Town Centre:
The regeneration of the town centre is moving forwards. Already the council is undertaking essential maintenance of the Popular Road car park (the one we used to know as the M&S car park). The works will be finished before the end of November, with some levels open before then. The works have been brought forward as the House of Fraser/Beatties car park is planned to be demolished in the New Year for the commencement of phase one of the regeneration project. Readers can find out more about the town centre planning application via this link: Solihull – Town Centre update: – Ken Hawkins
Local Plan update:
Many may be aware of a concern I had about Widney Manor Golf Club being put forward for consideration for housing and commercial development as part of the councils ‘Call for Sites’ process relating to the development of a new Local Development Plan. I have written to the Head of Planning and Development asking for the site not to be put forward for consultation, stating the land had an important part to play as environmental green belt between the Monkspath housing development and the M42. I am very hopeful my request will be successful.
Please visit this link for information about this issue and the letter I have submitted: WIDNEY MANOR GOLF CLUB – Call for Sites – Ken Hawkins
School 20 mph speed limits:
I am pleased that all schools in the Blythe ward and the new St Alphege with Monkspath & Hillfield ward have 20 mph speed limits in their vicinity. Our four-year rolling programme means all but a couple of schools in the borough now benefit from lower speed limits. Lower speeds are proven to not only save lives but also reduce the chance of serious injury when vehicles collide with pedestrians. The safety of our young people is a high priority.
Darker evening – crime prevention:
Please consider reviewing crime prevention advice from West Midlands Police now the evenings are getting darker.
Having anti-snap door locks to our home, as well as using timer switches for lights are known to help deter the casual thief. Let’s not make it easy for them.
The link guides you the West Midlands Police webpages, which give advice about Protecting your home from crime, Protecting yourself from crime, Business crime prevention, and Keeping vehicles safe: Crime prevention advice | West Midlands Police
Smoke Detectors:
At this time of year we tend to use candles in the house and this brings with it additional risks. Whether you use candles or not, advice from West Midlands Fire Service is – You should have working smoke alarms fitted on every level of your home.
Their advice says ‘Smoke alarms give you vital time to ‘get out, stay out and call 999’ if ever you’re unlucky enough to have a fire. And it’s crucial that you test them regularly – we suggest at least once a month.
A smoke alarm with the batteries missing is useless. If you must take the battery out, make sure you replace it there and then.
Change the battery every year (unless it’s a ten-year alarm) or when you need to. Alarms give out an intermittent bleep to let you know the battery’s running low.’
Smoke alarms – West Midlands Fire Service
Solihull Parks and Minecraft:
Two Solihull parks have been brought to life in the popular video game Minecraft as part of a project to improve accessibility and inclusivity in parks and open spaces.
Solihull Council commissioned young adults with learning disabilities at Newlands Bishop Farm to recreate the 130-acre Malvern and Brueton Parks in Minecraft.
We have fantastic parks and open spaces in Solihull and bringing them to the world’s best-selling video game is a great way to open them up to even more people, particularly those who cannot access them in person – for instance, if they have issues getting to a physical location. It will also help those who have social difficulties within open environments by providing a safe introduction to the parks from the comfort of their own home, giving them the confidence to visit physically.
Anybody with access to Minecraft and an internet connection can enjoy the replica parks at any time of day or night, with details available at www.solihull.gov.uk/minecraft-parks.
My contact details:
Email: khawkins@solihull.gov.uk
Website: www.cllrkenhawkins.co.uk
Facebook: Kenneth Hawkins
X (Twitter) @SolihullKen
You can also find me on local Facebook groups – including a new one established for the new ward:
St Alphege with Monkspath & Hillfield Ward
Ken Hawkins 