Councillor at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. Blogging about issues in Blythe Ward (Monkspath, Cheswick Green, Dickens Heath and Tidbury Green) and Solihull.
As a dog lover I get really appalled when encountering dog mess, whether on pavements, roads or parkland. There is really no excuse for dog owners not to pick up any mess; it is so easy to do with plastic bags. I feel self conscious that anyone walking past me and my mutt might believe … More DOG WASTE and BINS
An interesting planning application came before Planning Committee at our last meeting. It involved the change of empty offices to become ten two bed-room apartments and eight one bed-room apartments. These were the offices of Parkridge, who managed Dickens Heath but went into liquidation around 2007. The offices were next to mixed use units (shops, cafe’s … More Former parkridge Offices – Dickens Heath
Now, there is no suggestion from SMBC to ban tweeting, but I do feel the need to explain a few of the issues involved. Yes, there are councillors and members of the public who have no problems whatsoever, but there are some who urge a bit of caution, and we should respect that. At this … More Council Meetings and Twitter
Having shouted out (very loudly) Solihull is such a great place to live (and it is), I am informed of another mass of litter and other debris on the public footpath running from Shelly Lane to Stratford Road. This is an historical footpath, termed in medieval times as the ‘Kings Highway’ (see post from October … More A Bit of Litter on the Kings Highway, Monkspath
My great interest in education drove me to becoming a councillor. I have been a governor at Monkspath Junior & Infants school for some 25 years and being a governor encouraged me to try and make a difference at the next level – some 12 years ago. It comes as no surprise then I sit … More DEMOGRAPHY AND SCHOOL PLACE PLANNING
The power of social media should not be understated. As a result of observing damage to the grass verge on Frankholmes Drive (created through BT staff driving their van onto the grass whilst working at the nearby cable box: see post https://cllrkenhawkins.co.uk/2014/02/27/grass-verge-damage-monkspath/ ) I posted the photograph in a tweet to BT. There response was swift and … More Grass Verge Damage – Monkspath
Please find posted the latest monthly newsletter from the Neighbourhood Teams covering the rural/Meriden sector of the borough. I post this specifically for Blythe ward but all other ward activities can be viewed on the report. Newsletter February 2014 The report includes new sentencing guidelines for fly-tipping; a scam which is affecting older residents right … More Neighbourhood Newsletter – February 2014
There are two derelict bungalows on Creynolds Lane, Cheswick Green; no’s 28 and 30. One has been void for many years – over 20 I have been told. The situation is not good for neighbours, blighting their property, and I have made a formal request for the compulsory … More Creynolds Lane – Derelict bungalows
Just a quick one… I saw this in Frankholmes Drive, Monkspath today, near to junction with Hillwood Avenue. The damage was caused through the parking of a BT van on the grass verge yesterday whilst two men were working at the nearby box. I have reported the matter to Matt Gardner, Neighbourhood Officer at SMBC
Following on from the successful planning application for a betting shop on Main Street, Dickens Heath I have looked at a few issues; readers may wish to view the post on my website of 23 February https://cllrkenhawkins.co.uk/2014/02/23/planning-aplication-betting-shop-in-dickens-heath/ Notwithstanding reasons for objection from residents and two speakers (one a ward councillor, the other a former councillor) … More BETTING SHOPS – A need to rewire licensing
Ken Hawkins 