All Change! – Doors opened for school leavers to become train drivers

10 February 2026

This is taken from Dept. of Transport website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport If you can drive a tank in the Army, then why not a train? Lowering the train driver age from 20 to 18 will give younger people the chance to build rewarding careers in the UK railway industry. School leavers will soon be able to become … More All Change! – Doors opened for school leavers to become train drivers

         Restoring Rail Transport Frequency in Solihull

4 February 2026

A motion was put to Solihull Council yesterday evening about rail services in Solihull. Whilst welcoming the motion I felt it did not reflect the needs for the whole of the borough, which has train lines running through it. I therefore proposed an amendment, as shown below, and am pleased to report it received an … More          Restoring Rail Transport Frequency in Solihull

Solihull named one of the UK’s strongest business growth hotspots

21 January 2026

‘Solihull has a business base where there is high value growth potential widely present in the local business base.’ Solihull has been recognised as one of the UK’s top ten locations for high‑growth business potential, according to new data released today by Growth Flag.  The findings highlight the borough’s continued emergence as a leading centre … More Solihull named one of the UK’s strongest business growth hotspots

Section 106 Funding from Developments

10 January 2026

Two developers were recently given permission for the development of some 1200 houses on Dog Kennel Lane, Solihull, This is within Blythe ward. I have provided links to the planning application below (also my original 2019 petition objecting to the site being in the councils local plan!) The site navigated the Planning Inspectors ‘Examination in … More Section 106 Funding from Developments

PAVEMENT/VERGE PARKING – Government Responds.

9 January 2026

The government has now responded to the 2020 consultation and this can be read via this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/managing-pavement-parking Essentially this is what the all-party Local Government Authority has called for and I am grateful the government has proceeded with its recommendations. I wrote about the original consultation in 2020 and this can be found here: … More PAVEMENT/VERGE PARKING – Government Responds.

SOLIHULL STREET RACING  – PUBLIC SPACE PROTECTION ORDER (PSPO):

9 January 2026

This relates to Damson Parkway, Elmdon, and Bickenhill Parkway in Marston Green but I feel this information may be useful for Monkspath residents. The Council is consulting with residents on a proposed Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle vehicle anti-social behaviour in Solihull neighbourhoods and request feedback on the proposals. If approved, the proposed … More SOLIHULL STREET RACING  – PUBLIC SPACE PROTECTION ORDER (PSPO):

Planning application – change of use to Conversion of house (C3) into children’s home (C2).

5 January 2026

Planning application PL/2025/02393/PPFL relates to the above and asks to change number 19, Rowthorn Drove, Monkspath, Solihull to become a children’s home. I have copied the below text from the planning statement submitted by the applicants: The proposed home will accommodate two children. The property, a four-bedroom house with all bedrooms on first floor as … More Planning application – change of use to Conversion of house (C3) into children’s home (C2).