Thursday 8 May is VE Day. This year marks the 80th anniversary of end of the Second World War in Europe. It is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifice made by those who died, those who fought, and those who lived through the conflict so that we may live our lives in a state of freedom. Free from the fascist yoke that threatened Europe, free from the fear and the deprivations of war and suffering on a scale never seen before or since. We are, and must always be, eternally grateful to them. Their courage was unmatched, their fortitude incredible, and their determination unwavering.
VE Day in 1945 was a celebration, and we will continue in that spirit across Solihull with commemorations and celebrations already underway. The Core Library is hosting a special exhibition in the Heritage Gallery for the whole of May and some of June, as well as themed displays of books and a half term craft activity for children during the May half term. On VE Day itself a number of our libraries – Chelmsley Wood, Castle Bromwich, Kingshurst and Balsall Common will host varied events (all the details available here). We will also be lighting the beacon in Elmdon Park (by the church) on the evening of VE day, with a service starting at 7.30 and the beacon to be lit just after 9.
It makes me very proud that we continue to remember VE Day in all these ways, and I have no doubt that these events will recur for many years to come. They present a vital opportunity for people to come together in a spirit of commemoration, and to educate new generations about the importance of what came before to allow them to live the free lives they do now.
I warmly welcome the announcement of the East Birmingham – North Solihull metro extension. This project will better connect North Solihull residents to services and employment, something we have long called for, but will also support opportunities in the UK Central Hub in Solihull. It represents more than just a transport link, it is an investment in the future of our communities, in our young people, and a connection to job opportunities and places to study. We cannot afford delays, this project must be funded quickly, supported fully by key stakeholders, and delivered efficiently so that we make the most of the fantastic opportunity it represents.
Whilst it is important to be realistic about timescales when dealing with a project of this scale, it is crucial that we can get spades in the ground on this as soon as possible so that local people can enjoy the full benefits of the improved connection across the region.
An update now from our Children’s Services, as they welcomed Ofsted this week for the last of six monitoring visits. They were looking specifically at what is known as the ‘front door’ elements of the service, essentially the first points of contact for children, young people, and families with the Council and other organisations who support them. I am delighted to say that the feedback we have received from the inspectors was very positive. They praised many aspects of what they saw, including the connection between workers and those they support, and the significant improvements in the effectiveness of the teams involved.
It is very gratifying to see the hard work we have put into the improvement journey paying off, not that we have any sense of it being at an end. Staff will continue to work hard for our most vulnerable residents, and I and the other elected members will continue doing all we can to support them in doing so. We have come a long way but still have a lot to do. I look forward to welcoming Ofsted back later this year for a full inspection.
Some welcome news emerged from the WMCA and government this week, as they announced funding for thousands more EV charging points across the West Midlands. We have been at the forefront of this in Solihull, with the massive hub at the NEC campus and charging points in our own car parks. If we want people to adopt electric vehicles, it has to be made as easy as possible for them. Readily available charging is central to this becoming a reality, so I’m pleased to see the announcement, I shall be even more pleased when I see the chargers installed and ready to use.
Finally, The Core Theatre will enjoy its long-awaited grand reopening on Sunday, I am delighted that the cultural heart of our town is back in action and ready to welcome patrons again. The sold-out show promises to be a sparkling evening, so congratulations to everyone who acted quickly and secured tickets. I am not surprised that this has attracted quite a bit of attention from the media, I have given an interview for local television which should be aired over the weekend, and we’ve also had interest from the written press and radio. It is a really significant moment for Solihull, I and many people I have spoken to about the matter have keenly felt the absence of our brilliant theatre. To have it back open is a joy and I look forward to returning to regularly attending the wide variety of performances which take place there.
Thanks for reading, enjoy your bank holiday weekend.
Councillor Ian Courts.