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Consultation begins on Sutton Park car parking charges

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Visitors to Sutton Park who are now facing car parking charges are being asked to take part in Birmingham City Council’s formal public consultation on its controversial and unpopular plans.

The popular beauty spot is one of three of the city’s ‘destination’ parks, which also include  Lickey Hills Country Park, and Sheldon Country Park.

Consultations for the proposed parking charge schemes at all three have started and will run until August 29 2025.

Residents can make theire views known here

Why Introduce charges?

This is following feedback from the informal consultations which took place at the end of last year, resulting in amended proposals.

The council claims that introducing charges at these parks will bring Birmingham in line with similar places around the UK to offset the cost of maintaining these destination sites.

The council says that as part of the budget for 2025/26 the principle of charging was agreed to achieve necessary savings and help sustain, protect and maintain our 660 parks and green spaces.

Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “We have some wonderful parks and green spaces across the city, but we need to be able to maintain them for the benefit of everyone. Introducing parking charges at these three major sites will help protect and maintain all our green spaces.

“Whether you use these parks for walking, cycling, exercising or meeting up with people, we want to hear your views on rate of charging and when we you should be charged.

“We are also aware of potential impact of displacement parking and will therefore be looking at traffic restrictions in existing hotspot areas and any need for further restrictions following residents’ feedback.”

What are the Sutton Park charges?

  • First 30 minutes: Free
  • 30 mins – 1 hour: £1
  • 1–2 hours: £2
  • 2–3 hours: £3
  • 3–4 hours: £4
  • 4–9 hours: £5
  • Buses/coaches: £28 (up to 9 hours)

Charges will apply daily from 9am to 6pm, year-round.
An annual season ticket will be available for £52 (public), £39 (businesses), and free for volunteers.
Exemptions: The Browns and Miller & Carter restaurant car parks, Paddock car park near Town Gate, and Midland Lodge (currently for sale) will remain free.

Lickey Hills Country Park & Sheldon Country Park

  • Hourly rate: £1 (up to 4 hours)
  • All-day parking: £5
  • Coach parking (Beacon Hill only): £28
  • Season ticket: £52 per year
  • Blue Badge holders: Free

Charges will apply 365 days a year, 9am–6pm.

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Sutton Coldfield’s new police station opens doors

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Sutton Coldfield’s newly re-developed police station has finally opened. Existing police buildings on the Anchorage Road side of the site, have now been redeveloped with the addition of a former small business property next door. 

This has created a bespoke new location for neighbourhood teams, emergency response officers, local crime investigators, offender management and other policing functions which were dispersed around the site previously.

One of the key developments was the creation of a public contact office where people can talk to us if they prefer face to face over telephone and online options.  

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon said the new station would be a base for the local neighbourhood team for emergency force response and investigators.

He added: “It will also be a public contact office where members of the public can attend face to face and speak to a police officer.

“This is all part of my commitment to rebuild community policing and ensure a reassuring police presence in Sutton Coldfield.”

Cash from the sale of the old site – which will also pay for the new station – will be reinvested into policing, safeguarding officer numbers and services at a time when budgets are under continued pressure locally and nationally.

The sale of surplus buildings on the Lichfield Road side of the site provides good value for the public purse and local people. 

The old station cost over of £500,000 each year to run, excluding annual maintenance costs and essential upgrades such as those needed to its 66-year-old heating system as well as critical safety and security systems. 

The decision to close the former station on Lichfield Road was made in March 2018 following careful scrutiny at a public meeting of the Police and Crime Commissioner. 

As part of that decision, a pledge was made to maintain a police presence in the town. 

The re-development was delivered on time and to a tight budget, using local businesses employing local people.  

The old station was largely vacant due the way the force works in the 21st century and my commitment to keep officers out on the streets serving their communities. The building was also very expensive to run. 

There’s no doubt that the redeveloped footprint is smaller than the old facility but there is no reduction in officer numbers serving the town. It is people with the right skills and equipment which keep people safe, not bricks and expensive empty rooms which cost a fortune to heat and maintain.

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Devastation after Sutton Park blaze

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The recent rainfall has brought some relief to Sutton Park following a blaze earlier in the month.

The tinder dry area around Boldmere Gate went up in flames, with West Midlands Fire Service saying a disposable barbecue was the cause.

It devastated an area the size of three football pitches as these images of blackened trees and grassland show.

With more hot weather forecast, visitors are being urged to avoid BBQs and naked flames.

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Council steps in to save popular summer food festival

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An under-threat but popular summer food and drink festival held just down the road from Sutton Coldfield has been saved by the local council.

Lichfield District Council has stepped in to save the city’s Summer Food Festival – to be held from August 23 to 25.

The authority acted after the event had been thrown into jeopardy when the council barred the previous organisers from running it this year.

Any trader that had already booked and paid for a pitch at the Lichfield Summer Food Festival via the previous event organiser, will be offered a free pitch. The Council will also be reaching out to retailers in the City Centre to talk to them about how they can be part of the Food Festival.

With only a few weeks for the council to organise the Food Festival, traders are urged to work with the local authority. Whilst the council say it won’t be exactly the same as previous Food Festivals, it is committed to organising a vibrant and enjoyable event.

Cllr Doug Pullen, Leader of the Council, said: “The Lichfield Summer Food Festival is really important to our residents, businesses and visitors. It brings thousands of people into the city and provides an opportunity to showcase Lichfield as a visitor destination.

“So I’m really pleased that the Council is able to step in to ensure that this year’s Summer Food Festival goes ahead.

“We want to do all we can to support those traders who we know have already made significant financial outlays in preparation for the Lichfield Summer Food Festival. So any trader that has booked and paid for a pitch, and can share evidence of doing so, will be offered a free pitch.”

Traders should get in touch at events@lichfielddc.gov.uk. Further details on the Food Festival will be released in the coming weeks.

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Safety warning after teenager dies in Sutton pool

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The dangers of swimming unattended in lakes and pools during hot weather have tragically come to the fore following the death of a teenager in Sutton Coldfield.

The body of a teenage boy, named by police as Daniel Drewitt, from Rednal, was recovered from  Powell’s Pool in Sutton Park  on Thursday, July 10 shortly after 10pm.

A report by the BBC said staff at Colmers School and Sixth Form College in Rednal paid tribute to the 16-year-old and said he was confident, full of life and a talented sportsman.

It is believed he got  into difficulty in the lake at around 6pm.

Safety experts say swimming in lakes during hot weather can be extremely dangerous.

High temperatures may cause heat exhaustion or dehydration, weakening swimmers and increasing the risk of drowning. 

Underwater hazards like sudden drop-offs, strong currents, or submerged debris are harder to spot in murky lake water, leading to accidents.

Cold spots from springs can trigger muscle cramps, making it difficult to swim. Furthermore, hot weather attracts more people, increasing the chance of overcrowding and unsupervised swimming, which raises drowning risks.

Unlike pools, lakes lack lifeguards, and emergency help may be far away. Always wear a life jacket, avoid alcohol, and never swim alone. Caution can prevent tragedies while enjoying the water safely

In May, Midlands Air Ambulance revealed there have been 18 accidental drowning deaths in the West Midlands region in 2024.

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Blooming marvellous for residents

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Sutton Coldfield Town Council is offering residents the opportunity to pick up a packet of free wildflower seeds to have the enjoyment of growing their own mini wildflower area. These have been distributed at community venues across the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield to inspire residents to take part in creating a greener community.  

The packets contain a pollinator-friendly mix of seeds native to the U.K. and can be planted at any time of year to encourage biodiversity and support pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

The wildflower seeds are available at community venues across Sutton Coldfield, including the following publicly accessible venues. Please note that opening times may vary, so we recommend checking in advance and contacting the venue directly before travelling.

  • Olive Branch café located at Four Oaks Baptist Church
  • Second Thoughts charity shop
  • Harvest Fields Centre
  • Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
  • Sutton Coldfield United Reformed Church
  • Trinity Centre
  • Walmley Library
  • Mere Green Library
  • Boldmere Library (available from Thursday 12 June)

For more information on how to grow wildflowers at home visit: www.wwf.org.uk/wildflowers/how-to-grow-wildflowers

We would love to see how they grow. Simply tag us on social media (@RoyalSutColTC Instagram and X) or @royalsuttoncoldfieldtowncouncil (Facebook) or send us photos of your blooms at enquiries@suttoncoldfieldtowncouncil.gov.uk to share your wildflower journey with us.

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Join the Fun at Sutton Coldfield’s food and music festival

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Rugby club to host ‘Great Stuff’ food and music event on Bank holiday weekend

Event Highlights

Join the DDC Summer Send Off on Saturday, August 30, hosted by Sutton Coldfield Rugby Club for a day packed with entertainment. Experience a circus workshop, silent disco, and live performances, plus enjoy inflatables, bubble machines, and an exciting world record attempt.

Food and drink

Treat your taste buds with delicious street food from top Midlands vendors including Banquet 1415, Disco Fries, Duck & Roll, Only Jerkin’, Street Chef, Street Souvlaki, Stripclub, Tacos El Pap, Urban Cheesecake, and Victoria Crêperie. Refresh with craft beers, cocktails, and slushies from the festival bars.

Live music line-up

The Good Stuff Main Stage will showcase top local talent featuring Hockley Social Club (HSC), Lucas D & The Ghetto Groove, Metz Jnr Band, DJ Mr ‘M’ Milford, Ryan Evans, and Shanty Town.

World record attempt

Make history with the Metz Jnr Band as they attempt to break the record for “Most People Simultaneously Playing Shakers.” Every participant receives a free shaker to keep and a certificate to commemorate the event. Metz Jnr says: “Music unites people, and we can’t wait to rock Sutton Coldfield Rugby Club!”

Celebrating five years

Jack Brabant, DDC co-founder, shared: “Sutton Coldfield always gives us a warm welcome. We’re excited to bring a fresh, fun experience to the town and the West Midlands.”

DDC Summer Tour continues

The DDC Summer Tour runs from May to September with 40+ street food events across Birmingham, Solihull, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and Staffordshire. Now in its eighth year, the tour attracts 70,000+ visitors annually—don’t miss out!

Join the fun at Sutton Coldfield Rugby Club for an unforgettable Bank Holiday weekend! 🎉

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Unlock business potential with Sutton Coldfield Innovation Programme

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Amazon’s Fulfilment Centre in Sutton Coldfield

Amazon Innovation Accelerator offers £100,000 prize

Amazon is calling on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK to apply for the Amazon Innovation Accelerator 2025 — a fully-funded programme designed to help SMEs innovate, digitise, and scale for the future.

The programme kicks off in Birmingham on 27 June, 2025 with an in-person Innovation Day at Amazon’s Sutton Coldfield Fulfilment Centre.

Participating SMEs will have the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of Amazon’s innovation engine, take part in hands-on workshops, and engage directly with Amazon experts and SME-focused professionals.

Key features of the programme include:

Innovation Day at Amazon – Experience Amazon’s approach to innovation first-hand, with exclusive access to its facility and expert-led sessions.

Tailored Innovation Training – Learn from professionals who understand the challenges SMEs face and gain insights to drive practical, scalable change.

Amazon Innovation Leadership Course – Complete a 12-module online course to become a certified AIA Innovation Leader and join a UK-wide peer network.

£100,000 Innovation Challenge Prize – Participants who complete the course are eligible to compete for a share of the funding to support their innovation journey.

Additional Support – Receive $1,000 in AWS credits and continuous access to resources, fireside chats, and an online learning community.

The programme is designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing SME leaders to participate at their own pace.

Applications are now open and take just two minutes to complete.

Successful applicants will gain full access to the programme, including the online leadership course and innovation community platform, shortly after selection.

To learn more, please contact aia@growthstudio.com

Pictured: Amazon’s Sutton Coldfield Fulfilment Centre 

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Team building with Sutton Coldfield’s Retro Games

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Nostalgia rules for day of challenges

Sack races, space hoppers and a tug of war are among the activities on the agenda when the Retro Games return to Sutton Coldfield next month.

Workplace teams can sign up to go head-to-head in a series of nostalgic races and quirky challenges during the event organised by Inspire Activity.

The popular team-building event takes place on Thursday, July 17, from 4pm to 7pm, at The Fig and Olive, part of the Coppice Garden Centre, near Sutton Coldfield.

It costs £295 (plus VAT) to enter a team of four to six colleagues.

Dennis Kennedy, founder of Inspire Activity, which also operates the Community Games, said: “This is more than just a laugh – it’s team building done right.

“You’ll walk away with stronger relationships, improved communication, a shared sense of achievement, and a team that’s genuinely more bonded than when they arrived.”

Book your place now by emailing dennis@inspireactivity.co.uk

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Tin hats and stone hot water bottles

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Royal Orthopaedic Hospital nurses Sophie Gibson, left, and Helen Sargeant met with Joy to hear her memories

Sutton Coldfield resident, 101, recounts war-time nursing memories

A Sutton Coldfield centenarian care home resident has inspired nurses at Birmingham’s Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH) with memories of her service during the Second World War

Now 101 years old, Joy McCliskie is a resident at Mercia Grange, a Care UK care home.

She worked as a nurse at the hospital from 1940-1948. During her time at the ROH Joy worked on the wards and in the later years in the outpatients’ department, then located on Broad Street.

Much of her nursing career took place during the war, a very different time to be a nurse than it is today.

Sophie and Helen, two nurses currently working at ROH, were enthralled by Joy’s memories of working during those years, from the use of frames for turning spinal patients to warming beds with stone hot water bottles and wearing tin hats when on night duty.

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “Giving older people an opportunity to reminisce is at the heart of everything we do, so when the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital team reached out to us, we were excited to invite them in for a chat.

“Joy’s time with Sophie and Helen brought back many happy memories for her, and we hope it will inspire many others to follow in her footsteps.”

An ROH spokesperson added: “While the daily roles of nurses may have changed over the decades, nursing remains the lifeblood of the NHS.

“Our nurses work incredibly hard to care for the many patients who are treated at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, delivering compassionate care and helping patients regain their mobility, independence and quality of life.”

About the ROH

The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest specialist orthopaedic units in Europe, offering planned orthopaedic surgery to people locally, nationally, and internationally.

The Trust is an accredited Veteran Aware organisation and a Disability Confident Leader. Ranked eighth in the 2024 UK Inclusive Top 50 Employers list, the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital is the highest-ranking NHS organisation for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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