As some of us turn our thoughts to plans in the autumn of our life, others will be getting ready for the autumn term. Good luck to everyone starting a new school year, whether as a student, teacher, or parent. More information about schools, including accessing support and help with travel to and from school, is available on our website.
I know some people may have unfortunately been caught up in the travel disruption earlier this week. Like all airports across the UK, Birmingham Airport was closed for much of the Bank Holiday on Monday. I hope anyone booked on a flight on Monday has now made it home. The disruption showed how reliant we are on systems working 24/7, so here’s hoping there are no more technical issues anytime soon.
Next week, residents may also notice some changes to their usual rubbish and recycling collection service. Our waste contractor, Veolia, has informed us that they will be taking industrial action from 4-8 September inclusive. Information on how this will affect rubbish and recycling collections is available online.
The results of our public consultation on the Town Centre Public Realm Strategy (PRS) will be presented at a Council meeting next Tuesday. Thousands of people visited our PRS survey on ‘YourVoiceSolihull’ to find out more, with hundreds attending face-to-face sessions held at The Core and on the High Street. I was also pleased to see responses from Solihull Business Improvement District, Transport for West Midlands, and the Royal British Legion. I have no doubt we’ll be working closely with them over the coming years, as the strategy becomes reality.
The PRS will help guide our plans to develop the public spaces and streets in Solihull town centre. Most responses to our survey agreed that a PRS will ensure our plans are joined-up and of a high quality. The Strategy should complement many of our other plans, including the Solihull Walking and Cycling Strategy, with a shared focus on focusing our public spaces on people, as well as encouraging active travel.
I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to give their feedback on our plans. A detailed report is available to read on the Council website (item 6 on this page).
The important role charities play in society is clear to us all. This year, the Mayor of Solihull has chosen the British Heart Foundation and Marie Curie Hospice as her mayoral charities for the year. A gala dinner was recently held for the former, helping to raise hundreds of pounds towards their work, funding research into heart disease and support for those affected by it. I know as a former nurse at its predecessor, the Hospice is particularly important to the Mayor. Over the coming weeks, we’ll share more information about how the Council will help promote their work and support their fundraising efforts. You can read more on the Council website.
Everyone needs to plan and prepare for later life, no matter what our circumstances are now. But it’s a topic many of us ignore as we get older. The Council is organising two drop-in events in late September to help you make plans - whether that’s making your home accessible as you get older, considering a different kind of accommodation or knowing what to do if you or a loved one needs care in the future. You’ll be able to talk to local experts including the Council, housing providers and local voluntary and community organisations. I’d strongly encourage you to go along.
Finally, later this month West Midlands Mayor Andy Street will be in Solihull to answer your questions. The Q&A will take place at the Paramo Lounge on Tuesday 12 September. Find out more and reserve your place today.
Thanks, and have a great weekend,
Cllr Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council