Councillor at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. Blogging about issues in Blythe Ward (Monkspath, Cheswick Green, Dickens Heath and Tidbury Green) and Solihull.
I supported this when Bruning and Price applied two years ago and they did get planning permission for a pub/restaurant. However, the viability of construction meant they had to walk away. However, an amended application has been submitted; essentially there is no basement works but there is a small increase in the footprint of the … More Tidbury Green Farm – planning application
A jewel on our doorsteps and whilst many of the houses on one side of the Engine Lake are in Solihull borough, the lake itself is not, and forms the boundary with Warwickshire. There are three lakes in all. The Canal and Rivers Trust have done a fantastic job in renovating the paths and the … More EARLSWOOD LAKES
I was happy to attend the formal launch of a safe and direct community led route for residents walking to the local school through Berkswell village centre recently. Following an initial proposal from Berkswell Parish Council funding was awarded to deliver improvements, including a Zebra Crossing which allows children and parents to cross safely, as … More Community-led scheme delivers Better Streets in Berkswell 
I did tweet about this and post on local Facebook groups last week. Naturally, those of us who had opposed the Applegreen application on land near to Junction 4 of the M42 (off Gate Lane) are pleased with the outcome. I hope the petition had some part to play in this. I do though feel … More Motorway Services near Junction 4 Update
I recently met with Parish Council Chair, Cllr Trevor Eames, to discuss The Hub. I was amongst those who opened the youth facility on 6 March 2020 (see photos) and it was a massive blow, but quite understandably, the facility could not serve as it was intended since. I can report that arrangements are being … More The Hub – Dickens Heath
As part of Solihull Council’s exciting Low Carbon Future Mobility project, supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority, an innovative project is currently underway to look at how zero-carbon, autonomous vehicles could meet some of the Borough’s transport needs in the future. A state-of-the-art self-driving shuttle will take to the roads around Birmingham Airport, transporting … More CONNECTED AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES in SOLIHULL
I joined many others, including my grandsons school pals, planting trees at Hope Coppice last week. The headlines of the from the planting are: Hope Coppice becomes first location of the Severn Trent and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Forests with 9,400 trees First day of planting took place on World Wildlife Day, Thursday 3 March, with … More Solihull Council teams up with Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and Severn Trent for Commonwealth Forest at Hope Coppice
Following on from last weeks post, following claims by LibDem Cllrs Elmdon and Lyndon wards are assed by whilst other wards get the good stuff. This is a synopsis of some of the investment via the localities budget in these wards in the past two years. * Repaired damaged railings in Richmond Road* Repair and … More Investment in Elmdon and Lyndon (continued)
Some excellent work by Kingshurst and Fordbridge Cllr David Cole and Solihull Highway officers. In response to a recent petition submitted to council by Cllr Coles on behalf of residents of Cooks Lane, Solihull Council has now installed additional information signage to promote better compliance with the existing HGV restrictions and address residents’ safety concerns. … More New HGV signage in Kingshurst and Fordbridge to address safety concerns
I am so disappointed in claims by LibDem Lyndon and Elmdon ward councillors that their wards are being forgotten or left till last for investment and claiming other wards are prioritised. This is so far from the truth and I expect far better from them. As well as the comments in the petition (which has … More INVESTMENT IN ELMDON AND LYNDON WARDS, SOLIHULL (1)
Ken Hawkins 