art training facility in Perry Barr.

The excited Year 3 pupils from Kings Norton Primary School spent two hours touring the West Midlands Police operations centre – taking aim (with fake guns!) on the firing range, dressing up in police riot gear and sitting in police vehicles before getting the opportunity to ask real officers about their life as police officers.

‘Thank you’

West Midlands Police invited the class after reading their lovely letters of thanks to officers keeping the city safe after recent terror attacks.

Deputy Head Dawn Chapman, said: “After the awful events in Manchester and London we were talking in class about how to stay safe and who protects us. Many of the children had said how they’d seen more police in Birmingham and officers carrying guns.

“We wanted to stress to them that they shouldn’t feel scared and that the officers were there to keep people safe. It was a really good discussion and it ended with the children saying they’d like to write letters to the police to say thanks.

“It was a lovely surprise for us to be invited to the police base and the pupils had a fantastic time, especially on the range and using the sirens and flashing lights – as you’d expect the noisy things proved particularly popular! ”

Local Police Sergeant Mike Dunbar – who accompanied the children on their visit – said: “It’s great that children are having discussions in school about issues such as security… we want children to feel at ease approaching and speaking to our officers.

“You hear parents telling children if they don’t do as they’re told then they’ll tell a police officer! I know it’s only light-hearted but for children to be scared of seeing police, or see them as an intimidating authority figure, is the last thing we want.

“You can see from the photos and from the looks on the kids’ faces on the day that they all had a wonderful time – they were our VIPs for the day and it was a pleasure to host them. Hopefully we’ll get chance to say hello to some of them again on patrol soon.”

Mrs Chapman added: “Quite a few of the children said how they’d like to be police officers. So who knows, perhaps in the future they may be the ones giving children a guided tour around a police station.”

Click images to enlarge:

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

A British Transport Police officer has been awarded for his heroic actions, after he stepped in front of a speeding train at Kings Norton station to try and save a distressed woman’s life last year. 

Officers were called to the station on 27th July 2016 after concerns for the safety of a woman, who was crying and very distressed.

PC Matt Godsall spotted the woman on the ramp down to the tracks and ran the length of the platform to get to her, but she managed to get onto the tracks before he could reach her.

As he stepped onto the tracks, the brave officer saw a train was approaching at full speed. Rather than jumping out of the way, PC Godsall jumped right into the path of the oncoming engine to alert the driver of the woman’s presence on the tracks.

He managed to get out of the way in time and the train missed them both by less than a metre.

On awarding the officer a commendation at a ceremony last Monday (19th June), Midland policing commander Superintendent Sandra England said: “PC Godsall went trackside with the sole intention of saving the woman’s life – a courageous and selfless act which rightly deserves recognition.”

British Transport Police are committed to helping vulnerable people on the railway, making over 1200 life-saving interventions in 2016. Visit their website for a comprehensive list of organisations that offer advice and support.

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

West Midlands Police are investigating after a teenage lad received stab wounds to his legs during an incident in Rednal on Monday night (26th June).

Officers attended Edgewood Road at around 11pm after a report was received of a stabbing.

A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: “It is believed a group of youths were drinking in the [Cofton] park when one 17-year-old boy was stabbed in the leg.

“The lad was taken to hospital in a stable condition and treated for his injuries.”

The police investigation into the incident is ongoing, and anyone with any information – or who was there at the time – is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101 quoting crime reference number 20BW/134567V/17

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org 

SaveSave

West Midlands Police seized Class A drugs and a crossbow in an early morning raid on an address in Northfield today (Friday 30th June).

In a pre-planned operation, officers executed a warrant at an address in Tarragon Gardens at around 3.40am.

A woman, 28, and man, 22, were arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs. They were later released pending further investigation.

A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: “The raid forms part of an on-going crackdown on suspected organised crime groups in Birmingham.”

Earlier this month, a 19 year old gang member Marcel Mullings-Boyd was jailed for 5 years after police found cannabis plants and a hand gun in his home in the Hollymoor area of Northfield.

On June 6th, 3 males – including a 16 year old – were arrested after police seized guns and ammunition following raids in Northfield.

Anyone with any information that could help officers tackling organised crime, violent crime and anti-social behaviour in South West Birmingham can call West Midlands Police on 101. 

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or report online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org 

Cover image by Ian Britton on Flickr

SaveSaveSaveSave

From Birmingham City Council Environmental Health – Animal Health and Welfare:

On 1 March 2014, Birmingham City Council introduced 5 Dog Control Orders to tackle issues caused by irresponsible dog owners who fail to control or clean up after their pets.

Offences are enforced by the City Council Dog Warden/Enforcement Officers by the issue of a Fixed Penalty Notice and fine of £80.

The Orders will cease to be in effect in October 2017, due to changes imposed by the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014; it is proposed to change the Orders into 5 Public Space Protection Orders and we are required to carry out a consultation.

There will be no changes made to the requirements contained in the Orders, which I have outlined below; however we are proposing to increase the amount of a Fixed Penalty from £80 to £100.

The current Dog Control Orders are;

1. The Fouling of Land by Dogs Order 2014 – it is an offence for a person in charge of a dog to fail to remove faeces forthwith from any land to which the public have access.
2. The Dogs on Leads Order 2014 – it is an offence for a person in charge of a dog to fail to ensure that a dog is kept on a lead at all times on all public roads, adjoining footways and verges.
3. The Dogs Exclusion Order 2014 – it is an offence for a person in charge of a dog to permit the dog to enter into or remain in any clearly demarcated children’s play area and School land.
4. The Dogs on Leads by Direction Order 2014 – it is anoffence for a person in charge of a dog to fail to put that dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer on any land to which the public have access and is open to the air.
5. The Dogs (Specified Maximum) Order 2014 – it is an offence for any person to take more than four dogs onto open land in Birmingham.

I recognise that uncontrolled dogs and dog fouling is an issue for the residents of Birmingham.

For further information and to have your say please visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/dogcontrol

The closing date for submission of responses in 7 August 2017.

Image by Christopher Read on Flickr

Residents in South West Birmingham are being warned to be vigilant with their home and vehicle security during the summer months.

Sgt Fleur Tedstill said: “I have noticed recently that a large number of our burglaries and vehicle crime offences across Selly Oak constituency are committed through insecure windows and doors and with vehicles that have been left unlocked.”

Advice from Design out Crime Team Supervisor Mark Silvester:

Home

With the warm weather set to continue It is great that we can enjoy the sunshine. But residents need to be aware that this can be literally an open door, or window, for opportunistic thieves.

People will spend more time outside and leave their homes insecure, whether that is leaving the window open or their external doors unlocked.

Always lock your doors, even if you are in the house, and when you leave a room then make sure the window is closed. If you go out then make sure your home is totally secure.

Also make sure that you don’ leave items such as keys, phones or wallets near to the front door or an open window.  A burglary can take moments and burglars exploit open windows and insecure doors.

Secure items within your garden too, from the items in your shed to your step ladders left in the garden. Items from sheds can be used to force access to your home or your neighbours’ homes. Ladders provide an easy way to get in to those upper floor windows, close the window and keep those ladders secure too.

Click image for full advice leaflet:

Vehicle

Theft from vehicles is often opportunistic, and not always by breaking a window or forcing a lock.

‘Check you fob has done the job’ … If your vehicle is locked by remote control, and most cars are these days, check the doors are locked. Also in the warm weather make sure all the windows are fully closed, a passenger could have lowered the window and not closed it. In summer close sunroofs and if you have a convertible put the roof up, even when leaving the car for a few minutes.

Always put items out of view, if you have a sat nav lock it in the boot, or if your glove box is lockable put it in there and lock it. Even loose change and other items that you may consider as being of no interest to a potential thief could be enough for someone to break in to your vehicle.

Click image for more vehicle security advice:

West Midlands Police have launched a murder investigation after a man was fatally stabbed in the chest in Bartley Green last night (Monday 3rd July).

Two ambulances from West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to Woodgate Gardens at just before 11pm where they found a man, in his 20s, in a serious condition with a single stab wound to the chest. 

The man was transported to hospital in a critical condition where he sadly died soon after.

Ambulance crews were called to an address in nearby Allwood Gardens shortly after, to reports of a further stab injury.

A spokesman for the service said: “Crews treated a teenage male for a stabbing injury to his hand. Following treatment at the scene, he was transported to hospital.”

West Midlands Police confirmed that a boy (16) is in custody, after being arrested on suspicion of murder.

Forensic investigators are still at the scene and officers are checking local CCTV images.

Movement around Woodgate and Allwood Gardens is restricted due to the crime scenes and a section of Lye Avenue is currently impassable.

Detective Inspector Caroline Corfield said: “We are at the very early stages of this investigation and are trying to piece together the exact details of what took place.

“Officers will be in the area today and I am appealing to anyone who has witnessed anything or has any information they believe could assist the investigation to approach an officer at the scene or to contact us on 101.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 ext 863 3039. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org  

Longbridge developers St Modwen are seeking planning permission for a new leisure complex at the heart of the new ‘town centre’.

Developers hope that Phase 3 of the regeneration of the former car factory site will bring a cinema, gym and restaurants to Longbridge.

The proposed leisure development would occupy land adjacent to Smyths Toys store.

The modern building would be home to a 9 screen ‘the light’ cinema, a health and fitness ‘the gym’ gymnasium and 6 restaurant units.

The town centre development is already home to Bournville College, a Marks and Spencer superstore, Sainsbury’s, Smyths Toys, Premier Inn, Beefeater, Boots, Hungry Horse pub and more.

The Extracare retirement village, adjacent to the town centre, is set to officially launch this weekend (Saturday 8th July).

The full planning application for the Phase 3 leisure development can be viewed online on Birmingham City Council’s planning portal – search Application Number 2017/05633/PA

Comments and views can be submitted online and must be sent before 27th July 2017.

SaveSave

SaveSave