Solihull Neighbourhood

20/10/2022

Liz Truss has resigned!

Liz Tuzz as prime minister just 44 days after taking over from Boris Johnson.She will be the shortest-serving prime minister in British history.

A new leader is set to be elected next Friday.

In a statement read outside Downing Street, Ms Truss said: "I came into office at a time of great economic and international instability.

“Families and businesses were worried about how to pay their bills."

She said she was elected

"with a mandate to change this", adding: "We delivered on energy bills.".

" I recognise, though, given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party,"

"I have therefore spoken to His Majesty the King to notify him that I am resigning as leader of the Conservative Party.

"This morning, I met the chairman of the 1922 committee, Sir Graham Brady. We've agreed that there will be a leadership election to be completed within the next week."

Source -https://apple.news/ABEpccudbR66k-JmVJaWqyw

18/10/2022

Mell Square bosses insist shopping hub isn't dying as it welcomes new tenants

Bosses at Mell Square in Solihull insist the shopping hub isn't dying, despite it being described as a "ghost town" since anchor store M&S left. Locals say footfall has nosedived as Solihull Council continues to hunt for a developer.

The local authority played a blinder in acquiring the precinct's management company for a bargain price. It shelled out just under £35 million to take control after having a £72 million bid rejected just 18 months earlier.

It is now hoped the popular shopping centre could be turned into a new-look urban village. In June 2021, we reported ambitious plans to build more than 1,100 homes across sites including Mell Square could see the area become a "hipster hotspot".

The first six months of 2022 have seen a number of tenants join the line-up at the centre including Toff’s, Tom Howley Kitchens, Pocket Geek, Barnardo’s, Sophie Bea and Ping Pong Parlour.




Source - https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/mell-square-bosses-insist-shopping-25264061

04/07/2022

Aldi renames 'feminine hygiene' aisle following Asda and Boots - The new signage will be introduced this month

Aldi has followed Boots and Asda in renaming one of their store aisles. In March, shoppers praised Asda when it renamed it's 'feminine hygiene' aisle to 'period products', which Boots following a month later, Manchester Evening News reports.

Aldi is updating the signage in its stores for items such as tampons, towels and panty liners to now refer to them as ‘period products’ rather than 'feminine hygiene' products. The aisle name change will be welcomed by campaigners, as the word 'hygiene' implies that periods are unhygienic, adding to negative stigma that surrounds menstruating.

The UK's fifth-largest supermarket is rolling out the changes across its store and has already made the change on its website. The move to the more inclusive name will mean that people who have periods, but don’t necessarily identify as female, such as trans men, will feel more comfortable shopping in the section.

Richard Shuttleworth, Diversity and Inclusion Director at Aldi UK, said: "We are pleased to have renamed the category both in-store and online to better reflect how shoppers feel about period products."

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/uk-world-news/aldi-renames-feminine-hygiene-aisle-24376541?fbclid=IwAR056az_VIR__UAJ_CZIbbsrSpncJJGKBVbfP6_Wq_avfrmk9zE9QAIzJN8

16/06/2022

Solihull cycle lane branded 'ridiculous' by some residents just months after they open - What is your thoughts on this ?

Solihull's brand new cycle lanes, which have transformed the local road network, are already attracting opposition in their first months of operation. The first phase of the two-way cycle route opened in April, replacing the traditional bike lanes that were on both sides of the road.

Some even say they prefer to take their chances cycling out on the road, or use a different route altogether. Speaking to BirminghamLive at the Di**le Lane/Blossomfield Road junction, residents Roy Dale and David Fellows shared their concerns.

The new cycle routes link major roads with Solihull town centre, retail parks and surrounding villages. The 3-metre-wide two-way cycle lanes completely segregate cyclists from the traffic, giving them a dedicated space on the road.

Both are experienced cyclists, and members of Solihull Cycling Club. But of the new segregate route, Roy said: "It's not designed for cycling, especially heading into town, you're heading into traffic, it's stop starting, you're having to take your feet out and come across."

He added: "The [old] system wasn't broken." Both cyclists said they now either avoid the cycle lanes, or prefer to cycle alongside the traffic.

Roy is referring to parts of the cycle route where cyclists have to dismount, cross the road using the pedestrian crossing, and mount their bikes again on the other side. The two-way lanes are popular across Europe in countries like Holland, but aren't as common in the UK yet.

A consultation exercise with residents ran between February and March 2021. "It's not ideal, if you're travelling into town, when you do use it, you're having to come across, potentially into the path of people coming out of town" David said. Adding: "It's not particularly safe, my worry is the build up of debris, unless they sweep it regularly, it's the ongoing maintenance of it really.

"I imagine pot holes are going to develop at some point and the road surface is going to deteriorate."

Both highlighted the benefits of the lane for families, but said they can also attract anti-social behaviour. David said: "The only time I used that bike lane was on my way to a time trial race so I was in my full race getup. Two scallies on mountain bikes coming the other way decided to swerve in front of me then narrowly miss a head on collision.

"They clearly did this on purpose. If this happens to me on my first and only time using it I can’t imagine me what it’s like for other cyclists who perhaps aren’t so confident."

Both David and Roy said they felt the cycle lanes were "dangerous" and said they now favour alternative routes, or avoid the lane altogether. When asked if they felt the lanes were revolutionary, Roy replied: "It will cause a revolution at some point."

Solihull resident and cyclist Gemma Queenborough also commented on the Blossomfield Road lanes: "The cycle way seems ridiculous. It starts by Tudor Grange and only goes to the Co-op. The money would have been much better spent on creating cycle paths on roads which do not have them. The old cycle lanes seemed to work much more efficiently and safer."

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/solihull-cycle-lane-branded-ridiculous-24176425

24/05/2022

Thousands living in more expensive homes in Solihull to get £150

Thousands of people living in more expensive homes in Solihull will receive a one-off payment of £150 from the council after a second wave of the rebate scheme was approved.

More than 2,600 households in the borough could qualify for this new payment after missing out on the first council tax rebate, which was initially offered to those within council tax bands A to D.

But now people living in more expensive homes in council tax bands E to H will be offered the cash. Known as the Energy Bill Rebate Discretionary Scheme, this extra pot of money comes to a total of £503,250 and is intended to ease the current energy crisis as electricity and gas bills rocket.

Solihull was given £9.93m under Chancellor Rishi Sunak's original rebate scheme and has so far paid out £150 to 56,831 households as of May 19, primarily those who pay council tax by direct debit.

The council is still processing payments for those who don’t pay via direct debit, but a total of £8,524,650 has been spent so far and represents 86 per cent of eligible residents.

Under the new scheme, there are several criteria that households must fall under to be eligible for the one-off payment of £150. Households within council tax bands E to H that receive a local council tax reduction are eligible, as are those within the same council band that receive a reduction for living with someone who is severely mentally impaired.

Tenants living in a house with multiple occupation (HMO) who pay their own energy bills also qualify for the £150 payment, while households within council tax bands F to H who receive a reduction for having one resident who is disabled qualify as well.

Check the full list of the criteria for the new Energy Bill Rebate Discretionary Scheme here .

Solihull Council will identify most of the households that qualify for this new payment and send out letters with more details. However, residents living in HMOs will need to provide the council with evidence that they pay their own energy bills.

Solihull Council has said that payments under the new discretionary scheme will begin processing on Monday, June 13.

Those who were not eligible for the initial £150 council tax rebate could still receive the payment under this new scheme

14/05/2022

HS2 plans to build three bridges over the A45 Coventry Road as ecological assessment undertaken

The plans are the latest in a series of applications that Solihull Council is considering

HS2 has asked for planning permission to build three bridges over the busy A45 Coventry Road in Solihull.

The bridges would pass over the HS2 railway line located in the Bickenhill area, to the southeast of Birmingham International Train Station and to the northeast of the National Motorcycle Museum.

The high-speed rail company has outlined the A45 Coventry Road, the A45 Service Road and East Way as the proposed sites for the bridges.

Work would also need to take place in realigning the roads in the approach to the bridges. The busy Junction 6 of the M42 is located 1km east of the proposed area.

An ecological assessment has been carried out by HS2, which says that bat roosts have been identified ‘around but not within’ the outlined work site. In the planning application, the company says that trees within the site have ‘low roost potential’ and are not currently being used as bat roosts.

What has HS2 said about the plans in their own words?

HS2 said: “With regards to the trees which have been identified as having a low potential for bat roosts, if these trees require felling, they shall be soft-felled under ecological supervision and the resulting arisings left until the following day before being removed from the site.

“Additional woodland habitat will be planted during construction of the assets,” HS2 continued, “and will serve to increase the availability of habitat for the noted protected species (following the establishment of the habitat).

Provision of the new woodland planting around the overbridges will restore connectivity with the wider landscape.”

A landscape survey has also been conducted by HS2. It said: “Native woodland habitat using native broadleaved woodland species will be planted on both sides of the A45 overbridges.”

It also said that ‘no noise mitigation scenarios have been subjected for assessment’ within the region as noise levels are already ‘considerable’ from the surrounding highways.

Is this the only planning application currently under consideration by Solihull Council?

HS2 is currently waiting on a handful of planning applications to be decided on, which Solihull Council said were ‘under consideration’. A more recent one submitted on April 1 would involve earthworks around the A452 Chester Road and A446 Stonebridge Road intersection if approved, while another is concerning two multi-storey car parks that would serve the HS2 Interchange station in Solihull.

One HS2 planning application to be discussed at a Solihull Planning Committee meeting at the end of March was the proposal to use residential roads Waste Lane and Kelsey Lane near Balsall Common as lorry routes that would see nearly 200 lorries pass through every day. This application was unanimously rejected by the council.

What has Solihull Council said about HS2 planning applications?

A Solihull Council spokesperson said: “The Council has now received an application from HS2 for the construction of three overbridges that will carry the A45 Coventry Road, A45 Service Road and East Way over the railway and supporting works. The application has been made under Schedule 17 of the HS2 Act and is now subject to a thorough assessment by Council planning officers.”

The plans are the latest in a series of applications that Solihull Council is considering

11/05/2022

Tesco boss John Allan says people have been feeling 'stretched

Tesco shoppers have been asking employees at the tills to stop scanning groceries when it hits a certain amount due to the cost of living squeeze. It comes as many people have been struggling to pay their bills due to food and energy costing more.

It comes as the chairman of Tesco, John Allan, has spoken out about how he has seen customers feel like they are struggling to pay for groceries in their baskets. He has also called for a windfall tax on energy companies, reports the MEN.

Talking on BBC Radio 4 Today's show, he said there is “overwhelming need” for a windfall tax on energy companies after seeing the supermarket’s customers “extremely stretched”. On a recent visit to a Tesco store, John said he witnessed customers asking staff to stop scanning items "for the first time in years."

He said: "I was hearing for the first time for many years of customers saying to check out staff, 'stop when you get to £40,' or something, 'I don't want to spend a penny over that.' You know, as opposed to having everything checked out and settling the bill at the end

"So I think a lot of people are feeling something of a pinch and lots of people are actually feeling extremely stretched. "

Asked what he would like to see in the Queen’s Speech, John said: “First of all, I think action to help people cope with a very, very sharp increase in energy prices. It’s harder for people to mitigate energy than it is with food, and I think there’s an overwhelming case for a windfall tax on profits from those energy producers fed back to those most in need of help with energy prices.

“I think that would be the single biggest thing that could be done.” He added that he thinks energy companies are “expecting it” and doubts “they would actually be much fazed by it”.

Tesco boss John Allan says people have been feeling 'stretched'

27/04/2022

HS2’s fast track job training programme opens to new applicants

HS2’s construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), hopes local people who are out of work or looking for a career change will register for its fast track training programme.

The education programme enables candidates to progress onto a paid work trial in just 4-6 weeks.

Since opening its dedicated Skills Academy in Bordesley Green, Birmingham last year, BBV has helped more than 30 people to move into a new career working on HS2. And with its fifth General Operatives training programme set to start on Tuesday, 3 May, it hopes that more local people will step forward and take advantage of the free training on offer.

Regardless of previous skills or experience, all trainees are given the tuition and support they need to gain recognised accreditation which allows them to progress into employment. On completion of their training, candidates are job matched into roles within Balfour Beatty VINCI’s supply chain where they begin a paid work trial based within the West Midlands, Warwickshire or Staffordshire regions.

Shilpi Akbar, Balfour Beatty VINCI’s Head of Skills, Employment and Education, said: “Delivering a large-scale infrastructure project such as HS2 requires significant people power. It is therefore critical that we continue taking an active approach to encouraging new entrants to the industry.

“Our General Operative training programme ensures that everyone, particularly those who are currently unemployed, can benefit from the opportunities available through the construction of HS2 – opportunities that will flourish into lifelong careers.”

In the six months since it opened, thanks to funding from West Midlands Combined Authority, BBV’s Skills Academy has supported people of all ages and backgrounds to develop new skills and build a long term career in the construction sector. Training programmes are tailored to each candidate’s needs and on completion, there’s scope to choose from a range of job roles either in plant machinery, traffic marshalling, site operations or business support functions.

An open day will be held at the Skills Academy, which sits within South and City College’s Bordesley Green campus, on Wednesday 27 April 2022 from 0900 to enable people to visit the site or register for a place on the May training programme.

To register your attendance, or enquire about joining the next fast-track job training programme, contact Balfour Beatty VINCI’s Skills and Employment team at [email protected]

HS2’s construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), hopes local people who are out of work or looking for a career change will register for its fast HS2’s construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), hopes local people who are out of work or looking for a career change will register for...

26/04/2022

The Green Party Solihull Council member Nathan Moses is snubbing Kingshurst Parish Council despite representing the area
- Answers were demanded

Councillor Nathan Moses 'has not been seen since his election to Solihull Council, members of a parish council have claimed.

A Solihull councillor has been accused of snubbing grass roots officials by failing to attend any of their meetings. Members of Kingshurst Parish Council questioned why Nathan Moses had stayed away despite representing the area on the borough authority.

Coun Moses, of the Green Party, was elected to represent Kingshurst and Fordbridge on Solihull Council in May last year. He is a member of the Solihull Council Children’s Services, Education and Skills Scrutiny Board.

But the councillor - who works full time as a senior project manager - was accused of "lacking courtesy" by failing to attend any parish council meetings. He and local Green Party leader Steve Caudwell faced calls for them to attend a meeting to explain why.

The matter was raised by parish councillor John Kimberley at a meeting on April 14, as the two other Kingshurst borough councillors, David Cole and Marcus Brain, were giving verbal reports of their work in Solihull.

Coun Kimberley said: "As far as I can recall there is a third councillor in the area who I don't ever recall receiving a report from or appearing at any of our parish council meetings. I think it ought to be noted that Nathan Moses, who was elected as a borough councillor last year for this area, has not been seen.

"He has not produced a report for this council [and] he has not had the courtesy to come to this council and give a verbal report. Nor has he on any occasion given his apologies as far as I am aware.

"I think he ought to be condemned for his behaviour. He claims to be a councillor for this area but apparently has nothing to do with most of the people in this area."

Another parish councillor, Pablo Sultana, said: "Nobody seems to have seen or heard [from] him since he was elected. It would be nice to see Coun Moses actually do at least one of the things he said he would do and that's to try and act as part of this community. He is taking up a valuable seat of a councillor that could be here."

And he told Couns Cole and Brain: "It would be nice if you guys, as active councillors, could try and take him under your wing and encourage him to show a bit of respect towards our communities." Coun Cole added: "I must say at this point in time that, in the 12 months he has been a councillor, I have never spoken to him."

Attendance records on Solihull Council's website showed Coun Moses had a 100 per cent record at meetings of the borough authority since his election. Coun Cole, a Tory, suggested the parish council wrote to Coun Moses asking him to "give an account of himself" and what he had been doing. He said he would also like to write to Coun Caudwell to ask what was going on.

"I've a lot of questions I want to ask him as a resident," Coun Cole said. "The point is some councillors are extremely busy and they are carrying the workload of someone else." Couns Moses and Caudwell were contacted for a response. Coun Caudwell declined to comment and Coun Moses did not reply.

The Green Party Solihull Council member is accused of snubbing Kingshurst Parish Council despite representing the area

19/04/2022

Boots to stop selling all plastic-based wet wipes by end of the year

Boots is to stop selling all wet wipes that contain plastic fibres by the end of the year.

The pharmacy chain, which sold more than 800 million wet wipes in the last year, said it would replace plastic-based wipes with plant-based biodegradable alternatives.

The move follows Boots reformulating its own-brand wipe ranges to remove the plastic.

A large proportion of the 11 billion wet wipes used in the UK every year still contain some form of plastic, according to the Marine Conservation Society, and evidence suggests they are the cause of more than nine in 10 blockages in UK sewers.

Boots is one of the biggest sellers of wet wipes in the UK, with more than 140 different lines stocked across skincare, baby, tissue and health care categories.

Steve Ager, chief customer and commercial officer at Boots UK, said: “Our customers are more aware than ever before of their impact on the environment, and they are actively looking to brands and retailers to help them lead more sustainable lives.

“We removed plastics from our own brand and No7 wet wipe ranges in 2021, and now we are calling on other brands and retailers across the UK to follow suit in eliminating all plastic-based wet wipes.

“We all have a responsibility to protect our planet. By joining forces to inspire more positive action, we can collectively make a big difference.”

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “This is a really encouraging commitment from Boots to prevent the damaging plastics in wet wipes from entering our environment.

“We have already conducted a call for evidence on wet wipes, including the potential for banning those containing plastic.

“In the meantime, our message is clear – you should bin and not flush wet wipes.”

The pharmacy chain sold more than 800 million wet wipes in the last year. | ITV National News

10/04/2022

Boris Johnson arrived in Kyiv,the first G7 leader to arrive in Ukraine since the beginning of the large-scale War.

The Ukrainians have the courage of a lion.
President has given the roar of that lion.
The UK stands unwaveringly with the people of Ukraine.

Slava Ukraini 🇬🇧 🇺🇦

“The Ukrainians have the courage of a lion. President has given the roar of that lion. The UK stands unwaveringly with the people of Ukraine. Slava Ukraini 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 https://t.co/u6vGYqmK4V”

10/04/2022

Are you registered to vote? are on Thursday 5 May 2022 🗳 to vote you must be registered by 14 April ➡️ https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

For more information, including the candidates for the Local Elections 👉 https://www.solihull.gov.uk/councillors-and-democracy/elections-2022

06/04/2022

Julian Knight, the MP for is firmly against any move by the Liberals and Greens to cancel weekly bin collections!

Solihull Council must renew its commitment to collecting bins every week after a strike was narrowly avoided, the town's MP has said.

Julian Knight, the Conservative MP for Solihull, spoke out after five days of strike action was called off in the eleventh hour. Bins contractor Amey said it was "delighted" after the walk-out was averted and workers agreed to new terms.

But the agreement was preceded by a bitter dispute and tough negotiations. And the GMB union had slammed an initial pay offer as "insulting".

Mr Knight said it was important that Solihull's Conservative council renewed and codified its pledge to weekly bin collections.

He said: "About four years ago there was a move among certain councillors to move to bi-weekly collections. I do not agree with that. I think one fundamental thing the council has to do is collect every single bin. No ifs and no buts."

Mr Knight said he was glad there were signs the industrial dispute was over because "it needs to be sorted". But he insisted it should be "written in stone" that bins are collected every week in Solihull.

"I hope that it is going to continue but I want to ensure that commitment carries on," he said.

Solihull MP Julian Knight spoke out after five days of strike action was called off in the eleventh hour - a battle has raged between Amey and the GMB union

03/04/2022

Have you entered Solihull Community Housing annual SCH Gardening Competition yet? 🌷

To enter, take some photos of your garden and send them to them.

The deadline to submit your entries is Friday 24 June 2022.

You can only enter one of the categories. 💻

Find out more here: ow.ly/nFAZ50Ikq8r

03/04/2022

Ten reasons homebuyers are desperate to live in

More people than ever before are looking to pack up and move to the up-and-coming Solihull suburb of Shirley. The thriving neighbourhood has topped Rightmove's list for the most competitive homebuyer hotspots in Britain.

The vibrant town has seen rivalry between buyers more than double in the last year. Demand is so high, in fact, that estate agents say there aren't enough available properties to go around.

Data from the property website shows a rise of 143 per cent in the number of people sending enquiries about homes in the area. And as more people look to move to Shirley, asking prices have rocketed by ten per cent as a result.

Solihull has always been an incredibly sought-after place to live - but why are people now so desperate to move to Shirley in particular? We think we might have the answers...

1. The incredible range of restaurants - offering food from across the globe

Italian, Turkish, Indian street food, Japanese, Argentinian, classic pub grub or a cheeky Nando's - whatever food you're in the mood for, there's a restaurant in Shirley to satisfy your cravings. The town centre is crammed with big name and independent eateries.

If you're looking for fast food on the go, head to Falafel Munch or SKVP (the samosa cheese sandwich is a gamechanger), sit and enjoy a curry at Shirley Spice or Darjeeling, tuck into sushi at Fukuoka, or share some tapas at Desco Lounge.

2. The great pubs and quirky bars

There are a brilliant mix of pubs and bars in Shirley, whether you're after a quiet pint, a fancy cocktail or somewhere quirky to show off to your friends. The Shaking Hand, Craft Inn and the Ale Hub micropub are great if you want to try something a bit different.

If it's cocktails you're after, the beautiful decor at Fiesta Del Asado will make you feel as if you're wining and dining in the heart of South America - and you can book a table for just drinks if you like. As well as serving great steak, the stunning Argentinian restaurant in Stratford Road also offers an extensive drinks menu. Over the road, Desco is ideal for a boozy brunch, and it's always bustling on a Friday and Saturday night so you're guaranteed a great atmosphere.

Otherwise, there are plenty of traditional pubs on the high street for a casual drink - or catch the sport on TV at The Lion, which has recently reopened after a £350,000 refurbishment. Now, we can't talk about pubs without mentioning the local Wetherspoon. And as far as Spoons go, Shirley's is decent - no frills but a good atmosphere and good-value drinks. It's huge and yet it always seems to be busy - so it must be doing something right, right?

3. Its award-winning green spaces

Shirley is home to two of the borough's best green spaces. Shirley Park, located just off the high street, and Robin Hood Cemetery were awarded coveted Green Flag Awards in October 2021.

Shirley Park is a popular picnic spot in the summer months but draws in families all year round. Take a break from retail therapy and enjoy a stroll through the park. Younger children will love the playground and older kids will have fun on the skate-park, tennis courts - or have a go on the outdoor gym equipment.

Local nature reserve Palmers Rough is also close by. Noted in the Domesday Book, the Rough covers an area of approximately 18 acres, made up of two separate mixed broadleaf woodland blocks, Palmers Coppice to the east and Squires Coppice to the west, separated by open grassland - an ideal spot for walking the dog.

4. It's home to a world-famous Christmas tree farm

Christmas tree supplier to the stars, Woods Farm has well and truly put Shirley on the world map. Home to two million Christmas trees across 550 acres, the Bills Lane farm is no stranger to being in the headlines.

Woods has supplied the likes of 10 Downing Street and Windsor Castle, as well as town and city centres across the country. The farm is a staple in any Silhillian's Christmas calendar.

Even if you're not buying a tree, the Woodsbarn decoration shop on-site is well worth a visit and is open every year from October to Christmas Eve. Packed with seasonal gifts and baubles of every colour, the alpine-style shop will get any Scrooge in the Christmas spirit.

5. The big high street names

When it comes to shopping, Shirley offers much of what you would expect from a successful small-town high street. There's an Aldi and Asda within walking distance of one another, plus bargains galore at B&M and Poundland in Parkgate.

Other high street names include Peacocks, Superdrug and there's a number of charity shops to browse. But the main draw for shoppers has to be Sears Retail Park, just a short drive down the road. There you'll find a huge M&S, Next with a Costa Coffee, Paperchase and Mamas & Papas inside, TK Maxx, Boots, Lidl, HomeSense and more.

6. The M&S is a day out in itself

We've already covered the joys of Sears Retail Park, but this giant M&S deserves it's own shout-out - it's kind of a big deal. In June 2021, Marks & Spencer left its prized location at the heart of Solihull town centre after 55 years to open a giant store next to the retailer's existing food hall in Shirley.

The two-storey M&S mecca includes a women's, men's and children's fashion department, beauty area and apothecary, homeware section and a 126-seat cafe. In the foodhall, there's a speciality cheese section, round-the-clock bakery, extensive wine aisle, flower shop and 'fill your own' stations.

7. It's the coffee shop capital of Solihull

Coffee lovers are spoilt for choice when it comes to cute independent cafes in Shirley. There's The Two Mugs in Haslucks Green Road, which is the top-rated cafe in Solihull, according to Trip Advisor. The family-owned brunch spot offers a huge range of hot and cold drinks, breakfast options, sandwiches and toasties.

In Shirley centre, there's Kairos, part of Shirley Baptist Church, and Bora Coffee, an ethical cafe which donates a share of its profits to charity in Uganda (and the cakes are delicious).

8. There's an African paradise on the outskirts of town

On the edge of Shirley lies a hidden slice of Africa that even some locals don't know exists. With its own beach, bars and restaurant, a jungle-themed garden centre and gift shop, Akamba Heritage Centre is an ideal day-out for families - and it's located just a stone's throw away from Whitlocks End railway station.

As well as being home to an array of life-sized exotic animal sculptures, Akamba also has its own tropical house with real-life reptiles and birds. Owner Chris Canaan describes Akamba as "the Midland's best kept secret".

9. The outstanding schools

The director of Shirley estate agent Smart Homes, Jamie Smart, thinks it's the number of top schools in Shirley that has homebuyers hooked. And the draw for parents is clear - several of Shirley's schools have been praised by Ofsted inspectors. There's even a couple of 'outstanding' ratings from the likes of Tudor Grange Academy and Oak Cottage.

Jamie said: "The high number of outstanding schools in Shirley is a key reason people want to move here, and is contributing to the increased competition for available properties. Overall, the buyer demand is more than the stock available."

10. Its beautiful homes

Amenities aside, it's hard not to fall in love with Shirley's leafy suburbs and charming homes. From generous detached houses with long driveways to neatly-presented new-builds perfect for first-time buyers, it's not surprising Shirley is attracting homebuyers of all ages and walks of life.

A quick scroll through Rightmove or Zoopla will have any homebuyer dreaming of suburban bliss - chatting to neighbours over the garden fence and borrowing a cup of sugar. But with demand far exceeding the supply of homes on sale, you'll have to act fast if you want to live here.

“Over the last year, we’ve seen a huge amount of people determined to move, which has made for a really resilient market," said Jamie, from Smart Homes. "Some of the indicators would suggest that the housing market should be tougher than what we are experiencing, however we are still seeing really high demand and competition for homes.

"Whilst the stamp duty holiday was greatly received, we do get the impression that some buyers who had planned to move in 2022, moved their plans forward to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday last year. This means a percentage of the organic level of homes that would have come to market have already been sold.”

Source - https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/property/ten-reasons-homebuyers-desperate-live-23559139