Residents at a care home in Sutton Coldfield received an unforgettable surprise this National Pet Day, thanks to a pair of gentle, four-legged guests.
Care UK’s Mercia Grange, located on Lichfield Road in Four Oaks, welcomed Jack and Roo – two charming alpacas from Wildwood Alpacas – for a heartwarming session of animal therapy for the elderly.
A unique sensory experience
The visit was designed to engage residents through touch, sight, and sound. The team from Wildwood Alpacas led the session, offering their expertise and encouraging residents to get hands-on. The elderly participants were invited to stroke, handle, and even feed the alpacas, who seemed to thoroughly enjoy the pampering.
One resident, Bunty Speight, described the encounter as deeply moving:
“They are so adorable. They looked right at me as if we understood each other. It’s not every day you get to connect with animals like that.”
Benefits of animal therapy for dementia care
According to care experts, interactions like these are more than just entertainment. Animal therapyhas been proven to:
Lift mood and reduce anxiety
Encourage social interaction among residents
Trigger positive memories, particularly for those living with dementia
Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, explained:
“We always strive to create fun and interactive experiences for residents. A visit from some furry friends is a great way to bring a smile to everyone’s faces. Animal therapy is hugely beneficial for older people, especially those living with dementia, as it can help lift a person’s mood and encourage social interaction.”
He added: “We want to thank Wildwood Alpacas for making our day. We look forward to seeing our new fluffy friends again in the future!”
About Mercia Grange
Mercia Grange is a leading residential, nursing, and dementia care home in the Four Oaks area of Sutton Coldfield. The three-storey, state-of-the-art facility features:
67 en suite bedrooms
A cinema room
A hair and beauty salon
Sadlers Café, a popular on-site café for residents and visitors
The home is designed to promote independence while offering full-time care, short-term respite stays, and specialist dementia support.
To arrange a tour or enquire about availability, contact Customer Relations Manager Sevgi Halil:
Parking in school areas can cause traffic chaos and be dangersous. West Midlands Police have put out this comprehensive guidance
Pick-up and drop-off times are busy outside schools in the Sutton Coldfield area. This can cause an increased safety risk to both children and parents.
Parking restrictions outside schools are there to keep you and your children safe. Parking inconsiderately can put people in danger and you also risk being fined. It’s important that motorists follow the Highway Code.
Parking restrictions outside schools
Understanding yellow zigzag markings
Most school entrances and exits in the UK have yellow zigzag road markings with the writing ‘School Keep Clear’.
Zigzags can also be found at entrances and exits of hospitals, fire stations, police stations and ambulance stations. They indicate the part of the road where motorists should not wait, stop, or park a vehicle.
Sometimes there may be an accompanying sign that shows specific times when these restrictions are in place. Motorists are legally allowed to park on the zigzags outside of these hours.
Both yellow and white zigzags also show areas that must be kept clear so that children and other road users can see clearly when crossing the road.
Parking on yellow zigzags
You can legally park on yellow zigzags under certain circumstances.
Yellow zigzags without accompanying signs advise motorists not to wait or park there at any time for the safety of children and others. We can and do issue tickets for parking on them, based on causing an obstruction to other motorists or pedestrians.
Some yellow zigzags have a single or double yellow line, which indicate different parking restrictions.
Find out more:
The Highway Code – Parking and Waiting
The Highway Code – Road Markings
Parking opposite yellow zigzags
You can legally park opposite yellow zigzags. However, this can make crossing the road more dangerous, especially for children. Some schools have yellow zigzags on both sides of the road for this reason.
Safety tips for parking outside schools
When picking up or dropping off children at schools, you should do the following:
· Allow yourself plenty of time as the area is likely to be busy.
· Do not park on yellow zigzag lines and avoid parking opposite them.
· If you decide to park further away, please be considerate of local residents and avoid blocking driveways or accessways.
Fines
Local councils can issue motorists with penalty charge notices (PCN) for waiting, stopping, or parking on yellow zigzags if restrictions are in place. These are issued by civil enforcement officers.
Most parking or waiting fines are now enforced as a civil matter, rather than a police matter. A PCN does not result in a criminal record or points on a licence if dealt with by the council.
In some areas, the local council doesn’t have civil parking enforcement powers. In these areas parking is enforced by us or by police-employed traffic wardens who will issue a fixed penalty notice (FPN) . These are enforced through the criminal justice system.
Fines can vary depending on location. Stopping in a restricted area outside a school will result in a higher fine. The fee is also halved if paid within 14 days and you have 28 days to pay or challenge the fine.
Harvey Norman, the global retail giant specialising in furniture, bedding, appliances and technology, is set to soft open its highly anticipated new store at the Gracechurch Centre.
The soft launch, commencing at 11am on Thursday 2 April, offers the local community an exclusive first look at the retailer’s integrated retail concept just in time for the Easter weekend. This opening marks a significant milestone in the brand’s UK growth strategy, building on the momentum from its flagship Merry Hill location.
A new UK headquarters in the West Midlands
Beyond serving as a premier shopping destination, the new Sutton Coldfield location will also function as Harvey Norman’s UK headquarters. This dual-purpose facility establishes a centralised hub for the company’s expanding operations, underscoring the importance of the West Midlands region to the brand’s future.
Lachlan Roach, managing director at Harvey Norman UK, commented on the strategic significance of the launch:
“We are delighted to be opening our Sutton Coldfield store and to be continuing our expansion across the UK. The West Midlands is an important region for our growth, and the Gracechurch Centre provides an excellent location for both our retail offering and our UK headquarters.”
Community partnerships: cupcakes and brass bands
To celebrate the soft opening, Harvey Norman is engaging with the local community through partnerships with independent businesses and organisations.
Silver Tree Bakery partnership: the first 200 customers through the doors on opening day will receive complimentary cupcakes provided by local independent business Silver Tree Bakery.
Live entertainment: in collaboration with Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID, a standing brass band will perform outside the store, creating a vibrant atmosphere for shoppers.
What to expect at the new store
The Gracechurch Centre location promises to deliver Harvey Norman’s signature “integrated retail” experience, bringing together a wide range of home and lifestyle products under one roof. Customers can expect dedicated departments for:
Furniture: living, dining and bedroom collections.
Bedding: mattresses and bedroom accessories.
Appliances: major kitchen and laundry appliances.
Technology: the latest in consumer electronics and computing.
Mr Roach added: “We’ve worked hard to create a space that brings together a wide range of home and lifestyle products under one roof, supported by knowledgeable teams and a strong customer experience. We’re also proud to be working with local businesses such as Silver Tree Bakery as part of our opening.”
Grand opening to follow
While the soft launch invites the public to explore the store starting 2 April, an official grand opening event is planned for the coming weeks. This event is expected to welcome VIP guests from across the UK.
Harvey Norman’s expanding UK footprint
Established in 1982, Harvey Norman operates over 300 stores worldwide across Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore, Slovenia and Croatia. With the addition of the Sutton Coldfield location, Harvey Norman’s UK portfolio now includes:
Merry Hill Shopping Centre: flagship store (opened 2024)
Belfast: Boucher Road and Holywood Exchange
Sutton Coldfield: the Gracechurch Centre (new UK headquarters)
For more information about the soft launch or to explore product ranges, visit the new store at the Gracechurch Centre starting Thursday 2 April.
A major campaign is underway to bring permanent public CCTV cameras back to Sutton Coldfield town centre, with local business leaders appealing for capital funding to make the long-awaited project a reality.
The Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID), which represents 340 town centre businesses, is leading the charge to secure a permanent, long-term CCTV solution for the area.
Currently, the town centre operates without a permanent public system, relying on just two temporary cameras installed by Birmingham City Council in July 2025 after a two-year gap in coverage.
While the temporary units were welcomed as a positive interim measure, the BID is now focused on a more robust and reliable solution to ensure public safety and provide reassurance for businesses and visitors.
The plan: modern digital CCTV for key locations
After months of collaboration, Birmingham City Council has provided a formal quotation of approximately £45,000 to replace three obsolete analogue cameras with modern digital equipment. The proposed system would offer:
24/7 monitoring: Live, year-round surveillance from Birmingham City Council’s operations centre.
Police integration: Direct liaison with West Midlands Police to ensure rapid response to incidents.
Zero ongoing costs: The city council has confirmed there will be no recurring charges for monitoring or recording under its existing public space CCTV arrangements.
This fully developed and costed proposal has garnered strong support from both the BID and local law enforcement.
Police endorsement: a “significant strengthening” of security
West Midlands Police has thrown its weight behind the initiative, highlighting the critical role surveillance plays in modern crime prevention.
“A modern, fully operational public CCTV network would significantly strengthen our ability to prevent crime, disrupt anti-social behaviour and bring offenders to justice. The Sutton Trinity neighbourhood police team fully supports the installation of upgraded public CCTV in Sutton Coldfield town centre,” a police spokesperson confirmed.
The funding hurdle and future ambitions
Despite the plan being ready to deploy, the project hinges on securing the initial capital investment for hardware and installation. The BID is actively engaging with key stakeholders to bridge this gap.
Michelle Baker, BID manager at Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID, emphasised the urgency of the situation. She said:
“Public safety is non-negotiable, and permanent CCTV is essential in any well-managed town centre. We have a fully developed and costed proposal that is ready to be delivered. Birmingham City Council will operate and monitor the system at no additional cost. What we need now is the capital investment to make it happen.”
In the absence of direct funding from Birmingham City Council, the BID has formally raised the issue with the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, the town’s Pride in Place Board, and local MP Andrew Mitchell to identify a way forward.
While reinstating the three original cameras is the immediate priority, the BID has outlined a longer-term vision to expand coverage to other key areas, such as Birmingham Road, which currently lacks public CCTV despite a high concentration of bars and restaurants.
How to support
The BID is calling on local partners, stakeholders, and the community to support the campaign. By securing this essential infrastructure, Sutton Coldfield can ensure a safer, more welcoming environment for everyone.
For more information or to discuss funding contributions, contact the Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID.
Pictured: From left – Cllr Nitish Raut, deputy mayor of Royal Sutton Coldfield, Dave Taylor, photographer of ‘Where’s Mine?’ and 2025 entrant, Emily Hannigan, matron at Good Hope Hospital and Simon Jarvis, hospital executive director at Good Hope Hospital
An award-winning photography exhibition designed to capture the “essence and soul” of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield has beenofficially hailed as a resounding success—bringing warmth, color, and comfort to patients and visitors at Good Hope Hospital.
What began as a community competition has evolved into a living art gallery within the hospital’s Treatment Centre. The ‘Soul of Sutton’ exhibition, spearheaded by the Town Council and Mayor Cllr Cindy Yip, now features 22 stunning photographic entries from local residents, with the dual purpose of showcasing local talent and improving the wellbeing of those receiving medical care.
From competition to community healing
The initiative launched in 2024 when photography enthusiasts were invited to submit images that best represented the spirit of Sutton Coldfield. After receiving a high volume of high-quality entries, the Town Council sought a way to share the work beyond a traditional gallery setting.
Simultaneously, Good Hope Hospital was actively looking to “brighten up the walls” of its Treatment Centre to bring comfort and joy to patients, visitors, and staff. A partnership was formed, and the corridor—one of the busiest thoroughfares in the hospital—was transformed into a public gallery.
Simon Jarvis, Hospital Executive Director at Good Hope Hospital, commented: “The corridor between the Treatment Centre and the main hospital building is well-used by patients, staff and visitors. The stunning photography on display really brightens up this busy thoroughfare and further strengthens the strong ties between our hospital and the local community.”
New entries for 2025 expand the collection
Following the success of the initial 13 entries displayed in 2024, a further nine images from the 2025 competition have now been installed.
Featured residents and contributors include: Alison Matthews, Dave Taylor, Kathryn Sawbridge, Keith Wright, Harriet Birdsell, Neil Dance and Sutton Park Grange Care Home.
Tackling social isolation: The story behind ‘Where’s mine?’
One of the standout additions to the 2025 exhibition is Dave Taylor’s image, ‘Where’s mine?’. Taken at Coffee#1 in Sutton Coldfield, the photograph depicts Dave’s friend Colin enjoying a drink and a snack with his Australian Shepherd, Jake.
Dave’s motivation for entering the competition was deeply personal. Having visited the hospital previously, he and his family saw firsthand how the 2024 exhibition lifted spirits.
“We saw the images from the 2024 competition and thought they really brightened the treatment centre up and gave us something nice to focus on during our visits there,” Dave explained.
“I wanted to enter the 2025 competition in the hope that this new collection continues to bring enjoyment to other people attending Good Hope Hospital.”
His image intentionally highlights the importance of social spaces in Sutton Coldfield and their role in tackling social isolation—a theme that resonates strongly with the “Soul of Sutton” brief.
‘Seasons of Friendship’ brings care home residents into focus
Sutton Park Grange Care Home submitted ‘Seasons of Friendship at Sutton Park Grange Care Home’, a photograph that the team says “truly captures the spirit of our residents.”
“It’s a privilege to have our photograph included in this exhibition at Good Hope Hospital,” a spokesperson said. “We hope it brightens someone’s day in the wider community of Sutton Coldfield.”
Alison Matthews: Finding beauty in Sutton Park
Amateur photographer Alison Matthews has two pieces featured in the exhibition: ‘Beautiful Blues’and ‘Proud Park Swan’. A regular walker in Sutton Park, Alison uses photography as a tool for both mental and physical health.
“I get real pleasure in sharing my photography and I am thrilled to be part of this exhibition at Good Hope Hospital,” said Alison.
“I am just a happy amateur who loves finding beauty in and around Sutton Coldfield, particularly in Sutton Park. Regular walks with my camera are what keeps me healthy, in mind as well as body! This is a great opportunity to share a little of that with patients and staff.”
Personal achievement and community pride
Keith Wright, creator of ‘Maypole Installation, Holly Knoll, Sutton Park, May 2025’, spoke about what it means to be selected for a public exhibition.
“Participating in an exhibition, after being selected in a competition, confirms a personal achievement and instils a sense of pride. Producing photographic images to a set task or theme is an enjoyable challenge for any photographer.
“Many of us, friends or family (or someone who knows us), will pass through the hospital. The printed photograph gives us time to look, experience, enjoy and discuss.”
A unique story to yell
Cllr Cindy Yip, Mayor of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, served as judge for the 2025 competition and praised the depth of talent on display.
“It was a privilege to view the entries and select winners for the 2025 Soul of Sutton competition, each one with a unique story to tell about our Royal Town.
“This is a great space to showcase the talent of local residents. Congratulations again to all the featured artists.”
Why this matters: The power of art in healthcare
The ‘Soul of Sutton’ exhibition is a prime example of the therapeutic power of visual art in healthcare environments. By replacing blank clinical walls with scenes of local nature, community life, and cherished pets, Good Hope Hospital has created a “positive distraction” for those undergoing treatment.
Residents have reported that the images provide comfort and a sense of familiarity during what can be a stressful hospital visit.
About the ‘Soul of Sutton’ Initiative The ‘Soul of Sutton’ competition is an annual event run by Sutton Coldfield Town Council. It invites residents to submit photographic works that celebrate the people, places, and spirit of the Royal Town. Winning entries are displayed publicly to foster community pride and cultural engagement.
Visiting the Exhibition The exhibition is located in the corridor between the Treatment Centre and the main hospital building at Good Hope Hospital. It is freely accessible to patients, visitors, and staff during hospital opening hours.
Police have appealed for more information after man in his 20s was left fighting for his life after a shooting in Sutton Coldfield. A woman was also injured in the attack on January 31.
Detectives are now urgently searching for a group of men seen on electric bikes (e-bikes) believed to be involved.
Detective Inspector Francis Nock stated: “A man has been very seriously injured and we’re determined to find out who was responsible. We’re working round the clock and know there will be people who can help us. Any footage, imagery or information could prove vital.” Police say this appears to be an isolated incident targeted at a specific address, but additional officers remain in the area for public reassurance.
Key details of the Sutton Coldfield shooting
Date & Time: Around 11:30 PM on Saturday, 31 January
Location: Mount View or Reddicap Hill area, Sutton Coldfield
Crime Reference: 20/132275/26
Current Status: Major investigation with increased police presence
Appeal for information
West Midlands Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, particularly those who:
Saw a group of men on electric bikes in the area
Witnessed the incident or people fleeing the scene
Heard gunshots or significant disturbances
Have dashcam, doorbell, or CCTV footage from around 11:30 PM on January 31
SUTTON COLDFIELD – A major police initiative in Sutton Coldfield has slashed rates of serious crime by nearly half in its first fortnight, West Midlands Police have reported.
Operation Skybridge, a specialised deployment targeting serious and acquisitive crime (SAC), was launched in the area over two weeks ago. New data reveals a dramatic 46% reduction in overall SAC offences, including robbery, burglary, and vehicle crime, since the operation began.
Key Crime Reduction Statistics in Sutton Coldfield:
Burglary: Down 33%
Robbery: Down 42%
Theft from motor vehicle: Down 46%
Theft of motor vehicle: Down 60%
The operation’s impact follows multiple arrests for serious offences, including robbery, burglary, and drug supply. Police activity has been high, with officers conducting numerous stop-and-searches, proactive traffic stops, and generating dozens of intelligence reports to target offenders.
“While this is a promising start, we understand that behind every offence, there are victims,” stated the Operation Skybridge team. “We will continue to work alongside your local neighbourhood team to seek out those causing harm to the Sutton Coldfield community.”
Winter Security Warning for Birmingham Residents
With a week of sub-zero temperatures forecast, police issued urgent crime prevention advice to deter opportunistic thieves:
Never leave your vehicle running unattended while defrosting. Thieves target these moments and can steal a car in seconds.
Remove all valuables from your vehicle.
Ensure all windows and doors to your home are securely locked.
Consider upgrading to anti-snap locks on exterior doors to prevent a common method of forced entry.
How to Report Crime in the West Midlands
Anyone with information about robbery, burglary, vehicle crime, or drug crime in Sutton Coldfield or Birmingham is urged to contact:
Crimestoppers anonymously.
West Midlands Police via their official website webchat function.
Email the Operation Skybridge team directly at Opskybridge@westmidlands.police.uk (Note: This email is for intelligence and correspondence, not for reporting live crimes).
In an emergency, always call 999.
Operation Skybridge continues its deployment in support of local policing teams across the West Midlands.
The festive season is officially aglow in Royal Sutton Coldfield. This year’s display features 230 energy-efficient LED lights across the town, providing brighter illumination while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to traditional bulbs. You can see the sparkling Christmas lights in the following locations:
Sutton Coldfield Town Centre
Boldmere High Street
Mere Green
Walmley
Wylde Green
Falcon Lodge
Minworth
Whitehouse Common
Chester Road, Kingsbury Road, Walsall Road
Beeches Walk, Church Hill Parade, Clarence Road, Dugdale Crescent, Hollyfield Road, Little Boldmere
King Edward Square
Festive Christmas Trees, funded by the Town Council, are also located at: Dugdale Crescent, Falcon Lodge, Harvest Fields, Mere Green, Minworth, Walmley, and Wylde Green.
🅿️ Free festive parking and travel scheme until Jan 4, 2026
To complement the lights and boost the local economy, the Town Council is running a free holiday parking and travel initiative.
Parking details:
Days & Times: Thursdays from 4pm, Fridays from 4pm, and all day on Saturdays and Sundays.
Participating Car Parks
Station Street
Upper & Lower Reddicroft
Mill Street
Anchorage Road
South Parade
Duke Street
The scheme also includes free bus travel and cycle hire within the area, making it seamless to visit Royal Sutton Coldfield’s town centre and local shopping parades this Christmas.
🗣️ Supporting the town centre
Cllr Simon Ward, leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, said:
“I’m pleased to see the Town Council continuing to support our town centre through initiatives like the Festive Lights and Festive Travel Scheme. This outlines our commitment to local businesses and helps attract more visitors, making travel easier for shoppers during the busiest time of year.”
Plan Your Visit: Experience the festive magic, enjoy free parking on weekends and evenings, and support Royal Sutton Coldfield’s brilliant local businesses this holiday season.
Christmas Trees are also funded by the Town Council at Dugdale Crescent, Falcon Lodge, Harvest Fields, Mere Green, Minworth, Walmley and Wylde Green.
A Sutton Coldfield care home resident has celebrated her remarkable 102nd birthday by sharing her timeless advice for a long and happy life.
Joyce McCliskie, affectionately known as Joy, marked the milestone at Care UK’s Mercia Grangeon Lichfield Road, surrounded by her loving family and the care home team.
To honour the special occasion, the team decorated the home with banners and balloons, and the head chef prepared a bespoke birthday cake.
Joy’s secrets to a long and happy life
When asked for her advice for younger generations, Joy’s simple yet powerful secret was: “Stay active, busy and connected with other people.”
Born in Oldbury on 5th November 1923, Joy dedicated eight years of her career to nursing at Birmingham’s Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Her passions for sewing, knitting, and cooking were always shared generously with her family.
Joy met her husband Douglas in their twenties. Together, they built a beautiful family, which now includes two children, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
An integral member of the community
Since moving to Mercia Grange in 2022, Joy has become a cornerstone of the community. Her fellow residents nominated her to serve as a Resident Ambassador last year, a role in which she excels.
Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “Joy is a much-loved resident, and her calm, cheerful attitude is an inspiration. Celebrating her 102nd birthday was a joy for everyone. Her philosophy reminds us that the key to a fulfilling life is living in the moment and finding joy in the simple things.”
Inspired by Joy’s story? Mercia Grange is welcoming new residents. If you or a loved one is seeking exceptional full-time care or respite care in the Sutton Coldfield area, we invite you to learn more.
Mercia Grange is a state-of-the-art care home offering premium residential, nursing, and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Facilities include a luxury cinema, hair and beauty salon, and a traditional pub, all supporting a vibrant community life.
For information:
Call: Rachel Mackay, Customer Relations Manager, at 0121 314 7849
Audrey Smithem, Alan Blakeley, and Jean Greaves with artist Peter Forbes
From brushstrokes to baritones home hosts artful evening
Care UK’s Mercia Grange care home recently hosted its first-ever art exhibition, creating an unforgettable evening that blended visual art with live opera music for residents, their families, and the local community.
The event at the Lichfield Road, Four Oaks venue, showcased the remarkable artwork of Peter Forbes, a talented local artist who also serves as a valued member of the home’s maintenance team. Guests enjoyed an inspiring display of his work, featuring striking landscapes and expressive portraits, and had the opportunity to speak with Peter about his creative process.
The artistic display was complemented by a live performance from Mezzo-Soprano singer Samantha Oxborough, who captivated the audience with a selection of classic opera songs. The home’s Head Chef prepared a range of canapés and refreshments for all to enjoy.
The event was attended by Councillor Nitish Raut, Deputy Mayor of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, highlighting the home’s role within the wider community.
Resident Terry Fletcher and her son, Greg Fletcher
A Celebration of Community and Talent
Peter Forbes, the featured artist, commented: “It was a lovely evening connecting with residents and the community over art and music. It was a real privilege to share another passion of mine with everyone. A big thank you to the team and to all those who joined us.”
Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, added: “We’ve loved hosting our first art exhibition and opera evening. It is important for us to connect with the community, and art is an excellent way to craft conversations and build meaningful relationships. Peter does so much for the home, so we were overjoyed to give something back and display his masterpieces.”
About Mercia Grange Care Home
Mercia Grangeprovides full-time residential, nursing, and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care and features 67 en-suite bedrooms, a cinema, a hair and beauty salon, and a pub.
Sutton Coldfield Life 