Community News

Following last year’s successful week of events to celebrate Windrush 70th, this year the Windrush1948Central, will be hosting a weekend of events in Birmingham following a very turbulent year for the Windrush Generation which has been plagued with the fallout from the Windrush Scandal.

This year’s events commence with:

Today (Saturday 22nd June) - A Public Service Day and Family Funday Day at The Sport Hub Holford Drive Perry Barr Birmingham, for which there is will an opening ceremony to mark Windrush day at 12 Noon, with the Lord Mayor, Chief Constable, Police and crime Commissioner and other public figures in attendance. This is a day when we celebrate the contribution of the Windrush Generation in public service which includes the NHS and also a day of activities for the family.

Following yesterday’s Elders Night at Pannel Croft Village in Newtown, this evening there will be a Gala Dinner and Ball at The Holte Suite Villa Park  for which the proceeds will go to assisting those caught up in the Windrush Scandal.

The to round off the weekend there will be a Church Service on Sunday 23rd June at The Assemblies of the First Born Church 23 Lozells Road Lozells Birmingham at 5pm, which is a service of thanksgiving and commemoration.

All events are free and open to the public with the exclusion of the Gala Dinner at Villa Park.

Chair of the Organisor's Reverend Dr. Desmond Jaddoo says: "This year’s events is the joining together of 7 organisations, which continues the legacy created by our elders, hence, demonstrating that the spirit of the windrush is alive and well and we must take this opportunity, to empower, educate, commemorate, give thanks and ensure that this rich contribution and legacy is never forgotten. We also wish to thank Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust for their continued support along with Victoria Mutual Building Society".

Detailed preparations involving famous international rugby star and broadcaster Christian Martin are under way for the live Black Sabbath event that’s attracting thousands of heavy metal fans to Birmingham.

The canal bridge over Broad Street will be renamed as the Black Sabbath Bridge at 3pm on Wednesday 26 June at the celebrations organised by Westside Business Improvement District (BID).

Meanwhile, the heavy metal bench dedicated to the band which is to be located on the bridge will be unveiled to the general public at the same time.

Sabbra Cadabra, the renowned Black Sabbath tribute band, will be transported along with their instruments and sound equipment onto a tiny island on the canal located between The Malt House pub, the Sea Life Centre and the Arena Birmingham.

The band will start playing from 2.30pm on 26 June to warm up gathering crowds while Black Sabbath founding members Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler hold a press conference at a nearby venue.

At 3pm, two canal barges will then take the legendary rock stars across to the island where they will be interviewed by former sports star and current TV broadcaster Christian Martin.

Martin, a lifelong Black Sabbath fan, once played rugby for Argentina and UK teams like the Saracens and Pontypridd. He is now a star TV presenter who commands an audience of millions across South America.

Sabbra Cadabra will continue to pump out top hits while Iommi and Butler cruise on to unveil the new Black Sabbath Bridge name and the heavy metal bench, cheered on by thousands of fans gathered at canalside bars and footpaths.

The band will continue playing to the crowds celebrating the new Black Sabbath venue until around 4.30pm and are scheduled to play again that evening at The Brasshouse and O’Neill’s bars on Broad Street.

Christian Martin, who still avidly follows Black Sabbath, said: “It will be an honour to play a little part in this event and to bring it to our people on the far side of the world.”

Mike Olley, general manager of Westside BID, said: “The afternoon of Wednesday 26 June will see an extraordinary event here in Birmingham in honour of the city’s legendary heavy metal rockers.

“We’re grateful to the Canal & River Trust, Birmingham City Council, Sabbra Cadabra and our many other partners for helping us to realise our ambition to pay this special tribute to Black Sabbath.”

Ani Sutton, community engagement manager at the Canal & River Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to be involved in helping people enjoy this event on the canal in Birmingham – which is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

“Dozens of our volunteers will be on duty throughout the day to make sure that everyone has a great time but also that they keep safe.”

The whole event coincides with a major Home of Metal exhibition celebrating Black Sabbath and the band’s legacy, running from 26 June to 29 September at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

This has created a captive audience for the Black Sabbath Bridge unveiling, adding to rock fans would have anyway gathered in Birmingham just to catch a glimpse of Iommi and Butler.

Jim Simpson, managing director of Big Bear Music which has arranged Sabbra Cadabra’s performance, added: “This fabulous event could easily see thousands of fans lining the canalside in the heart of Birmingham’s entertainment district. We and the band can’t wait to play our part!”

Tony Iommi said: “We’re thrilled that everyone can now enjoy what has become a special location for Black Sabbath history.”

Geezer Butler added: “I can’t wait for what’s going to be such a memorable event.”

The smash-hit ‘In the Night Garden Live’ will be at The Birmingham Repertory Theatre this summer on its first-ever UK tour of theatres. This brand new show will take audiences on a spectacular journey into the magical world of In the Night Garden, as the enchanting characters from the UK’s favourite family show are brought to life on stage from 31 July – 4 August.

‘In The Night Garden Live’ at Birmingham Repertory Theatre also promises a world first, as the Pinky Ponk Air Orb soars over the heads of In the Night Garden Live audiences – the first time an effect like this has been used in theatres anywhere in the UK. This amazing new 2.5 metre long flying Pinky Ponk, uses cutting-edge, patented aerodynamic technology pioneered by the specialist German company, Airstage, who have designed and built similar Air Orbs all over the world, including for the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics and the Radio City Musical Hall Christmas Spectacular in New York.

Executive Producer Oliver Seadon said: “We’ve toured In the Night Garden Live in our own venue for the last ten years and audiences always felt like they were being transported into the Night Garden. We knew that when we brought the show into theatres for the first time we had to do something magical for our little fans and their families. What better way than to take the Night Garden literally into the auditorium in the form of this incredible flying Pinky Ponk? If the toddlers in the audiences are half as excited as I was about seeing it for the first time, it’s going to be such a special experience.” 

In the Night Garden Live is the perfect musical theatre experience for the entire family. Children’s favourite CBeebies stars – Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends – are all brought beautifully to life in a specially written new story using full-size characters and magical puppets with enchanting music and dancing.

This delightful classic, which premiered in 2010 before becoming a summer entertainment fixture, is a firm favourite with pre-schoolers and their parents. Seen by over one million people, the critically acclaimed production has established itself as a must-see first theatre experience for young children.

‘In the Night Garden Live’ is written by Helen Eastman (writer of Bing Live) and based on the DHX Media television series created by Andrew Davenport. Directed by acclaimed Royal Ballet choreographer and director Will Tuckett, the show is produced by Minor Entertainment under licence from DHX Brands.

Leicester Riders chairman Kevin Routledge has received a British Empire Medal for services to the sport of basketball and the local community of Leicester.

Canadian-born Kevin is currently the longest serving club Chairman within the British Basketball League and joined entertainment stars such as Olivia Colman, Elvis Costello, MIA, Bear Grylls, Feargal Sharkey, Dan Snow in being formally acknowledged by the Queen as part of her Birthday Honours list.

His association with British basketball first began as a player (1974 - 1979) representing the Loughborough All Stars team. After a brief business secondment to Pittsburgh he returned to successfully combine his playing career with club administration and media duties.

He eventually went onto become the Chairman of the British Basketball League from 1988 to 2002; and was also a Director of the national governing body, England Basketball.

Routledge has worked on many multi-sport and community activities in the Leicester area and was responsible for the new £6m Leicester Arena build and launch. The Arena opened on budget on 27 January 2016 and on top of being home to the Leicester Riders it has become a much-valued asset for community use.

Sir Rodney Walker, BBL Chairman, congratulated Kevin on being bestowed such a prestigious honour:

"Kevin has been a magnificent servant to the game of basketball in this country for a number of decades and it is fantastic this unwavering service has been formally recognised by the Queen.

"His passion for the sport and its continual development, alongside the great community work he undertakes has long been acknowledged by his peers within British basketball and the people of Leicester.

"I am very proud to pass on my congratulations to Keven and his family for this great honour."

Kevin Routledge's passion for the sport of basketball shows no sign of slowing down - alongside being the current Chairman of Leicester Riders, Kevin is a Director of Morningside Arena, Leicester, Trustee of the Riders charity (the Leicester Riders Foundation), a Director of the British Basketball League, Vice Chair of the Basketball Foundation, and Secretary of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Basketball.

Sandwell’s streets and pavements are being lit up by thousands of new smart streetlights that will save cash and cut carbon emissions.

Over the next three years, Sandwell Council will install more than 7,000 of the new energy-saving LED lights, which can also be centrally controlled, altered and monitored – unlike old-fashioned lamps.

The announcement comes as part of Sandwell Council’s #HighwaysWeek – a week of activity highlighting the work of the council’s road safety, maintenance, parking, street lighting and other teams.

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport Councillor Jackie Taylor said: “We’ll have already installed 4,000 of the new lights by next year (2020) and we’ve committed to make that 11,000 in total by 2022.

“The new streetlights allow us to control light levels depending on location, we’re able to record power consumption and we’ll be alerted when there’s a fault with an individual lamppost.

“Not only will this save money, it also helps us reduce our carbon footprint."

On Thursday 20 June members of the House of Lords will debate the increase in incidents of antisemitism in recent years. Tabled by Baroness Berridge, the motion reads:

Baroness Berridge to move that this House takes note of the incidence of antisemitism worldwide.

Members scheduled to speak include: Baroness Altmann Lord Alton of Liverpool Baroness Berridge Lord Collins of Highbury Lord Dykes Lord Harries of Pentregarth Lord Palmer of Childs Hill Lord Pickles Lord Polak Lord Shinkwin Lord Singh of Wimbledon

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon will respond on behalf of the Government.

Baroness Berridge will be focusing the debate on the global trend of incidents of antisemitism, and the ease with which hateful content is spread online. She hopes to encourage unity to prevent the spread of antisemitism, and action to hold online companies to account.

Speaking ahead of the debate, Baroness Berridge said:

“From Berlin to Buenos Aires, incidents of antisemitism have increased drastically in recent years. It seems that the ease with which content that encourages hatred towards Jewish people can now be spread online has combined with political instability and historic antisemitism to cause age-old stereotypes to resurface, as societies look for scapegoats and simple answers to complex problems. As Co-Chair of the APPG for International Freedom of Religion or Belief, I urge the UK and all Governments to work together to hold Internet Service Providers to account and take national measures to prevent the spread of hateful internet messaging about Jews and to do whatever else they can to protect Jewish communities around the world who are suffering once again. This scourge needs eradicating once and for all. ”

The debate is expected to start at some point after 11.30am on Thursday 20 June 2019.

Members of the public are welcome to attend

Members of the public will have the opportunity to quiz Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street at an event in Pheasey.

The Mayor will be holding his latest ‘Ask Andy’ public session at Beacon Church, Collingwood Drive, Pheasey B43 7JL, on Wednesday, 26^th June from 6.45pm to 7.45pm.

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street

He said: “This is your chance to ask me about the progress we are making as a region in strengthening communities by transforming transport, homes, employment and skills.

“These are exciting times for the West Midlands and I want as many people as possible to be there at Beacon Church.

“I’m keen to hear about what matters to local residents and the wider West Midlands community, so that we can continue to work together to improve people’s lives.”

Click here for more information and to book your place at the ‘Ask Andy’ session.

Friends, colleagues, supporters and admirers gathered at the Jamaica High Commission in London to celebrate the life and achievements of the Jamaican 'King of Comedy', Oliver Samuels.

Master of Ceremonies Delores Cooper OD welcomed everyone to the proceedings, before the man of the moment himself graced the room, flanked by both Jamaica High Commissioner Seth George Ramocan CD and Deputy High Commissioner Angella Rose-Howell.

In a room of smiling faces (not least at Olivers jokes and stories), Oliver's previous colleagues and friends paid tribute to a man who has dedicated nearly 50 years of his life to acting and comedy.

"I want to pay tribute to an undisputed treasure of Jamaica, Oliver Adolphus Samuels," started the High Commissioner.

"Just saying the name Oliver, you begin to feel good, just look at him and you begin to laugh. Oliver of course you are a born entertainer with an inate gift of bringing laughter, pleasantry and joy to the hearts and souls of people in Jamaica, outside of Jamaica, and we honour you today."

Oliver is currently on tour throughout the UK in 56 East Avenue - the hilarious story of life in a ‘tenament yaad,’ it details the chronicles of a landlord trying to collect rent from delinquent tenants while at the same time creating a comfortable living space for the others. What is taking place down at 56 East Avenue?

Cast member and friend 'Maffy' spoke of Oliver fondly, "When we worked together in theatre, we always have fun. We have had great times together. We'd stop and have a drink and chat foolishness and share dreams."

Before the night was finished Oliver was presented with a Birthday Cake, a guestbook signed by all attendees, and a personal commendation from the Jamaica High Commission.

In the presence of the likes of Linton Kwesi Johnson, the legendary David 'Ram Jam' Rodigan, Marcia McLaughlin of The Phoenix Newspaper and many more, a great time was had by all, sharing food, drinks, and stories of Oliver. Congratulations on your 70th Birthday Oliver, here's to many more years of laughs and entertainment.

British Athletics has announced Toyota (GB) PLC as an event sponsor to two of the world’s biggest athletics events: the 2019 Müller Anniversary Games and Müller Grand Prix Birmingham.

The partnership is a continuation of Toyota’s commitment to para sport, having become a Worldwide Paralympic Partner in 2015 and having supported ParalympicsGB to launch the grassroots participation programme “Parasport powered by Toyota” earlier this year. Toyota will use LED advertising windows during the para athletics events hosted at both meetings this summer.

In July, five para athletics events will be hosted at the 2019 Müller Anniversary Games, with a range of track and field showcasing both ambulant and wheelchair events in the very same stadium that saw para sport showcasing the biggest audiences ever at London 2012. The para athletics events set to take place at August’s Müller Grand Prix Birmingham will be announced in due course.

Following a magnificent world record from Kare Adenegan in 2018, the women’s T33/34 100m will return to the London Stadium during 2019.

Adenegan enjoyed a breakthrough moment on home soil as she powered to a time of 16.80 becoming the first female T34 athlete to clock under 17 seconds over the distance.

Always a fast and furious race on the track, the best in Britain will line-up in the women’s T35-38 100m. Last year, Sophie Hahn warmed up for the WPA European Championships by setting a world record over 200m in London, so Hahn and the rest of the field will be looking at this world-class meeting as an important competition on the road to the World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai.

In what is set to be a highly-entertaining contest, a host of domestic talent will go head-to-head in the T53/54 800m.

During 2018, world medallist Richard Chiassaro lowered the T54 800m world record – which has since been improved by America’s Daniel Romanchuk – so he is one of the world’s leading competitors in the class.

With the likes of 2018 European medallists Nathan Maguire (T54), Dillon Labrooy (T54) and Mo Jomni (T53) amongst the emerging talent in these classes, this is set to be an event not to be missed across the weekend of action in London.

The three para athletics events will join Jonnie Peacock and Stef Reid who were announced in the T64 100m and T44-64 long jump line-up last month.

British Athletics’ Major Events Director, Cherry Alexander MBE commented: “We are excited to have lined up some brilliant events for our para athletes at the Müller Anniversary Games. We saw last year two brilliant World Record moments that proved to be the performances of the entire weekend and we know their events this year are simply not to be missed!”

Andrew Cullis, Toyota GB Marketing Director said: “Our partnership for these headline events reflects our commitment to delivering mobility for all, and our support for getting more people involved in sport through the Parasport powered by Toyota programme. We are sure the 2019 Müller Anniversary Games and Müller Grand Prix Birmingham will be great showcases for exceptional personal achievements and will inspire many more people to enjoy and participate in para athletics.”

British Athletics’ Paralympic Head Coach, Paula Dunn MBE added: “It’s great that once again our para athletes are headlining a world class weekend of athletics. There is no doubt about it that from a performance angle these events give us vital preparation. With a World Championships in November this year and long term preparations for Tokyo well underway, I know the Müller Anniversary Games, offer a great platform for our World Class programme athletes.”

According to research over half of UK women (52%) say it has been several years since they made a valued friendship, with nearly two thirds (61%) citing work as the primary reason they feel too busy to make new connections.

However, technology now means it needn’t be difficult to connect with new people and form meaningful relationships, and it doesn’t take a huge commitment to help yourself and others make new connections.

To celebrate National Best Friends Day on June 8, Mobiles.co.uk, has worked with a leading life coach to share a few tips on the top ways adults can use technology to build new connections.

1. Find like-minded online communities Using your hobbies and interests is a great way to connect with similar people online, and there are plenty of forums catering to everyone from sports fans to film fanatics. Websites like Reddit have countless chatrooms for a huge variety of interests. With platforms like these it’s easier than ever to make connections with like-minded people.

Then there are more specialised apps and websites dedicated to linking people over a specific interest. Spotify, for example, has a feature that allows users to find and connect with music lovers of similar tastes, while fitness apps like Strava give cyclists the ability to share their favourite routes and connect with other users nearby.

If you’re thinking of travelling but don’t have anyone to go with, websites like SoloTraveller and Backpackr allow users to connect with their fellow globetrotters, letting them meet up in advance, or at their destination.

2. There’s an app for that Friend finding apps are becoming increasingly common, with several alternatives to choose from. Bumble BFF, Friender and Hey! VINA are some examples of apps that are built like dating profiles, allowing you to match with people who you would like to be friends with.

Bumble BFF for example works like a dating site and is built specifically for women. You build your profile and can then swipe through other people’s profiles to find someone you want to connect with.

The user specifies a distance and Bumble finds people within this area, prioritising people who have liked you first. The app’s algorithm doesn’t take your past matches into account, allowing you to branch out from your comfort zone and meet new people from all walks of life.

Rachel Pountney from Leeds was concerned about how she would make friends in a new city before she discovered Bumble BFF: “I moved to Leeds four years ago to live with my boyfriend, but I was conscious that I didn’t know anyone else in the area and started looking for ways to meet new people. I heard about Bumble BFF and gave it a go. It was a bit strange at first, but eventually I got chatting to an American girl called Kat Fish (no, seriously!)

“We met up and instantly got on like a house on fire! She’s moved back to the US, but we’ve met up in America and back in Leeds since then, and we still chat regularly.”

3. Get social Humble social media channels like Facebook and Twitter, which for many have become a part of their everyday lives, can easily be used to help find and join new online communities. Consider searching keywords related to topics and hobbies you’re interested in to find groups and conversations to join.

Nicola Fulstow was able to make the most of Facebook to bond with other new mums: “As a stay at home mum I found it challenging to get out of the house and meet new people. So I decided to put a post on my local resident’s Facebook page to see if there were any other stay at home mums with young kids who would be open to meeting up for coffee.

“Four years later and there are seven of us who are the best of friends and still speak nearly every week! What started out as a group of mums desperate for some adult conversation has led to me having the most incredible group of friends who are all neighbours!”

Carole Ann Rice, one of the UK’s leading life coaches, explains why friendships are such an important part of living a healthy life: “Friendships are essential for our wellbeing as they can make us feel understood, appreciated, heard and less lonely. A good friend makes us feel supported, brings happiness and connectivity, and someone to share our interests with.

“We can have different friends for different areas of our life – friends who share hobbies, colleagues, or school or college friends. With a lot of different types of friends we find a composite picture of connection, togetherness and wellbeing.”

Andrew Cartledge, Mobile Expert and Mobiles.co.uk, added: “Whilst having connections in various areas of our lives is great for our wellbeing, modern life can make it challenging to establish new friendships. Technology has undoubtedly made it easier for people to find and connect with other like-minded individuals, and has removed barriers such as simply not having the time to get out there and meet new people.”

West Midlands Metro Mayor, Andy Street, has called for a direct flight between Birmingham and Mumbai. He is petitioning both Air India and the Indian Government to install the route, with hundreds already backing his campaign.

It comes after the former John Lewis boss met India’s aviation minister last year to make the business case for the direct route.

Currently there is a direct flight between Birmingham and Delhi, but those wanting to travel to Mumbai from the Midlands need to make the 185km journey south to London Heathrow. Jet Airways used to operate a direct flight to Mumbai from Manchester but this stopped when the airline collapsed.

He said: “The Midlands serves a large Indian community of nearly 500,000 people, with significant populations in Birmingham, Leicester, Northampton, Nottingham, Sandwell and Wolverhampton.

“I am really pleased there is an Air India flight to Delhi from Birmingham but if people need to go to Mumbai they have to travel to Heathrow. Given the significant business (Jaguar Land Rover, JCB, Rolls Royce, Bharat Forge, Pattonair and Bombardier to name a few) links between the Midlands and India, and the strength of the diaspora, there is strong demand for a direct flight between Birmingham and Mumbai.

“As well as the business case there is also the personal case, as the new route will allow thousands of families to reconnect far easier with family and friends in India.

“The Midlands and India have a wonderful relationship, but it is time we strengthened that with a new route.”

His petition, which can be found on change.org, has garnered over 900 signatures at the time of writing.

Since 2017, more than 10,000 people have walked to help fight against prostate cancer – which has now overtaken breast cancer to become the third biggest cancer killer in the UK, taking one man every 45 minutes - raising over £3.3 million to support the vital work. But so much more is needed to bring about the better testing, treatments and care that will dramatically reduce its deaths in the UK.

Prostate Cancer UK (formerly known as The Prostate Cancer Charity) is holding a March for Men, in Cannon Hill Park, in Birmingham, where you can take on either the short, medium or long walk to help stop prostate cancer being a killer.

The short route is fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs – however due to the nature of the ground, if it has been a wet summer this may be subject to change.

So, the organisers are encouraging everybody to round up their loved ones and register now to help stop prostate cancer being a killer.

March For Men, sponsored by Burton Menswear, takes place this Sunday, June 9.

The events site opens at 10am, with the Walk starting at 11am.

A series of commemoration events are taking place in the UK and France marking the 75th anniversary D-Day landing in Normandy.

Senior politicians and members of the Royal family as well as hundreds of veterans are attending ceremonies to remember what is considered one of the most important events of the Second World War.

More than 200 veterans have boarded a cruise ship charted by the Royal British Legion to attend the events while others are descending en masse on Portsmouth and Normandy.

At the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, yesterday, some 4,000 military personnel, 11 Royal Naval vessels and 26 RAF aircraft were part of key ceremonies acknowledging the operation included the UK's national commemoration event which was attended by the Queen and US President Donald Trump, as well as representatives from other allied countries as well as Germany.

The President said he had looked forward to commemorating what "may have been the greatest battle ever in history".

The countries being represented at the event agreed to make a joint statement pledging to ensure the "unimaginable horror" of World War Two is not repeated.

Called "the D-Day proclamation", the 16 signatories - including the UK and the United States - commit to working together to "resolve international tensions peacefully.

Prime Minister Theresa May used the occasion to call for continued Western unity in tackling what she will call "new and evolving security threats". D-Day is a military term used to describe the day on which an operation, or attack, is to begin.

Derived from the word 'day', it has been used for many different military operations but is most closely association with the Allied landings on Normandy's beaches on June 6, 1944.

The Normandy D-Day landing operation was originally planned for June 5 - but bad weather delayed it by a day.

Some 5,300 ships and craft, 150,000 men, 1,500 tanks and 12,000 planes took part in D-Day - British and Commonwealth soldiers landed at Gold, Juno and Sword while American soldiers were sent to Utah and Omaha - making it the largest seaborne invasion in history.

A Lord of the Rings-themed railway station is among ideas to be put forward for the new Camp Hill Rail line.

Details of the consultation over proposed new stations at Moseley, Kings Heath and Hazelwell in south Birmingham were issued on the day Tolkien, the new film about the early life of Lord of the Rings writer, arrived in cinemas.

More than 600 people responded to the public consultation. Many respondents requested that famous local landmarks or people - such as Mayor of Birmingham Joseph Chamberlain or Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien - be celebrated in public artwork or artistic features.

Tolkien grew up in south Birmingham and drew inspiration for his Middle Earth stories from local features such as Sarehole Mill and Moseley Bog. Perrott's Folly and the chimney of Edgbaston Pumping Station were the inspiration for the Two Towers. The area is a tourism hot spot for Lord of the Rings fans.

Results of the consultation have also revealed nine in ten residents, commuters and businesses in south Birmingham back plans to reopen the Camp Hill rail line. The stations closed in 1941, since when the line has been used only by freight and non-stop through-services.

The plans to restore the line are being developed by West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and are backed by industry partners including Network Rail and West Midlands Railway.

Consultation on the Camp Hill line stations took place in November and December last year and attracted 616 responses.

The results revealed:

• 86% want planting or community gardens at the stations • 62% would like to see artwork or features inspired by local figures or landmarks • 44% called for a community space • Other suggestions included a coffee shop, community stalls, cycle storage and lifts to platforms

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “We were delighted at the enthusiastic support for our plans for the Camp Hill Line and thank everyone who took the time to respond.

“We also welcome the many excellent and creative suggestions for the new stations, from community gardens to public artwork inspired by JRR Tolkien and the Chamberlain family, and will certainly give them careful consideration as the designs evolve.”

The new Camp Hill line stations will provide regular train services into Birmingham New Street, with quick journey times.

One issue of concern was that no car parks are proposed at the Moseley, Kings Heath or Hazelwell stations.

Some residents fear a knock-on effect as commuters could park on surrounding streets. WMRE will be working closely with Birmingham City Council to ensure highway safety and parking management is addressed.

Malcolm Holmes, executive director, West Midlands Rail Executive and director of rail, Transport for West Midlands, said: “We are delivering these stations for communities to connect people and places, so nothing is more important than ensuring that their look and feel works for the community.

“The reopening of the Camp Hill line for passengers is just one of our major investment projects which are delivering a revolution in rail for the West Midlands.”

Planning applications for the Camp Hill line stations are due to be submitted to Birmingham City Council during the summer.

It is expected that construction work could start in 2020, with a view to getting the three stations open by the end of 2021. This would be in time for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The illegal disposal of waste in the environment can have a very serious impact on land, with chemicals in the waste which could contaminate soil and potentially harm local wildlife and businesses. With this in mind, online furniture retailer, Furniture Choice polled the nation to find out how many Brits have illegally dumped waste in the past and how local councils are tackling the issue ahead of World Environment Day (today, 5th June).

The research revealed that 13% of the nation has fly-tipped in the past, with over a quarter stating they didn’t realise they were breaking the law. With new financial penalties put in place in January 2019, any householder who now fails to pass their waste to a licensed carrier and whose waste is found fly-tipped would face penalties of up to £400*.

Recent government data revealed that local authorities in England dealt with just under one million (998,000) fly-tipping incidents between 2017/18, a slight decrease of 1% from 2016/17[1]. However, local authorities have seen an increase of 20% in the number of fixed penalty notices handed out to fly-tipping offenders, with 69,000 handed out in 2017/18[1].

Delving further into the issue of fly-tipping across England, the top ten locations in England with the highest number of fly-tipping incidents in 2017/18[2] were:

1. Leeds - 26,831 2. Haringey - 23,549 3. Liverpool - 20,576 4. Croydon - 19,198 5. Hammersmith and Fulham - 18,652 6. Brent - 18,609 7. Northampton - 18,393 8. Manchester - 17,497 9. Hounslow - 17,063 10. Birmingham - 15,993

Furniture Choice also spoke to the British public to find out how they think councils are faring with the issue of fly-tipping. The results revealed that Brits think councils should provide easier alternatives to fly-tipping (39%) and increase the awareness of fly-tipping laws (38%).

To help reduce fly-tipping across the UK, Furniture Choice has created an online tool populated with more than 800 furniture recycling and donation centres across the UK, which helps people identify their nearest location in which to take their unwanted furniture and white goods.

Tom Obbard, Director at Furniture Choice, said: “Fly-tipping causes a devastating impact on the environment and is expensive to clear, so it is a major concern that incidents are increasing in England.

“It is great to see that some councils are exercising their legislative powers and issuing fixed penalty notices for fly-tipping, as hopefully, it will deter people from committing the offence. However, more needs to be done on encouraging people to use recycling and donation sites instead of illegally discarding their waste.”

Nearly 10,000 care home beds for the elderly have been lost in five years across half of England’s local authorities, retirement mortgage experts Responsible Life can reveal.

In total, 9,772 care home beds have been lost in England in the 75 local authority areas that have struggled to keep up with provision since 2014, analysis of Care Quality Commission (CQC) data shows.

The findings suggest older people are being left at the mercy of a postcode lottery in many areas, even though the overall number of beds has actually risen in the same period from 401,322 to 407,058.

The UK population is ageing with around 18.2% of people aged 65 or over in mid-2017, compared with 15.9% in 2007. This is projected to grow to 20.7% aged 65 and over by 2027. It is also projected that more than a quarter of people in the UK will be aged 65 or over in the next 50 years.

Sunderland has seen the greatest decline in care home bed numbers outside of London, losing 15.3%of them in the past five years. Bracknell Forest and Hartlepool have seen similar falls, at 15.1% and14.3% respectively.

Of the 150 local authorities in England, only 74 have more care home beds than they did in 2014, while two — Hammersmith and Fulham and Newham — have stayed the same.

Overall, the number of care homes in England has fallen from 11,113 in 2014 to 10,878 in 2019, declining in 86 of the 150 authority areas.

Steve Wilkie, Managing Director of Responsible Life, said: “The number of beds country-wide has actually gone up, so we know a drop in the number of beds in half of authorities is not part of a wider change in how people want to access care in later life.

“In fact, what we are seeing is a postcode lottery unfolding. If this trend isn’t reversed, it is going to get even tougher to access care in certain areas in the coming years.

“For some it will mean lack of availability and subsequently higher costs force them to delay accessing the right care at the right time, while others may feel they are better off financially paying for assistance at home.

“The danger is that some retirees will inevitably choose to remain in homes that do not meet their requirements. It is imperative that people consider all their options and make informed choices well in advance.”