HHPC News

Hockley Heath Park Traveller Incursion 8/8/2015

The Hockely Heath Park has been invaded by a significant sized group of Traveller families comprising approximately 10-12 vehicles and caravans. Access to the park was obtained via a padlock having been removed from the park grass area entrance: only used by emergency services or Park maintenance contractors.
The police have been in attendance, in force, to contain the situation. The police can take no action at this time as trespass is a civil not a criminal activity. The civil action response has to be a court order which can only be obtained on Monday morning. HHPC are working directly with SMBC to ensure this is done along with getting the bailiffs in to move the Travellers on ASAP.
In discussion with the Police Inspector the advised course of action for HHPC is to allow this group on to the Park and localise them for the police to keep watch and monitor their activities rather than barricade the Park and scatter them all over the village. Whilst this is a major issue for  HHPC and the residents surrounding the Park it is deemed the safest approach for all concerned.
The Police can only act if there is criminal actions taking place, for example: damage to property, abusive behaviour, theft and any other criminal activity. If any villager sees or is impacted by anything of this sort involving these Travellers then they must report it to the police immediately. These reports will all be logged and will be hugely important on Monday morning when the court injunction is served because criminal activity can be and will be acted upon.
In the mean time HHPC and SMBC advice is to ensure all your property and belongings are secure. Also do not take matters into your own hands as this can easily escalate and cause more harm and damage for both the village and the Travellers who have young children amongst them.
On advice from the Police, the Park main gates will not be locked tonight or Sunday night as they are usually at dusk. HHPC has been assured by the Police that they will be monitoring on every hour for the duration of the incursion all Park facilities, to ensure they are not broken into or vandalised.
If any Villager sees any threatening behaviour or fighting they are to call 999 immediately and the Police are alerted to respond at once.
Whilst this is completely unacceptable behaviour by the Travellers; we will be working closely with SMBC and the West Midlands Police to try and find a safe and swift conclusion to this incursion.
Yours Sincerely,
Peter Rayson
Chairman
Hockley Heath Parish Council
 

New Play Facilities at Hockley Heath Recreation Ground

Hockley Heath Parish Council are pleased to announce that in September 2015, work will start on developing  new play facilities adjacent to the pavilion at the Recreation Ground.  The new play area will have fencing to stop dogs entering, a new climbing frame, swings and other features.  Following on from that, a new multi use games area will be created on the site of the existing one and shouild be completed by October 2015.

Scheduled roadworks on the motorways starting 29th June 2015

M40 – Junction 3a/M42 & M42 Links. Carriageway works
The Northbound Links at Junction 3a (M42 links) will be closed overnight for one night from 8pm 1st July until 6am the following morning (2nd July). A diversion route will be clearly signposted

M42 Junction 2 to 3, West Midlands. Carriageway works
The Northbound carriageway will be closed overnight between 10pm and 6am from 29 June until 4 July. A diversion route will be clearly signpost

M42 Junction 3 to 2, West Midlands. Carriageway works
The Southbound carriageway will be closed overnight between 10pm and 6am from 30 June until 27 July. A diversion route will be clearly signpost

M42 Junction 3a, West Midlands. Carriageway works
The M42 Eastbound Link to M42 Northbound Link will be closed overnight for one night from 8pm 2 July until 6am the following morning (3 July). A diversion route will be clearly signpost

 

What to do now Broadband is in Hockley Heath…

We are delighted to inform you that superfast broadband is now available in parts of Hockley Heath! Cabinet Lapworth 1 has been upgraded, meaning that many properties connected to it can now order the improved service.

What should residents do now?

1. Check that their property is connected to this cabinet by going to

www.dslchecker.bt.com and entering their landline number

2. Sign up with an Internet Service Provider for superfast services. They should remember to check different providers for the best rates to meet their needs. For more information residents should check out an independent reviewer such as: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/cheap-broadband

What are the benefits?

Having access to superfast broadband not only lets you browse the web faster, but helps businesses stay competitive and allows individuals, families and communities to make use of opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be possible:

· Choose the Internet Service Provider you want- the CSW Broadband project ensures that you are not limited in your choice of suppliers

· Get online instantly with no slow dial-up connections

· Talk face-to-face with friends and family using Skype or other software

· Stream HD films, TV shows and videos without buffering slowing you down

· Quickly and easily share your photos with friends and family

· Upload pictures and documents seamlessly

· Work from home when you want- now you can really compete in the global marketplace

· Reduce workplace costs by introducing remote working and hot-desking

Get the word out

Now that superfast broadband is available, it’s important to make sure that all residents in your area can take advantage of its benefits and we need your help to do this. We are looking for people who live and/or work within our local communities to help us inform people that the new service is available. This would involve putting up posters on local notice boards and delivering leaflets to households in your area.

If you feel enthusiastic about the benefits of superfast broadband and would be willing to help us spread the word please email us at broadband@cswbroadbansd.org.uk

Please Note: Even though this cabinet has been upgraded, not every property connected to it is guaranteed to achieve superfast speeds due to some properties’ distances from the cabinet and/or quality of copper connections.

BroadBand has arrived!

Just to let you know that the Lapworth Cabinet 1 has just lit up and you can now order the BT Broadband upgrade to SuperFast.

Thanks to the CSW team for all their hard work and running a great project so successfully.

The village will no longer have those with and those without SuperFast Broadband.

Ground Maintenance at the Recreation Ground

From April 2015 a new contractor took over the maintenance and care of the recreation ground at Hockley Heath.  Solihull Neighbourhood Rangers have the contract for 1 year following competitive tendering.  Unfortunately there was a delay with the mowing of the main field as their large mower was temporarily out of action.  The Rangers apologise for the unsightliness of the fields while they waited for a replacement mower.

The fields were all cut on Tuesday 26th May and the whole site looks a lot better for the mow.

If anyone has any questions about the upkeep of the recreation ground, please contact the parish clerk using the Contact Us tab at the top of the page.

 

 

VE Day Afternoon Tea Dance – Friday 8th May

The Oak Hotel, Stratford Road, Hockley Heath are opening their doors to VE celebrations this coming weekend.  On Friday 8th May from 2pm – 4pm they are holding a tea dance event.  Entry fee is a donation to Help the Heroes.  If you want more infromation please visit their website: http://www.theoakhotel.com/index.php or give them a call on 01564 78 52 52.

Hockley Heath Scout Group are looking for volunteers.

2015 VOLUNTEERING VACANCIES AT HOCKLEY HEATH SCOUT GROUP

At the end of the summer term unfortunately we will be losing two of our Scout Leaders who will be retiring from Scouting after many years service, and so we are currently looking for new assistant leaders to replace them. Volunteers need to 18 or over. You don’t need Scouting experience as we will provide training. Mostly you need enthusiasm and an interest in helping young people to be the best that they can be.

WHY VOLUNTEER?

• you’ll have fun and feel rewarded

• you’ll learn new skills

• you’ll work directly with young people

• you’ll make new friends

• you’ll gain externally recognised qualifications

• you’ll add to your CV with membership of professional organisations such as the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM )

• you’ll make a difference and give something back to your community.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

By volunteering, you will be making a positive difference to the lives of young people. From archery to canoeing, camping to drama, young people get the opportunity to try new things, explore their talents, develop their values and beliefs and make the most out of life.

Scouting is not just a youth club. We do expect young people and adults to have fun but it is also about adventure, challenge and learning to be your best in all aspects of life.

FLEXIBLE OPPORTUNITIES

We understand that volunteering from Scouting can’t be your first priority. You may have family, work and other commitments, but just see what time you do have or could have and talk to us about the best way that you could use that time to support Scouting. You will make a difference!

BE PART OF A TEAM

You’ll be in a group of like minded adults doing your bit for young people and having fun.

Scouting is more than the Scout hut, with district, area and county teams plus the national organisation providing support, direction and guidance to volunteers.

Scouting is bigger than all of us, but when you volunteer in Scouting you become a part of the worldwide family of Scouting.

This year people like you have helped Scouting in the UK provide more adventurous activities than any other voluntary organisation in the UK.

Please call or email if you are interested in knowing more or if you would like to nominate a friend or relative who you think would like to know more (Please mention it to them first).

I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards

Colin Redmond-Lyon

Group Scout Leader

gsl@hockleyheathscouts.org.uk

Tel: 01564 785186