A Quinton man has received a Community Service Award from West Midlands Police for his voluntary work over the last 35 years.

As the Chair of Quinton Community Police Consultative Panel – just one of many community roles he has fulfilled over the years – Jim Nicholl provided a link between the community and West Midlands Police locally.

He is greatly respected and admired by both the police and the community for his hard work, after giving up hours of his time to support the force.

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A West Midlands transport firm – which runs vital services for people with restricted mobility, including school children – has gone into administration. 

A registered charity, Accessible Transport Group (ATG) provides services through two other sub-charities: Ring and Ride and ATG Contract Services, which includes igo buses.

Large employer

According to their website, ATG is: “the largest accessible transport provider in the United Kingdom employing over 900 staff and operating over 600 vehicles from 6 depots across the West Midlands.”

The group’s depot in South Birmingham is in Arden Road in Frankley. B31 Voices understands that staff have not been officially informed by employers.

Essential services

Ring and Ride is an essential service which provides thousands of door to door accessible minibus journeys to users with restricted mobility, including wheelchair users.

ATG Contract Services provides contracted services to local authorities and the health sector – this includes accessible transport with over 400 minibuses for school children with additional needs, serving 11 whole schools across the West Midlands, Victoria School in Northfield.

ATG Contracted Services also operates subsidised igo bus services across the West Midlands, as well as offering PCV driver training courses.

Changes to services

Administrators, Network West Midlands, Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority are working in partnership to try and maintain provision of the essential services ATG currently provide.

At the moment, we understand services are continuing as normal.

Some IGO bus routes have been allocated to other companies from Monday 25th March and others are expected to be taken over.

A spokesperson for NetworkWM said: “We are working with the Administrators and other operators to ensure the continued operation of the remaining tendered services including securing a new operators for these services. We will be working to achieve this without disruption to services.”

You can find details of the changes so far and an updated list on the Network West Midlands website.

Network West Midlands have confirmed that Ring and Ride services are operating as normal and users can contact them to book in the usual way. 

Northfield Cllr Olly Armstrong (Labour) said: “I am deeply concerned to hear this. We seek info on exactly who and what this impacts, and seek to support those it negatively effects however we can.”

Richard Burden MP (Lab, Northfield) said: “I was sorry to hear this news about ATG which has been an important part of public transport locally, through Igo buses and particularly to people with limited mobility, through Ring and Ride and contracted school transport.

“It is good to hear that Network West Midlands have confirmed that services will run as normal for the time being but it will also be important to secure those services for the long term.”

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The Gung-Ho! Seriously Fun 5k is returning to Longbridge in April and runners of all ages (over 4ft tall!) are invited to tale part for fun or for charity!

The fun-filled 5k features giant mazes, walls and slides in a Total Wipeout-esque adventure and will be visiting 13 different venues across the UK.

Cofton Park plays host for the 3rd year running on Saturday 27th April.

Brains behind the event Alex Winters, a former Cbeebies presenter, said: “I grew up watching some of the great, classic TV shows of yesteryear like Fun House, It’s a Knockout and Gladiators.

“Like many others I dreamed of taking part in something like that, but never got the chance! Now I am giving everyone the chance to roll back the years and act like a kid again!

“This will be a day out like no other. Anybody of any shape, size or fitness level will be able to get round the course and we are sure they will have an absolute blast in the process.

“There will be fun, thrills and spills for everyone taking part. So come on down and show us how Gung-Ho! you can go!”

Runners, who must be at least 4ft tall, receive a free bib with race number, Gung-Ho! T-shirt and headband, while spectators can attend for free, with plenty of activities and food in the event area to keep family members entertained.

“We can’t wait to see as many people as possible duck, weave, climb and slide their way across the course. Tickets increase in price the closer we get to the events, so book now!”

For tickets and information visit the Gung-Ho! website. Get Gung-Ho! updates on Facebook and on Twitter at @begungho. 

Please note: Early Bird ticket prices available until Mon 25th March only!

1 of 9

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A developing community garden in Frankley is connecting participants of all ages by bringing together schools, community groups, families and other community partners.

The project is spearheaded by Frankley Family Forum (FFF), a group of parents and carers who run activities to improve lives and support families and others in the area.

In memory

The community garden is outside Frankley Library – which is housed within Balaam Wood School – and the garden was previously maintained by former New Frankley Parish councillor Malcom Keating.

When Malcolm sadly passed away last year, the father of a FFF member was going to take over its upkeep, but he too unfortunately passed so the forum members decided to take on the challenge themselves, in Malcolm’s memory.

Healthy living

The community garden is promoting a healthy lifestyle for all ages – exercise, fresh organic produce and the outdoors.

Working with national charity Garden Organic, the group have cleared the area and begun to plant vegetables and plants in planters.

Tammy Clayton from FFF said that local schools and nurseries will have planters to help look after and an opening celebration was being planned for the summer.

She said they are also hoping to hold a gardening club to get children and parents and carers involved during the 6 week holidays, incorporating teaching cooking healthy meals from the produce gathered from the garden.

A memorial bench and seating area for community use is also planned.

Tammy said: “We want to thank the parish council, Frankley Library and Mr McGarvey from Balaam Wood School for their support and letting us use and extend the space outside library.”

Join in

Anyone is welcome to pop along on Mondays between 10am and 2pm – to join in or just to see what’s being done.

At the moment, the gardeners are also asking for donations of any leftover household tiles. These can be dropped into New Frankley in Birmingham Parish Council Office in Arden Road shops Monday to Friday 9am – 1pm.

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A West Heath youngster – and her Wychall Primary School mates – had a huge shock yesterday when Peter Andre popped into school!

Popular pupil Daisy-May Demetre looked stunned as the TV and music star told her she was the winner of this year’s Pride of Birmingham Child of Courage award!

Double amputee Daisy-May was born with a defect to her leg bones – the fibular bone was missing in one leg, and was very small in the other.

While still a baby, Daisy-May had both legs amputated below the knee but this hasn’t held her back with her amazing zest for life!

Daisy-May is super active, often at the gym with her dad, Alex.

The youngster is also a model and has achieved highly – appearing at London Fashion Week and recently becoming the face of popular high street fashion outlet, River Island.

Daisy-May will be receiving her award tonight (Tuesday 26th March) at the glittering Pride of Birmingham Award ceremony at the University of Birmingham. You can watch live on the Pride of Britain Facebook page.

Congratulations, Daisy-May! Enjoy your night!

Brushing shoulders with the stars! Follow Daisy-May on Instagram for more updates!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Big night meeting some great people the journey continues the worlds most inspirational double amputee to have lived @daisymay_demetre @ashleytd @kelle.bryan #amputee #celebrities #model #doubleamputee #inspiration #inspire #redcarpetevent #bignight

A post shared by Daisy-May Demetre (@daisymay_demetre) on Mar 26, 2019 at 12:10pm PDT

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From West Midlands Police:

Detectives want to trace these men following a violent carjacking in Edgbaston last night (Monday 25 March). 

The victim was approached by up to seven men who knocked him to the floor and hit him across the head in Calthorpe Road at around 8.30pm.

They then took the keys to his Mercedes and all jumped in the vehicle before speeding away.

The victim, aged in his 40s, was taken to hospital with a cut to his head after apparently being hit with a weapon.

Detective Sergeant Simon Kershaw, from Force CID, said: “This was a nasty robbery where the carjackers were not afraid to use violence.

“They were determined to steal a car and willing to inflict injury to achieve their aim.

“This was a frightening ordeal for the victim, who suffered a cut to the head which required hospital treatment.

“The offenders drove off at speed, putting pedestrians and other road users at risk, and we are asking for the public’s help in tracing those responsible.”

Anyone with information to contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Quote crime reference number 20BW/72852A/19.

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West Midlands Police are appealing for information to find Shane Hunt, who is wanted after absconding from a mental health unit in Yardley on Monday (25th March).

Shane Hunt, 31, who also goes by the name of Shaun Fitzgerald, was last seen at around 11am on Yardley Green Road, Yardley.

Hunt is described as:

• 5ft 7ins tall
• Brown hair
• Goatee
• Glasses
• Green and black coat with jeans
• Pink and white Vans trainers.

The public are urged NOT to approach Hunt if seen but to call 999 immediately.

A police spokesperson said: “It’s important we locate Shane Hunt as soon as possible and we would urge anyone with any information about his whereabouts to contact us.”

If you see Shane, please call 999. Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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A young woman has been commended for her bravery in coming forward after being subjected to a ‘campaign of terror’ by a Kings Norton man.

The woman was just 16 years old when she met Hawkesley man James Anderson in 2016. Vulnerable following the death of her father, she was befriended by him.

However, 23 year old Anderson subjected the teen to verbal and physical abuse.

She suffered regular beatings – including biting, choking and burning with a lighter – and Anderson wrongly accuse her of cheating.

The worst violence was in June 2017 after they had been to a house party.

Anderson strangled her and jammed his thumb into her eye, leaving her partially sighted in one eye.

He then made her walk several miles to his flat at knifepoint, where he carried out a prolonged assault, which only ended when she became unconscious.

Following this vicious attack, the girl confided in her family who supported her to bravely report it to the police.

Anderson was arrested and charged with causing actual bodily harm.

Already on a suspended sentence for assaulting a previous partner, Anderson was recalled to prison.

While awaiting trial, he made repeated attempts to persuade the teen not to give evidence against him.

Eventually, Anderson admitted the charge of causing actual bodily harm at a previous hearing but was further convicted of coercive control and witness intimidation at Birmingham Crown Court last Wednesday (20th March).

He was sentenced to six years imprisonment and put on a 10 year restraining order.

PC Tom Parrott, from the force’s public protection unit, said: “Anderson is a dangerous man who exploited the vulnerability of a teenage girl after her father’s death.

“He thought he could continue to bully her, even after being charged, so he could get away with his deplorable actions but he was wrong.

“I applaud the girl’s courage in coming forward and her strength through what was a long and difficult case.”

For advice on reporting domestic abuse visit https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/your-options/domestic-abuse

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A boy was arrested this afternoon after West Midlands Police were called to reports of a teen outside a Northfield school with a knife (Thursday 28th March). 

Officers recovered a knife after being called to Shenley Academy at around 3.15pm.

A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said that a 15 year old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and remains in police custody.

We can confirm that the teen was not a pupil at the school.

No further details were available at the time of asking. No-one was believed to have been injured.

If you have any information on knife crime in our communities please talk to someone.

Contact West Midlands Police on Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk (8am – midnight) or to call 101 any time. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org 

Young people can get information and advice on crime and report anonymously at fearless.org

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Police are investigating a number of robberies in Northfield over the last week – including an attempted robbery where youths threw a knife at a 17 year old lad as he fled.

The teenager was approached by a group of around 6 or 7 youths, all with their faces covered, in Church Road at around 8.10pm on Tuesday (26th March).

The group demanded his phone at knifepoint but he managed to get away. 

A police spokesman said: “A knife was thrown at him as he fled, but he was not injured. The group was believed to be made up of six or seven black youths wearing balaclavas and hoodies.”

Police are also investigating two robberies that happened last weekend in Northfield.

At around 7.30pm on Friday (22nd March), a 15 year old boy had his phone stolen during a knifepoint robbery on Bristol Road South.

And on Saturday (23rd March), a boy (15) was robbed at knifepoint after he and a girl (16) were stopped by a group of five youths, again in Bristol Road South.

The teens were not injured but were both very shaken.

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk (8am – midnight) or to call 101 any time. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org 

Please quote crime references: 

Friday 22nd March Bristol Road South Quote 20BW/71055K/19
Saturday 23rd March Bristol Road South Quote 20BW/71055K/19
Tuesday 26th March 8.10pm Church Road Quote 20BW/73794A/19

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Action Fraud, the national fraud & cyber crime reporting centre, have issued a scam alert after receiving reports of fake Virgin Media emails landing in people’s inboxes. 

The organisation says it has received over 100 reports about fake emails, purporting to be from Virgin Media.

Emails say that the recipient has “invalid billing information” and threatens them with “automatic disconnection” unless they update their details.

Links in the emails lead to phishing websites, which look genuine, but are designed to steal account login details.

Action Fraud advise: “Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial details.”

For more information on fraud and how to stay secure online, visit www.cyberaware.gov.uk 

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A teenager from Rubery has been jailed after he stabbed a delivery driver in a McDonald’s car park earlier this year, after the man challenged a group who had kicked his car.

The 17 year old was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court last Friday (22nd March) after pleading guilty to stabbing the 22 year old driver outside the restaurant at Yardley Wood on 27th January.

The man was initially attacked by a group of teens who were ‘messing about’ in the car park when he confronted them for kicking his car.

When he tried to run to safety inside the fast food restaurant, the offender pulled out a combat knife and plunged it into his arm. The knife narrowly missed a major blood vessel.

Shocked customers and staff chased away the group and took the injured driver inside, awaiting help from emergency services.

The victim was rushed to hospital, where he was found to have arterial and nerve damage. He underwent surgery, and although his injuries were not life-threatening, the nerve damage has left him with no feeling in his finger.

Police cordoned off the blood-soaked store for several hours to allow for a forensic investigation to take place.

CCTV from inside and outside the restaurant allowed officers to piece together the circumstances of the attack, and identify the 17-year-old as a suspect.

Following his arrest the following day, the teen admitted to pushing the driver, but denied having stabbed him.

However, with the evidence stacked against him, he later pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and possession of Class A drugs.

Detective Constable Matt Standen, who led the investigation said: “This really was a shocking and vicious attack. The victim simply confronted the offender and his friends for kicking his car, and as a result he was stabbed. His life left hanging in the balance by a matter of millimetres.

“The level of violence used is as extreme as it is worrying, in my mind the offender had no regard for the victim’s life. Behaviour like this is totally unacceptable, and has no place in our society.

“His victim is still dealing with the physical and psychological effects of the attack and I hope that this sentence brings him some peace of mind.

“I also wish to extend my thanks to staff at McDonald’s for their help and cooperation at the time of the attack, and throughout the investigation.”

The post Rubery teen jailed after Yardley Wood McDonald’s delivery driver stabbing appeared first on B31 Voices.

From West Midlands Police:

We’re currently searching for a missing woman named Jacqueline O’Connell.

Jacqueline, aged 41, has not been seen or heard from since 2pm yesterday afternoon (30 March).

She did not return home from work, and hasn’t been in contact with friends or family to say where she is. This is extremely out of character.

Jacqueline, who is from Ibstock in Leicestershire, works in the West Midlands and could be in the Bell Green area of Coventry or Birmingham.

She is described as white, with shoulder length blonde hair and a medium build. She was last seen wearing a black cardigan, black leggings and black high heel shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or call 101 anytime.

In an emergency please dial 999.

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A taxi driver was attacked and his taxi stolen by two passengers yesterday evening (Sunday 31st March). The driver suffered multiple stab wounds as he tried to get away from the pair.

West Midlands Police are investigating the incident which happened between 6.30 and 7.15pm.

The passengers demanded money from the driver, but he refused to give them any and got out of the vehicle in Gildas Avenue, Kings Norton.

However, the two men followed the driver and stabbed him several times before driving off in his taxi.

The driver was taken to hospital and, despite his ordeal, thankfully his injuries were not thought to be life threatening.

The car was later recovered in Heathlands Grove, Northfield.

Officers are seeking CCTV images as their investigation continues. No arrests have yet been made.

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk (8am – midnight) or to call 101 any time. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org Please quote crime reference 20BW/77959L/19

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West Midlands Police are investigating after reports of a stabbing in West Heath yesterday (Sunday 31st March).

Officers believe that a man, in his 50s, was stabbed during a fight between several men in The Fordrough at around 4pm.

The man later presented himself at hospital with serious injuries to his arm.

A 21 year old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding and remains in police custody today.

Officers are checking CCTV and are looking to trace the other people involved in the disorder.

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk (8am – midnight) or to call 101 any time. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org Please quote reference 20BW/77870k/19 

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West Midlands Police have confirmed that they are investigating a report that a teenager had his cycle and mobile phone stolen at knifepoint in Rubery yesterday (Sunday 31st March).

The 14 year old lad and a friend were approached in Lancaster Avenue at sometime between 2pm and 3pm.

Threatened with a knife,  the  teenager was forced to hand over his phone and bike, before the three men made off towards Cock Hill Lane.

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk (8am – midnight) or to call 101 any time. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org Please quote ref 20BW/77803P/19

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At the last Longbridge and West Heath ward meeting in March  Councillors Debbie Clancy (Con) and Brett O’Reilly (Lab) asked attending residents about their priorities and ideas for the ward plan.

The ward plan helps Birmingham City Council to work better with local communities.

The councillors for Longbridge and West Heath ward are asking all residents for their views and have sent out a form by email to citizens who are on the mailing list to be informed of ward meetings.

To help with this process and to capture the views of as many people as possible, B31 Voices is helping by making the form available here.

You can fill in the form on this page and the information will be sent through to the council’s Community Governance Manager, Kay Thomas.

Alternatively, you can download the form here and return by:

Email: kay.thomas@birmingham.gov.uk

Post: fao Kay Thomas, Community Governance Manager, Neighbourhood Development & Support Unit, Neighbourhoods Directorate, Zone 2 Workplace 2011, Ground Floor, Council House Extension, Margaret Street, Birmingham B3 3BU

Complete the form online 

What Are The Main Improvements That You would Like To See In Your Neighbourhood?

Please fill in this survey which will be forwarded to your Councillor/Community Governance Team – Your ideas will contribute to a Plan of Action for Longbridge & West Heath Ward

Please indicate the issues you would like to see addressed, with details if possible:

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A report from the police watchdog, the Independent office for Police Conduct (IOPC), has said armed officers involved in the shooting of a man in Frankley in 2017 ‘followed policy and procedure’ throughout the incident. 

The IOPC were called to investigate when local man Sharif Cousins was shot by officers in an alleyway on the evening of Wednesday 26th July 2017.

Armed West Midlands Police officers had been deployed in response to intelligence about firearms.

A man who was with Mr Cousins at the time he was shot was arrested on suspicion of firearms offences at the time of the shooting. He was convicted, with others, of firearms-related offences at Birmingham Crown Court in February last year 2018.

As part of their thorough investigation, IOPC investigators reviewed body worn video from the officer who fired the single shot, looked at ballistics analysis, gathered statements from officers and independent witnesses, looked at the firearms authorisations of officers involved and reviewed police radio transmissions.

All police officers were treated as witnesses throughout the investigation which was completed within a year. The results of the investigation were unable to be published until now, for operational reasons.

The IPOC said: “Discussions with the force over sensitive operational information and other issues affecting publication have meant we have been unable to release our findings until now.”

IOPC Regional Director Derrick Campbell said: “We recognise that serious incidents of this nature can be of great concern to the community and everyone connected. Thankfully Mr Cousins recovered from his injuries.

“Our thorough investigation examined the actions of all the police involved, including the officer who fired the shot, and we found that they were in line with policy and procedure.

“The police officers who carried out the operation had been briefed that they might face an armed threat and that gang members involved in gun crime in the region often hid weapons down the back of their trousers. Body worn video supported the account given by the officer who said Mr Cousins did not immediately comply with commands to raise his hands and appeared to be reaching behind to get something out of a pocket, which at that moment he thought was a gun.

“In our view the officer concerned believed that there was an immediate and genuine risk posed to him, and his colleague, when he made the split-second decision to shoot.”

Mr Cousins later complained about the way he was dealt with by police immediately after he was shot, and claimed that he was targeted by the police that evening.

However, after studying the evidence, the IOPC said it did not uphold the complaints. Footage showed that after the shooting officers moved quickly to provide first aid until the arrival of the medical services, who took over and conveyed Mr Cousins to hospital.

The investigation also confirmed that no prior intelligence existed which named Sharif Cousins as a subject of, or being of interest to, the police operation. In fact, police only learned of his identity after he had been taken to hospital.

Related articles

• Man shot by police in Frankley incident 27th July 2017
• Four arrested for suspected firearm and drug offences after Frankley shooting incident 27th July 2017

• Five jailed for firearms offences as police clamp down on South Birmingham gangs 16th February 2018

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A woman has sadly died after a serious collision early this morning (Wednesday 3rd April) on the M5 near Bromsgrove.

The collision – between a car and a 4×4 – happened at around 5.30am. The road is closed northbound between J5 (Wychbold) and j4 (M42 / Catshill) and is expected to remain closed until around midday.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a car that had suffered considerable damage.  An off duty paramedic and bystanders were trying to assist the car driver,

“Unfortunately, despite all efforts, it was not possible to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.

“Two men in the 4×4 were assessed but were unhurt and were discharged at the scene.”

West Mercia Police Chief Superintendent Tom Harding said: “We appreciate this is causing disruption for the morning motorists and we would ask that they please be patient and bear with us while we deal with the incident.

“As I’m sure the public can understand, we are in the process of investigating a serious collision. This will require a detailed investigation which may take a number of hours to complete.

“We are working with partners to ensure the road is open as soon as possible and are doing all we can to minimise closure times. We are also sending officers to the surrounding areas to ensure those who may be caught up in the traffic can be on their way as soon as possible.

“We would like to thank everyone for their support and understanding at this time.”

Officers are appealing for anyone who saw the collision or has dashcam footage to get in touch. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 40S of 3 April.

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Missing 13 year old Abbie Large has been FOUND. Thanks all for sharing!

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