West Midlands Police have launched a murder investigation today after a man found injured at a Barnes Hill property yesterday died.
The man was found with a serious stab injury at an address in Alwold Court at around 1am on Tuesday (2nd April).
The 52 year old was taken to hospital but sadly died later in the day.
A woman (53) who was known to the victim, was arrested on suspicion of assault.
She is now being questioned on suspicion of murder, with detectives being granted extra time to do so.
Detective Inspector Hannah Whitehouse, from the force’s homicide team, said: “A man has lost his life and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this terrible time.
“A woman known to him has been arrested but I would urge anyone with information which may assist our enquiries to get in touch via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
A software developer at Reynolds & Reynolds in Northfield is fundraising for local charity, Northfield Community Partnership.
A special welcome to work for Paul this morning
Today (Friday, 5th April), Paul Hammersley is participating in National Walk to Work Day, leaving his Stourbridge home at 5am this morning and trekking 12 miles across fields and over the Clent Hills, to arrive at work at the Reynolds and Reynolds office in Northfield to start work on time at 9am.
In addition, Paul will also walk the return journey home after work rather than catching a lift with one of his colleagues.
Paul’s workmates also had a dress down day today to raise extra funds.
Walking to work has many benefits
Whether it’s reducing your carbon footprint or you just want to get some exercise into your day, change your daily routine, if only for one day and enjoy the fresh air with a slightly different mode of transport into the office – your feet.
Paul’s parking space at work today
Why not join in the fun and participate in National Walk to Work Day. Whether you chose to walk the whole way to work, get off the bus a few stops earlier or walk partially the way to work – it all helps. Walking is a fantastic way to keep active and maintain a healthy heart.
Northfield Community Partnership
Northfield Community Partnershipis a charity which provides help and support to over 10,000 local people a year by offering a range of vital services that provide opportunities to build lives, as well as organising local events throughout the year, including:
A 53 year old woman has been charged with murdering her husband after a man was fund with serious stab injury at a home in Barnes Hill on Tuesday (2nd April).
John Carroll, 52, was found injured at Alwold Court at around 1am on Tuesday and passed away later that day.
His wife, Deborah Carroll was set to appear before Birmingham Magistrates Court today (Friday 5th April) accused of his murder.
Detective Inspector Hannah Whitehouse, from the force’s homicide team, said: “This is a significant step forward in our investigation, but I would urge anyone with information which may assist our enquiries to get in touch via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
West Midlands Police have released CCTV images in a bid to identify a man who stole money from a woman using a cash machine in Kings Norton in January.
The woman, 58, was using the cash machine outside the Post Office on Lindsworth Approach at 8am on 29 January.
As the machine dispensed her cash she was pushed aside and the suspect made off with the cash towards Monyhull Hall Road.
The man is described as black, he had a goatee and was wearing a black coat with a dark coloured hoody underneath, black jeans, black trainers and was carrying a black and white adidas bag.
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 number 20BW/25217Y/19
Rosewelth was taken to hospital in a critical condition following the collision.
30 year old van driver Andre Adams, of Aston, was arrested two days later and his van recovered.
After pleaded guilty to failing to stop after a road accident and causing serious injury by dangerous driving, Adams was jailed for three and a half years at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 4 April).
A group of children from Rednal Hill Infant School visited the MG Sales Centre yesterday (Friday 5th April) to discover the heritage and history of car making through the years at Longbridge.
Organised by local community organisation Pride of Longbridge, the day was enjoyed by 90 Year 1 pupils along with teaching and support staff.
Gemma Cartwright from Pride of Longbridge said: “It was a fantastic day where enthusiasts and workers shared our wonderful history. It was amazing for the children to hear how great our community heritage is and for MG to support the visit.”
Thanking the Pride of Longbridge volunteers, teacher Miss Habershon said: “A very big thankyou for your hard work and time today. The children thoroughly enjoyed the day and many said ‘it was the best day ever’!
“It was so lovely to share your passion and expertise within MG and our local area and I am sure it will inspire our children in many years to come. Thank you for taking the time to plan and deliver such an inspirational experience.”
You can enjoy some of our local heritage at Pride of Longbridge, 10am – 4pm, Saturday 13th April at Cofton Park with hundreds of cars produced or linked to Longbridge, community activities, heritage recording: share your memories of the Mini on its 60th anniversary. Read more
The 82-year-old – who goes by the name Mary – walked out of QE Hospital at around 3.30pm today and hasn’t been seen since.
Mary has dementia are her family are concerned she may be lost and disorientated. She is known to travel extensively on the bus network and has links to Bromsgrove, Longbridge and Smethwick – although following a previous missing episode she was found in Redditch.
She is described as white, around 5ft 3ins tall, slim build, with grey short bobbed hair. When last seen she was wearing a three-quarter length grey coat, has a beige handbag across her body, black leggings and black shoes.
If anyone believes they’ve seen her, please call us immediately on 999.
A man suffered a stab injury when thieves stole his car in Kings Norton yesterday evening (Sunday 7th April).
West Midlands Police are investigating after the man was stabbed in the leg during a carjacking in Hillmeads Road at around 7.30pm.
Hillmeads Road was closed for several hours as officers examined the scene.
Officers examine the scene | snappersk
A police spokesperson said: “Three men in a black Seat Ibiza were approached by a group of men demanding they got out the car. The driver was stabbed in the leg, and his two passengers were assaulted before the offenders made off in the car.”
It is understood that the driver of the Seat managed to get onto a bus where he was assisted by the driver and passengers.
The man was taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries, which are not believed to be life-threatening.
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. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Please quote crime reference number 20BW/84021L/19.
A man suffered serious head and facial injuries during an incident in Bartley Green yesterday afternoon.
The man was found by the fire service on open space in Hasbury Road at around 4.15pm.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said that it’s believed two men from inside a house in Kitwell Gardens had attacked the man after a brick had been thrown at the property.
The man was left with fractures to his face.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “One ambulance attended and treated a man who was in a serious condition. He was taken by land ambulance on blue lights to hospital for further care.”
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, quoting 20BW/83982H/19. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
A man has been seriously injured after a car collided with a tree in the Woodgate Valley area of Bartley Green in the early hours of this morning (Monday 8th April).
Image: snappersk
The man, in his 20s, was driving a black Vauxhall Corsa which collided with a tree and the gates of Woodgate Valley Country Park at around 3.45am.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said he was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman confirmed the man’s injuries were not life threatening. She said: “One man, who managed to self-extricate from the car, was given treatment on scene for injuries not thought to be life threatening before being taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further checks.”
Clapgate Lane remained closed between the scene and Kitwell Lane for several hours while collision investigators examined the scene. The road is now reopened.
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
It was celebration time as a programme designed to steer children away from crime and anti-social behaviour in south Birmingham celebrates its second birthday.
The Teamworx is an initiative which has grown from strength to strength – it’s run by West Midlands Police and West Midlands Fire Service for children between the ages of seven and 11.
The Teamworx Program
The scheme works with children who have had behavioural or attendance problems at school, who have had difficult upbringings, or suffer with low self-esteem.
They work on a range of activities to help their social and teamwork skills, and open up new career opportunities.
A 12-week course how to stay safe, be a responsible citizen, respect themselves and others and also the importance of a healthy diet and staying fit.
The initial Teamworx course, which involved four schools in the Weoley Castle area, has steadily expanded and is now running in 12 Northfield primary schools.
Partners include Alvechurch Football Club, Redditch Tigers, a taekwondo martial arts group, the RSPCA, the National Trust, the Birmingham Children’s Society and a horse riding centre.
PC Matthew Shakespeare from Kings Norton neighbourhood policing team said: “The aim of these courses is to raise children’s aspirations, improve their confidence and prevent them from entering the criminal justice system – either as a victim or an offender. Every child is challenged to be the best that they can be.
“The high level of uptake from schools is an indication that the course is being successful in engaging children in activities that encourage them to listen, follow instructions and give 100% commitment to what they are doing.”
Parents, carers and local people are invited to view and comment on plans for a new classroom block at a Rednal school.
As part of the second phase Department for Education’s Priority School Building Programme (PSBP), Colmers School and Sixth Form College on Bristol Road South is set to see the largest investment in the site for over 70 years.
The funding
The PSBP is investing £4.4 billion in rebuilding or renovating buildings at over 500 identified school nationally. The first improved buildings open in 2014 and the rest are expected to all be completed by 2021.
The Colmers project is valued at around £6.5 million and will be funded by the Department for Education, with additional funding from Birmingham City Council and the school.
The history
West building in 1950 (Completed 1946/7)
The West Building at Colmers School was the original building for the secondary school. Work started on the site in the early 1940s, next to the existing Colmers Farm Primary School.
With building postponed during World War II, the completion was delayed, with the school finally accepting pupils in 1946 / 47.
The proposals
Proposed sites for new building
West block was identified as suitable for the second phase of the PSBP back in 2014.
A new, modern 3 storey building will replace the existing 2/3 storey block.
Proposals expect the replacement block to be built either on the ‘Red Zone’ court area or the current car park, so pupils can continue to be educated in the existing West building.
Once the original block is demolished, a new car park and playground area will be completed where it once stood.
The work
Subject to planning permission, it is expected that work will begin as early as July / August this year, with the project being complete in time for pupils to commence lessons in the new building from September 2020.
Until this time, pupils will continue to be educated in the existing West building.
Have Your Say
Event: You can view proposals, ask questions and leave comments at an open consultation event on Thursday 11th April between 4-6pm at the school.
Three salons in Kings Norton have joined together to take a stand against domestic violence and to be a link for their clients who may be in need of help.
The idea began when Yvonne Jones of The Hair and Beauty Works in Monyhull Hall Road heard of a scheme in Norfolk where the council organised a domestic violence awareness conference for hairdressers and beauticians in the county.
The move came after the murder of 32 year old Kerri McAuley by her partner in 2017. Kerri had confided in her hairdresser before her death. It was recognised that that it may be beneficial for salon staff to have the tools and confidence to know what to do if they suspect a client is in trouble.
Yvonne was inspired to turn to one of her own clients, who works for Birmingham & Solihull Women’s Aid (BSWA), for advice.
She then teamed with two other Kings Norton salons – The Hair and Beauty Works’ neighbour Urban Tonic and The Hair Shop on The Green – and staff from all three salons received awareness training.
Staff are now aware of the signs to look out for and are equipped with literature and advice on signposting to organisations such as BSWA for help.
As well as advice literature, each salon will display signs to let clients know that staff are there for them if they need someone to talk to and that the salon is a safe place for those who may need to use a phone other than their own, for example.
Yvonne said: “I just found the story shocking – that we could be in that position with a client – and felt that we owe it to women out there to be knowledgeable enough to be able to help any ladies that enter our salons as clients.
“The training was a bit of an eye opener, and the statistics say 1 in 4 women are sufferers in some form. Hopefully clients will now know with the signs we will have that they can confide in us and get signposted to the right help.”
A spokeswoman for Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid said: “Domestic abuse is an issue that affects so many women and it isn’t always easy to find out where to go for help.
“The more members of the community who are aware of the issue and the risks it poses for women and children and then know about agencies such as BSWA, the more likelihood that women will find the support they need.”
Developers have submitted plans to Birmingham City Council to convert an historic Kings Norton pub into four apartments and to develop surrounding land with further apartments and houses.
The Navigation in 2012 | Photo Ell R Brown
Subject to several rejected or withdrawn planning applications over recent years, the future of The Navigation on the corner of Wharf Road – opposite The Green – was plunged in to further uncertainty last year.
After twelve months of speculation, developers have now submitted a planning application to Birmingham City Council for a housing development on the site – one which includes retaining the pub building itself.
The proposals would see the former pub building converted into 4 two bedroom apartments, with a further 2-3 storey block of 19 one and two bed apartments being constructed on what is now the car park, at the corner of Wharf Road and Pershore Road.
The development would also include 9 three bedroom houses on the remainder of the land.
Urging local residents to submit their views to the council’s Planning Committee, Councillor Alex Aitken (Labour, Kings Norton North) said: “The Navigation Inn is a longstanding centrepoint in the Kings Norton community, and it is vitally important that any development is in tune with what local residents want.
“I’m disappointed that, if the proposals are accepted, that the Navi will no longer be a community asset. However, given the current housing crisis both locally and nationally, I appreciate the need for increased housing. I sincerely hope that any housing as part of this development would be genuinely affordable.”
Safeguarding
Cllr Aitken also noted the proximity of the apartments to Kings Norton Primary School and acknowledged concerns expressed by parents of the properties overlooking the playground.
He said: “From the plans it appears as though there is little to no visibility of the school’s playground, but I have contacted the lead planning officer to determine whether this proposal meets the guidelines for any developments within close proximity of a school, as the safety and safeguarding of children should always be prioritised.”
Past threats to the building
While this latest application would retain the building, albeit for a very different use, a number of attempts have been made to change the use of the site over the last few years – several involving the demolition of the existing building.
One of the proposals rejected in 2012
In 2011, then owners The Spirit Pub Company planned to sell the pub to the Co-op. Plans for a grocery store were met with much objection from local residents, politicians and businesses. The campaign against the proposal was successful, with city planners rejecting the application.
Plans were resubmitted again TWICE in 2012, but again campaigners opposed and Birmingham City Council rejected both applications, saying that the pub should not be demolished as it was a heritage asset and used for social and community activities. Planners also felt a modern building on the site would not fit with the character of the Kings Norton Conservation Area.
In 2014, The Spirit Pub Company and Sainsbury’s submitted a new planning proposal to demolish the pub and build a modern grocery store. Again, the proposals were rejected by the council.
The companies persisted and took an appeal to the government’s Planning Inspectorate. In 2015, they received the news that the government’s inspector had turned down their appeal, citing safety concerns and the adverse affect on the Kings Norton Conservation Area.
Have Your Say
You can view the full development plans and submit your views on the Birmingham City Council Planning Online site (Application number 2019/02568/PA). Comments need to be submitted for consideration before 2nd May 2019.
A man had to be cut free from his car after an accident in Kings Norton this morning (Thursday 11th April).
The collision between a car and a bus happened at around 7am in Shannon Road, in Hawkesley.
All emergency services attended the accident, with the man being cut from his car by a West Midlands Fire Service crews from Kings Norton and Northfield.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said the car driver was taken to hospital with injuries “not thought to be life threatening”.
She added: “The bus driver, a man was assessed on scene but didn’t require hospital treatment.”
Following the accident, Kings Norton fire crew tweeted: “Please take extra care when driving during hours of low sun.”
The road remained closed until around 10.15am.
Red watch attended a RTC this morning involving car VS bus. Full roof removal was needed to allow safe removal of casualty.
Please take extra care when driving during hours of low sun. pic.twitter.com/my8TMD1uqf
A motorcyclist was seriously injured in an accident which saw a major commuter route closed for serval hours yesterday (Wednesday 10th April).
The accident – involving a motorbike and a car – happened on the A38 Birmingham Road between Rubery and Lydiate Ash at around 5.20pm.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said the man had been attended by an ambulance crew and a BASICS doctor.
Photo: snappersk
After being given trauma care at the scene, the man was transferred to hospital by ambulance, accompanied by the doctor.
Confirming that they are investigating the circumstances of the accident, a West Mercia Police spokewoman said: “Although at first his injuries were thought to be life threatening his condition has since improved.”
The road was closed southbound for several hours while collision investigators examined the scene
Anyone who witnessed the accident can call West Mercia Police on 101 with any information.
Thousands descended on the former Pavilions shopping centre building in Birmingham’s High Street today, to see the world’s biggest Primark store open it’s doors.
Spread over five floors, the store has a Duck & Dry beauty studio, Primark’s first in-store barbers salon from Joe Mills, and 3 amazing dining experiences, including the much anticipated Disney Café – the first in the world to be opened outside a Disney park.
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Photo: Snappersk
Thousands wait for the world's biggest Primark to open its doors • Photo: Snappersk
Thousands wait for the world's biggest Primark to open its doors • Photo: Snappersk
Those early enough received Primark goody bags - including Disney ears! • Photo: Snappersk
Preparing to open • Photo: Snappersk
Some of the first through the doors of the massive store • Photo: Snappersk
Some of the first through the doors of the massive store • Photo: Snappersk
The store covers 5 floors of the former Pavilions shopping centre • Photo: Snappersk
The Disney theme! • Photo: Snappersk
Everyone enjoyed the occasion! • Photo: snappersk
Hello Brum • Photo: Primark
Brum themed merchandise • Photo: Primark
• Photo: Primark
Harry Potter section • Photo: Primark
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• Photo: Primark
The first Disney Café outside a Disney park • Photo: Primark
Through the trademark ears.... • Photo: Primark
• Photo: Primark
• Photo: Primark
• Photo: Primark
• Photo: Primark
• Photo: Primark
Duck & Blow beauty • Photo: Primark
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• Photo: Primark
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• Photo: Primark
A first for Primark - in-store barber • Photo: Primark
Firefighters were called to a large fire in the clubhouse at a former golf course in Northfield this evening (Sunday 14th April).
At just after 9.20pm, West Midlands Fire Service confirmed that six fire crews – including Woodgate Valley, Kings Norton & Billesley – were in attendance at a fire in the derelict building.
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Photo: West Midlands Fire Service
Photo: West Midlands Fire Service
Photo: Lee Baker | WMFS
Photo: Lee Baker | WMFS
Housing development proposals turned down
After the club closed due to financial difficulties in 2016, developers Bloor Homes had an application to build 950 homes on the site turned down by Birmingham City Council in August 2017.
Bloor Homes have submitted an appeal to the government’s Planning Inspectorate to overturn the council’s decision on their proposals for a housing development on the site, reducing the number of homes in the plan to 800.
Following a public enquiry, a decision on the appeal was originally expected from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government James Brokenshire MP in March but no decision has yet been reached.
Firefighters remained at a former Northfield golf course this morning after being called to a large fire in the derelict clubhouse last night (Sunday 14th April).
Crews from across South Birmingham – including Northfield, Woodgate Valley, Kings Norton, Billesley and Haden Cross – battled to control the blaze.
At its height, around 40 firefighters fought to contain the fire, also utilising the service’s aerial platform.
Fifteen firefighters remained on scene this morning, ensuring the fire was fully out and preventing re-ignition.
Frankley Beeches Road and Hanging Lane were closed intermittently.
Cllr Olly Armstrong (Labour, Northfield) thanked firefighters, saying: “The local community and I are as always, thankful and proud of our firefighters swiftness and bravery in putting the fire out.”
He added: “It is a great shame that the golf course clubhouse has mysteriously burnt down days after the government decision to build/not to build on the green grounds was delayed once again.”
In pictures
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Photo: snappersk
Photo: snappersk
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Photo: snappersk
Photo: snappersk
Photo: snappersk
Photo: snappersk
Photo: Lee Baker | WMFS
The morning after
Housing development proposals turned down
After the club closed due to financial difficulties in 2016, developers Bloor Homes had an application to build 950 homes on the site turned down by Birmingham City Council in August 2017.
Bloor Homes have submitted an appeal to the government’s Planning Inspectorate to overturn the council’s decision on their proposals for a housing development on the site, reducing the number of homes in the plan to 800.
Following a public enquiry, a decision on the appeal was originally expected from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government James Brokenshire MP in March but no decision has yet been reached.
Two people – a 24 year old man and a 21 year old woman – were seriously injured when their car collided with a tree in Northfield yesterday evening (Monday 15th April).
The accident happened at around 9.30pm when an Audi estate smashed into a tree in Merritt’s Brook Lane.
Eye witnesses described seeing the car being pursued by an unmarked police car before the collision.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said that, on arrival at the scene, paramedics found the man – the driver – had been helped out of the vehicle by bystanders and the female passenger was lying near to the car.
Both were treated for serious injuries on scene before being transported to hospital. A MERIT trauma doctor traveled with the woman.
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said that the car had originally failed to stop for police at around 9.30pm in Bunbury Road, before crashing in Merritt’s Brook Lane 5 minutes later. She said that the man and woman were still being treated in hospital for “injuries that are not thought to be life-threatening.”
The spokeswoman added that a large quantity of cannabis had been recovered from the car.
#primark #newstore
