Author: Ken Hawkins

Councillor at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. Blogging about issues in Blythe Ward (Monkspath, Cheswick Green, Dickens Heath and Tidbury Green) and Solihull.

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) commit to reprovision of the MIU and UTC at Solihull Hospital.

8 October 2022

A report before the joint Birmingham and Solihull Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee next week mentions some promising news about the reprovision of a Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) and Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at Solihull Hospital. The trust accepts the strength of feeling in Solihull regarding the urgent care services that are currently available to … More University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) commit to reprovision of the MIU and UTC at Solihull Hospital.

Cutting the commute – Council trials new flexible workspace in the centre of Dickens Heath

6 October 2022

A cracking investment for Dickens Heath in particular as Dickens Heath residents now has access to a high-spec flexible-use office space right on their doorstep. As part of an innovative six-month trial, Solihull Council has teamed up with Third Space Solutions to transform the vacant first floor of Dickens Heath Library into a flexible new … More Cutting the commute – Council trials new flexible workspace in the centre of Dickens Heath

West Midlands Rail Executive Business Plan 2022 – 2023

20 September 2022

I am delegated from Solihull MBC to act as a substitute director for West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE). WMRE and Transport for West Midlands Transport within the West Midlands Combined Authority area is the overall responsibility of Transport for the West Midlands (TfWM). Within this area, WMRE is integrated with TfWM to provide specialist rail … More West Midlands Rail Executive Business Plan 2022 – 2023

Solihull Highway Works Permit Scheme

14 September 2022

This was discussed on Wednesday 14 September 2022, by the councils Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services Scrutiny Board reviewed the borough Highways Permit Scheme. The Statutory context: The Council as Local Highway Authority is responsible for the efficient co-ordination of all street and road works within the borough. Statutory duties placed on the Authority in … More Solihull Highway Works Permit Scheme

West Midlands Fire Service – Community Risk Management Plan

14 September 2022

The Plan identifies and assesses all foreseeable risks which communities in the WestMidlands might face – from house fires and road traffic collisions, through to floodingand terrorism. That information is then used to shape WMFS priorities and theirService Delivery Model – how they use the resources they have to reduce risk andvulnerability in local communities. … More West Midlands Fire Service – Community Risk Management Plan

Wharf Farm, Dickens Heath – Planning Application.

13 September 2022

Planning reference PL/2022/01866/PPFL relates to the ‘Demolition of existing outbuildings, erection of 9 No. detached dwelling houses, formation of pedestrian access point onto Dickens Heath Road, and associated works’ at Wharf Farm, 123 Dickens Heath Road, Dickens Heath, Solihull B90 1QG. You can access the full range of documents on the council’s planning portal via this … More Wharf Farm, Dickens Heath – Planning Application.

A pitch in time, saves nine(ty-five minutes) as Solihull Council launches

31 August 2022

Solihull Council is replacing traditional sticks and string with a new Robot Pitch Marker – saving ninety-five minutes per pitch and freeing up staff for other essential work in parks across the borough. The Robot Pitch Marker is fully autonomous and can paint Solihull’s pitches at the click of a button using virtual mapping software. … More A pitch in time, saves nine(ty-five minutes) as Solihull Council launches

Works Update on the M40/M42 Interchange Post-Commonwealth Games

17 August 2022

This is an update from National Highways and BAM Construction: As you may know, we had taken the decision to temporarily halt our work on the network during the periods up to and immediately after the Commonwealth Games to reduce the potential for additional disruption during a time when traffic was expected to be busier … More Works Update on the M40/M42 Interchange Post-Commonwealth Games