I have written extensively about the failures of Birmingham council in respect of our Park and the efforts I have tried to make - so far unsuccessful but I am never put off - to put the Park on a more sustainable footing. 

This would involve a Trust arrangement between Birmingham City Council and Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council (RSCTC) with the third party being a national body - expert in open and historic spaces like ours - who could also contribute funding.

Simon Ward, the leader of RSCTC and his colleagues have commissioned significant work on how to implement this, but sadly Birmingham not only failed to engage properly but unforgivably sat on the matter for well over a year, not allowing anyone else to help develop the idea and take it forward.

I asked Richard Parkin, one of our energetic and effective councillors who sits on both BCC and RSCTC, to take up the story and this is what he has said :-

'In February 2021 Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council commissioned an independent investigation into the condition of Sutton Park, managed by Birmingham City Council (BCC).

The conclusions of the 179-page report were damning.

Over 60% of the area of the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) within the Park was found to be in ‘unfavourable declining’ condition, caused largely by water pollution. No part of the SSSI was classed as being in ‘favourable’ condition.

Infrastructure was lacking investment and the report warned that this work was ‘likely to become increasingly urgent as structures deteriorate’.

At BCC’s request the Town Council presented alternative governance models for Sutton Park in a follow-up report in January 2022. It recommended the Park be put into a Trust including the Town Council and a national body with specific expertise to attract more investment.

Both independent reports fell on deaf ears in Birmingham.

The Trust model was eventually rejected by the BCC Cabinet Member for Environment in a two-page cursory letter in May last year. He summarily dismissed all the evidence that clearly showed the proposals would add additional financial strength and resources to the Park.

Which brings us to where we are today. Unsurprisingly the Park has deteriorated further because of the continued lack of investment from BCC.

All that remains of the so-called Commonwealth Games legacy is a car park at Boldmere Gate, whilst BCC has scandalously allowed the rest of the Park to fall into further rack and ruin.

Water pollution remains. The infrastructure is collapsing with roads in the Park almost impassable with crater-sized potholes. The ‘temporary’ fencing covering gaps in broken fences around the Park perimeter has become a permanent fixture.

There are signs of decay and dilapidation everywhere you look. The Park stands as a testament to broken Birmingham.

And to further test the patience of residents, as a result of the self-inflicted financial crisis at BCC the City Council is now planning to introduce car parking charges in Sutton Park next year.

Residents will soon be paying for the privilege of using the Park with their cash disappearing into a bottomless pit in Birmingham to pay for the City Council’s mistakes, not for any Park improvements.’

However, the effects of all of this are now being visited on the Royal Town’s Sea Rangers who have provided superb opportunities for local young people in our Town for 40 years.

I hope to visit the Sea Rangers shortly to discuss this with them in person.

Again, Cllr Richard Parkin takes up this dreadful story.

‘Even community groups operating in the Park are not safe from BCC’s ineptitude.

We have heard this week that the Sea Rangers are being forced to leave their home of 40 years at Boldmere Gate because BCC has increased their peppercorn rent from £1 to £6,000 – a staggering 600,000 per cent increase, surely a record even by BCC’s low standards.

The SRS Urchin Sea Rangers have been paying the peppercorn rent to BCC for 20 years without any issues. But after being served with a ‘notice to quit’ the group cannot afford the exorbitant rental increase. The Rangers have been forced to leave their own building where they hold weekly sessions for girls aged 9 to 21. The building will now be left empty.

Lack of investment. Poor management. Declining infrastructure. Car parking charges. Forcing out community groups run by volunteers trying to improve the lives of children. The catastrophic list of BCC failings across the Park is an absolute disgrace.

Birmingham cannot be allowed to continue with its dereliction of duty in failing to look after Sutton Park. The Town Council and MP Andrew Mitchell will continue to press the Commissioners to agree to alternative governance models for the Park. 

Despite its current troubles Sutton Park remains the jewel in the Royal Town’s crown, a constant calming presence throughout our Town’s history. It is Sutton Coldfield’s most important natural asset and needs to be preserved for the enjoyment of visitors, residents and their families, and for generations to come.’

Parliament is currently in recess and therefore the House of Commons is not sitting.

However, as well as my constituency work throughout Sutton Coldfield, my ministerial work continues. This week I have been on ministerial business in Tanzania and Rwanda.

Yesterday we were able to announce life-saving support for women and girls in Tanzania.

This aims to protect mothers and babies, tackle diseases, and boost access to green energy. 

UK funding announced today will help reduce maternal deaths in Tanzania, creating a safer environment for women and their children.

You can read more about it here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-announces-life-saving-support-for-women-and-girls-in-tanzania

While in Tanzania I also opened the new British Embassy in Dodoma:
 

Deaths of aid workers working for World Central Kitchen in Gaza

On Tuesday, I called the Israeli Ambassador to the Foreign Office after the appalling deaths of British aid workers working in Gaza.

I set out the government’s unequivocal condemnation of the appalling killing of 7 World Central Kitchen aid workers, including 3 British nationals. I requested a quick and transparent investigation, shared with the international community, and full accountability.

I reiterated the need for Israel to put in place an effective deconfliction mechanism immediately and urgently to scale up humanitarian access. We need to see an immediate humanitarian pause, to get aid in and the hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable ceasefire.

‘Your Community, Your Fund’ annual scheme

In conjunction with the Department for Transport, West Midlands Railway have announced funding for community rail projects, with grants between £10-100,000. This scheme which offers support to projects which benefit both rail passengers and local communities and has already supported a number of community-led projects in recent years.

Previously, projects have included enhancing Smethwick Rolfe Street with bedders, planters and artwork and the opening of a new tea room at Bricket Wood station in Hertfordshire. 

The deadline for applications is 11.59pm Tuesday 16 April. 

For more information visit www.wmr.uk/ycyf.

Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System’s Fairer Futures Fund

This ringfenced £22.2m Fund first launched in 2022, with various funding streams awarded up until 2027 for projects which will improve the health and wellbeing of citizens across Birmingham and Solihull; reduce health inequalities and support communities to stay well.

Applications are now open for public and VCFSE sector organisations in Birmingham to bid for Citywide Small Grants being made available via the Fairer Futures Fund.

A total of £2.46million is available through the new Citywide Small Grants, with organisations in Birmingham able to bid for up to £15,000 per year, or up to a maximum of £45,000 for individual projects over a three-year delivery period.

The deadline for applications for the Citywide Small Grants scheme is 5pm on 12 July 2024. For more information on how to apply, visit the Heart of England Community Foundation website (https://www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk/ffcw-small-grants/)

A free workshop is being held on 8 April 2024 to help organisations understand how to apply for the Citywide Small Grants. Organisations can register to attend here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fairer-futures-fund-citywide-small-grants-workshop-tickets-861400119947?aff=oddtdtcreator

World Parkinson’s Day

Coffee Morning, St Columba’s Church Hall:

MMR immunisation and measles awareness

Measles is circulating in the West Midlands, and the MMR vaccination provides the best protection against measles.

Please be aware of measles symptoms: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/

If you think you or your child may have measles, contact your GP practice but do not visit unless instructed, as measles can spread to others easily, and 1 in 15 children can develop serious complications, such as meningitis and blindness.

For protection against measles, contact your GP practice to get your MMR immunisations.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/46QPPn1

As your MP I am here to help. If you feel I can assist with any concerns, please do not hesitate to get in contact by emailing me on andrew.mitchell.mp@parliament.uk