Some Council services will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 5 May 2025 Following an increase in anti-social behaviour in and around Chelmsley Wood bus interchange Solihull Council is proposing to create a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in the area the Council needs to consult with people who live and work in Chelmsley Wood The reason for proposing the PSPO is that there have been consistently high numbers of anti-social behaviour reports in and around Chelmsley Wood bus interchange This includes 113 calls to the police about anti-social behaviour in the area from July to November 2024 which ranged from damage to buses and other vehicles to thefts and fighting There have also been reports of people carrying knives and of dangerous and inconsiderate riding of high-powered electric motorbikes many of the people carrying out these crimes have hidden their identity by covering their faces with balaclavas and scarves Solihull Council and West Midlands Police would like to create a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in the area The Council and the Police both think that this would help to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area considerably The PSPO would remain in force for a maximum of three years Failure to comply with a PSPO is a criminal offence and currently the maximum penalty on conviction is £2,500 Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities said: “Anti-social behaviour in and around the bus interchange in Chelmsley Wood is having a very negative affect on local residents and businesses Data from West Midlands Police shows the level of the problem and we think that a PSPO will help to tackle it “Before we can implement a PSPO we need to hold a consultation works or has a business in the area to help us get this right by taking part you can provide us with valuable feedback about the proposed PSPO as a whole and the individual elements of it There are seven questions and it should only take about five to ten minutes to complete “Residents can also help us to tackle anti-social behaviour across the borough by reporting anti-social behaviour to the Council’s Hotline on 0121 717 1500.” The consultation starts on 3 February and will close at 5pm on 16 March To read the proposed PSPO in full and take part in the consultation visit – https://yourvoicesolihull.uk.engagementhq.com/chelmsley-wood-public-space-protection-order-pspo-consultation If you witness anti-social behaviour, please help by reporting it. You can call the Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Hotline on 0121 717 1500 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org © 2025 Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Solihull Council has struck a development deal with leading homebuilder Vistry Group PLC to build up to 177 affordable new homes for its residents The sustainable new development will be built on the site of the former Simon Digby School in Chelmsley Wood located between the Chester Road (A452) and the M6 was originally earmarked for housing development in the adopted 2013  Solihull Local Plan Following a thorough tender process Vistry has been chosen to deliver the scheme which will  be up to 100% affordable and  include two- and four-bedroom family homes as well as one-bedroom maisonettes Former Simon Digby School site in Chelmsley Wood to be transformed into 177 sustainable homes The high-quality  new homes will be built using modern methods of construction (MMC) reducing the carbon footprint of every property The homes will be manufactured off site using open panel timber frames from the Vistry Works East Midlands factory in Leicestershire Each home built using these panels emits 14,460kg CO2e less than a traditional brick-and-block house and provides maximum energy efficiency helping future residents to cut their fuel bills Each property will also utilise air source heat pumps instead of traditional gas boilers and will be fitted with integrated solar PV panels to provide additional power Central to the proposed development will be a focus on creating a distinct sense of place nature trail and attractive new public spaces The final scheme will benefit from significant infrastructure investment from West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and enjoy cycle lane provision and footpaths connecting residents to local centres and the surrounding Cole Valley landscape Delivery of the scheme is being supported by a £2.97m contribution from WMCA said: “We have to start building more homes that local people can genuinely afford including a £3 million contribution from the WMCA all 177 houses on this site are planned to be affordable meaning more homes for all communities across the region “Schemes like this one that use low carbon factory-built homes are revolutionising the housing landscape They are quicker to build and easier and cheaper to heat which means they can make a big difference in addressing the housing crisis.” concept masterplan development and acquisition of land interests has been managed as part of the council’s UK Central Infrastructure Programme and funded by WMCA It is one of over twenty projects building upon the investment and regeneration planned for the borough supporting further sustainable and inclusive growth Vistry will now take the designs to the next stage and carry out a series of consultation activity before submitting their planning application for the scheme later this year said: “Appointing Vistry as our development partner for this crucial project is a huge step towards utilising the full potential of the former Simon Digby School site We’ve undertaken a lot of work to set the stage for this and now we can finally crack on with delivering affordable and sustainable homes critical to meeting the borough’s housing needs “These 177 homes won’t just be a collection of new houses but a thriving well integrated new community at the heart of Chelmsley Wood perfectly positioned to benefit from the economic opportunities associated with the arrival of the HS2 interchange and the rest of the UK Central Hub.” we’re serious about stepping up to the challenge of building the new homes our residents need while also setting the highest quality threshold for energy efficiency and sustainability “Mirroring the fantastic work already underway just up the road in Kingshurst this scheme will help deliver on both our housing targets and climate change commitments.” the scheme will deliver a biodiversity net gain through key design features such as green landscaping and a dedicated new nature trail.” Divisional Chair for South Midlands and the North at Vistry said: “We are thrilled to be working with Solihull Council on this development which will help meet the housing shortage in the area with family homes built using environmentally responsible methods “We're excited to be a part of Solihull’s growth and to be entrusted with the build of these much-needed new homes which will contribute to the character of the area and create a thriving and sustainable community.”   Receive email alerts when we post new articles subscribe today and be in the know at all times © West Midlands Combined Authority 2025 Corey welcomes residents to the Chelmsley Wood Library with a bright smile thanks to the Council’s Supported Employment scheme which aims to help adults with learning disabilities into paid work Corey had always wanted to find a job after college Corey shared: “I told my friends and family The wages help me pay for hobbies like football.” added: “He’s even got himself a telly to watch Ant & Dec He’s valued in the community and I’m so proud of him.” She said: “Corey has always been a joy and a great help in the library It’s great to see his confidence grows as he develops new skills “I believe that any learning disability comes with a special strength he is really good at picking up on people’s feelings When asked what she can share with other employers in the borough You’ve got everything to gain and nothing to lose We just found tasks that he would be able to do and enjoy such as book processing Support for inclusive employment is always available.” said: “We are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of all our residents We always work to make sure that every resident has an equal chance to live happily as an integral and valued member of the community I’d encourage businesses to get in touch with our Employment and Skills Team to find out more about our support and reap the benefits of inclusive employment.” If you know any individual or business that can benefit from the support, please contact Employment and Skills Team with employmentteam@solihull.gov.uk is pleased to announce it has signed Fast Fitness as the latest tenant at M Chelmsley Wood in Solihull has taken a 6,924sq ft unit on a 10-year lease at the 487,872sq ft scheme Providing top-quality equipment for cardio strength training and functional exercises the gym also offers daily classes for its members The gym also benefits from a spacious studio area and HIIT cardio area as well as protein shakes and snacks available to purchase Members can also enjoy hassle-free parking commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Fast Fitness to the scheme M Chelmsley Wood is a dominant convenience and shopping hub in the heart of the town with the gym bolstering the scheme’s offer to the local community We wish the team the best of luck with their new business and launch.” said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have opened Fast Fitness at M Chelmsley Wood Our health club is all about redefining fitness and creating a community to help you achieve your goals We offer a welcoming atmosphere and dedicated staff who are all on hand to support you on your journey to a healthier lifestyle We look forward to welcoming new members as we continue to grow.” Contact us: info@rli.uk.com Win HappyPremiumSearch Rayohits radiobirminghamnewsBus alight next to Chelmsley Wood Shopping CentreNo one was trapped or hurt A single-decker bus was alight next to Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre and has now been put out by firefighters The fire service was alerted at 1.43pm this afternoon (18th Feb) to the blaze in Chelmsley Circle in Chelmsley Wood Firefighters used hoses to put the fire out whilst putting measures in place to protect the shopping centre West Midlands Fire Service said that no one was hurt or trapped on the single-decker bus First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app. Rayohits radiobirminghamnewsInvestigation launched following rape in Chelmsley Wood It happened yesterday An investigation is underway after a woman was raped by two men in Chelmsley Wood It happened at Alcott Woods in Chelmsley Wood at around 8am yesterday and officers have been in the area carrying searches and other enquiries The investigation is at a very early stage and anyone with information has been asked to get in touch with the force Extra officers are in the area to offer reassurance First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app. Company number 01176085; Bauer Radio Limited Company number: 1394141Registered office: Media House Peterborough PE2 6EA and H Bauer Publishing Company number: LP003328; Registered office: The Lantern London NW1 2PL All registered in England and Wales VAT no 918 5617 01H Bauer Publishing are authorised and regulated for credit broking by the FCA (Ref No: 845898) An ambitious new concept masterplan focusing on Chelmsley Wood town centre has been approved clearing the way for further design and the submission of an outline planning application Plans are focused initially on the Northwest Quarter of the town centre former library site and Police Station* are located This key part of the town centre is currently underutilised and physically cut off from the rest of the centre It is hoped that this will be the first step in a phased plan of redevelopment which could see the town centre completely transformed over the next ten years visitors highlighted their desire to see a range of improvements and other leisure and entertainment outlets and improved connectivity within and around the town centre Last year Solihull Council began public consultation on its emerging masterplan for Chelmsley Wood town centre This exercise explored what future investment and development in the town centre might look like while seeking to identify priority areas for improvements Working with stakeholders a series of deliverable masterplan options for this area were drawn up Over the past 12 months, the Council has continued working with architects from BDP and key stakeholders, to further develop and refine these options into a Preferred Option Masterplan which was approved at Cabinet last night Key features contained within the first phase of this preferred option include: Leader of Solihull Council and Portfolio Holder for the Economy “The regeneration of Chelmsley Wood town centre seems like a daunting task but is one that I have been keen to see since I first became a councillor Having a masterplan in place for the Northwest Quarter marks the first step towards a series of phased improvements that will secure the future vibrancy of this well used and much-loved town centre “We enjoyed some really positive engagement with local residents businesses and shoppers in Chelmsley Wood when we presented some of our early proposals last year and I’m hoping this will continue We are planning some pre-application engagement before preparing our outline planning application and there will be plenty of other opportunities to help shape this exciting project as it progresses “This will be a challenging scheme to deliver and could take a number of years to complete but we will work closely with stakeholders landowners and external funders to provide the right solution for residents and secure the future vibrancy of Chelmsley Wood town centre.” Residents can sign up to the Council’s new ‘Chelmsley Wood Town Centre Masterplan’ Stay Connected bulletin to receive updates on the project * The Police building will remain in place until funding and details for a replacement are agreed businesses and visitors to Chelmsley Wood town centre are being encouraged to find out more about the new town centre masterplan which goes on display today which focuses on the Northwest Quarter of the town centre will be the first step in a phased plan of redevelopment which could see the town centre completely transformed over the decade Solihull Council is developing a long-term plan to ensure that Chelmsley Wood town centre continues to thrive and serve the needs of the local community as the role of our town centres continues to change Supported by planning and design consultants BDP work began on developing a new vision for the future of Chelmsley Wood town centre in 2018 An initial study highlighted the need for the revitalisation of the Northwest Quarter of the town centre as a key opportunity to initiate the transformation of the town centre as a whole the Council has been working to develop a vision for the Northwest Quarter the Council consulted the public on a range of potential options for new layouts and uses in order to develop a deliverable masterplan for this area of the town centre A series of 'masterplan summary boards' are now going on show at Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre and will be on display in the vacant retail unit next to Heron Foods for the next two weeks The boards outline some of the key features of the masterplan and include illustrative sketches which show what this redeveloped section of the town centre could look like Members from the Council’s project team will be on hand at the shopping centre to talk people through the masterplan on Thursday 9 February and Saturday 11 February from 10am to 2pm As well as being on physical display, the material is also being hosted on the Council’s new engagement platform 'Your Voice Solihull' where members of the public can submit questions and share comments The next step will be to submit a planning application for the proposals “This masterplan has the potential to be transformational for Chelmsley Wood town centre making it more welcoming and attractive and encouraging more visitors throughout the day and evening “We know that this will be a challenging scheme to deliver and could take a number of years to complete landowners and external funders to provide the right solution for residents and secure the future vibrancy of Chelmsley Wood town centre Having a masterplan in place for the Northwest Quarter is really important as it marks the first step towards a series of phased improvements that will re-energise this well used and much-loved town centre businesses and shoppers in Chelmsley Wood when we presented some of our early proposals last year and this is an opportunity to check back in There will be plenty of other opportunities to help shape this exciting project as it progresses.” You can sign up to the Council’s ‘Chelmsley Wood Town Centre Masterplan’ Stay Connected bulletin to receive updates on the project which incorporates the existing police station would be dependent on West Midlands Police agreeing alternative accommodation for a police station within Chelmsley Wood Town Centre Solihull Council is developing a long-term plan to ensure that Chelmsley Wood Town Centre continues to thrive and serve the needs of the local community as we witness the role of town centres changing locally and nationally Supported by planning and design consultant BDP work started on developing a new vision for the future of Chelmsley Wood Town Centre in 2018 Early studies highlighted the revitalisation of the Northwest Quarter of the town centre as a key opportunity to initiate the transformation of the town centre as a whole we have been working to develop a vision for the Northwest Quarter the public were consulted on a range of potential options for new uses in the town centre in order to develop a deliverable masterplan for this area of the town centre We are currently seeking feedback on this new masterplan (Northwest Quarter) You can find out more on the Council’s engagement platform 'Your Voice Solihull' The next step will be to submit a planning application for phase 1 of the masterplan which focuses on the vacant former library site The purpose of this engagement exercise is to keep you updated on our progress and to capture any thoughts or comments you may have on the proposals at this stage One of the biggest housing estates in the region Chelmsley Wood has its own shopping centre Many schools and facilities are being redeveloped as part of the North Solihull Regeneration Read moreThe centripetal Midlands happens to be where the Welsh Irish and English strands of my family combined where there are prospects for a better life then cast them to the periphery as Birmingham built outwards in concentric circles following the first world war on a vast estate built on green belt land outside the city boundaries where a Birmingham Post reporter predicted in 1971 “the city will feel a million life-miles away” to the children who would come to be raised there The centre of Birmingham was nine miles away to be exact: far enough to feel distant but ever-present in our voices Chelmsley Wood was as big as one of the postwar new towns but without the official designation and without a corresponding sense of identity and purpose Like a pan of boiled milk in need of mopping up who felt she had arrived in paradise when she was offered a home to rent in 1969 the quality of the house counted most; she contrasted it with the cellar she had grown up in I had never known anything other than boxy 60s houses with central heating and as a result directed my discontent at the landscape in which they were set View image in fullscreen‘The centre of Birmingham was nine miles away: far enough to feel distant but ever-present in our voices Every weekend we would catch the bus there just to renew the connection.’ Council House Photograph: PAWhy were we so far from the city driving in and out every day as if visiting quarantined patients so I escaped the place instead – physically I moved to London for university and never came back to live but shuttled back every two or three weeks to see my parents I was always conscious that I had done that supremely cliched thing – I’d “got out” and given nothing back not even a new perspective on the place that shaped how I felt about every other place that my mental map of Chelmsley Wood changed our regular journey back to the Midlands became one from north to south and not the other way around To my children, this was a place and a space that had none of the baggage I’d left with at 18. The pure joy they got from trips to the park in the centre of the estate gave me a chance to remember the things I’d loved. They don’t know what estates are: I remember a time when I didn’t know what one was either My son got stuck into the sandpit, pouring water down funnels made of old guttering and splodging paint over planks of wood. The older kids pushed him, and later his younger sister, in the basket swings. Every time we came back, it had changed – improved and augmented by the children who used it in cooperation with the small staff of playworkers and volunteers, working together to make the place better. Read moreWe go there every school holiday now “We’re from Liverpool and we’re visiting our nanny’s house!” Being Scousers their sense of place is strong and very positive but I’m – to use a Scouse phrase – made up to know they are happy in both places When we are at the playground it feels as though my children have regained the paradise my nan saw in Chelmsley Wood when it was brand new Lynsey Hanley is the author of Estates: an Intimate History, and Respectable: Crossing the Class Divide Located between the Chester Road (A452) and the M6 in Chelmsley Wood, the former Simon Digby school site was allocated for housing development in the adopted 2013 Solihull Local Plan The 4.5 ha plot has the potential to provide up to 177 new high-quality sustainable family homes An indicative proposal for the site shows how it could be developed to include a range of much needed family homes fronting onto tree-lined streets set amongst a pleasant natural environment with cycle lane provision and footpaths connecting residents to the Cole Valley landscape Central to the development will be a focus on creating a distinct sense of place This is an exciting chance to create a thriving well integrated new community perfectly positioned to benefit from the economic opportunities associated with the arrival of the HS2 interchange and the rest of the UK Central Hub A significant proportion of the development will be made up of affordable homes in line with local planning policy Following the initial feasibility and technical surveys undertaken by Solihull Council, Vistry Group PLC has been appointed as the scheme developer.  concept masterplan development and acquisition of land interests has been managed as part of the WMCA funded UK Central Infrastructure Programme Keep up to date with this project by signing up to our ‘Simon Digby Housing Development’ Stay Connected Bulletin This is a project to provide new homes on the site of the former Simon Digby school This 4.57ha site is located in Chelmsley Wood between the A452 Chester Road and the M6 The former Simon Digby school site is allocated as a site for new homes in the Solihull Local Plan that was adopted in December 2013 The Local Plan is the key planning policy document that establishes the scale and distribution of homes that are required to support the Borough’s needs the Simon Digby site makes an important contribution to the delivery of new homes in the borough Vistry Group have now submitted their planning application for the delivery of 177 new homes on the Simon Digby site. To view the plans in full and submit any comments visit https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications/ and search for the following application: PL/2024/02981/PPFL  Construction cannot begin until planning permission has been secured None of the housing will be within the flood plain Information relating to the flood plain and likelihood of significant flooding events has been provided by the Environment Agency A Surface Water Drainage Strategy will be developed and mechanisms to sustainably manage water onsite will be incorporated into the final design Only around one third of the site between the A452 the M6 and the existing housing estate is designated for new homes which will be largely unaffected by the development is predominantly woodland and river valley The housing site does not include any of the Local Nature Reserve or Local Wildlife Site Ecological surveys have already been undertaken and will be fully assessed as part of the planning application process The funding is being used to assemble the site develop the scheme and will help provide the infrastructure that is needed to deliver the new homes Solihull Local Plan sets out the requirements for at least 40% affordable housing in Policy P4A for qualifying sites This will be considered in detail as part of the planning application process Reducing carbon emissions is a priority for Solihull Council We recently adopted our Net Zero Action Plan which looks at the actions we will all need to take to reduce carbon emissions across the borough to net zero by 2041 It is intended that the development will be highly sustainable and incorporate cycle lanes low carbon technology and electric vehicle charging There is currently a play area on the site This will be replaced with a new dedicated play area and nature trail as part of the project It is proposed that access to the site will be facilitated with a new road to connect directly with the A452 There will be no significant increase in traffic expected within the existing neighbouring housing estate Studies undertaken by the Council confirm that the proposed access road is deliverable A pedestrian and cycle access to the site is proposed to link with Kitegreen Close We want to keep local residents up to date as this scheme is brought forward. If you would like to receive project updates, including notifications about any future planning applications, you can sign up to our ‘Simon Digby Housing Development’ Stay Connected email bulletin to receive project updates, including notifications about any future planning applications. © 2025 Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. CloseA dashcam captured these scenes after a driver left their car parked in Chelmsley Wood The footage was gathered on 16 May in Waterson Croft West Midlands Police said a man from Coventry had been arrested in connection with the incident on Thursday Numerous drivers have told the BBC about their experiences of their cars being stripped of parts in Birmingham often as they attended evening events Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionEditor's recommendationsMan arrested over 'car cannibalisation' Video 00:00:44Man arrested over 'car cannibalisation' 0:44Up Next Watch: BBC reports from pier 33 - the gateway to Alcatraz 00:01:40Watch: BBC reports from pier 33 - the gateway to Alcatraz 1:40Watch: Prince Louis steals the show as royals mark VE Day 00:01:25Watch: Prince Louis steals the show as royals mark VE Day 1:25Watch: How Lady Gaga's record-breaking concert almost ended in disaster Video 00:01:21Watch: How Lady Gaga's record-breaking concert almost ended in disaster 1:21'Trump was the game-changer': Three things to know about the Australian election result 00:01:20'Trump was the game-changer': Three things to know about the Australian election result 1:20Prince Harry 'can't see a world' where his family will visit the UK 00:02:54Prince Harry 'can't see a world' where his family will visit the UK 2:54Watch: Key moments from the local elections.. 00:01:32Watch: Key moments from the local elections.. 1:32Watch: Reform by-election win raises questions for Labour and Tories 00:01:11Watch: Reform by-election win raises questions for Labour and Tories 1:11Russell Brand's court appearance explained.. 00:00:50Russell Brand's court appearance explained.. 0:50Ros Atkins on.. What's in the US-Ukraine resources deal 1:23Kamala Harris hits out at Trump in first major speech since losing election 00:01:18Kamala Harris hits out at Trump in first major speech since losing election 1:18Watch: Moment Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi is released 00:00:46Watch: Moment Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi is released Members of the Chelmsley Wood congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mr Clive Slater to their celebratory evening to mark the 40th anniversary of the building of their meetinghouse on Clopton Crescent The evening was attended by past and present Church members and provided an opportunity to remember people and events from the last 40 years that had contributed to the success of establishing the Church in the local area The Mayor and her Consort were shown around the meetinghouse and met with local Church leaders prior to experiencing an evening of live musical performances dancing and presentations illustrating events ofthe last 40 years The Mayor was presented with a commemorative book produced to mark the occasion and containing early memories of the growth of the congregation and member’s participation in the building of the meetinghouse “I would like to thank Bishop Charmbury and the members of the congregation for the warm reception we received The meetinghouse has become an important part of the local area and the fact that much of the building work was done by the members of the church makes it such a special place for people to practice their faith.” the local leader of the Church in Chelmsley Wood was pleased to be able to welcome the Mayor and her Consort to the celebrations “I was delighted that the Mayor and Mr Slater were able to join us to help celebrate a very important birthday for our congregation We have a wonderful facility here in Chelmsley Wood for members to meet and worship in Current members benefit every Sunday from the faith determination and success of members from 40 years ago who planned part financed and even helped to build the meetinghouse It was fitting that we took time to remember them and give thanks for their commitment.” You are leaving the Newsroom of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints You are about to access Constant Contacts (http://visitor.constantcontact.com) You are now leaving a website maintained by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints We provide the link to this third party's website solely as a convenience to you and security practices that differ from those on our website By referring or linking you to this website we do not endorse or guarantee this content If you would like to stay on the page you are viewing please click Cancel To download media files, please first review and agree to the Terms of Use Download a photo or video by clicking or tapping on it To download all photos or videos related to this article select the links at the bottom of each section Young jobseekers from across Solihull are now able to access improved employment support and opportunities in their area thanks to a brand-new Youth Hub The new facility offers practical advice and support to young people aged 16-29 who are leaving school This is one of eight Youth Hubs being set up in the region as part of the Youth Offer that the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has developed with Jobcentre Plus Cllr Ian Courts and partners cut a ribbon to mark the official opening of Solihull Youth Hub Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA and Cllr Ian Courts were on hand to officially open the borough's Youth Hub giving young people help with managing their finances as well as support on mental and emotional well-being The Youth Hub shares spaces with partners including colleges meaning people can access a range of services in one location The Mayor said: I was so pleased to be there in person to celebrate the opening of the Solihull Youth Hub Working together in close collaboration with partners like Solihull Council and the DWP - and drawing in major local employers such as JLR and Birmingham Airport - this new and accessible space will change lives by providing opportunities for young people right here in Chelmsley Wood and across the borough Young people were amongst the hardest hit by the pandemic which is why it's vital we help them find work as part of my 100k Mayoral jobs plan Youth Hubs have a key part to play in this plan and I would strongly encourage people to take advantage of this brilliant new facility and the support advice and guidance on offer to help provide a pathway into work The new Youth Hub is part of the Solihull Recruitment and Training Centre (SRTC) which was set up in 2019 and has been an important venue to help residents secure work Since re-opening to the public in 2021 the team has supported over 200 unemployed young people with 90 already securing employment or training said: I was previously on universal credit and wasn't sure of my career options until I came across the Kick-start scheme through the Solihull Recruitment and Training Centre I was then fortunate enough to have an interview with Solihull Council for the role of a receptionist I felt very lucky to have been given this opportunity and have enjoyed it very much so far which I hope will continue I have learnt a lot with the help of others and I am very grateful for everybody who has made me feel so welcome and have helped me grow with confidence I hope after the six months of my Kick-start I will be able to continue with the council The youth coaches at the Solihull Recruitment and Training Centre have been amazingly supportive with answering my questions and guiding me in the best way possible focusing on a long-term plan rather than a quick solution the Youth Hub will be a brilliant place for people to come to when they aren't sure of their next steps Cllr Courts added: It's vital that our young people get the right advice and support to help them into work or training that will allow them to start building a career.  We also need them to consider apprenticeships more education or further training as options in order to help us build a highly skilled workforce in the West Midlands so that we can take advantage of the opportunities a more sustainable and greener economy will present I am particularly pleased to see Solihull's Youth Hub is based in Chelmsley Wood shopping centre as youth unemployment and lack of training in this part of the borough is a longstanding concern for me and the council The new facility forms part of the Department for Work and Pensions wider support for young jobseekers which will see them appear all across the UK in a range of settings ensuring those in need get the support they need.  Youth Hubs are part of the following Youth Offer that the WMCA has developed with Jobcentre Plus This is a crucial part of the WMCA's plan to drive the region's economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic by equipping young people with the skills they need to land jobs in growth sectors Click here to find out what support is available through the Solihull Youth Hub to help young people gain access to work and training opportunities Solihull Council has successfully prosecuted a shop for the underage sale of razor blades with £250 towards costs and a victim surcharge of £240 by Birmingham Magistrates Court on 15 June The razor blades were sold to a 17-year-old test purchase volunteer at Bosworth Food Stores Ltd on 15 October 2022 and no age-related checks were carried out It is an offence to sell a bladed article to any person under the age of 18 under Section 141(A) of the Criminal Justice Act On 15 May Birmingham Magistrates Court convicted the company in its absence but did not proceed to sentence and his company was fined a total of £1,090 which is to be paid in 28 days This is the third prosecution for an underage knife or blade sale arising from a test purchase operation carried out last October Cabinet Member for Communities & Leisure “I am pleased that we have successfully prosecuted another shop for the unlawful sale of a bladed article All retailers need to comply with their legal obligations Our test purchase operations and resulting prosecutions and fines serve as an important reminder “If just one knife or blade falls into the wrong hands the consequences could be tragic I would like to thank our Trading Standards team for their work on tackling knife and blade crime and keeping us safe “The Council’s Trading Standards team continues to carry out test purchase operations If you have concerns about the sale of knives or blades in Solihull