This week I’m going to talk about community. I’m proud of the sense of community we have here in Solihull, and of all the smaller communities which together make up our wonderful borough, from our urban centres to our villages and rural areas.
The strength of those communities shows itself in many ways, and you’ll see that thread running through all the pieces in my column today.
Firstly, congratulations to the more than 80 members who make up the Dickens Heath Allotment Association on their Green Flag Award. It recognises well managed parks and green spaces, we have a proud record in Solihull of winning them for our parks but this is the first time any local allotments have been recognised. They have done amazing work on the site, collectively improving it and adding wonderful little touches like an old English type of apple tree. They’ve also become the go-to release point for hedgehogs that have been recovering at Solihogs rescue thanks to a partnership with them and the Council. You can read all about it here, and their achievement was so important it was covered by both the BBC and ITV local news on Tuesday.
There’s been a bit of talk about the plan for Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath to ‘become a town’. This is about correct interpretation of new national planning policy, we are consulting on the proposal to reclassify these three villages as a town so we can protect the green space around them. You can read more about how to have your say in our news release. Thanks to Sam Greenway, the Local Democracy Reporter, for his clear piece which explains the reasons behind the move. We aren’t going to stop anyone calling the places they live in villages, and we know these three places have distinct characters, grouping them as a ‘town’ for planning purposes is being done to protect those communities, not change them.
Speaking of protecting communities, I’m really pleased at the work we’re doing with our partners at West Midlands Police to enforce the new Public Space Protection Order at the bus interchange by Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre. The joined-up approach gives the bobbies on the beat more power to stop anti-social behaviour like people riding small vehicles around and allows them to move on groups of people hanging around there in the evening and at night if they’re suspected of anti-social behaviour. The PSPO also allows the police to require these people to remove face coverings too. It’s something that residents told us they wanted, so it’s great to see the PSPO in place and being backed up and enforced so that people can feel safe in the area.
Just down the road in Kingshurst, one man who has made an incredible contribution to his community is retiring after a long and distinguished career. Andy Tunstall, headteacher of Yorkswood Primary School, has brought his teaching career to a close after more than 30 years at the school as a teacher and now as the head. His commitment, dedication, and care for his pupils in that time has been outstanding and I know many of the thousands of pupils who have been through the school’s doors in that time will be sad to see him retire. All I can say is that it is very well earned, and I wish Andy a long and happy retirement.
Community isn’t just about geography of course. A local business, Active Hands, is making a real difference to many people with disabilities all over the world. Their innovative mobility aids have been able to reach so many people in part thanks to funding and support from Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM). Starting out on their kitchen table with just an idea, they’re a flourishing global enterprise now and I’m proud of the entrepreneurial spirit shown by Rob and Marion Smith as they have grown their company from scratch. Solihull has always been a place where we make things and back people like Rob and Marion who have the dreams and the drive to succeed, businesses like theirs are an integral part of our community.
Solihull Summerfest is taking place this weekend. As usual there’s a great lineup and tickets have sold really well, I think there are just a few left for Sunday now. I’m sure the atmosphere will be fantastic whatever the weather.
Finally, after their dramatic (and very stressful!) penalty shootout win the England Women move on to face Italy on Tuesday for a place in the final. Good luck to them and lets hope they can bring it home again.
Thanks for reading,
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Leader of Solihull Council.