Business, News

Give a gift of care for Sutton hospice

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  • St Giles Hospice Clinical Director Katie Burbridge with the Merry Messages poster
    St Giles Hospice Clinical Director Katie Burbridge with the Merry Messages poster

Call to support Katie’s Christmas appeal

St Giles Hospice is asking people to come together and give the gift of care this Christmas by supporting Katie’s Christmas Appeal.

The charity has two local hospices, one in Lindridge Road Sutton and the other in Lichfield, together with shops in Mere Green and Boldmere.

Even though we can’t currently all meet up in person as we usually would, St Giles hopes local families, businesses, schools and groups will feel a little closer to each other this festive season by signing up to take part in its simple, fun and COVID-19-safe fundraising activities.

The hospice has launched Katie’s Christmas Appeal to support its work caring for patients living with a terminal illness, and their families, at the end of a year in which it has been forced to close its shops during two national lockdowns and cancel most of its organised fundraising events – including its popular annual Christmas Fair.

The campaign is named after Katie Burbridge, the Clinical Director at St Giles Hospice. Katie said: “Our care doesn’t stop at Christmas time. This festive season our staff will be creating special memories with patients and their families – for many of whom, this Christmas may sadly be their last.

“The cost of providing inpatient care on Christmas Day alone is over £16,000. It’s only thanks to the generosity of our supporters that we can give the gift of care. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for allowing us to be there for local people at this really important time of year.”

Among the campaign’s suggested activities are making a donation and donning festive knitwear for Jolly Jumper Day on December 11; chipping in and writing a note on the Merry Messages poster in lieu of Christmas cards and keeping kids amused by donating and downloading Olly’s Christmas Activity Pack.

Or fundraisers can use the props provided to post an Elfie Selfie (#StGilesElfieSelfie); take part in a Secret Santa Swap by donating to St Giles the funds they would usually spend on a secret Santa gift; or support ‘Donate Your Christmas Plate’ by making a donation to help fund Christmas meals for hospice patients.

Elinor Eustace, Income Generation Director at St Giles Hospice, said: “With the cancellation of so many events throughout 2020, we’re all the more determined to have a ‘cracking’ Christmas this year!

St Giles Hospice in Lindridge Road, Sutton Coldfield, will be taking part in the activities

“We may all be socially distanced at the moment, but we hope that people will have lots of festive fun as they raise much-needed funds and update their St Giles Christmas Stocking Totaliser poster along the way. They can use our festive-themed fundraising ideas in or out of work, or with family and friends.

“Our fundraising team are always on hand to help with ideas and support, and we look forward to seeing your own personal touches too. Whether you do your bit in a novelty knit, or donate your Christmas plate, please support us this festive season and help make Christmas count for our patients and their families – we’ve never needed you more than we need you today.”

Supporters who sign up for a Festive Fundraising Pack will receive a list of fabulous fundraising ideas, a Merry Messages Poster, cut out props for their Elfie Selfie, and a St Giles Stocking Totaliser to help them keep track of their progress. Printed packs are also available on request, which include a money box, for a recommended donation of £5.

Anyone wanting further support can email the St Giles fundraising team on fundraising@stgileshospice.com or call 01543 432538. They will be happy to provide fundraisers with additional materials, such as a collection tin, cardboard collection box or St Giles piggy bank.

For further information about the appeal or to request a fundraising pack visit www.stgileshospice.com/how-you-can-help-us/fundraise-with-us/christmas-appeal/

News

New EE mast sparks local anger

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The old mast standing in front of the new, much taller mast at Walsall Road

Four Oaks residents are up in arms after the completion of a huge new telecoms mast, saying the site looks like a ‘bomb site.’

The towering EE mast at Walsall Road near The Crown pub on Walsall Road, has recently been completed after the firm’s successful appeal. Much to the annoyance of many neighbours, who are annoyed at the ‘mess’ left after the previous mast was not removed.

Their annoyance has been echoed by Four Oaks ward councillor Maureen Cornish who described it as a ‘frustrating situation.’ She has also launched and enforcement complaint to tidy up the site.

The work was completed during October, and will provide the latest 5G communications across the area, with the 50ft.

Councillor Cornish

 The development proposed is a proposed telecoms upgrade with monopole, c/w wrapround cabinet at base and associated works. 

The new mast was initially refused planning permission by Birmingham City Council, who said the main issue is the effect of the proposed development on the visual amenity of the area, with particular regard to the proposal’s scale and siting, but MBNL (EE Ltd and Hutchinson of 3G UK LTD) launched an appeal under  under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 against a refusal to grant planning permission. 

 The appeal was upheld by Andrew McGlone an inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Local resident Patrick James, from Four Oaks Common Road, described the scene as an unsightly mess.

He said: We all understand the need for better communication, but the area has been left in a right state, a bit of a bomb site really, not to mention the disruption while the work was carried out.”

 Councillor Cornish, Shadow Cabinet Member for Education Skills and Culture at Birmingham City Council, said she had launched an enforcement complaint over the what has been left at the site.

She added: “The Telecommunication installation at the Crown Pub has and still is a frustrating situation. Residents do not object to providing 5G but the number of boxes  and the disgraceful appearance is unacceptable. I have been working with planning officers over a number of weeks requesting the situation is rectified.

My meeting, held last week, has produced the following: ‘The appeal file for the new mast and plans show that the old mast and some of the existing cabinets should be removed  once the new mast is in place.’

“It may be that, due to Covid the removal of old cabinets have been delayed. I have registered an enforcement complaint and they will be in touch and keep me updated.”

  • What do you think, please contact us below with any comments or information or sue the email address provided.
News

Sutton remembers fallen heroes

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Rev Canon Adrian Leahy leads the Remembrance ceremony at All Saints Church
By Bill McCarthy

A Remembrance Sunday with a difference was celebrated with a small but poignant ceremony at All Saints Church, Four Oaks.

Reverend Canon Adrian Leahy gave a short tribute and prayer in memory of the fallen in a ceremony attended by just a handful of people, where previously there would have been hundreds, in a service hampered by Covid 19 lockdown restrictions.

He then laid a wreath, as did a representative from Sutton Coldfield Town Council and the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands.

A bugler then played the last post before a two-minute silence was held in memory of the fallen British and Commonwealth servicemen and women.

The Remembrance ceremony takes place on the Sunday closest to the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month when the First World War armistice was signed.

Rev Leahy concluded with some of the words from a poem from Robert Laurence Binyon:

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Rev Leahy said the event had proved a challenge with the Covid restrictions in place.

He said: “The hardest thing for me is seeing that church door behind us closed and the grounds almost empty where there would normally be hundreds of people.

“I’m pleased we were able to put something together and am grateful to those who took part.”

He also praised the efforts of Scouts and Guides who had managed to help decorate the church grounds with plastic poppies along lawn edges, wrapped around a large tree and a number of painted memorial stones at the foot of a tree in the church grounds..

Despite the restrictions, Rev Leahy said he was still managing to conduct services with the help of a loudspeaker and Zoom connection and said he was grateful for everyone’s patience.

All Saints Church is on the corner of Bellwell Lane and Walsall Road, for information, visit www.allsaintsfouroaks.org.uk

News, Schools, Sport

Martha’s England Lionesses pride

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A Sutton Coldfield football manager has spoken of his pride after a former player was selected for training with the England Lionesses under-16 squad.

Fifteen-year-old Arthur Terry School student, Martha MacPhail, who started her career as the only girl in manager John Watts’ under-7s Sutton Coldfield Town Juniors football team, was selected to attend the England Lionesses U16 residential training camp at St George’s Park National Performance Centre in Burton.

Martha plays for Aston Villa Women’s Regional Talent Centre U16s and is also part of the newly-formed Villa Women’s Academy talent day release programme. The sporty Year 11 student undertook intense match training, including strength and conditioning, along with education workshops around performance psychology.

Now manager of the successful under -16 Sutton Town team, John paid tribute to his former player. He said: “Martha’s ability was clear to see from as young as four years old. Luckily for me, my son is her best friend, there was no way in the world she was playing for any other team but ours.

“What set her apart from any other player was her ability to quickly pick up and use a complex skill successfully and consistently during a game. The praise she received in those five years from opposing team mangers and parents alike is unquantifiable. Such wonderful technique and superb agility only scratch the surface of what is incredible young lady.”

Versatile Martha, who plays in various positions, said:  “I was pleased to have been selected for the camp this time round, given the current climate with Covid. It’s been hard keeping fit throughout the last six months, but I have been focused on my goals and hopefully I’ll be rewarded with an England call up one day!”

But the modest youngster added that her foremost goal was forging a career with Aston Villa first.

During her training, Martha was assigned time to complete her school work. Aston Villa Women has launched a dual career pathway, a programme to support future stars of the game to manage elite football expectations and studies so that players are well qualified individuals.

Cristina Torkildsen, Youth Technical Director at Aston Villa Women’s Football Club, said: “We couldn’t be prouder of Marty for her international call up, she deserves it and has worked incredibly hard to achieve this.

“Marty has been in and around England Camps for the last few years, but this was her first England U16s Training Camp and that’s a recognition of the great work she has put in over the last few years and beyond. Marty has a huge personality with bags of potential and we have no doubt that this was the first of many – hope she enjoyed every second.”

Martha, who was previously selected to attend an England Women’s U15 training camp, started her career with Sutton Coldfield Town Juniors Football Club U7, before moving on to Aston Villa Women, Birmingham City RTC and Birmingham Women.

Arthur Terry School PE teacher Donna Horspool said: “Martha’s dedication and attitude towards chasing her dreams is exemplary, she is a fabulous role model around school and deserves the success she is receiving.”

She added that Martha has “contributed significantly” to the success of Arthur Terry School’s football team, helping them to be crowned Birmingham School Futsal Champions, Erdington and Saltley Cup Champions, West Midlands County Cup Champions and English Schools Quarter Finalists. Martha is also an integral member of the West Midlands Schoolgirls County Team, working tirelessly to help them reach the semi-final of the National Cup.

Samantha Kibble, headteacher of Arthur Terry School, which is part of the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), said: “We’re delighted that Martha was chosen to train with England at this level. This honour is testament to her hard work and talent. She is incredibly gifted and dedicated, both as a player and as a student, and we were all cheering her on at home.”

Sutton Coldfield Town Juniors Football Club and Sutton Coldfield Town Football Club have formed a working partnership to provide ‘Football for All’ and become one of Birmingham Football Associations new HUB CLUBS and achieve the COMMUNITY CHARTER STANDARD. 

Sutton Coldfield Town Football Club provide an opportunity for everyone to enjoy playing and taking part in football related activities. The two clubs have, for a long time, been successfully representing Sutton Coldfield in junior and senior football but have now found the formula to work together to promote football across the community for the benefit of all abilities and give progression opportunities for players to move from junior to senior football. 

Sutton Coldfield Town Juniors Football Club currently run 18 junior teams (aged 7 to 16) from their ground at Bishop Walsh School and run a Saturday morning soccer school for girls and boys. Teams can play in the Central Warwickshire league at the weekend – and they have the opportunity to progress into the higher level Junior Premier League. Players can also be selected to join the Sutton Coldfield Town Academy teams where promotion into the under 18, under 21 and senior team is now a real opportunity.

News

Pub bombs victims remembered

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The remains of the Mulberry Bush after the blast

Irish community honours victims with short video after Covid halts annual ceremony

Report by Bill McCarthy

For many Suttonians, the 46th anniversary of the Birmingham Pub Bombings on November 21, will bring back shocking memories.

I, like many young people at the time, frequented both pubs, the Tavern in Town and The Mulberry Bush, sometimes on the same evening. On that particular night, if I hadn’t been delayed at night school, I could have been in either at the time of the blasts.

It looked like a narrow escape at the time and so it proved as 21 young people lost their lives and 182 were injured, many maimed for life in the IRA atrocity.

I had Irish parents, both of whom were out and about that night and was fearful of the backlash against the Irish community.

That backlash duly came, but quickly subsided if my distant memory recalls correctly, but we lived in fear of reprisals in the immediate aftermath.

Most of us know what happened next, the false imprisonment of the so-called ‘Birmingham Six’ and subsequent police scandal when the West Midlands Serious Crime Squad was disbanded over corruption and misuse of power.

Worst of all, the terrible ongoing heartache for the families that the perpetrators remain unpunished.

The Irish community however has never forgotten the victims and for the past two years the city’s Birmingham Irish Association and wider community has gathered beneath the trees memorial on Grand Central Plaza to remember those who lost their lives on that evening in 1974.

Sadly, this year due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19 it will not be possible to hold a ceremony that would allow them to pay respects in a fitting manner and to remember the tragedy that struck the city that evening.

A committee is currently working on a short video that will be released at 8.17pm on the 21st November through various social media channels and outlets.

Further information will be released shortly so please keep an eye on the website and Facebook page. Visit www.birish.org.uk/get-e-news, for more details.

Birmingham Irish Association is the Midlands’ leading charity providing support and cultural services to the Irish community. It is based in the Heart of the Irish Quarter in Digbeth, Birmingham.

Were you there, do you have any memories? Send them to macfive54@gmail.com, leave your comments below.

Travel

Enjoy life off the beaten track in Crete

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Trekking through the beautiful Cretan countryside, with spectacular mountain scenery in the background

A specialist tour operator is one of the leading companies for tailor-made holidays to Cyprus and Greece and offers a comprehensive list of locations, including the beautiful, most southernmost Greek island of Crete.

To help make a choice of the starting and finishing in places off the beaten track, Planet Holidays.co.uk, in association with tourist board incrediblecrete.gr, is offering to help you plan a tailor-made escape here for 2021, hopefully at the end of the coronavirus crisis.

The tourist board says for those who “wish they lived in Crete”, we tell them: “Visit Crete and let us make your vacations a life-time experience”

The board adds: “The cradle of European Civilization – the Island of Crete and its genuinely friendly people, welcome you and wish you a wonderful stay,

“Some will be visiting for the first time, whilst others have now become regulars, but either way, we promise you a truly memorable Mediterranean travelling experience.

“Whether your visit is for relaxation or to explore and discover the many well known and countless hidden treasures of Crete, you will not be disappointed by the diversity of the landscape – the rugged mountains, the endless beaches and the turquoise seas, the many cities, towns and villages, and stunning countryside.”

Tour operator Planet Holidays offers a wide range of luxury villas, hotels, self catering studios and apartments, villas with pools, last minute hotel deals, all inclusive and spa hotels and we can also include private resort transfers. So whether you want a last minute escape to warmer climes or to book something that is as individual as you are, then call Planet Holidays for a chat on 01438 841 270.

Both Directors, Harry & Mathilde have decades of experience and with the ‘local’ knowledge of their representatives on Crete, means you’ll receive the best advice and best recommendations for a memorable holiday.

The firm says: “With internet connections being as good as those back here in UK, you could be forgiven for being sustainable in your travels during Covid times and opt to stay in Crete that little bit longer, as you continue to work from your ‘home from home’ and soak up local culture too.So whether you want a last minute weekend break or a cheap travel deal, book with planet-holidays.co.uk”

Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the 88th largest island in the world and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus and Corsica. It bounds the southern border of the Aegean sea. Crete lies approximately 160 km (99 mi) south of the Greek mainland.

Its capital and largest city is Heraklion, located on the north shore of the island. As of 2011, the region had a population of 623,065. The Dodecanese are located to the northeast of Crete, while the Cyclades are situated to the north, separated by the Sea of Crete. The Peloponnese is to the region’s northwest.

Humans have inhabited the island since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. Crete was the centre of Europe’s first advanced civilization, the Minoans, from 2700 to 1420 BC. The Minoan civilization was overrun by the Mycenaean civilization from mainland Greece.

Crete was later ruled by Rome, then successively by the Byzantine Empire, Andalusian Arabs, the Venetian Republic, and the Ottoman Empire. In 1898 Crete, whose people had for some time wanted to join the Greek state, achieved independence from the Ottomans, formally becoming the Cretan State. Crete became part of Greece in December 1913.

For more information, visit https://www.planet-holidays.co.uk/

News

Festive appeal in memory of Charlie

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Gill Henley with her husband Charlie; Charlie standing by their Christmas tree in December 2019

WIFE OF PATIENT WHO WAS ABLE TO SPEND ONE LAST CHRISTMAS AT HOME ASKS PEOPLE TO SUPPORT ST GILES HOSPICE RAFFLE

A woman whose husband was able to enjoy one last Christmas at home with his family thanks to St Giles Hospice is calling on people to support its festive raffle.

Gill Henley’s husband Charlie (aged 54) was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in October 2019 but was able to stay with his loved ones throughout the Christmas period with the help of his St Giles Hospice Community Nurse. 

Gill said: “Thanks to our wonderful St Giles nurse, Shelly, we were able to spend our last Christmas together at home. Without her care and support I really don’t know how we would have coped. 

“Even at Christmas St Giles were there for us day and night. It gave us such peace of mind and we were able to relax and enjoy ourselves knowing that we had their support to call on if we needed it. 

“Shelly did everything she could to make Charlie as comfortable as possible and he was able to stand up with his frame and put Santa on top of the Christmas tree – a memory I’ll always cherish.

“We celebrated Christmas Day at home surrounded by our close family, and Charlie felt well enough that we could bring Christmas forward to celebrate with the rest of his family a few days before too – he was really able to enjoy it and to take part.”

Charlie was admitted to St Giles Hospice in January 2020 for pain management and after six days he felt well enough to go home to Swadlincote. However, he was readmitted a few weeks later when his condition took a turn for the worse and five days later he died in Gill’s arms at the Whittington hospice.

Always remembered: Gill with a picture of her beloved husband Charlie

Gill, who previously lived in Branston and whose mother Audrey also died at St Giles in 1993, added: “People think that hospices are just places that you go to at the end of life, but St Giles really helped Charlie to be at home for as long as he could, and made him as comfortable as he could possibly be.

“They supported the whole family – our community nurse was our angel and the team at the hospice were fantastic. I hope people will support the hospice raffle if they can because St Giles Hospice has to be there for other local families like ours when they need it.”

It costs more than £10 million to provide the care St Giles offers every year and the hospice needs to raise more than £850,000 each month to keep services going, at a time when there has been a big increase in the number of people needing hospice care.

Tickets for the hospice Christmas raffle are now on sale at £1 each and goodies up for grabs include a first prize of £8,000 or a brand new Kia Picanto car from Burton Kia, £2,000 or a luxury holiday and other cash prizes.

St Giles Hospice Lottery Manager Alison Jerram said: “We’re asking our local community to really get behind our Christmas Raffle this year – the money it raises is more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Every £1 ticket sold helps us to continue supporting people in the local community who are living with a terminal illness, and we’ve never needed the support of our community more than we need it now.

“We’ve had to cancel many of our events in 2020 which has really affected our income, so every raffle ticket sold will help to ensure we can continue to care for local people when they need us in these uncertain times.

“The raffle is a great way for our supporters to have some fun – with the satisfaction of knowing that they are also helping to fund St Giles – and may win a fabulous cash prize or have a new car or holiday to look forward to in the New Year.  There are also extra prizes up for grabs for people who buy their tickets early!”

Tickets are now on sale and anyone wanting to join the draw can find out more or buy raffle tickets online at www.stgileshospice.com/raffle or by calling the Raffle Team on 01543 434020. The raffle draw will be made on 20 January 2021.

For further information or for any media enquiries please contact gary.young@stgileshospice.com or Gary Young on 07855 926123.

Business, Lifestyle, News

Sutton Coldfield’s newest store opens

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New Bert & Gert’s store showcases independent traders under one roof

Mark and Jason Wilkes and, above right, Councillor Mosson with Mark at the opening ceremony

The Mayor of Sutton Coldfield has officially opened The Gracechurch Centre’s newest store, Bert & Gert’s.

Councillor Jane Mosson unveiled the latest addition to the Royal Town earlier this month, which will showcase a collection of small independent businesses all under one roof. 

Located next to Patisserie Valerie and TSB bank in The Gracechurch Centre, customers can expect goods from a host of local producers, including Mary’s Cupcakes, Urban City Woodshop, Page2Page Book Club, Swanky J’s, Pretty Little Flowers, Oscars Pet Food, Piggin Yummy, Mandy Crafts, Unicorn Cards, M&M Lamps and SHP Pottery.

Founded by Birmingham-based brothers Mark and Jason Wilkes, Bert & Gert’s are well known for their arts and crafts markets and events across the country, and weekly market on Sutton Coldfield Parade.

The family business was named in honour of their late grandparents, Bert being their paternal grandfather and Gert being their maternal grandmother.

On speaking of the new opening, Mark and Jason said: “Our aim is to support, encourage and promote small local businesses, and we believe local businesses will have greater strength in working together.

“The products we sell include items we have designed, made or sourced ourselves. Whether handmade with love or chosen with great care, shopping with Bert & Gert’s will always be a different and unique experience.

“As well as our store, we also hold regular markets in Sutton Coldfield and are proud to be a long-standing part of the fantastic retail offering in the town centre. The people of Sutton Coldfield are passionate about quality products handmade with love and supporting local independents, and we look forward to welcoming them to the store soon,” they added.

Mike Bushell, Sutton Coldfield Town Centre BID manager, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Bert & Gert’s to the Gracechurch Centre with the opening of their new bricks and mortar store.

“Their regular markets on the Parade are a hugely popular fixture on the town centre’s calendar, attracting thousands of visitors from the surrounding areas throughout the year. 

“The shop’s concept is a brilliant way of providing a permanent platform for a wide variety of independent businesses and further showcase the fantastic range of local traders Bert & Gert’s work with.”

Angela Henderson, Centre Manager at The Gracechurch Centre, said: “Bert and Gert’s has been a real local success story in recent times and we look forward to seeing them continue to flourish at the Gracechurch Centre. Their artisan craft ethos will nicely complement our existing line-up of national and independent retailers, offering something new for the people of Sutton Coldfield.” 

Bert & Gert’s store is open from 10am until 4.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9.30am until 5pm on Saturdays.

The next Bert & Gert’s market will take place on Sutton Coldfield Parade on Saturday 24 October and every Saturday thereafter.

For more information visit www.bertandgerts.co.uk or www.facebook.com/bertandgertssutton

Gardens, Lifestyle, News

Sutton recycling hours revised

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A Household Recycling Centre

Centres set to switch to winter opening hours from 1 November

Sutton Coldfield residents are being reminded that opening hours at the city’s recycling centres are about to change for the winter.

From November 1, until the end of March 2021, the city’s five Household Recycling Centres (HRCs), operated by Veolia, will be open as follows:

New opening times

LocationMonday to FridaySaturday and Sunday
Holford Drive, Perry Barr8am to 6pm8am to 4pm
James Road, Tyseley8an to 6pm8am to 4pm
Lifford Lane, Kings Norton8am to 6pm8am to 4pm
Norris Way, Sutton Coldfield8am to 6pm8am to 4pm
Tameside Drive, Castle Bromwich8am to 6pm8am to 4pm

All five Household Recycling Centres will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Residents will still need to book a slot, but the overall number of available slots at the HRCs will not be decreased, despite the reduction in opening hours during the winter period. This means more slots will be available per hour to accommodate as many visits as possible whilst adhering to Government guidelines.

Visitors are reminded to stick to their time slot to ensure social distancing measures can be adhered to on-site to keep both the public and Veolia teams safe. Arriving late or early for a visit may result in being denied access to the site.

Mark Powell, General Manager for Veolia in Birmingham said: “All visits to Birmingham’s Household Recycling Centres must be booked online ahead of the visit . Access to the HRC sites will be denied if a booking hasn’t been made. Remember, separate your waste and recycling before visiting the recycling centres as it will make the visit more efficient when depositing the waste at the HRC. This will also help us all to recycle as much of Birmingham’s waste as possible together.

“If you are thinking of visiting an HRC with a van or large trailer (larger than 6’x4’), you must pre-book by calling the van booking office on 0203 567 3915 Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm.”

Tips on how to make your Household Recycling Centre visit as easy as possible:

  • Book slot at a Birmingham HRC online 
  • Sort your waste into different types before you set off – your visit will be quicker, and more will be recycled.
  • If you’re not sure where to put something, ask a member of staff who will be happy to advise you.
  • Please don’t use your mobile phone on site. This is to avoid distractions because there are moving vehicles on site.
  • Wear sensible footwear when visiting.
  • Children and animals must stay in your vehicle at all times, for their safety.

Please adhere to social distancing measures on-site to keep everyone safe.

Cllr John O’Shea, Cabinet Member for Street Scene and Parks, said: “Our network of Household Recycling Centres offer a convenient way to dispose of waste in a responsible manner. I’m pleased that our partners at Veolia can offer the same number of booking slots as during the longer summer operating hours, whilst still ensuring that the sites comply with coronavirus rules to keep visitors and staff safe.”

For further information on how to use Birmingham’s Household Recycling Centres and to book a slot at a recycling centre, visit www.veolia.co.uk/birmingham/household-recycling-centres

Business, Rail, Transport

Public transport under pressure

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Parking pattern shows Sutton commuters deserting public transport

Commuters in Sutton Coldfield are deserting public transport new research from online parking platform YourParkingSpace.co.uk indicates.

Analysis of its latest booking data, which advertises available parking spaces at train stations across the town and in city centre locations near to offices and work places, reveals a clear drop for the former in favour of the latter.

Indeed, a comparison of a variety of station car parks compared to city centre car parks, show that bookings at train stations via the online parking platform are down 46 per cent while in city centres they are up 19 per cent. 

Both these figures are for bookings in September compared to pre-lockdown in February.

Harrison Woods, managing director at YourParkingSpace.co.uk, said: “Historically, train stations are one of our most popular locations but our research indicates a shift away from these as bookings for empty parking spaces has declined significantly.

“However, this is in stark contrast to empty parking spaces in town and city centre locations, which show a considerable rise in demand, most likely as more people now drive to their workplace.”

For example, bookings via YourParkingSpace.co.uk at normally busy stations such as Ebbsfleet International Station are down 59 per cent, bookings at Ashford International Station are down 45 per cent, bookings at York Station are down 36 per cent and bookings at Aylesbury Station down 66 per cent.

However, bookings for city centre car parks have boomed. For example, in Brighton city centre it has risen by a massive 98 per cent, in Edinburgh it is up 43 per cent and in London up 28 per cent.

The new research also appears to confirm the results of a survey carried out by YourParkingSpace.co.uk at the beginning of lockdown when half of those surveyed said they were less likely to use public transport.

The survey of 3,000 people also discovered that four-in-ten people were more likely to drive.

In fact, other independent research has highlighted that road congestion is now higher in certain areas than it was last year while there has also been millions fewer train journeys.

Harrison added: “Where we work, and how we commute to work, has fundamentally changed. While lots of people are still working from home, many of those venturing to the office are avoiding the train and trying to get as close as possible to the workplace using their own vehicle.”

To learn more about YourParkingSpace.co.uk, or to pre-book an empty parking space in a city centre location, visit www.yourparkingspace.co.uk