West Mercia Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision and can help establish the events leading up to it.

If you saw the collision or have any useful information, please call police on 101 and quote incident number 436s of 29 August 2016.

Anyone with information is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or via their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends.

Image by West Midlands Ambulance Service

Frankley Beeches Road in Northfield was brought to standstill yesterday afternoon (Monday 29th August) when a car and motorbike were involved in a collision.

The accident happened at the junction of St Heliers Road at around 5.45pm.

One ambulance attended and the motorcyclist was treated for injuries to his back, shoulder, femur, pelvis and chest. He remained fully conscious at the scene and was transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham after receiving pain relief.

If you witnessed the accident and have not yet done so, please contact West Midlands Police on 101.

Image by West Midlands Ambulance Service

West Midlands Police have today released more images of motorbikes being ridden illegally in South West Birmingham in an attempt to identify the offenders.

The images show bikes being ridden along footpaths in public parks and next to children’s play areas. one of the images shows a man pulling wheelies along a footpath in Senneleys Park in Bartley Green.

West Midlands Police say that neighbourhood officers have spoken to parents and dog walkers who say they feel it is now unsafe to use some parks in the Bartley Green and Quinton area.

Now police have released the images, provided by members of the public, in an attempt to identify those responsible so action can be taken.

PC Heidi Kennedy said: “It is totally unacceptable for people to use local parks for off-road biking: it’s dangerous and a real noise nuisance. The parks should be relaxing, safe areas for people to spend time – they are not race tracks and people’s enjoyment of the parks is being ruined.”

She added: “We will look to issue warning notices to offenders – anyone ignoring the warning faces having their bike seized and crushed and a date in court.”

An image of a man riding an off-road bike with no registration plates in Overbury Road, Northfield, has also been released.

Anyone with any information on these or similar offences is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101

Click to enlarge images:

Hundreds have lost water supply or pressure due to a burst water main in Longbridge Lane since around 4am this morning (Sunday 4th September).

Longbridge Lane is CLOSED near Turves Green / Coombes Lane while Severn Trent work on repair

They hope to finish today (4th September) and have road restored to normal for tomorrow.

Latest updates will appear first  

Updates:

3:13pm Seven Trent: “We’re hearing reports that customers should be back on now.” Is it?

11.45am Joanne Whelan on Facebook says her supply has been restored in Willetts Road.

11.40am Latest update from Severn Trent Water: “We are experiencing engineering difficulties trying to move water around our network to restore as many supplies as possible while we undertake the repair. Again we’d like to apologise for any disruption this may cause and we are doing everything we can to restore supplies”

11.05am If you have an urgent / medical need, contact Severn Trent for assistance 0800 783 4444 or Tweet @stwater Please check on vulnerable/ elderly neighbours in case they need any help!

11am: Martyn Wentworth on Facebook says that Longbridge Lane closure is between Turves Green and Sunbury Road so please find an alternative route!

10.55am: Nikki Harvey on Facebook says: “Tower blocks on central avenue have no water.” And Gaynor Cosier notes: “Traffic all coming down Edenhurst.”

10.35am: Just heard from Severn Trent that “Unfortunately a lot more than 100 are going to be affected due to difficulties isolating the main. Apologies.”

10.25am: Severn Trent hoped that, once the burst was isolated, only 7 properties would be isolated. Unfortunately, there have been complications & 100 homes may be without any water while repairs carried out. Others may suffer loss of pressure.

The mysterious appearance of a fence, cutting off access to a public footpath, has produced a mixed reaction from local residents and politicians on the Hollymoor Estate in Northfield.

Surprise installation

Some residents were surprised to see the installation of a new fence between Sedgebourne Way and a public footpath / cycle path which runs through the centre of the estate, having not been informed or consulted. However, others posted more positive reactions on a residents’ private Facebook group, saying the new fence improves the security of the street.

When some residents questioned the arrival with the council and local MP, it quickly became apparent that it may not have been officially installed.

Public right of way

Kevin Hicks, assistant director for highways and infrastructure at Birmingham City Council, said: “This footpath is an adopted public right of way and, as such, should not be blocked by a fence or any other obstacle. The council has not carried out this work[…]”

Shocked & surprised

One anonymous resident was surprised to find the fence blocking a route she often uses. She said: “We weren’t warned nor were there any signs put up to state it would be out of use from a certain date. I assumed it was the council. I’m very shocked.

“The thing is, if someone gets public transport early in the morning or late at night they need to walk through an unlit park rather than up a lighted pathway to get to the bus stop. It doesn’t make any sense” she added.

MP for Northfield, Richard Burden said he was made aware of the fence when some residents contacted his office expressing concerns about access to Hollymoor Medical Centre and bus stops on Tessall Lane.

He said: “This has come as a surprise to me as it is normally quite a long drawn-out procedure to block off public access to footpaths and I don’t recall being told of any decision by the Council (or anyone else) to do so here.

“There have certainly also been concerns in the area about the use of the path for crime and anti-social behaviour but I can’t immediately see that blocking off access to the path from Sedgebourne Way is the right response. There may be other views about that but it all underlines why there should be discussion before action like this is taken.”

Safer & more secure?

A number of other residents, who all wish to remain anonymous, have sent comments supporting the barrier, saying it makes their neighbourhood safer and more secure, reduces antisocial behaviour (including off road motorbikes passing through) and that they believe the benefits outweigh the downfalls.

Below are a selection of those comments:

“As a resident of Sedgebourne Way I think the closure of the walk way is fantastic! We have unfortunately been subject to anti social behaviour including theft over recent months, and I honestly think closing the walk way has helped the situation. The get away is no longer as quick and easy, surely this serves as a deterrent!”

“If someone has complained about it, it can only be due to pure selfishness about walking slightly further with no real regard to the issues it really solves.”

“I’ve since discovered an easier route to the doctors through the park which I didn’t know was there before”

“Since the fence has blocked the access to and from the alleyway, opportunity for crime and motorcycle accidents has reduced.”

“We have to pull together as a community & the railings will not solve everything but its a start!”

“Personally I would like to thank whoever was responsible!”

Permission?

However, although the fence certainly seems to have support from a number of local residents, it would seem that no permission has been sought or consultation made for its installation.

On confirming that the council did not install the fence, highways assistant director Kevin Hicks added: “[Birmingham City Council] will be investigating to find out who did so that appropriate enforcement action can be taken to reinstate this public footpath.”

Longbridge Cllr Ian Cruise said: “This is of course illegal and could lead to the individual(s) responsible being prosecuted.

“If residents wish to contact me regarding the issues/concerns that led to the erection of the fence then I would urge them to email me.  I would rather we look to legally put measures in place rather than risk the prosecution of local residents.”

Cllr Cartwright & Griffiths had visited the site and invited residents who want to discuss the issue to attend Longbridge Ward Forum meeting on Thursday 8 September at 6.30pm at The Hollymoor Centre, 8 Manor Park Grove, B31 5ER

Bromsgrove District Council’s planning committee has refused planning permission to developers seeking 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 cemetery site has now begun and developers re-applied to alter the use of the approved chapel and maintenance buildings to include a crematorium. (Planning application 16/0581)

Despite some changes being made to reduce the volume of the previously approved buildings, reduce the size of the car park and lessen the industrial appearance by redesigning the crematorium flue, the plans were met with objection from many local residents and politicians.

Rubery 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) & colleague Cllr Carole Griffiths opposed the application again, saying that a crematorium would have an adverse affect on traffic in Longbridge ward.

Over 100 residents comments were submitted in response to the plans. Hundreds voted in a B31 Voices poll, with just 30% in favour of the proposals.

The plans were unanimously turned down by the planning committee at a meeting on Monday 5th September.

West Midlands Police are appealing for witnesses after a man sadly died in a crash in Selly Oak this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to Pershore Road at around 2.45pm following a collision involving a motorbike and a car.

The 25-year-old motorcyclist was treated by paramedics but despite their best efforts died at the scene.

Sergeant Chris Ridge, from the Regional Collision Investigation Unit, said: “We are also appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

“Our thoughts remain with the family of the man who lost his life and specialist officers are supporting them at this difficult time.”

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101.

Alternatively people pass information via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

Our thoughts go out to the young man’s family and friends at this awful time. x

Thanks to B14 News for the update

As part of Birmingham Heritage Week, Pride of Longbridge have organised a Heritage Open Day at MG in Longbridge. 

This is a free family event. You will be able to see the museum and have a look around Lord austins office, look at some cars made over the years at Longbridge or enjoy a slide show.

Pop in to MG at Lowhill Lane between 12.30 an 7pm

More info: prideoflongbridge2006@gmail.com

An application to Birmingham City Council planning department to build 5 new houses off Tessall Lane in Northfield is NOT linked to a local restaurant housed in a listed building.

An application has been submitted to build 5 detached / semi-detached homes, with their own access road, behind the old King George V pub (now King Khan’s Bar and Restaurant) at the corner of Tessall Lane and Bristol Road South in Longbridge.

The planning application notice, posted close to the site, mentions the Grade II Listed former pub (formerly the Emerald Chinese restaurant) due to its proximity to the site.

However, the land that is proposed to be developed is currently used as a scrap / breakers yard, and has been on the site for 20 years.

The opening of the King Khan restaurant in 2014 was greeted with mixed reactions from the local community, when the new owner and members of the King George V Bowling Club failed to reach an agreement on the club’s tenancy, forcing them to leave the green they had used behind the building since 1937.

Recent images sent by members of the club show the bowling green as it is today.

To view and comment on the planning application, visit Birmingham City Council’s Planning Online pages, application number 2016/05184/PA

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The families of two local motorcyclists, who recently lost their lives in accidents, have paid tribute to the men.

Daniel Hanks, 25, from Kings Norton, sadly died on Thursday after he was involved in a collision with a car and a bus on Pershore Road in Selly Park.

Daniel’s family have today released the following statement: “Daniel was a loving son, brother, partner and dad. He was a keen car and bike enthusiast and was loved by all his family and friends.

“We want to appeal to anyone with information about what happened to Daniel to come forward, no matter how small the info you have may be.”

—

Clive Anderson, 57, from Rednal died at the scene of an accident on the A38 near Rubery on Bank Holiday Monday (29th August). Clive’s Honda Fireblade motorcycle was involved in a collision with a grey Honda Civic.

His son Michael said: “Clive was taken from us on 29th August 2016, a father and a best friend.

“He was devoted to his friends and family, he would help anybody out if they asked for help and wanted nothing more than a thank you in return.

“He loved his motorbikes, having recently purchased a Honda Fireblade, on which he was riding home from work on day he died. In a way it’s fitting he went out doing what he loved, but none of us wish he had gone so soon having not said our proper goodbyes, still expecting to see him in the future.

“He was caring, loving and had time for everybody he met. He was loved by all and made friends quickly wherever he went. Everybody’s special words show us how much he will be missed and how proud I was to have him as my Dad.

“Having not returned home that day, he left so many with a hole in their lives that could not be filled. He will be badly missed by those who knew him.”

Officers investigating the incident would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or saw either of the vehicles, and the manner in which they were being driven, before the collision occurred.

Two men, the driver of the BMW X5 and the driver of the Honda Civic, have been arrested and released on bail pending further investigations in to the accidents.

The West Midlands Police Collision Investigation Unit are seeking witnesses to the Selly Park accident and can be contacted on 101 quoting reference number 1316  08/09/16.

Anyone with information on the Rubery accident is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101 quoting 436s of 29 August 2016.

Alternatively, for both incidents, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or through their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org

RIP Dan & Clive x The thoughts of all at B31 Voices go out to the family and friends of both men at this extremely difficult and painful time.

West Midlands Police are appealing for witnesses after a cyclist was injured in a collision with a car in Kings Norton this afternoon (Sunday 11th September).

The accident happened just before 1.30pm at the junction of Sisefield Road and Shannon Road in the Pool Farm area.

The man suffered injuries to his arm in the accident and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

The car left the scene and police are asking anyone who witnessed the accident to contact them by calling 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

The junction remains closed off while police investigate the scene.

Images courtesy of @3EstatesKN on Twitter

Are you – or have you been – a parent or a young child? Do you have a little free time?

Home Start Birmingham South is charity that supports local families. One of the ways they help families is through parents supporting parents.

They are seeking parents who would can offer friendship and support to families with children under the age of 5.

If you wish to help, you would be offered a FREE preparation course. The next course is starting on Monday 31st October 2016, 1 day a week, every Monday until Monday 19^th December 2016, term time only, 9:30am –2:30pm.

After the preparation course, you would be matched with a family and asked to visit them and offer support for a minimum of 2 hours per week.

Interested?  

• Call 0121 476 3759
• Email: admin@homestart-northfield.co.uk
• Pop in to the Home Start local office based at Hampstead House, Condover Road, West Heath B31 3QY

Hundreds of family & friends of Daniel Hanks rode/drove in convoy from Bassetts Pole to Pershore Road yesterday, where they gathered – with others – to pay their respects at the scene of his accident.

Well done to Ben, and Luke, for arranging the memorial event and all who attended.

Attendees praised the assistance given – and respect shown – by West Midlands Police

An initial planning application to demolish a century old Rubery pub and replace it with a housing development has been refused by Birmingham City Council. 

Developers Malvern Estates PLC, alongside Unique Pub Properties PLC, are seeking permission to demolish the former coaching inn and develop the site. The development would consist of 8 detached and 4 semi-detached homes with a private access drive running adjacent to Rubery Lane.

However, yesterday, their initial application was turned down after a report by a planning officer highlighted issues with access, meaning that vehicles may have to reverse out onto Rubery Lane. Another reason for refusal was that trees under a Tree Preservation Order would be affected.

Despite the issues leading to refusal, in his report, the officer states: “The principle of residential development and the demolition of the existing public house, is acceptable.”

It is therefore probable that developers will resubmit amended plans for the site.

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

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

Following a public meeting and discussion with developers, Cllr Andy Cartwright (Longbridge, Labour) had expressed that something to remember the heritage of the site must be included.

On hearing of the refusal, he said: “Development is needed in that part of the area, the developers need to ensure that they compliment the community. Many residents contacted me regarding the trees and I’m sure that this will be welcomed by those concerned. The developers I’m sure will re submit. Myself and Cllr Griffiths will ensure the ideas put forward for the heritage will still be priority.”

We will update if and when new plans are presented to Birmingham City Council

Residents were concerned yesterday morning (Tuesday 13th September) when police officers swarmed the Arden Road area of Frankley after reports of a man being seen with a knife. 

Local schools sent out text alerts to parents before end of school time. Balaam Wood Academy sent a text to reassure parents which read: “There have been reports of an adult male acting suspiciously in the locality. To reassure you, we will have a staff presence at the end of the day. […]”

A 53 year old man from Rubery was arrested and charged with possession of a knife in a public place. He will appear before Birmingham Magistrates later this month.

Longbridge neighbourhood Sgt Raf Khan sought to reassure residents. He said: “We understand that this incident concerns the residents of Frankley. We are not seeking anyone else in connection with this matter, but officers will be patrolling in the vicinity to provide reassurance.”

West Midlands Police are investigating after receiving a report of a man with a firearm being seen at a major hospital site in Edgbaston this morning. A man has since been arrested in Harborne in relation to the incident but no firearm has yet been recovered. 

The Birmingham Mail reports that the reported sighting was close to the Oleaster Hospital, which is a mental health facility adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

Police were initially called at just after 7am this morning and carried out a search of the area.

A police spokesperson said: “Officers carried out a search of the area and arrested a 44-year-old man on suspicion of possession of a firearm after he was stopped in Northfield Road (Harborne).

“No weapon has yet been recovered and he will now be questioned about this morning’s incident.”

Anyone with any information should call West Midlands Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Initial proposals in the latest boundary review would see Northfield constituency (currently comprising Kings Norton, Longbridge, Northfield and Weoley wards) split across three different constituencies.

The proposals by the Boundary Commission for England (BCE) would see the current constituency split across:

Birmingham Brandwood constituency 

Kings Norton would split away from Northfield constituency. It would form part of a new Birmingham Brandwood constituency, along with parts of Kings Heath, Druid’s Heath, Billesley, Warstock, Heighter’s Heath, Springfield and Sparkhill.

Birmingham Selly Oak and Halesowen Constituency 

Weoley and part of Northfield would become part of the new Birmingham Selly Oak and Halesowen constituency, the formation of which pulls in three Dudley Borough Council wards. The Ley Hill area, along with estates around the Hoggs Lane and Prescott areas of Northfield, will also fall into Selly Oak and Halesowen.

Birmingham Northfield constituency 

The rest of the Northfield district (Frankley, Longbridge, most of Northfield, Rednal, West Heath) would stay together in a new Birmingham Northfield constituency. As well as the Ley Hill, Trescott and Hoggs Lane areas being moved out of the Northfield constituency, the town centre itself would be split. One side of the high street would be in Northfield constituency, while the other – including Sainsbury’s – would be in the Selly Oak and Halesowen constituency. The new boundary would pull in Bournville, Stirchley, Cotteridge, Moor Green and would also include Kings Heath (including the high street) and Moseley.

The shake up, which is not to be confused with the review of local authority ward boundaries which has just been completed, will see fewer MPs representing the West Midlands, with a new allocation of 53, down from 59. The number of parliamentary seats across England will be reduced by 32.

In this initial proposal, only 7 current constituencies in the West Midlands have not been altered.

The review’s recommendations have to ensure that each MP represents a constituency of between just over 71,000 and 78,500 registered voters.

Have your say:

BCE documents acknowledge that, while meeting the criteria laid down for the review, the initial boundaries proposed do not take into account how the cohesion of various communities would be affected: “What we do not yet have is evidence and intelligence of how our proposals reject or break local community ties. One of the most important purposes of the consultation period is to seek evidence that will enable us to review our initial proposals.”

It is therefore important for residents to have their say on how they feel the proposals in their current form affect their communities, business and groups.

View initial proposal report

View initial proposal map & leave a comment: Click the blue ‘Boundaries’ box on the top left to turn on labels

Consultation event: There will be a two day consultation event held at Birmingham Council House in November. View details: 3rd November 2016 and 4th November 2016

Timeframe:

• 13th September 2016: Initial boundary proposals released and public consultation begins
• 5th December 2016: The initial consultation closes
• Spring 2017: 4 week secondary consultation – initial responses published, giving the public chance to see what others have said and respond.
• Late 2017: Revised proposals drawn up and published. 8 week public consultation period
• September 2018: Final recommendations drawn up by BCE and presented to the government by September 2018

Objection to process

A number of MPs, including Northfield’s Richard Burden, have expressed concerns about the fairness of the rules, set by Parliament in 2011, on which the review process is based.

One of the main concerns is the process of gathering the figures for constituency sizes. The constituency sizes are based on the number of people registered to vote at December 2015. It’s been argued that, in some areas, the electorate has grown by up to 20% since, leaving around 2 million people not counted in the figures. Others argue that constituency sizes should be based on population size, rather than the number of people registered to vote.

Mr Burden said:”The Boundary Commission is independent and they treat their job very seriously. The problem is that the rules under which the Government wants them to operate this review are grossly unfair. The existence of around two million people is being ignored when these new boundaries are being drawn up. On top of that. The Government is demanding a cut in the number of elected MPs at the same time as it is increasing appointments to the unelected House of Lords. How can that be in the interests of democracy?”

Click to view:

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West Mercia Police staff and local councillors took to the streets to meet, advise and listen to the concerns of residents yesterday (Saturday 17th September) in a pop-up street surgery.

As part of the force’s PACT (Police and Community Together) programme, the pop-up surgery was set up in New Road next to the police station. The forces’s Business, Rural and Cybercrime advisor, Gary, and PC Tim Burling were available, along with Councillors Peter and Christine McDonald.

Residents and shoppers took advantage of the opportunity to speak with their police and councillors to discuss issues that affected their community. In addition to this, between 55 and 60 crime prevention packs were given out, covering a variety of topics including Internet Safety, hate crime, rape awareness, and general crime prevention and property marking advice.

A number of personal attack alarms and timer switches were also given to visitors to the surgery.

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: “The issues raised are being considered and discussed with the relevant partner agency with a view to taking the appropriate course of action.”

Photo by Hagley & Rubery Safer Neighbourhood Team (@HagRuberyCops) on Twitter

A truck driver left the scene after a massive lorry full of waste became stuck in a Frankley ditch today.

The lorry full of waste had accessed land at the corner of Boleyn Road and Frankley Hill Lane (the old ‘RC Track’), where evidence of flytipping of similar waste was also visible.

When those in the lorry realised that they had fallen foul of a ditch which borders the land, with the truck’s back wheels stuck firmly in the trench, they made off from the scene.

Local residents documented the incident and informed Bromsgrove Council (as this land falls within their border) who have referred the case to Environmental Health officers for investigation.

The hire company who own the truck cab confirmed that it was on lease to a waste management company.

Longbridge Councillor Andy Cartwright said: “Frankley always seems to get targeted with this kind of thing. Frankley residents try to keep their community clean, with campaigns like Street Champions, this just isn’t fair on them. We need to give them support. This needs to be investigated and the culprits prosecuted. I will liaise with Cllr McDonald and Bromsgrove Council as needed.”

Cllr Peter McDonald (Labour, Rubery South) said: “The police and officers from Bromsgrove District Council are now involved. Hopefully the mess will be cleared up and prosecution’s will follow.

“It beggars belief that anyone would treat the local residents with such contempt and hopefully the offender gets their just desserts.”

Click images to enlarge:

West Midlands Police are investigating after receiving reports of gun shots being fired in a Northfield street last night (Tuesday 20th September).

Officers were called to Manor Park Grove just after 10pm and the scene was secured and searches carried out.

The scene remains cordoned off this morning to allow forensic experts and officers to examine the area in daylight hours.

No reports of anyone being injured have been received. Eyewitnesses claim that shots were fired at a house, with at least one bullet entering through a window.

Anyone who saw anything or who has any information which they think may assist detectives is urged to call West Midlands Police on 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Many thanks to @snappersk for images Click to enlarge