THE COMMUNICATOR. BALSALL COMMON VILLAGE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION E-Newsletter May 2015

Transcription

1 THE COMMUNICATOR BALSALL COMMON VILLAGE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION E-Newsletter May Editor - David Felthouse Chairman Keith Tindall Dear Residents, Another bumper issue. There are further details about the Balsall Festival and Fun Run; my apologies for the error in the last edition; in my haste to produce and send it out after my holiday I included last year s letter about road closures. I am sure that you all noticed but were too polite to take me to task. There is a big thank you from the Lions for your generous response to their collection for support in the aftermath of the Nepal Earthquake. Thank you to all who raised concerns following the changes to the 87 Bus Service. These were passed to the BCVRA committee and discussed at their last meeting. The chairman raised, with Centro, the problem of poor communication of the changes. There are known instances of people waiting in vain at the Station stop. Centro undertook to provide a notice to overcome the problem. In the main, feedback on the new 87 route has been positive in that passengers have welcomed the speedier service. It has been reported that it has led to a decline in the number of residents from Balsall Common using the 88 service. One resident has raised the likelihood of losing this service; it is protected for the time being, but obviously this lack of use could be taken into account when the contract comes up for renewal. Hot off the press is a letter received from the Airport informing that its recommendation is for Option 6. The data used to make this decision has been made available. Another major announcement has been the Solihull Council Leader s intention to seek approval for the taking forward discussions in principle to support a Combined Authority for the West Midlands. At the moment the benefits to our Community are not clear and it is possible to imagine some disadvantages. Clearly, it is early days but the situation will be closely monitored and evaluated as more becomes known. David Felthouse

2 Contents Minutes of Residents Association Meeting held on 7 th May (Pages 3-4) Next Meeting. (Page 5) Minutes of Residents Association AGM Meeting held on 16 th April (Pages 6-8) Planning Applications Update. (Page 9) Birmingham Airport Departure Routes. (Pages 10-11) Lions Nepal Earthquake Appeal. (Pages 12-13) Solihull Devolution. (Page 14) Neighbourhood Management Newsletter. (Pages 15-20) Berkswell Events. (Page 21) Balsall Common Festival. (Page 22) Balsall s Got the Voice. (Page 23) Balsall Fun Run. (Pages 24-26) Library Events - June. (Pages 27-29) Berkswell and District History Group. (Pages ) U3A. (Page 32) Balsall Writers Group. (Page 331) Reminders. (Pages 34-38) - Lions Briefcase Blues Brothers. (Page 35) - British Legion 1940s Night. (Page 36) - Berkswell Museum. (Page 37) - Berkswell Open Gardens. (Page 38) Useful Contact Details. (Page 39) Pharmacy Opening Hours. (Page 40) Dates of Meetings. (Page 41)

3 Balsall Common Village Residents Association Minutes of meeting held 7 th May 2015 Present: K Tindall (KT) (Chair), D Ellis (DE), W Heard (WH), M Hickin (MH), T Hughes (TH), C Shadbolt (CS) 5 residents - including Cllr D Bell 1. Apologies J Lea, T Hughes. 2. Election of Vice Chair. Malcolm Hickin was proposed by CS and seconded by WH, decision unanimous. 3. Minutes of meeting held on 7 th April 2015 were approved as a true record. 4. Police Report (Written) There have been 4 house burglaries during the month of April, theft from One Stop and Sainsbury s, and an attempted theft from Motor Vehicle. Investigations continue into Car Jacking in Hallmeadow Road on 2 nd April. Cllr Bell asked if Police report on traffic accidents within the village. No report at present but KT will make enquiries. Action Point KT 5. Matters arising from previous meeting (not dealt with below). Bugle deliveries to Michael Blanning Place - DF awaiting a response from Lions. 6. Correspondence. Correspondence received regarding the 87 bus service, covered below. 7 Reports. Village Centre. Meeting yet to take place with SMBC officers. A Burrow and WH have visited Dorridge to see how traffic is managed around the new Sainsburys. Traffic data for 2013 shows large increase. MH has written to Partco owners to establish future plans for site, planning has been obtained for houses. Reply received - the site has not been sold, they are considering development commencing in early autumn. MH is liaising with Cllr Bell to establish what the new development will look like and the impact on traffic and pedestrian access if this proceeds. He would also like to see the building improved to make it more aesthetically pleasing. MH will look at possibility of obtaining a right of way by usage for the public through this site. DF asked about the neighbourhood plan which the two Parish councils are collaborating on. KT is to Chair this group and WH is also on the group. Airport DE has written an article for the Bugle on the airport. The main points are: ACC group has agreed to retain community representation on the committee, DE will represent BCVRA, New flights include, third Emirates flight in July landing at 7am and leaving 10am JFK flights late May, also at 7am and 10am,Flight from China starts August Mondays and Fridays,

4 Airport have now chosen Option 6 found to be the quieter of the two options; and best one for Balsall Common. If approved by the CAA, it will be implemented from September South to North flights will still overfly Balsall Common but changes are planned to improve this by March Continue to phone through noise complaints to the airport. 8. Planning. Update on any applications/developments Pathways Nursery at Balsall Common Primary School. Approved subject to management having a plan to monitor parking and noise issues. DE is concerned about the development in Holly Lane where buildings are being erected which appear to be beyond the original planning permission provided. DF and KT also stated they do not receive notification of applications despite having registered on the SMBC site. Action Point Cllr Bell to investigate. 9. Pond on the Grange Park open space. Parks officer has responded to say the drainage area is needed to meet a one in hundred years storm. MH wished to record his thanks to SMBC for supplying bulbs which he and KT planted around the area. 10. Changes to bus route/timetable Centro have advised that the changes in the 87 service arose from the consultation conducted in 2013 where residents wanted more buses to Solihull. Now the services are up for renewal, they have taken the opportunity to increase the number of services to Solihull, Service 82 and 88 will not change for 12 months. Feedback is that the new 87 service is excellent, only taking 28 minutes, but fewer now using the 88 from Balsall Common as this is takes longer. The bus stop near the station still shows the 87 stopping there. Action Point KT will check if the sign is still there and notify Centro. 11. AGM and Balsall Parish Assembly Considered a success and to be developed on for future. Raffle made 72 and 10 for coffee and cakes, total 82 added to the funds. The idea of starting half an hour earlier was suggested but it was thought 7.30 is the right start time with a more concise meeting and possibly a tombola not a raffle to speed things along. 12. Future of the Residents Association. MH stated that a good small committee was essential but occasionally a team of people are required to provide more man power. A database could be built up of occasional volunteers. Discussed but will continue to use the communicator to ask if people will offer assistance as The Communicator does not have addresses. 13. AOB. - None. The meeting closed at 9.10pm. Next meeting 7.30pm, 7 th July 2015, Westlake Room, Balsall Common Village Hall.

5 NEXT MEETING There is no meeting in June; next meeting: Tuesday 7 th July 2015 Agenda will be in June Newsletter

6 BALSALL COMMON VILLAGE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION Minutes of Annual General Meeting held on Thursday 16 th April 2015 Present: K Tindall (Chair), T Hughes (Treasurer), C Shadbolt (Minutes), D Ellis, R Hatton, W Heard, T Hughes, J Lea plus 25 members of the public. 1. Apologies C Jones, 2. Minutes of the previous AGM were accepted. Proposed DF, Seconded CS. 3. Matters Arising none. 4. Chairman s report KT introduced the committee, RH has decided to step down as a committee member and he was thanked for all the time he had given over the years. KT then read his report, (see attached), and the report was noted. Jackie Tomnie asked if the planning application to change the use of the Police Shop to a chip shop was in addition to the existing chip shop or instead of. KT stated the notes to the application say re-location but this still leaves the existing premises as a fast food outlet. Don Hitchcock commended the traffic control/shared spaces presentation recently given to the Berkswell Society and Parish Assembly. He said there is now more traffic than ever and these issues should be addressed as part of the Neighbourhood Plan. He explained he lives next to Sainsburys and has a problem with lorries parking directly outside his house. KT stated this issue is being raised with Sainsburys, Police and the Council. Councillor MacDonald emphasised that problems such as these must be reported to the council so they can be logged; Malcolm Hickin raised the issue of consequential responsibility relating to SMBC when problems occur as a result of planning decisions they have made, they should take responsibility but this does not currently happen. It is important residents raise any particular concerns with the Council. Sandra Heard said problems with waste bins being left in the middle of the pavement and had reported it to the Council and they sorted it out, although this is starting to happen again. Another resident reported hedges over growing the pavement, and eventually they were back. 5. Treasurers Report (see attached), the report was adopted, Proposed DE, Seconded CS. TH thanked the village hall committee for the use of the room. 6. Elections of Committee and Officers, the following were elected: - Chairman Keith Tindall Proposed CS, Seconded DE Vice-Chairman To be agreed at next meeting. Secretary Charlotte Shadbolt Proposed KT, Seconded WH Treasurer Terry Hughes Proposed KT, Seconded CS Committee Members David Ellis, Terry Hughes, Judy Lea, Charlotte Shadbolt, Keith Tindall, Will Heard. Proposed CS, Seconded WH Communicator Editor David Felthouse Proposed DE Seconded WH Malcolm Hickin and Cedric Lea volunteered to be committee members. Proposed CS, Seconded KT 7. Questions / Comments covered the following topics:- Don Hitchcock advised that the treasurer of Solihull Tree Wardens had passed away and another tree warden was therefore needed for the group. If anyone is interested in taking up this role, please contact Don Hitchcock tel Malcolm Hickin stated that the presentation by the traffic consultant already mentioned had been funded by Berkswell Parish Council and the Berkswell Society, Balsall Parish Council refused to be involved and he wondered why? KT asked that this question be raised as the Parish Assembly. TH stated that bus service 87 is changing route and no consultation appears to have taken place, it is no longer calling at Berkswell Station. This will be discussed at the next Residents Association meeting, and KT will raise this with Centro. There has been a spate of car break-ins recently, and residents were reminded not to leave any possessions on display. There has also been a recent carjacking incident in Hall Meadow Road. An unknown male got

7 into the passenger side of a lady s car, the lady swiftly got out and he moved into the drivers seat and drove off. Con men claiming to be from the Gas and Electricity companies are also prevalent at the moment. KT thanked the local businesses for the raffle prize donations, Co-op, Angela Jaynes, Taylors Butchers, Sainsburys, Tesco, as well as Dave Felthouse and Jackie Tomnie. Next Ordinary Meeting Tuesday 5th May, 7.30pm in the Westlake Room at rear of Village Hall. TREASURER S REPORT Annual accounts April April 2015 Business Premium account Opening balance Interest 0.08 Closing balance Community account Opening balance Proceeds of Raffle (2014 AGM) HS2 Petitioning Expenses: Fees Travel Costs Balance Sheet Opening balance April Add income Closing balance - April T.E.Hughes Honorary Treasurer 16 April 2015 Chairman s Report to AGM 16 th April 2015 Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the AGM of the Balsall Common Village Residents Association. For the first time we have combined our AGM with Balsall Parish Council s Annual Assembly, and we hope this format will be a sign of things to come in working with the Balsall Parish Council in the common interest of residents. Of course as you know Balsall Common spans both Berkswell and Balsall Parish councils, and I would like to think that the Residents Association is the bridge that spans the two, and I try to attend as many of the two Parish Council meetings as I can on behalf of the Residents Association. Again it has been a busy year for the Association, considering and responding to issues affecting our community, including development plans and of course the on going matters of HS2 and airport departure routes. Over the past 12 months we have seen an increasing number of major housing development applications in our area. Duggins Lane where 29 houses are currently under construction, Harpers Field with approval for 39 houses, Lea Francis House with approval for conversion into flats plus three houses on the existing car park, and

8 the most significant of all being the approval given, despite much opposition, for 115 houses along the Kenilworth Road between Kelsey Lane and Windmill Lane. It is clear we are facing major development pressure to build more houses in Balsall Common, without any improvements in the infrastructure, and this is likely to intensify in the years ahead given structural changes to the Country and Government policy towards the Greenbelt. One good news story on the Greenbelt was the refusal of a solar panel park on Windmill Farm which we and others felt was inappropriate development of our narrow strip of Greenbelt between here and Coventry. HS2 has continued to exercise our thinking, with this year has mainly been about petitioning for mitigation, and on 5 th January I appeared before the House of Commons Select Committee to present the petition on behalf of the Residents Association focusing on four key issues:- 1) The need for a Tunnel. 2) The damaging affect of many years heavy construction traffic. 3) Protecting the Greenway and community payments. 4) Improving the Code of Construction Practice. And I would like to give a special thank you to Richard Lloyd who not only attended as my witness, and petitioned more than once in his own right, but who has done so much hard work in helping others through the petitioning process. Now turning to the other long standing matter affecting the wider community, and that is changes to Birmingham airport s departure routes. Despite a well organised petition and public meeting by the local action group, the airport continued to ignore our suggestion of a better route option and instead trials options 5 and 6, with option 5 still currently running. The airport also tried to reduce local participation on the Consultative Committee, but after pressure has momentarily relented on this. Dave Ellis is our long standing representative on the committee, and I would like to thank him for his excellent work on behalf of residents in sitting on this committee. Recent changes to neighbourhood policing, has resulted in the Knowle and Dorridge team being now based in the Police Shop under the command of Sgt. Emma Nottingham. But the team now has to cover a much wider area with fewer officers and PCSO s. We are very fortunate to have the Police Shop presence in Balsall Common and the team of volunteers from the public who man it six days a week. However, a recent planning application has been made to turn it into a hot food take away, and if approved could I feel jeopardise the continuance of the Police shop to the detriment of the community. I mentioned the increasing pressure from development without any improvements to our infrastructure, and a good example of this is the village centre where parking, speeding and public safety are becoming a growing concern for many. As the village grows so does the pressure on the centre, and while many welcome the new Tesco Express which eventually opened last November replacing the eye sore of a derelict site we had to live with for many years, it adds to the problem of parking. Recently a group of interested parties, made up of representatives from the two Parish Councils the Berkswell Society and the Residents Association have met with officers, including the Chief Executive, of Solihull Council to look at how we may improve the village centre, both in the short term and more strategically the long term. Discussions are very much at the preliminary stage, but I would hope to bring you much more detailed information in the year ahead. I think you will agree, many of the issues I have spoken on cannot be ignored and left to chance, but dealing with and responding to them is dependant on a small band of willing volunteers stepping up to help, and the Residents Association is no exception. We need more of you to join the committee, and if this does not happen I am afraid the Association is at risk of folding. We need new blood if we are to continue, and I urge you to consider joining. As a start why not come along to our meetings and see how we operate. As I said in my recent article in the Bugle Use it or lose it. I hope you don t want to lose it. Thank you for your attendance. Keith Tindall Chairman, BCVRA

9 Planning Applications Update DECISION MADE 208 Station Road (Police Shop) 2015/50116 Full Approval 26 th May 2015 Change ground floor to Hot Food Take Away Shop (Use A5) Proposal to move Balsall Fish & Chip Bar from current site to Police Shop. DECISION AWAITED None. AT APPEAL None. OTHER NEWS None.

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12 Nepal Earthquake Collection in Village A HUGE 'THANK YOU' Thanks to the kindness and generosity of the people of Balsall Common, Balsall Common Lions were able to collect nearly 1,000 in the street collection on Saturday, 2 nd May, including kind donations from Village Markets and Berkswell Beerfest on Friday Evening. Balsall Common Lions will add to this amount from our existing funds to make the value in excess of 1,500. This buys eight Lifesaver Jerrycans for the people of Nepal in support of this tragic situation providing 160,000 litres of drinking water! This is a Lifesaver Jerrycan. Every Lifesaver unit can deliver 20,000 litres of drinkable water from foul water. There are in excess of 14,000 Lions on the ground supporting the relief effort in Nepal. If any member of the public would like to make a financial donation towards the International Disaster Fund, please donate to: and click onto Lions International Disaster Fund. (continued)

13 The picture shows Lions George Dandy, Barrie Cousins and Ray Stephens on duty. Once again - "Thank you!" WHERE THERE'S A NEED THERE'S A LION

14 Solihull Leader signals intention to explore devolution options Hopefully you will have seen this statement in the local press. Clearly such a move could have significant consequences for our villages; some good and some possibly not so good. Progress will be monitored and assessments sought on the likely effects on our communities. Councillor Bob Sleigh, Leader of Solihull Council, said: At Annual Council I intend to seek approval for taking forward detailed discussions in principle to support a Combined Authority for the West Midlands. I will be meeting with the Conservative Group and other group leaders to discuss the matter further. This will then be followed by reports to Cabinet on 18 June, Scrutiny week commencing 29 June and to full Council on 14 July, where all members will be able to debate the proposal fully. This decision follows extensive discussions and analysis of the evidence over several months and has been taken in the light of the Chancellor s recent announcement to bring forward legislation to devolve powers. It also comes from an understanding that in order to achieve Solihull's wider ambition for sustainable economic growth the borough needs a high performing regional platform of a scale and geography that attracts the significant inward investment needed to satisfy that ambition. I am convinced that an economic plus model, which includes skills and infrastructure, requires regional devolution at the right scale. That scale and geography I believe should be based upon the current three Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP) areas of Birmingham & Solihull, The Black Country and Coventry and Warwickshire These devolved powers would include greater freedoms and flexibilities, which will see power coming from Whitehall to local people, allowing local people a greater say in determining the future of the region. I remain clear on the areas which need further discussion, they lie around; economic growth and how it's delivered; how we develop a skilled workforce to support the creation of jobs; business support by way of readily available advice and support and transport interconnectivity across the region. This will be underpinned by a single investment vehicle whose purpose will be to attract public and private finance to target the places were economic growth can best be delivered. Having signalled my intention to support in principle, it s down to us the politicians and stakeholders, including Solihull s businesses and educationalists, to now prove the case that working together we can achieve acceleration in our economy. And sooner, rather than later, present a compelling case for regional devolution in the West Midlands to Government.

15 Solihull Rural Neighbourhood Area Newsletter for May Welcome Welcome to the Solihull Rural Neighbourhood Area Newsletter for May General News Message for SMBC Councillors - Managed Growth Directorate morning of Wednesday 24 th June We would very much welcome your attendance at the next Members Tour on the morning of Wednesday 24 th June. As in previous years, the aim of the tour is to show you real life examples of our priorities for the coming year and our major projects. The event starts in the Refreshment Room of the Civic Suite at 9.00 am with the coach returning to the Council House at approximately 1.00 pm. Anne Brereton, (Directorate of Managed Growth), will be sending you a more detailed itinerary and a meeting request of the places we will be visiting. We look forward to seeing you on the day. Crime reduced Total recorded crime in Solihull at year end 31 st March 2015 was down 4.4% on last year or 528 fewer victims of crime Scrap Metal Taskforce Success The latest operation by Solihull s Scrap Metal Taskforce was a major success. In just a couple hours on 14th May 2015 the officers from the Council s Environmental Crime Unit and Solihull Police had stopped four vehicles being used to collect scrap metal, three of which had no scrap metal dealers licence. The loads were searched for potentially stolen metal and the vehicles, documents and occupants checked. One vehicle was escorted to a Council depot where the scrap metal was surrendered and the driver questioned. The scrap metal will now be sold to fund further operations and the driver prosecuted for the offence of collecting without a licence and failing to keep the prescribed records. The operation finished after a van known to be used by metal thieves was spotted in Knowle. The taskforce followed the van into Solihull where it was stopped on Warwick Road. The van was full of metal and the occupants arrested after they were linked to three recent incidents of metal theft locally. As they had no waste carriers licence, the environmental crime officers recovered the van to a Council depot whilst the police officers took the pair into custody so that they could be questioned. Presentation by Al-Anon and Alateen European You are cordially invited to attend the presentation on the 12 th of June 2015 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole; Begins at 2pm until 3:30pm. The presentation includes Al-anon officers and members, we anticipate professionals, service providers and others involved in aspects of alcoholism to be in attendance. We hope to offer an insight to how Al-anon works in helping family and friends affected by someone else s drinking. Available on the day; concessional parking and a coffee dock open from 1pm Either contact interest with convention committee at: alanoneuroconventionbirmingham@gmail.com or johnshirl30@hotmail.co.uk R.S.V.P

16 Here is a link to this year s Civic Honours nomination form: The deadline for nominations is Friday 31 st July. Date for your Diary: The next Bi-Annual Partnership Forum meeting is on Tuesday 8 th September, 6:30-8:45pm at CTC Kingshurst Academy. Before the meeting we are offering you the opportunity to have a tour of the life-sized World War One trench which has been built at the School. If you are interested in having the tour please let me know this will start from 5:30pm, to enable people to have time to also have a drink before the start of the meeting at 6:30pm. Hannah Colson Partnership Support Officer Communities and Adult Social Care Directorate hcolson@solihull.gov.uk The 2015 ALARM survey states that that across England the number of potholes increased in 2015 by a third, with the average Highway Authority in England repairing 20,702 potholes per year. During 2014/ potholes were repaired in Solihull The survey sets out that on average 23% of maintenance budgets is used to deal with reactive maintenance and 77% of the budgets goes on planned works. It suggests that 15% would be a more appropriate figure or reactive maintenance. In Solihull this figure is already lower at 10% It is estimated that each authority would need to spend 93m to restore the integrity of its roads. Recent work with Centro has established that for Solihull this would be 16m. The report also states that the average percentage of roads in poor condition is 16%. The published percentage for Solihull is 5.5% Parents are being urged to check their children s car and booster seats are fitted properly after the climax of a road safety operation found 90 per cent were fitted incorrectly. The warning comes following checks by officers at Frankley Services on the M5 at the end of UN Road Safety Week found only three out of the 30 child restraints examined were being used correctly. Summer activities to keep Solihull safe and crime free this summer will be branded #SoliSummer and you can for updates. Everyone can get involved by using this hashtag to promote any work they are doing which will reduce crime & disorder.

17 Heart of England Bike Ride - Sunday 19 July 2015 Start: Between 9.30am and 11.30am Location: Packwood House (National Trust), Solihull Choice of distance: 13, 19 or 31 miles To register, visit: bhf.org.uk/hoebikeride or call Advance registration fee: 10 adult 5 children On the day: 15 adult 7.50 children Superfast Broadband The Council has committed funding for the rollout of Superfast Broadband. The project is administered by a cross borough project team based at Warwickshire County Council. The onus is on each local authority to raise awareness of the work that is going in their area. Ward Members are actively involved and most areas have residential broadband champions. Further information is available via social media. Facebook Page: Twitter: LinkedIn: Further to the above, the project team are delivering awareness events The following link highlights which cabinet upgrades have taken place and details future works Change Gear Solihull - Sportive Sunday 12th July and 76 mile routes For more information and to buy tickets please visit leisurecentre.com/change-gear-solihull Free Ride Pack for Every Rider Featuring climbs through The Lenches Be a part of Soilhulls first Change Gear Sportive! Our aim is simple, to provide two safe, enjoyable and challenging routes. Our shorter route is provided for the more novice, have a go, and family riders, whereas our long route is for the more experienced riders looking for a challenge in a group environment. Starting at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, both routes take in some of the most picturesque countryside our region has to offer. Within minutes of leaving Solihull you'll be riding out into open countryside, heading down the country towards Evesham, before skirting past Stratford-upon-Avon. Our route features 3 notable climbs. Riders will tackle Hipton Hill and Rous Lench before taking on the Tom Hill challenge as you head back to Solihull! To book simply visit leisurecentre.com/change-gear-solihull For more details, please contact: Tudor Grange Leisure Centre Blossomfield Road, Birmingham, B91 1NB Tel:

18 Neighbourhood Activity Programme This month we are delighted to welcome Sarah Jones to the team. Sarah, the new Neighbourhood Activity Coordinator, will be responsible for delivering and co-ordinating the environment element of the programme. Sarah brings a wealth of experience with her from her previous roll as a Neighbourhood Ranger and we wish her luck in her new role. Dave Turton Neighbourhood Activity Programme Manager Neighbourhood Services Environment Champions For any enquiries environmentchampions@solihull.gov.uk or call: Christopher Edgell mobile Priorities The current priority for the rural area is Vehicle Crime opportunistic thieves are taking items from unlocked vehicles. Partners are working together to address this. Please make sure your vehicle is always left locked. Meriden Ward Neighbourhood Coordinator Neighbourhood Police ASB Officers Bruce Brant PC Jackie Brown, PC Simon Harrison, PCSO Tom Attwood Marcus Crockett and Gemma Ashington ext bbrant@solihull.gov.uk bickenhill@west-midlands.police.uk mcrockett@solihullcommunityhousing.org.uk gemmaashington@solihullcommunityhousing.org.uk With the warmer and lighter nights, Officers will be conducting extra patrols in the area paying particular attention to the Sports Pavillion area which has had some ASB on the playing fields.

19 To prevent anti-social behaviour in Willow Park, Needlers End Lane, Officers will be conducting patrols in the park and will also be putting up warning signs to try and deter the bad behaviour. Please report any ASB or sus behaviour on tel 101. There have been a spate of robberies at Co-op stores around the rural area. A white audi has been seen in the vicinity of the robberies. There has been a reported escalation of speeding in Meeting House Lane at school start and finish times.this is being monitored by the Neighbourhood Police team. Meriden Library re-opened to the public on Thursday 9th April after closing for 6 weeks for building refurbishment and the installation of a new IT offer for local residents. The new IT facility consists of a 6 new computers and a plasma screen that have been installed at the rear of the building. The new equipment will enable the facility to be used for local learning opportunities or to host local meetings. An additional touch screen computer and tablet device have also been provided for customers to use. Funding for the IT upgrade was provided by Meriden Parish Council. 4. Ward Contact List Neighbourhood Manager Kath Hemmings kathrynhemmings@solihull.gov.uk Police Inspector Meriden Inspector Alan Green 101 ext For details of Ward meetings with the NPT see the West Midlands Police website meridensector@westmidlands.pnn.police.uk Neighbourhood Police Blythe, Dorridge, Hockley Heath, Knowle, Meriden Acting Sergeant Emma Nottingham PC Andy Timmins, PC Sharon Grant, PC Tariq Dost. PC Jackie Brown, PC Tom Attwood CPSO Wendy Shale PC Simon Harrison 101 ext blythe@westmidlands.pnn.police.uk or knowledorridge@westmidlands.police.uk or bickenhill@westmidlands.police.uk Rural Area Neighbourhood Coordinators Meriden Bruce Brant bbrant@solihull.gov.uk

20 ASB Hotline The hotline for reporting anti-social behaviour is available Monday to Friday between 8am and 8pm and Saturday 8am to 1pm. If you experience anti-social behaviour or hate crime incidents and want to report them, call Safer Travel Report nuisance or ASB on the public transport network as part of the See Something Say Something campaign text Bus Rail or Metro leave a space, then tell us details with time, date, location and route number to 83010, or use the self-reporting facility at or call 101 and ask for Safer Travel. Solihull Active Solihull Active improves lives through sport and physical activity by inspiring communities to be more active, more often. To find out about activities in your area: Web: Facebook: solihullactive@solihull.gov.uk Tel: (0121) West Midlands Fire Service For Fire Safety advice contact or freephone For more information or to arrange a free Home Safety Check, phone or visit West Midlands Police Neighbourhood Policing

21 BERKSWELL EVENTS DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Thursday 18 th June Friday 19 th June Berkswell Parish Council Meeting 7:45pm Reading Room Greenway Trust AGM 7:30pm Burton Green Village Hall Saturday 20 th June (Evening) Parish BBQ Berkswell Hall Sunday 21 st June (Afternoon) Berkswell Fete Sunday 28 th June Open Gardens (11am 5pm) [For details see under Reminders Section]

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26 BALSALL COMMON FUN RUN 2015 CLOSURES WILL AFFECT THE FOLLOWING ROADS: Alder Lane Asbury Road Ashfurlong Close Balsall Street Balsall Street East Bracebridge Close Bradley Croft Burberry Grove Burleigh Close Chatterway Drive Childs Oak Close Coplow Close Dale Meadow Close Drybrooks Close Dunchurch Close Fern Dale Road Fernhill Lane Finford Croft Foxes Way Frog Lane Gipsy Close Gipsy Lane Grange Road Greenbank Road Hawkswood Drive Holly Lane Kemps Green Road Kenilworth Close Needlers End Lane Newhouse Croft Priors Close Sear Hills Close Shenstone Drive Speedwell Drive Station Road Stoneton Crescent Temple Avenue Tidmarsh Close Tudor Close Welby Gate Whitnash Close Wilton Road Winsford Close

27 Balsall Common Library June 2015 Events Coffee Morning Come and enjoy a coffee, some cake and a chat. On the first Thursday of the month. All donations will go to the World Elder Abuse Awareness Charity Thursday June 4th Rhyme Time every Tuesday at 2:15 pm Every Tuesday for 0-2 years at 2.15 p.m. We sing calm and charming rhymes and share musical instruments with the children. Dates in June: 2 nd, 9 th, 16 th, 23 rd and 30 th Story time every Monday at 2.15 pm Every Monday for the under 5 s at 2.15 p.m. We read a selection of new and traditional stories. Dates in June: 1 st, 8 th, 15 th, 22 nd and 29 th Craft Club Craft Club will be creating another exciting craft on Tuesday 23 rd June at For information on the materials required to complete the activity and the organised craft, please contact the library. New members are always welcome Readers Circle Thursday June 11 th We will be discussing The Sunrise by Victoria Hislop. We shall be giving out novels by Santa Montefiore ready for our meeting in July. Family History Support Group- Thursday June 18th Our regular support group are meeting up to discuss the latest progress with researching their family trees. New members welcome!

28 Striders & Strollers The Striders & Strollers meet at the Library every other Tuesday. Meet at for a start. Everyone welcome. Dates in June: Tuesday 9 th and 23 rd Pop up Communities. Discover a new hobby or game and meet new people. Pop-up Communities meet every Friday Summer Reading Challenge 2015 Are you 14 or over? Do you want to discover more about working in libraries or help to encourage children to read? Then you could be a volunteer for Record Breakers Summer Reading Challenge The Challenge runs throughout the summer holidays. The final closing date for applications is Saturday 13 th June. For more information please ask a member of staff or call Hobby Time Do you have a hobby you would like to do in a relaxing atmosphere? If so join a new group at the library. Every first Tuesday of the month. Tuesday 2 nd June Balsall Common s Little Explorers Come along to a Stay and Play session organised by 4 Children, who will provide a range of fun activities to promote the development of your child s imagination and exploration skills Wednesday Mornings am at Balsall Common Library. For further information contact: Keystone Children s Centre, Widney Close, Bentley Heath

29 National Bookstart Week Jungle themed Story Time Monday 8 th June Come along to our special Jungle Story Time. It s going to be a roaring good time!! Saturday 13 th June We will be celebrating worldwide knit in public day. If you enjoy a knit and a natter please do come along.

30 BERKSWELL & DISTRICT HISTORY GROUP Our Programme for June, July & August 2015 is: Wednesday, 17 th June 2.00pm Visit & Tour to St Marys Guildhall, Coventry. This is one week later than our normal meeting date. Visit & Tour open to Members & Non-Members and is a make your own travel arrangements. Please see below for further details. ******* Wednesday, 8 th July 7.45 for 8.00pm at Berkswell Reading Room Henry VIII & the Field of Cloth of Gold Illustrated talk by Gillian White This meeting is open to Members & Non-Members. ******* Wednesday, 12 th August 7.45 for 8.00pm at Berkswell Reading Room State Occasions Illustrated talk by Lt Col Gerald Lesinski Master, Lord Leycester Hospital This meeting is open to Members & Non-Members. Membership costs 5.00 per calendar year. Meeting fees are 2.00 for members; 3.00 for non-members (incl. refreshments). For our full programme and details of our publications, please visit our website: or telephone

31 Visit & Tour to St Marys Guildhall, Coventry. Wednesday, 17 th June 2.00pm The publicity describes the Guildhall as: Coventry s Best Kept Secret and Probably the Finest Surviving Medieval Guildhall in the Country. Whilst admission to the Guildhall is free, there will be a small charge for the guided tour. No tickets are required other than on the day but we need to let them know approximate numbers before our visit. Therefore, please book your place either at the meeting on 13 th May or by telephoning The site is in Bayley Lane, close to the Herbert Museum & Gallery and relatively close to Godiva Square. Transport is a personal choice. Whilst you may wish to drive into Coventry, it is that suggest that the 87 bus, Park & Ride from the Memorial Park or the train are all much better options. You may wish to combine the Guildhall Visit with a visit to the Cathedral, Herbert Museum & Gallery, Shopping, Lunch or whatever.

32 The next U3A Core meeting is on June 22 nd in Balsall Common Village Hall starting 2:00 pm. David Raymond of West Midlands Police will talk about the Police Dog Breeding & Training Centre in Holly Lane For more information about joining the Balsall Common U3A See the website or Telephone Peter Calver

33 Balsall Writers members - know it is an advantage as a writer to have read a wide range of books, and our website has a section of recommended books with a précis for each one given by Elsa Halling. The website also showcases books written by members and their availability to buy via Amazon. Words whether you write them or read them are powerful tools - if you are interested in writing a short story, article, poetry or novel why not join us - for more information view our website: orcontact Anne Santos

34 REMINDERS Lions Briefcase Blues Brothers. British Legion 1940s Night Berkswell Museum Berkswell Open Gardens

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37 BERKSWELL MUSEUM In the last edition of the Communicator it was reported that, because of a lack of visitors, there is a large question mark over the future of the Museum in Berkswell and that the volunteers are making one last effort to preserve it, by opening it on a number of special occasions during As you can see from the calendar below one of these dates was the Spring Bank Holiday Monday, which has just passed. The Museum Committee is pleased to report that this was a significant success with 88 visitors. Hopefully, this will be repeated on the other open days thus helping to preserve this unique facility. The details of the opening times are repeated below:

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39 USEFUL CONTACT DETAILS POLICE CONTACTS SMBC CONTACTS LIST To report non-emergencies: 101 or WM Crimestoppers: (Call anonymously with information about crime) Anti Terrorist Hotline (24hrs.): National Terrorist Hotline (24 hrs): Neighbourhood team: Extension or You can contact SMBC by the following ways:- Electronically By phone or fax Text no: (For customers with a hearing loss) Main Fax: In person Solihull Connect, Ground Floor, Library Square, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 3RG Solihull Connect at Shirley Police Station, 286 Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands, B90 3AR Solihull Connect at Chelmsley Wood, Bluebell Centre, West Mall, B37 5TN Solihull Connect at Balsall Common Library, 283 Kenilworth Road, Balsall Common, West Midlands, CV7 7EL. (Thursdays 10am - 2pm only) FLOODING (Roads) To report: Harvey Speed (Places Directorate, SMBC) hspeed@solihull.gov.uk AIRCRAFT OVERFLYING & EXCESS NOISE To report: environmentteam@birminghamairport.co.uk (When telephoning an Ansafone message asks for caller's name & address, nature of complaint (outbound/inbound; low/off track/noisy - can be a combination of any of these) plus approx time. Knowing the plane is not essential but can help!) CALLER VALIDATION Severn Trent Water: npower: Avon Cosmetics VICTIM OF CRIME Pre-recorded Advice Lines Domestic Violence Burglary Vehicle Crime Road Traffic Collisions Being A Witness At Court Telephone or visit

40 PHARMACY OPENING HOURS Day Balsall Common Pharmacy Lloyds Pharmacy Monday to Friday 6:00am to 9:00pm 8:30am to 6:00pm Saturday 6:00am to 9:00pm 9:00am to 5:30pm Sunday 7:00am to 5:00pm Closed

41 BALSALL COMMON RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION 2015 Meeting Dates Tuesdays, starting 7:30pm, unless stated otherwise. Please note: currently meetings will be held every other month January 6 th February 3 rd [Revised date] March (no meeting) [Revised] April 7 th [Revised date] AGM April 16 th (Thursday Main Room at Village Hall) May 5 th June (no meeting) July 7 th August (no meeting) September 1 st October (no meeting) November 3 rd December (no meeting) Meetings held in the Westlake Room at the rear of the Village Hall, unless stated otherwise.