A man has been arrested in Kings Norton after police received reports of a man with a gun.

Armed officers attended the incident at a shop in Parsons Hill, which was closed as officers searched for the suspect.

The man was located at a nearby address and arrested.

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

A controversial planning application for a drive-thru Starbucks coffee shop in Northfield has been approved by Birmingham City Council’s planning committee today (Thursday 21st July).

The original plans submitted for the coffee shop on Sir Herbert Austin Way (A38 bypass) at the junction of Vineyard Road, were met with mixed reaction. Many local politicians, parents, school governors and senior staff and local residents were concerned about the proximity of the entrance of the site to the Bellfield Schools site.

The plan is that there will be an entrance onto the Starbucks site at the top of Vineyard Road, with the exit being back onto the A38. The entrance is very close to the pedestrian access to Bellfield Junior, Infant and Nursery Schools and Childrens Centre.

Developers responded by submitting a new planning permission application, with some changes which they claimed would improve schooltime safety in Vineyard Road.

At the planning committee meeting this morning, John Liggins, Director of Ziran Land Ltd., said that measures – such as improved safety barriers, allowing parents to use the coffee shop’s car park, no deliveries at peak times and a footpath through their site providing access to the schools – would make the area around the school safer at busy times.

Representing the governors, senior staff and parents of Belfield Infant School, chair of governors Reverend Dave Tubby told the committee that despite reassurances from the developers, there was still serious concerns about the safety of children should be development to go ahead.

In discussion of the application, counsellors on the committee expressed mixed views. While most supported the principle of the development which will create around 20 jobs, several were concerned about the safety issues express, despite an independent report stating that safety would be improved.

Some expressed a wish to visit the site before reaching a decision but, with schools breaking up it was noted that it would be sometime before they could make a useful visit to see how the road is at school pickup and drop off tones. The committee voted 4-6 against a site visit.

Weoley councillors Peter Douglas Osborn (Con) and Steve Bootton (Lab) both sit on the planning committee and both expressed concerns about site safety.

However, when the committee voted, 7 councillors were for the proposals and just 2 voted against, with 2 councillors abstaining.

Following the decision, Rev Tubby said: “The school is very disappointed with the outcome and believe that insufficient concern has been taken regarding childrens’ safety for what is a very busy road. We are disappointed that given the concerns that councillors had, therefore, that no site visit was considered appropriate.

“We will do everything we can to ensure this remains a safe entrance for parents and children. We want to reassure parents that we will take every possible measure to ensure the safety of our children. This remains our highest priority.”

Richard Burden, MP for Northfield, said: “I don’t yet have the full details of this decision and of any conditions that the Planning Committee have attached to their approval. What is clear is that local schools and others have serious concerns about the way that traffic around the new coffee shop may work. It is vital these are addressed. The safety of children should be a priority for everyone involved.”

John Liggins, director at Ziran Land, comments: “With today’s decision we will now look at timescales to deliver the new coffee shop. The development will regenerate this vacant site and create jobs, whilst also providing car parking, footpaths and a waiting area that parents and schoolchildren can use safely.”

A new application has been submitted to Bromsgrove District Council to add a crematorium facility to Waseley Hills Cemetery in Rubery.

Cemetery and chapel approval

Planning permission was granted for a cemetery on the edge of the Waseley Hills Country Park in Rubery in 2012.

Further planning permission was received in 2014 for a chapel and maintenance building on the site, at New Inns Lane, close to the junction with Boleyn Road, Frankley (Planning Application 14/0575).

“Adverse effect” on Green Belt

At the same time, after much objection from local residents and politicians, Bromsgrove District Council refused permission to include facilities for cremation, citing an inappropriate, industrial use of green belt land and increased traffic to the site, amongst other issues.

The council at that time said: “the proposed crematorium flue and associated comings and goings associated with the crematorium and the industrial process of cremations would have an adverse impact upon the visual qualities of the Green Belt and the designated Landscape Protection Area.”

New proposals

Preparation of the site has begun and, now, developers have re-applied to alter the use of the approved chapel and maintenance buildings to include a crematorium. (Planning application 16/0581)

Some changes have been made to try and make the proposal acceptable, including:

• A reduction in the volume of the previously approved buildings: although the footprint would remain the same, the height of the buildings has been reduced in the new proposal.
• A reduction (over 20%) in the amount of hardstanding on the site for car parking / access
• A redesign of the flue: new plans are for a shorter flue which will look more in keeping with the appearance of the new building which is designed to have a natural feel with its wood panelling and grassed roof. This to address concerns that the flue, necessary for a crematorium, on the original plans was too high and industrial looking to be allowed on green belt land.

Opposition

However, local councillor Peter MacDonald (Labour) told the Bromsgrove Standard that the council shouldn’t even be considering the application, after throwing out proposals back in 2014.

Cllr Andy Cartwright (Longbridge, Labour) said he & colleague Cllr Carole Griffiths would also be opposing the application again, saying that a crematorium would have an adverse affect on traffic in Longbridge ward.

A local resident, who does not wish to be named, said she would object to the application again, saying that the location is not suitable for a crematorium.

She said: “The road network and access is appalling, it is right next to a country park and local housing, I’m very concerned about where people will park when there are services, I’ve recently printed order of services for funerals who had 250 and 300!

“Bromsgrove council have previously refused an application for a crematorium which was being added as a variation to an application for just a cemetery, it was not a minor variation and 2 years later they are trying again.”

Have your say

You can view the proposals and have your say by visiting the Bromsgrove District Council planning website and searching for planning application number 16/0581 Comments can be received until the 5th August 2016.

A man who sustained a life-changing brain injury 16 years ago has officially opened a new shop run by the charity that helped rebuild his life.

Manny Galsinh, age 52 from Shirley in Solihull, was chosen for the honour of launching Headway Birmingham & Solihull’s new charity shop in New Road in Rubery as it opened its doors for the first time last week. With his family by his side, he cut the ribbon at the entrance to the shop and declared the new shop officially open.

Manny suffered a brain haemorrhage in November 2000 which led to a stroke and other complications. This left him with a devastating brain injury and unable to walk or talk initially. He said: “I’ve had the most amazing support from Headway Birmingham & Solihull over the last 14 years and I’m pleased to return the favour by helping launch their new venture.

“Before I had my brain injury, I had everything – a lovely wife, two young sons and a career in IT but our whole world was suddenly turned upside down. I lost the use of the right side of my body and found myself in a wheelchair, struggling with speech and barely coping with everyday life.

“Headway has been a key part of my recovery. Since 2002, I’ve been attending the brain injury sessions at Headway House at Moseley Hall Hospital and then at Leighton House in Rednal too when it opened in 2005. I can’t tell you what a difference this has made to both me and the rest of my family.”

Manny now walks unaided, his speech continues to improve and he leads a full and active family life.

Along with his wife, Satwant, and his sons, Hardeep and Gurdeep, he has been a staunch supporter of the charity over the years, helping raise funds for a new pool table at the local brain injury unit and encouraging other family members and friends to donate their unwanted clothing and other items to the Headway charity shop.

Sue Tyler, Chief Executive at Headway Birmingham & Solihull, added: “I remember Manny when he first came along to Headway House and the progress he has made is remarkable. He really is a shining example of how, with the right support at the right time, there can be life after brain injury.

“We are delighted that Manny agreed to formally open our new shop in Rubery. It is only a stone’s throw from the charity’s brain injury unit on Great Park in Rednal and we hope that it will create an opportunity to raise money to fund our specialist programmes and help raise a greater awareness of the work we do.”

Headway Birmingham & Solihull already operates one charity shop in north Birmingham, in Thornbridge Avenue, Great Barr, and hopes to create an equally successful venture at the new Rubery shop. Its success will rely on support from the local community, both for volunteers as well as donations of unwanted clothing and bric-a-brac.

Those who joined the charity for the official opening enjoyed refreshments and a raffle, and an opportunity to browse the excellent range of stock on offer at the new shop.

The opening hours for the new shop at 183 New Road, Rubery B45 9JP will be Monday to Saturday from 9am – 4.30pm.

Anyone wishing to volunteer or make a donation can call by and speak directly to Rachael Baynham (Manager) or Sue Wilcox (Assistant Manager) or email enquiries@headway-bs.org.uk

Cover image: Manny Galsinh cuts the ribbon & declares the new shop officially open with CEO Sue Tyler (L) & Shop Manager Rachael Baynham (R)

British Transport Police have released shocking video footage of train track trespass incidents in the hope that it will deter people from putting their lives on the line. The video shows incidents from around the country but ends with hard hitting footage of an horrific incident at Kings Norton station last year.

A man, taking a short cut across the track on his way to work, was struck by a train before he could make it onto the platform. The man survived but was paralysed as a result of the accident.

Almost 170 people have died as a result trespassing on the railway in the last decade. Almost half of these were aged under 25.

British Transport Police said: “Most trespassers say taking a shortcut was their main motivation, followed by thrill-seeking. But walking along or messing around on the tracks can result in serious life-changing injuries or death.”

BTP West Midlands on Twitter said that trespass on railways in the West Midlands rose by a massive 13% last summer.

Transport police officers across the country are working hard, alongside Network Rail, to reduce trespass, with posters, school visits, warning signs and patrols at hotspots, improving security and using covert surveillance.

BTP said: “But we can’t tackle this issue alone. We’re urging parents and young people to take a reality check when it comes to trespass. It’s not a game: they are real tracks, with real trains and real life-changing consequences.”

They are calling for parents to stress hoping their video Real tracks. Real trains. Real life. will be the #RealityCheck that prevents someone making that potentially life-changing decision to take that short cut or ‘mess about’ on the tracks.

Please note: The following video contains scenes which some may find upsetting

Helpful information: 

Information for parents from Network Rail

Information on trespass from British Transport Police

Summer really begins next week when, for the 5th year running, the popular Northfield Beach returns!

The urban beach will be back in Price’s Square with live music, arts and entertainment for the whole family – all hosted in the heart of Northfield.

Access to the beach – with deckchairs and buckets and spades – and most entertainment is free. (Note: on Saturday there will be a £1 entry fee as part of the Ruben Morris fundraiser)

Rebecca Debenham, from Northfield Community Partnership who organise the event, said: “Running alongside the beach there will also be a diverse range of live music and family activities. So, why not spend a day at the beach, take part in one or two of the fantastic workshops on offer, shake your stuff along to the live music or watch a Punch & Judy show with the kids.

The event runs between 10am and 4pm from Wednesday 3rd August until Sunday 7th August so pop down, and enjoy some sun (hopefully!), fun and sand! 

To see the daily featured attractions, click the posters to enlarge:

Daily schedules (click to enlarge)

1 of 5

PLUS featured daily: Northfield Arts Forum (NAF) Arts Village, Thomas Cook free face painting, Longbridge Light Festival

Other activities include: donkey rides, fairground rides & hair braiding (charges apply)

From Northfield Shopping Centre:

Children are in for a thrilling adventure this summer, as Northfield shopping centre is set to host a free, nature-themed Go Outdoors kids’ club. 

On Thursday, 28 July, children of all ages are being invited to become explorers at Northfield’s allotment with ‘expert gardeners’, Wendy Watering Can and Gertrude Garden Gloves. Between 11am and 4pm, youngsters will enjoy fun and games including musical bug bumps and guess the veggie, as well as crafting their very own vegetable character.

Northfield’s mini-gardeners will also be equipped with a magnifying glass to take part in the ‘Little Explorers Bug Hunt’, where they will be on the look out for creepy crawlies around the shopping centre to win sweet treats.

Northfield centre manager, Adam Meade said he is looking forward to welcoming families to the centre over the school holidays. “After the success of last year’s dinosaur-themed kids’ club, we thought it was an excellent opportunity to bring it back to the centre with a brand new, educational theme for another year,” he said.

“This is the first of our three Go Outdoors kids clubs that we will be hosting at Northfield this summer and we hope everybody enjoys learning about the great outdoors with Wendy and Gertrude.”

Northfield Shopping Centre will be hosting its Go Outdoors kids’ club on Thursday, 28 July between 11am and 4pm. 

West Midlands Police have issued an appeal for information after receiving reports of gun shots being fired in Bartley Green yesterday (Saturday 30 July).

Officers were called to the junction of Field Lane and Scotland Lane at around 5.30pm. While no injuries were reported, it was reported that shots were fired and a white Vauxhall Corsa was seen leaving the scene.

Two men aged 23 and 22 have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and they remain in police custody.

Detective Inspector Shaun Egan, from West Midlands Police Force CID, said: “There were a large number of people in the area at the time who could have valuable information to assist this investigation.”

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

Northfield Ecocentre are looking for new volunteers at two established community gardens in Northfield.

The volunteers are needed for gardening and building work and other odd jobs.

Scotty Hassall said: “We have a wonderful friendly team at both locations. It’s a perfect opportunity to get out and make friends, gain new skills and even get references for jobs. We have all the tools youll need.”

Times: Tuesday and Fridays 10am-3.30pm at Allens Cross Community Centre, Tinkers Farm Road, Northfield and Wednesday and Saturday 10am-2pm at Masefield Community Gardens, Lindsey Avenue, Northfield, B31 2DT – just off Bunbury road.

Contact Scotty on 07713029801 with enquiries. You can also contact Northfield Ecocentre admin@northfieldecocentre.com or call on 0121 4480119

Documents giving a first look at proposals for improvements to Longbridge Railway Station have been submitted to Birmingham City Council. 

The documents give an overview of Network Rail’s plans to improve the station both internally and externally, including: alterations to the existing building, changes to the footbridge and modifications to platform furniture, including new/extended waiting areas.

The proposed new frontage of the station building, facing on to Longbridge Lane, would give the station a more modern feel, with a satin stainless steel clad facade.

The documents can be viewed on Birmingham City Council’s Planning Online pages. Application number: 2016/06447/PA

Birmingham City Council have today approved a planning application to demolish and rebuild the pool and leisure centre facility in Northfield.

After discussing concerns surrounding the location decision, loss of the historic facade, loss of sauna and more, the planning committee voted 8 to 1 to approve the plans (3 abstentions).

The facility, due to open in spring 2018, will include a 6 lane 25m pool, a learner pool, changing facilities, a fitness suite, a dance studio and a community room.

As part of the plans, some current features will be lost: there will be no steam or sauna facilities, (despite a petition put forward by user Tristan Harris) and no ICE gym – one of three gyms equipped for young people 8-16 across Birmingham. The main pool will be 25m long, compared to the current 30m pool.

Location debate

A long and heated debate and consultation on the location of a new build centre followed Birmingham City Council’s decision to build a new facility back in 2014. Options included the current site, the Longbridge redevelopment and Prices Square in the centre of Northfield.

A decision was made in March last year that the new build would go ahead on the current site.

Alternative facilities during rebuild

The running of the site, along with 7 others, has now been taken over by the Serco managed Birmingham Community Leisure Trust and was due to remain open until demolition in September. However, a recent problem with cryptosporidium meant that the centre closed early, in June.

Tiverton Pool in Selly Oak, earmarked for closure, will be kept open as an alternative facility while the Northfield new build takes place.

Historic landmark lost

The history of Northfield baths:

• Northfield baths opened on 8th May 1937 and were the first in Birmingham to be built solely for the purpose of recreation.
• The building was designed by Henry Simister for the Birmingham Baths Committee. There were two pools, as there are now, with a large cafe overlooking.
• The fitness suite was added in the 1980s.
• The refurbishment in 2003 was the last major spend on the building.
• Situated opposite the Black Horse on Bristol Road South, the building is considered a local landmark.

Although the landmark facade of the building is to be lost, proposed plans include retaining some of the key features of the building – such as the weather vane – in the landscaping around the new centre.

When plans were released in March, Northfield MP Richard Burden said: “I am disappointed that it looks like the facade of the current building is not being retained. It is an important local landmark and that will be lost even if the new pool preserves a few features from the old one. It looks like the loss of the facade is down to shortage of space on the existing pool site. This was one of the reasons I supported building a new leisure centre somewhere else – like Northfield’s Price’s Square just up the road. That option wasn’t to be, though, and we need to make what has been agreed work as well as possible. The key thing is that Northfield needs a quality new pool and leisure centre, and it is getting one.”

Improved facilities?

A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: “The £8million investment into rebuilding the Northfield Leisure facility is expected to support wider regeneration in the area, as well as greatly enhance the health and fitness provision for local residents by making sporting activity and swimming more accessible to a greater number of people wanting to enjoy an active lifestyle.

“The community area will offer a great space for hosting community functions and events in a safe, secure and modern environment.”

Northfield MP Richard Burden said: “The Council promised to build a new pool and leisure centre in Northfield and these plans show they are as good as their word.

“So I want to congratulate the council on its investment – particularly when the city is suffering such big cuts from the Government.”

A 19 year old man has been injured after being stabbed in Bartley Green yesterday evening (Tuesday 9th August).

The incident happened at around 7.45pm in Lye Avenue. According to a police spokeswoman, the injured man was: “taken to hospital where he was treated for his injuries which are not life threatening.”

The spokeswoman confirmed that a 44 year old man had been arrested on suspicion of wounding and was still helping police with their enquiries this morning.

Anyone with any informations is asked to contact West Midlands Police on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Following the centralisation of homelessness services in Birmingham, local people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness will have to travel to Newtown for assistance from Birmingham City Council.

Northfield Stakeholders Group (NSG), a group of community organisations and public sector partners, have secured funding from Birmingham City Council to arrange and provide a homelessness service locally.

By employing a new homelessness support worker and extending the reach of Longbridge based South Birmingham Young Homeless Project’s existing services, NSG have ensured that help and support is more easily accessible for local residents in need.

The service covers Northfield constituency: Northfield, Longbridge, Frankley, West Heath, Rednal, Weoley Castle, Kings Norton and a wider area of south west Birmingham: Kings Heath, Bartley Green etc. Call if you are unsure.

Homelessness advice and support is available as a drop in service or call for an appointment and can be accessed at two locations:

• SBYHP at The Depot Belton Grove, Longbridge B454 9PD. Tel: 0121 453 0606
  Mon 10-4
  Tues 10-4
  Weds 10-7
  Thurs 10-4
  Fri 10-1
• Northfield Community Partnership 693 Bristol Road South, Northfield B31 Tel: 0121 411 2157
  Mon 10-4
  Tues 10-4
  Weds 10-4
  Thurs 10-4
  Fri 10-2

Hundreds of thousands of people (and hobbits?!) visit Lickey Hills Country Park every year. To those of us lucky enough to live close by, the hills provide an escape, a place to make memories, a beautiful space to reflect and get close to nature.

The Visitors Centre in Warren Lane hosts many events and is a welcome rest spot for a cuppa (and the loo!).

However, during World War I, our beautiful country park was home to some very different buildings and a new project has begun to research and record these buildings.

WWI buildings project 

The Lickey Hills Local History Society, the Lickey Hills Society, and the Lickey Hills Rangers Team have started the project around the unusual, and possibly unique, buildings from the Great War on Bilberry Hill.

There are two large concrete gun testing butts and a munitions bunker in the old wood yard on Warren Lane, the latter being recently dug out from under tonnes of soil by ranger-led volunteer groups. There is also a toilet block and two mess rooms next to the Visitor Centre.

The projects aims to record the buildings and find out more about their use, recording the history of the buildings and helping people understand the heritage on their doorstep. Archive collections will be investigated to find out more about the type of work undertaken on the site during WW1 and also the military units that were involved.

The project is also supported by the Worcestershire Archive & Archaeology Service and the group plans to create a bid for Heritage Lottery Funding to support their future work.

Representing Lickey Hills Local History Society and Lickey Hills Society, Jill Harvey said: “The Country Park has hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, and most of us have walked past the buildings without a second glance, not realising their history – including me. Now that they are nearly 100 years old, perhaps it’s time we looked at them properly and realised their uniqueness.” 

Volunteer

A key aim is that the work be carried out by volunteers within the community, with training offered in the various research and recording tasks being undertaken. If anyone is interested in learning more or in getting involved with the project they should contact Jill Harvey tel: 0121 453 5838 or email: info@lhlhs.org.uk

Share your memories

People are also urged to get in touch if they have any memories or stories that have been passed down or any photographs or other physical evidence from that time that could be used.

Open weekend

There will be an Open Weekend on September 17th & 18th. 11am to 4pm at the Visitor Centre, Warren Lane, Lickey B45 8ER.

See the intriguing collection of World War 1 buildings in the Country Park. Guided walks. Plus the Worcestershire World War One Bell Tent and re-enactors. Free and open to everyone.

Cover photo by Lickey Ranger on Flickr

Three teenagers have been charged with wounding in connection with a disorder in which a 19 year old man was stabbed in Bartley Green earlier this week.

Three 17 year old lads – from Bartley Green and Weoley Castle – appeared before Birmingham magistrates today, accused of attacking the man in Lye Avenue, Bartley Green, on Tuesday night (August 9th).

All three were charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. One also faces a separate charge of possessing an offensive weapon in public.

The 19 year old lad was treated in hospital for stab injuries but has since been discharged.

A police spokesman confirmed that a 44 year old man arrested following the incident has been released without charge after helping police with their enquiries.

West Midlands Police detectives are still appealing for witnesses and information.

If anyone was in the Lye Avenue area at around 7.45pm on Tuesday and saw what happened, or has any information that could assist enquiries, they are urged to call West Midlands Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111

Two teenage girls and an older woman have been arrested following a violent disorder in Kings Norton this afternoon (Wednesday 24th August).

A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said that officers were called to the Shannon Road area of Hawkesley shortly after 3.30pm to reports of a disorder.

The two teens (15 and 16) and  33 year old woman have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

The three remain in custody.

Despite local rumours of a stabbing, the police spokeswoman confirmed that officers have received no reports of any injuries arising from the incident.

West Midlands Police are asking anyone who was in the area at the time, or who has any information about what happened, to call them 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 1111

The play area at West Heath Park has been closed due to damage caused by apparent vandalism.

Photos sent by a reader show that large portions of the playground’s soft safety surfacing appear to have been ripped up.

Birmingham City Council has previously had to repair the surface due to vandalism.

Cllr Brett O’Reilly (Labour, Northfield) said: “The damage caused by mindless vandals at West Heath Park is nothing short of disgusting, and the cowards that have carried it out should be ashamed.

“West Heath Park is well used by local families, many of whom will now be forced to take their children elsewhere until repairs are undertaken. I would urge anyone with any information on the vandalism to call the police and report it.”

Anyone with any information can call West Midlands Police on 101

Photos by Tony Rice

Over 70% of Northfield town centre businesses backed another 5 year term for Northfield Business Improvement District (BID) in a vote last month. 

Northfield BID was formed 5 years ago with businesses agreeing to pay an extra levy on their business tax to help maintain and improve Northfield town centre – making it a better place for businesses, residents and visitors. Among other achievements, money raised through the BID has helped fund Christmas lights and floral displays, contributed to funding for events such as Northfield Carnival and Northfield Beach, and employed staff to maintain the cleanliness and safety of the town centre with a part time caretaker and security staff.

BID chair Andy Clarke said: “This is a great result for Northfield high street and businesses. We can now continue with the good work achieved so far, and look forward to another five years of extra services and added value across Northfield.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Marcia Greenwood (BID manager) and her team, and all the BID board of directors, who give their time voluntarily, for their hard work and dedication in trying to change Northfield town centre for the better.”

BID manager Marcia Greenwood said: “We would like to thank all the businesses who have supported us in our first term and an even bigger thank you to those who voted in favour of a second term. The work we do is imperative to ensure that Northfield continues to be a leading local centre. With the regeneration of other local centres, we cannot afford to be complacent and I’m pleased to see that businesses realise this and have not only supported Northfield BID but have supported Northfield.”

Councillor John Clancy, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This is exciting news, not just for businesses in Northfield but for the wider community, who will also see significant benefits from this decision.

“Overseeing economic development across Birmingham is a key part of my responsibilities as council leader, so I am delighted that the business community in Northfield has overwhelmingly backed a second term, enabling Northfield BID to continue growing and building on the successes of its first term.”

You can find out more about Northfield BID on their website or by following them on Facebook or Twitter