centre of england news

2011-11-25T17:17:00.000Z

Police Surgery at the Sports Pavilion, Main Road, Meriden

Sgt Tony Hanlon and his officers would like to trial new style police surgeries at the Sports Pavilion in order to better engage with residents.

The first of these surgeries will take place on:

• Saturday 26 November 2011 between noon – 1:00pm

Forthcoming dates are scheduled for:

• Thursday 8 December 2011 between 4:00 – 5:00pm

• Thursday 12 January 2012 between 4:00 – 5:00pm

• Saturday 11 February 2012 between noon – 1:00pm

Come along if you wish to discuss any issues with Sgt Hanlon and his team.

2011-10-21T22:13:00.001+01:00

Meriden Sports Camp returns for Half Term

Paul Jayes will be running his Sports Camp 24-28 October 2011. There will be tennis, cricket, rounders and much more. You can read the timetable here.

2011-09-24T13:33:00.000+01:00

Parish Council Meeting Monday 26 September 2011

At the Parish Council Meeting on Monday 26 Sept (Village Hall at 7.30pm), there will be an hour long public presentation and discussion of the final draft of the Parish Design Statement, presented by Iain Roxburgh, giving voice to the community's views on planning and development matters.

The parish council meeting will commence after this presentation.

You can read the agenda and corresondence between Meriden Parish Council and Taylor Wimpey over their proposed development on Leys Lane on our website.

2011-09-21T23:45:00.000+01:00

Meriden Cricket Club's inaugural match at the new playing fields - Meriden Sports Park
This Saturday 24 September 2011, Meriden Cricket Club vs Hampton & Solihull C.C. will take place from 1pm. Everyone welcome!

It's been 40 years since Meriden C.C. lasted play in the village. Show your support and come along, whatever the weather!

2011-09-12T22:23:00.000+01:00

Netball training
The first of our netball training takes place on Tuesday 13 September between 6-7pm. This first session is open to all women and girls interested in playing and its FREE! Thanks to our Sports Co-ordinator, Paul Jayes.

So all interested parties, please come along.

Venue: Meriden Sports Park

2011-09-12T22:20:00.000+01:00

St John's Rangers FC won 4-2 to Racing Blythe
Our Sunday team played on 11 September and beat Racing Blythe 4-2. St John's will return in October.

2011-09-10T18:17:00.000+01:00

We won!
Triumph Meriden FC - 2, FC Premier - 0

What a great start to Triumph Meriden's season. The next home match will be on Saturday 17 September 2011.

More details to follow for the season fixtures.

2011-09-08T22:24:00.000+01:00

Triumph Meriden FC's first home match is this Saturday 10 September at 2:30pm

Meet the team:

Back row from left to right:

Adam Reece, Dean Sherington (Manager), Nathan Leek, Justin Gower, Stephen Scrivens, James Green, Wayne Benton, Matthew Graham, Carl Farquharson (Captain), John Swindale (Assistant Manager)

Front row from left to right:

Jamie Leek, Michael Graham, Richard Stevenson, Paul Simon Haynes, Robbie Steadman, Andrew Taylor

Team sponsor:

The New Firs Entertainment Venue

Kit sponsor:

The Tyre Bay, Stechford

The team first approached Meriden Parish Council last year when they needed a pitch. Since then they've stuck with us and as the new playing fields build progressed they wanted to remain in Meriden. Originally from Castle Bromwich, they asked if they could sign up for the 2011/12 football season in Meriden and then renamed themselves Triumph Meriden FC.

Anyone interested in playing for Triumph Meriden FC can contact Dean Sherington, Manager on 07836 667006.

More news on forthcoming fixtures to follow.

2011-08-13T12:05:00.001+01:00

Summer Holidays Sports Camp

at Meriden's new playing fields

Week 1: Monday 15 August - Friday 19 August 2011

Week 2: Monday 22 August - Friday 26 August 2011

Times: 9am until 3pm

Cost: £10 a day or £40 a week

Packed lunch and Drinks: please bring you own

Include sunscreen please

Book your place to avoid disappointment:

Call Paul Jayes on 07962 375038

2011-08-08T21:21:00.001+01:00

Meriden's New Playing Fields

Our new playing fields were officially handed over on Monday 8 August 2011 and will be open to the public from Wednesday 10 August 2011. The children’s play area has been ROSPA inspected and will open from Monday 15 August 2011.

Our chair, Rosie Weaver, is photographed taking possession of the keys from David Wilson Home's land manager, Ray Walker (right). Paul Cornish, David Wilson Home's site manager, is to Rosie's left.

The Parish Council would like to thank David Wilson Homes for the hard work they put into the construction and landscaping of the playing fields and the pavilion.

The sports facilities are fully operational for residents and local sports clubs. The use of the external facilities is open to the public which include:

• Cricket pitch
• Adult football pitch
• Children’s 7-a-side football pitch
• Petanque
• Multi-use surface for tennis, basketball, netball and 5-a-side football

The 5 and 7-a-side football, basketball and netball pitches are bookable through our Sports Co-ordinator and Coach, Paul Jayes on 07962 375038. Tennis, too, can be booked for one hour slots with Paul. If you are a club interested in using our facilities, there will be a charge, contact Paul Jayes for further details.

Our new adult football team, Triumph Meriden FC, are paying for the use of the sports ground for their 2011/12 home matches. Their first friendly match on the new football pitch takes place on Saturday 13 August 2011 from 2pm. If you are interested in playing for Triumph Meriden FC, contact Dean Sheringham on 07838 667006.

Meriden Rovers junior football team now have over 35 players on their books and are always looking for new members. Football training on the new playing fields takes place Wednesday 10 August 2011 at 5:30pm and Saturday 13 August at 10:00am. Contact Paul Jayes if you wish to take part. View their website at www.pitchero.com/clubs/meridenroversfc

For this moment in time, the use of the pavilion will be opened for match events only e.g. football, cricket, etc. We have also installed state of the art CCTV and declared the grounds a dog free-zone.

Coming soon will be a dedicated website where you can book your sports activities online. We are looking for volunteers to support the new facilities. If you have sports knowledge or a variety of skills that you feel can contribute, contact Paul Jayes on 07962 375038.

2011-06-22T21:58:00.000+01:00

Follow-up public meeting on Monday 27 June 2011

Your views were taken on board at the last public meeting held on 15 June 2011. To hear the outcome, please attend our public meeting on 27 June 2011.

Village Hall

7:30-8:30pm

On 15 June 2011 nearly 100 residents attended the public meeting called by Meriden Parish Council. Your views were recorded and discussed with Solihull Council on Monday 20 June 2011. The outcomes from this meeting are positive and we’d like to share this with you on 27 June before the practical completion inspection takes place on 29 June.

This is your opportunity to find out how you helped resolve the situation.

2011-04-24T16:35:00.001+01:00

Annual Parish Council and Parish Council meeting is Wednesday 27 April 2011 at 7:30pm
Venue: Village Hall

Centro will be in attendance to give us an update on the bus service. Full agenda has been posted on the Parish Notice Boards.

2011-04-04T20:29:00.000+01:00

You can now submit the Parish Design Statement questionnaire online!
You can fill it out online, save as a new word document and then email your completed newsletter to mailto:Iain.Roxburgh@btinternet.com by 21 April 2011.

Thanks in advance you for your valued views.

To fill out the Word newsletter and email to Iain, click here.

2011-03-26T14:44:00.000Z

PARISH PLAN CONSULTATION

The Meriden Parish Plan Action Group has published its latest Newsletter Spring 2011. It's dedicated to the Parish Design Statement and is asking your views on planning issues facing the parish as a whole and your particular area.

When you receive it, please take the time to complete it and return to either the library, The Centre charity shop or Blitz salon in Millison's Wood.

Thanks in advance you for your valued views.

2011-03-08T17:54:00.000Z

WHAT'S COMING UP

The next community surgery will take place on Monday 14 March 2011 at the Library between 10am-12pm.
Representatives from the West Midlands Police along with Bruce Brant, our Neighbourhood Coordinator from Solihull Council and Shafim Kauser, Parish Clerk will be present.

Thinking of standing as a parish councillor? Then meet your councillors at the Village Hall on Wednesday 16 March 2011 from 7:30pm
Councillors Rosie Weaver, Melanie Lee and District Councillor David Bell will be in attendance to answer any questions about how to become a parish councillor. The elections are this year on Thursday 5 May 2011.

Public Inquiry over Eaves Green Lane planning application starts on Tuesday 22 March 2011 at the Heart of England Social Club.

The next parish council meeting will take place on Monday 28 March 2011 at the Village Hall from 7:30pm.
The agenda will be posted here and on the Parish Notice Boards from Monday 21 March 2011.

2011-02-24T21:47:00.000Z

Next Parish Council Meeting is Monday 28 February 2011
At the Village Hall from 7:30pm.

The agenda will include a brief presentation from Tarmac in relation to sand and gravel extraction. Other items will include updates on village matters such as the new playing fields.

Planning applications to be discussed:
9.1 Premises Licence Variation – Meriden Lateshop, 2 The Green, Meriden CV7 7LN – To vary the sale of alcohol, for consumption off the premises, for Monday – Sunday 6am – 11pm

9.2 2011/121 Land at Maxstoke Lane, Meriden – 5 additional dwellings (plots 83-87), substitution of house types on plots 10,11 & 45 and relocation of foul water pumping station

9.3 2011/250 Land at Becks lane, Meriden – Extend time limit on approved planning application 2008/261 (redevelopment of scrapyard to provide 4No. dwellings and alterations to existing access)

Plus much more. Look forward to seeing you there on the night.

2011-01-09T21:36:00.000Z

UPCOMING MEETINGS THIS WEEK

Monday 10 January 2011:

Surgery at the library with Meriden Parish Council, Solihull Council and West Midlands Police. 10am-12pm

Wednesday 12 January 2011:

Parish Council Finance Meeting at the Village Hall from 7:30pm

Saturday 15 January 2011: High Speed Rail 2 Exhibition at the Village Hall from 10am -3:00pm

High Speed 2 & the Meriden Gap Station:

Dream ticket or nightmare neighbour?

HS2 Public Exhibition

Meriden Village Hall

Saturday 15th January

10:00 – 15:00

Poster displays – from supporters and opponents of HS2

Maps of Route

Detailed analysis

Refreshments and Raffle

HS2 will change your community and environment for ever. The Heart of England High-Speed Railway Action Group (HHAG) is challenging the Government’s current proposal, believing there’s No Business Case, No Environmental Case, and No Money to Pay for It.

www.hhag.org.uk

2010-11-26T22:12:00.000Z

EMERGING CORE STRATEGY
This is what Solihull Council asks you, and on Monday night, Dave Simpson, Head of Sustainable Development, will attend our parish council meeting from 7:30pm to answer your questions:

"We want to hear your views on our ‘Emerging Core Strategy’ which sets out where development such as housing, employment and leisure could take place in Solihull up to 2026, whilst also protecting and improving the local environment.

"The Strategy aims to tackle the key challenges that are facing the borough such as providing more affordable housing, maintaining the attractiveness and economic competitiveness of the borough, reducing inequality - particularly between north Solihull and the rest of the borough, and balancing the need to protect the Green Belt with providing land for necessary new development."

Are you interested? Either come along to the parish council meeting or send your views direct to Solihull Council. You have until 10 December 2010 to do so, or you can register your concerns/views with Meriden Parish Council up to 3 January 2011.

You can read the Emerging Core Strategy here http://www.solihull.gov.uk/Attachments/EmergingCoreStrategyFinal_forWebPage.pdf

2010-11-26T20:23:00.000Z

NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2010, 7:30pm, VILLAGE HALL

Agenda:

1. Apologies
2. Declaration of Interest
3. Minutes
4. Matters arising from the minutes
5. Visitor – David Simpson of Solihull Council to discuss Emerging Core Strategy currently out for Consultation. The Emerging Core Strategy Document sets out planned future development in Solihull.
6. Public Participation

7. Correspondence and Communication
7.1 The One Show – We have received two copies of DVD of The One Show on 21st September 2010 featuring Meriden
7.2 Letter from Wright Hassall Solicitors
7.3 SMBC – Letter requesting identification of flood risk areas within Parish
7.4 Severn Trent Water – Public Conveniences
7.5 E-On – review of Contract for electricity – playing fields
7.6 Campaign to Protect Rural England – CPRE membership

8. Receive Reports
8.1 Committee Member for Village Hall Management Committee
8.2 School Governor from Parish Council
8.3 Committee Member for War Memorial
8.4 Pool
8.5 Allotment Representative
8.6 Footpaths/Forum
8.7 Meriden Sands Working Group
8.8 Conservation Committee
8.9 Local Strategic Partnership
8.10 Police Rural Assembly
8.11 Solihull Area Committee
8.12 Tree Wardens
8.13 Parish Plan
8.14 Community Surger
8.15 Joint Councillor Surgery
8.16 Community Speed Watch
8.17 Fusion Football Sessions – Wednesday evenings
8.18 Paul Jayes Football Academy – Meriden Rovers – Saturday Mornings.

9. Village Matters
9.1 Community Centre – Alspath Road - Update
9.2 Pool - Update
9.3 Parking on The Green
9.4 Maxstoke Lane/Hampton Lane development – Update Management arrangements - Graffiti
9.5 Road Hump and new zebra crossing in Meriden – Update – Further meeting with SMBC
9.6 Eaves Green Lane – Date for Public Inquiry set for 22nd March 2010
9.7 Public Conveniences – Demolition quotes obtained
9.8 Roundabout – Update
9.9 Millisons Wood – Bluebell trail- Funding
9.10 Community Volunteers– Environment Champion - Community centre/Scout Hut
9.11 Changing Rooms – Playing Fields – Electrical testing needs to be carried out before electricity maybe switched on- Review of Contract for Electricity
9.12 Standards Committee – Self Assessment and Publishing Costs Consultations
9.13 Solihull partnership Forum – Meriden Village Hall – Wednesday 17th November
9.14 Strawberry Fields
9.15 HS2 Exhibition
9.16 Finance Training – Clerk
9.17 Solihull Transport Users Forum9.18 Sustainable Communities Act
9.19 Remembrance Service – Donation
9.20 Training Courses
9.21 Local Transport Consultation
9.22 Financial Report
9.23 Parish Council Meeting – December

10. Planning Matters
10.1 2010/1502 – Workshop opposite, The Cottage, Eaves Green Lane, Meriden- Temporary location of a portacabin to use as site office
10.2 2010/1708 – 37 Meriden Park Homes, Main Road, Meriden – Felling of one Holly Tree covered by TPO
10.3 2010/1780 – 9 Thebes Close, Millisons Wood, Coventry – Conversion of existing Integral garage into study
10.4 2010/1787 - Fordes Hairdressers, The Green, Meriden – Change of Use of first floor office space to residential flat
10.5 2010/1826 – Manor Hotel, 127 Main Road, Meriden – Fell 1 No. Ash Tree

11. Accounts

2010-10-31T13:27:00.000Z

COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH TRAINING

On Friday 29 October 2010 on Hampton Lane a serious car accident occurred. Sadly, this was followed by another car accident near the Queen’s Head on Main Road on Saturday 30 October 2010. Many police cars, ambulances and fire engines were called to the scene of each.

Meriden has a serious speeding problem. Last year, the parish council worked with West Midlands Police to form our own Community Speed Watch operation. So far in 2010, 14 sessions have taken place by residents and parish council volunteers, all trained by the police. We need more volunteers and two training sessions have now been organised by the police for this month.

Wednesday 3 November 2010
Solihull Fire Station
Streetsbrook Road, Solihull B91 1QY
6:30pm-8:30pm (latest)

Thursday 11 November 2010
Hampton in Arden Church Hall opposite White Lion
6:30pm-8:30pm (latest)

If you’d like to help reduce speed in the parish, please come along to the training. The more volunteers we have, the more sessions we can undertake. Ideally, we should have weekly sessions. The more we make our Community Speed Watch actively visible throughout the parish, the more drivers will take note.

If you’d like to attend either of the sessions please contact the Parish Clerk on 01676 533395 so as the police can accommodate the number of attendees.

Meriden Playing Fields

2010-09-29T22:33:00.001+01:00

Members of Meriden Parish Council and officers of Solihull Council met with David Wilson Homes today on Wednesday 29 September 2010 where we were informed that works will commence to the new playing fields on Monday 4 October 2010.

We are awaiting a build programme to publish to residents in due course.

The One Show came to Meriden

2010-09-26T14:55:00.000+01:00

On Tuesday 21 September 2010, the One Show filmed from the playing fields in a hot air balloon.

Parish Council Meeting

2010-09-26T14:45:00.004+01:00

Next Parish Council meeting is Monday 27 September 2010 at 7:30pm in the Village Hall. Agenda:

NOTICE OF MEETING

Notice is hereby given that a Parish Council Meeting will be held at the Village Hall on Monday 27th September 2010 at 7.30pm.
Signed: _S. Kauser___ _________________________
Date: Monday 20th September 2010

Agenda: l
1. Apologies
2. Declaration of Interest
3. Minutes
4. Matters arising from the minutes
5. Public Participation
6. Correspondence and Communication
6.1 Solihull in Bloom – Confirmation that we have not been selected this year. Solihull had a record number of entries this year.
6.2 Invitation to the Chair from the Mayor to attend Civic Service in Solihull Parish Church.
6.3 Letters from resident concerning the displays in the window of the library.
7. Receive Reports
7.1 Committee Member for Village Hall Management Committee
7.2 School Governors for Parish Council
7.3 Committee Member for War Memorial
7.4 Pool
7.5 Allotment Representative
7.6 Footpaths/Forum
7.7 Meriden Sands Working Group
7.8 Conservation Committee
7.9 Local Strategic Partnership
7.10 Police Rural Assembly
7.11 Solihull Area Committee
7.12 Tree Wardens
7.13 Parish Plan
7.14 Community Surgery
7.15 Joint Councillor Surgery
7.16 Community Speed Watch
7.17 Fusion Football Sessions – Wednesday evenings
7.18 Paul Jayes Football Academy – Meriden Rovers – Saturday Mornings.
8. Village Matters
8.1 Meeting with Footpaths Officer
8.2 Pool
8.3 Parking on The Green
8.4 Tennis Courts – Maxstoke Lane
8.5 Road Hump and new zebra crossing in Meriden
8.6 Eaves Green Lane
8.7 Public Conveniences
8.8 Meriden Walks Leaflet
8.9 Rememberance Sunday
8.10 Bus Issue
8.11 Meriden Hill
8.12 Standing Cross
8.13 59 Main Road Meriden
8.14 Churchill visit to Meriden – A local journalist is investigating Churchill’s possible visit to Meriden and that he may have been offered and accepted a cup of tea from a local resident on 25 June 1945. Does anyone have anything that may assist journalist?
8.15 Filming on The Green
8.16 North Warwickshire Planning application
9. Planning Matters

9.1 2010/1494 - 9 and 11 Albert Road, Millisons Wood, CV5 9AS – Non-material amendment to planning application 2010/61 for the removal of proposed side facing bedroom windows to Nos 9 and 11 and retention of existing windows, plus the introduction of new velux roof light to rear roof slope in the same bedroom.

9.2 2010/1516 – The Dairy Farm, Land adjacent to Lodge Green Lane, North Meriden – Agricultural prior notification for a storage building.

10. Accounts and Governance
11. Date of Next Meeting
The next Parish Council Meeting is Monday 28TH October 2010 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

BBC's The One Show is coming to Meriden

2010-09-18T23:13:00.000+01:00

From Monday 20 September 2010, the One show is promoting its balloon week. To give it a bit of 'oomph', they would like to film on the playing fields this coming Tuesday 21 September 2010 and release a hot air balloon with other balloons from 7pm. It will be filmed live and the BBC crew ask all residents who are interested in attending to show up at Maxstone Lane from 6.15pm.

The weather could affect the hot air balloon's launch, so they may have to move filming to the village green to release small balloons.

Whatever transpires on the night, it'll be fun, so come along. You can watch it on BBC iPlayer when you get home!

2010-09-08T21:19:00.000+01:00

Meriden Parish Council Extraordinary Meeting - Monday 13 September 2010

Venue: Village Hall
Time: from 8:15pm

Agenda:

1. Apologies
2. Declaration of Interest
3. Public Participation
4. Eaves Green Lane – 2010/694
To consider and determine Parish Council’s response to the Appeal against the refusal of planning permission at Eaves Green Lane.

5 Planning Matters
5.1 2010/584 – Marlbrook Hall Farm, Harvest Hill Lane, Meriden – Locate Menage away from telegraph pole and high voltage cable
5.2 2010/1394 – 53 Strawberry Fields, Meriden – First floor side extension to extend existing bedroom with new bathroom and en-suite

6. Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting is a Parish Council Meeting on Monday 27th September 2010 starting at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

Melanie Lee
Chair, Meriden Parish Council
6th September 2010

THE PUBLIC AND PRESS ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO BE PRESENT

2010-07-26T14:38:00.000+01:00

900 and 82 bus issues
To read the responses from National Express and Centro to your questions and issues raised at the Parish Council Meeting on 28 June 2010, click here.

Cllr Weaver also raised these concerns at the Solihull Partnership meeting on 20 July and Solihull Council will now pick this up with Centro as a top priority issue.

JULY 2010: What's coming up

2010-07-11T12:31:00.000+01:00

Next community surgery outside the library

Monday 12 July 10am-12pm, police van outside the library. Talk to a representative from the West Midlands Police, Solihull Council's Neighbourhood Co-ordinator, Susan East and the clerk, Julie Hall.

NEXT JOINT COUNCILLOR SURGERY

Wednesday 14 July 7:30pm, Village Hall. Talk in confidence to a Ward or Parish Councillor. In attendance this month will be Ward Councillor David Bell and Parish Councillors Rosie Weaver and Graeme Goodsir. Book your 10 minute slot with Julie Hall, Parish Clerk on 01676 522727 or email her at juliehall.mpc@btinternet.com.

MERIDEN LIBRARY WILL RE-OPEN 15 JULY 2010
Any books due back on 1 July 2010 will not incur a fine and can be returned on 15 July. Or renew on line at www.solihull.gov.uk/libraries.

For more information contact Knowle Library on 01564 775840.

MERIDEN POLICE SURGERY
Come along and talk to representatives from West Midlands Police on Thursday 22 July 2010 at the Community Centre, Alspath Road between 18:00-20:00.

NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Monday 26 July 2010 from 7:30pm at the Village Hall

2010-06-25T21:59:00.000+01:00

AGENDA FOR PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 28 JUNE 2010

1. Apologies
2. Declaration of Interest

3. Minutes

4. Matters arising from the minutes

5. Visitor, Simon Mathieson, Area Manager Birmingham Central, National Express – Imminent changes to the 900 bus service.

6. Public Participation

7. Correspondence and Communication

7.1 Coventry City Council – Area Action Plan.
7.2 Solihull MBC – Public Rights of Way – Practical Works from last quarter.
7.3 Safeguarding – Children and Vulnerable adults : notification of changes to CRB service and SA registration.
7.4 Solihull Partnership Forum

8. Receive Reports

8.1 Committee Member for Village Hall Management Committee
8.2 School Governors for Parish Council
8.3 Committee Member for War Memorial
8.4 Pool
8.5 Allotment Representative
8.6 Footpaths/Forum
8.7 Meriden Sands Working Group
8.8 Conservation Committee
8.9 Local Strategic Partnership
8.10 Police Rural Assembly
8.11 Solihull Area Committee
8.12 Tree Wardens
8.13 Parish Plan
8.14 Community Surgery
8.15 Community Speed Watch
8.16 Fusion Football Sessions – Wednesday evenings
8.17 Paul Jayes Football Academy – Meriden Rovers – Saturday Mornings.

9. Village Matters

9.1 Development Hampton Lane/Maxstoke Lane
9.1.1 Feedback from quarterly meeting 17th June 2010
9.1.2 Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) Surface – Decision on whether to alter the priced/agreed Tennis Court surface/markings within the planned Meriden Recreation Facility with a MUGA surface/markings and associated financial implications.
9.2 Donation for Balsall and Berkswell Sports and Community Association.
9.3 Emergency Policy
9.4 Withdrawal of bus service between Balsall Common, Berkswell and Meriden.
9.5 Red Telephone Kiosk – Albert Road, Meriden
9.6 Public Conveniences – Project
9.7 Berkswell Association for the Prosecution of Felons – Best-Kept Village Competition 2010.
9.8 Cleaning of Standing Cross and Cyclists Memorial
9.9 Solihull in Bloom – match funding
9.10 Johnson Controls – Care and Share in the community.
9.11 Joint Surgery Dates / Rota

10 Planning Matters

10.1 2010/683 – Hampton Grange, Meriden – demolish existing detached garage and erect two storey side extension.
10.2 2010/694 – Eaves Green Lane, Meriden; Amended Neighbour Notification – change of use of land to a gypsy site for 10 pitches to site 10 mobile homes, 10 touring caravans and ancilliary development including a day room building and vehicle parking on each pitch. Representations already made will be taken into account.

11. Governance and Accounts

a) Barclays – Community Account – Change of Cheque Signatories
b) Zurich – Insurance – inclusion of red telephone box
c) 1st Meriden Scouts – donation and flag raising duties.

12. Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting is the Parish Council Meeting on 26th July 2010 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

2010-06-19T19:31:00.000+01:00

THE NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING IS ON MONDAY 28 JUNE 2010

There are changes planned to the 900 bus route with effect from 25 July 2010.

Our Parish Clerk has invited a representative from National Express to attend so as to explain these changes and answer any questions from concerned residents.

Venue: Village Hall
Start time: 7:30pm

2010-06-19T18:39:00.001+01:00

VACANCY FOR MERIDEN PARISH COUNCILLOR

Notice is hereby given that Meriden Parish Council has a vacancy to be filled by co-option

Those wishing to apply for the position should be able to bring the following attributes to the Parish Council:

• I am willing to support and enable the Parish Council in achieving their desire to achieve Quality Parish Status.

• I have the knowledge and skills to assist the Parish Council and the Meriden Parish Plan Action Group in delivering the actions listed within the Parish Plan.

• I am able to attend the monthly Parish Council Meetings.

• I am apolitical.

• I do not have a single issue approach.

An Application Pack can be obtained from the Parish Clerk. The Application Pack contains the following:

• Co-option Procedure

• Co-option Eligibility Form

• Co-option Application Form

• Information regarding the Role of a Parish Councillor.

• Schedule of Parish Council Meetings

• Parish Plan

Completed application forms should be returned to the Clerk no later than Monday 12th July.

Applications will be considered at the full meeting of Meriden Parish Council on Monday 26th July 2010 to be held at 7.30pm at the Village Hall.

You can contact the Clerk on 01676 522727.

2010-05-25T21:45:00.001+01:00

VACANCY - CLERK TO THE COUNCIL

Meriden Parish Council is looking to recruit a Parish Clerk who can bring drive, flexibility, commitment and appropriate experience to this important position. Good administrative, financial, computer and communication skills are required.

The successful applicant would be expected to have knowledge of local government and to hold, or to be working towards obtaining the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) or equivalent.

Salary according to National Agreement for Local Government Employees with hours presently 20 per week.

A job description can be obtained from and applications sent to, The Clerk, Meriden Parish Council, 111 Fillongley Road, Meriden, Coventry, CV7 7LW. Closing date: 14 June 2010.

2010-05-25T21:36:00.000+01:00

MERIDEN PARISH COUNCIL, MERIDEN WARD, VACANCY FOR A PARISH COUNCILLOR

There is a vacancy at the council above caused by the resignation of Councillor Sarah Markham.

A bye-election to fill the vacancy will be held if within 14 days (not counting Saturday, Sunday or Bank Holidays) from the date below ten (10) electors for the ward/parish council give notice in writing claiming such an election to the Returning Officer.

The address of the Returning Officer is:
Mark Rogers
Returning Officer
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
PO Box 18
Council House
Homer Road
Solihull
B91 9QS

If no such notice is given, the parish council will fill the vacancy by co-option.

Dated: Tuesday 25 May 2010

2010-05-04T15:42:00.002+01:00

RESIDENT'S MEETING TONIGHT AT VILLAGE HALL TO DISCUSS EAVES GREEN LANE TRAVELLERS' SITE

A meeting has been called by the newly formed residents group named Residents Against Inappropriate Developments, RAID, tonight at 8pm in the Village Hall, Tuesday 4 May 2010.

Residents have invited MP Caroline Spelman, the police, Solihull Council, MEP and the Labour candidate.

Please not this is NOT a parish council meeting. The parish council continues to pressure Solihull Council to provide the facts of the Stop Notice and the details of the planning application. Once this information is available, the parish council will call an extraordinary meeting to make a decision on the planning application. The earliest date for this will be Monday 10 May 2010. This is because an extraordinary parish council meeting has to have three clear days notice which does not include weekends, bank holidays or the day the notice is served.

2010-05-04T14:11:00.000+01:00

PRESS RELEASE

TRAVELLERS’ SITE – EAVES GREEN LANE, MERIDEN

Meriden Parish Council informed Solihull Council on 9 December 2009 that residents reported concerns that there were developments happening on a piece of land on Eaves Green Lane. Following a site visit by Solihull Council on 11 December 2009, the parish council was informed that there was no breach of planning control.

On 30 April 2010 early evening, Meriden Parish Council informed Solihull Council and West Midlands Police as soon as they were alerted by residents that travellers were moving onto the land at Eaves Green Lane.

On 1 May 2010, Meriden Parish Council requested factual information from a range of services so residents could be kept informed. As of this morning of 4 May no factual information has been received by the parish council from these services.

The parish council is a statutory consultee on all planning applications within the parish. The parish council can comment on applications and those comments are considered by Solihull Council’s Planning Committee. It is Solihull Council who makes final decisions in relation to planning. The parish council therefore has NO POWER in planning applications.

Meriden Parish Council’s role is to liaise with Solihull Council to obtain factual information to pass on to the local residents. The parish council will also comment on the planning application within the planning process taking into account residents’ views.

2009-12-04T11:28:00.001Z

Last Parish Council Meeting for 2009

Come along on Wednesday 16 December to the Village Hall from 7:30pm.
Bring your own mince pies!

2009-11-18T18:10:00.000Z

Meriden features on BBC again

Last Sunday, Meriden was featured on Country Tracks. You can still view it on BBC iPlayer by clicking on this link http://bit.ly/19hPL6

2009-11-18T17:57:00.002Z

Read the Parish Plan

If you haven't had it through your door yet, click on the Parish Plan image on the right.

2009-11-15T16:53:00.000Z

The Meriden Parish Plan has now been published!

After 2 years of hard work the Parish Appraisal Steering Group drafted the Parish Plan which the Parish Council formally adopted on Monday 26 October. Now printed, distribution to all resident households commenced this weekend. Everyone should receive their copy by the end of November. Rosie Weaver, chair of Meriden Parish Council, has been stopped in the streets this weekend by residents praising the quality of the plan. On behalf of Rosie Weaver and Iain Roxburgh, chair of Parish Plan Steering Group, a big thank you has to be extended to residents who completed the questionnaire last year giving us an outstanding 60% return rate and all volunteers of the steering group and parish council who worked hard to see it delivered within such a short period of time. You'll be able to read the Parish Plan online soon.

2009-11-10T21:24:00.000Z

Joint Parish Council/Ward Councillor Surgeries

The next one is this Wednesday 11 November at the Village Hall from 7:30pm. You need to book your 10 minute slot with the Parish Clerk. This is your chance to have a confidential consultation with your parish or ward councillor. Go to the link for contact details http://bit.ly/2moWx4

2009-11-06T21:54:00.000Z

We shall remember them

Don't forget that Remembrance Sunday service is at St Laurence church this Sunday 8 November 2009. Service starts 10am, followed by parade to the memorial.

2009-10-30T18:50:00.001Z

Maxstoke Lane Development

On Monday night, 26 October, we had a record turn out at the Parish Council meeting. Residents were concerned over the planning application and voiced their opinions accordingly. If you have an opinion on the development go to the planning pages on Solihull Council's website using this link http://bit.ly/3nVcde

2009-10-25T17:27:00.001Z

Community Speed Watch

Meriden's Community Speed Watch has had two patrols so far. Thursday 15 October and Wednesday 21 October. On each occasion, starting around 10am, at least six speeding offenders were recorded. Last Wednesday on Fillongley Road near the school, eight were captured with one driver doing well over 50mph. The speed watch initiative still needs more volunteers, so contact Julie, our Parish Clerk on 522727 or email her at info@meridenparishcouncil.org.uk.

2009-10-24T18:27:00.001+01:00

Meriden duck pond project

Some more photos were sent in from the chair of our Parish Plan Steering Group, Iain Roxburgh. He managed to snap Solihull's Lord Mayor Norman Davies admiring the work of the council, npower and Meriden Primary School's Eco Club. Cabinet Member for the Environment Councillor Kate Wilde was also in attendance and will be featured later in our blog when more photos come through. What a great effort by all who are featured in the team photo. By this time, students from Meriden Primary School's Eco Club were back at their desks.

It's important that residents understand Meriden's wild fowl need proper feeding. The project team erected an information board featuring the wild fowl it attracts and how to feed them responsibly. Basically, the old tradition of using white bread is dangerous to their wellbeing. Grain, wheat, carrot, lettuce, and seeds are what they need. And remember, any uneaten bread will attract uninvited guests - the rats! There's a link to the RSPB website for further feeding tips http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/

2009-10-18T18:39:00.004+01:00

Let's get blogging - in earnest

Has it really been so long since our last post? As so much has happened since the spring of 2008 this may be the reason why. As the Parish Plan nears completion, one of our actions is to keep our communication channels up to date. So, as chief blogger, it’s now time to do just that.

This autumn is going to be busy and it started last Wednesday 14 October with the Meriden Duck Pond project coming to fruition. This was a true partnership effort. Susan East, our Neighbourhood Co-ordinator from Solihull Council worked with her colleagues Trish Willetts, Environment Champions Co-ordinator, Lorna Teager, Streetcare Officer and Neil Cameron, Park Ranger to bring together the clean up of the pond with Meriden Primary School and Npower. Npower’s finance team volunteered to do most of the hard work on the day such as painting benches, clearing debris and posting our new information panel on the local wild fowl and safe ways to feed birds.

Meriden Primary School’s Eco Club joined them during the day to plant spring flowering bulbs and with the help of the park rangers, hang their bird boxes which the rangers helped them make.

Susan will be sending us more photographs and as soon as we have them, they’ll be posted on our blog.

SPRING UPDATE

2008-03-21T11:26:00.004Z

Joint blog from the Chair of Meriden Parish Council and the Chair of Meriden Parish Appraisal Steering Group

Last year, the Parish Council together with a group of residents came together to work out ways to improve the area, its environment and the life of our community. The Parish covers Meriden Village, Millison’s Wood and the surrounding areas.

In September, following a well attended public meeting, a Steering Group was formed and successfully applied for grants from the National Lottery Awards for All and from Solihull Borough Council to undertake a Parish Appraisal. This is a review carried out by local people of all aspects of the community – its assets and strengths; its deficiencies, problems and needs and its future challenges.

An appraisal is the first step in enabling local people to shape the future of our area and our community, identifying the issues that people care about and the actions they want to see taken. It leads to a Parish Plan in which the people of Meriden area will set out our vision for the future and a plan of action to improve the life of our community.

Over the winter we have been focusing on the question “what are the issues?” We have been asking people what they really like about Meriden/Millison’s Wood and what they wish to see changed to improve the area and its community. Through meetings with community organisations, consultations with people of different age groups, including the children at the Primary School and through the pages of the Meriden Mag, we now have a pretty clear idea of the issues. See the reverse side of this letter for some examples of these.

The next stage is most important and involves everyone in the Parish. In April there will be a questionnaire survey of every household. This is your chance to have your say. One of our volunteers will deliver and collect the survey form – or you will be able to complete it on-line if you wish. Before then you will receive another Appraisal Newsletter explaining what to expect.

The Appraisal is a big task. The more people involved the better. We are all volunteers doing this in our spare time and would welcome all the help you can give. Just get in touch – you will be very welcome – and it’s fun!

Just one final point: the Parish Appraisal imposes no cost on the Meriden Council Tax payer.

Kind regards

Rosie Weaver and Iain Roxburgh
Chair, Meriden Parish Council and Chair,Meriden Parish Appraisal and Plan

Any questions or should you wish to volunteer, please contact:

Iain Roxburgh
Tel: 01676 522496
Email: IainRoxburgh@btinternet.com

Meriden Parish Appraisal Spring Update

In the first round of consultation, we asked people two questions:

“What do you really like about Meriden/Millisons Wood?”
and

“What would you wish to change to improve the area and its community?”

Here is just a small selection of the answers:-

Some of the things you really like:

. The Green, village/rural feel and good environment.
· Its location, with easy access to the countryside
· Good range of local shops (but not in Millison’s Wood!) and good local

restaurants
· Library, post office and surgery
· Friendly and a good sense of community
· Good primary school
· The Meriden Mag
· The Taxibus

Some of the changes you’d like to see to make it a better place/community:

· Reduce the speed of traffic and improve road safety
· The 900 bus back to a 20 minute frequency
· Better bus service to Solihull
· Better pavements and wheelchair access
· Less litter and dog foul
· Better provision for young people
· Tackle anti-social behaviour
· High quality sports and play facilities
· Play our part in tackling global warming

Putting the Heart into the Centre of England

2007-12-27T16:52:00.000Z

Welcome back and hoping everyone had a lovely Christmas. It would have been nice to have had a White Christmas but at least it wasn't too cold. As a reminder, here is a lovely photo of the Village Green when it snowed last year.

It's been busy these past 3 months with the launch of the Parish's Village Appraisal. This is partly the reason why we haven't had the chance to keep our blog up to date. Our website is also out of date, and we apologise for the inconvenience. All the latest news will be uploaded early in the New Year. In the meantime, here is an excerpt from the Village Appraisal Steering Group's first Newsletter. Volunteers are always needed, so why not attend the next Steering Group meeting on Thursday, 3rd January at the Heart of England Social Club from 7:30pm.

"A group of residents from Meriden Parish, which includes Meriden Village, Millisons Wood and surrounding areas, have come together to improve the area, its environment and the life of our community.

We’ve formed ourselves into a Steering Group and successfully applied for grants from the National Lottery Awards for All and from Solihull Borough Council. We are working very closely with Meriden Parish Council.

The first stage of our plan is to undertake an appraisal of Meriden Parish. This is a review, carried out by local people, of all aspects of the community – identifying its assets and strengths; its deficiencies, problems and needs; and its future challenges.

To start this off and to help us plan our further work, we have been asking people two simple, but challenging questions:

“What do you really like about Meriden / Millisons Wood?” and

“What would you wish to change to improve the area and its community?”

We have been discussing these questions with groups and organisations from all sections of our local community since November and will continue to do so into the early months of 2008. You may have seen our page in the Meriden Mag.

A number of other organisations have already contributed, including the Women’s Institute. If you belong to an organisation in the area that would like a speaker for a meeting or would like to contribute views at this stage, contact us (details below).

We’ve had tremendous cooperation from Meriden Primary School, where the children have given their views and we had a stall at the PTA’s school Christmas fete.

The answers to these questions will help us shape a questionnaire that we will be asking every household in the Parish to complete in the spring of 2008.

This is a most important part of the Appraisal as it will enable everyone (of all ages!) in the area to have a say.

Undertaking this survey is a big task and we need as much help as possible (we are all volunteers doing this in our spare time). If you would like to help distribute and collect questionnaires and/or help in any other way, just get in touch (details below). You will be very welcome – and it’s fun!

After further discussion and community engagement, the Appraisal will lead to a Plan for the area covered by Meriden Parish. This will be based on our collective vision for the future and will be a blueprint for action to improve Meriden and the life of our community".

Contact: Iain Roxburgh (Chair of Meriden Parish Appraisal)
Tel: 01676 522496, Email: IainRoxburgh@btinternet.com

And finally, from Meriden Parish Council, we wish you all a Happy New Year in 2008!

welcome to meridenparishcouncil village blog

2007-09-26T18:30:00.000+01:00

WELCOME!

This is our village blog for keeping you all up to date on the Meriden Parish Village Appraisal.

The Village Appraisal Steering Group want your views on what you want to happen in the parish in the short, medium and longterm.

We had a successful start to the process on 24 September 2007 where 29 residents signed up as volunteers to help in the planning process for the Appraisal. The first meeting is October 8th in the Village Hall and there is still time to volunteer if you can't make this date - let a Parish councillor know through email info@meridenparishcouncil.org.uk

We look forward to hearing your views.

Meriden Parish Council