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A sign that shows our PCC is failing to represent local people
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Above: a new sign has been put up outside Sutton Coldfield Police station and (inset) the Adjournment Debate in Parliament about the lack of consultation over the closure plan.
Two months ago, Sutton Coldfield residents were shocked to discover a ‘for sale’ sign had suddenly appeared outside the police station that has watched over the Royal Town since 1960.
This sign was part of a plan by the region’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to close the station - plans for which there has never been any public consultation. The sign also appeared without any notification to me, as the town’s MP, or Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council.
Its appearance led to calls for the PCC to attend a meeting of the Town Council to answer questions from worried Sutton residents and local councillors, and to an Adjournment Debate in Parliament during which I told MPs about local concerns over the closure plan, and the shocking lack of transparency.
Unfortunately, there is still yet to be any real consultation by the PCC on his plans, which have simply been presented as a ‘done deal’.
Local people have not been allowed to have their say on his proposals to turn some dilapidated old police houses at the rear of the site into a much smaller station.
This week, a new sign has appeared outside the station. While this latest sign tries to reassure residents that little will change, it offers scant detail on what any new station will offer. It is simply not good enough.
Crucially, it also sends another more concerning message – that the PCC is just not willing to listen to local people.
Sticking up a sign is in no way a suitable alternative to the kind of proper, transparent public consultation that should run alongside a plan of this nature. This is about the safety of Sutton Coldfield citizens, and their quality of life. They deserve to have their say, and have their questions answered.
I was part of the Cabinet that set up PCCs. PCCs are supposed to represent local people, reflect their views, and hold the performance of police to account. They are not supposed to represent the police, as our current PCC seems to be doing.
It doesn’t matter how many signs are erected in front of our Police Station; they won’t hide the fact that Sutton Coldfield residents are being ignored.
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Could you be a Cherished Mentor?
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Above: The new Connection Hub and (inset) with Cherished founder Hannah Simnett.
Visitors to the Gracechurch Centre will have seen the brilliant sight of the former empty Post Office transformed into a new Connection Hub, run by the inspirational Sutton-based charity Cherished.
So many local businesses helped create the Hub, along with the Gracechurch team. Cherished, which was recognised with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service last year, was set up by Hannah Simnett in 2012 to help marginalised girls - and some boys -with confidence, guidance, support and encouragement as they chart the difficulties of young life.
This kind of support service is vital for local youngsters, particularly given the toll the pandemic has taken on many of them by disrupting their formative years. This brilliant organisation now goes into virtually every school in the Royal Town and across Birmingham – that’s 70 schools in total.
Now, with their new base up and running, Cherished are looking for local people to train as mentors and support children from the connection Hub. They would provide one-to-one support to children who quite often simply want someone to talk to.
It’s a great way for the older generation to invest in the younger generation, offering a listening ear.
If you think you can help, you can find full details in the ‘further information’ section at the end of this message.
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‘Excitement and pride’ as the Royal Sutton School is reborn
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Above: Students at the Royal Sutton School show off their new uniforms outside the re-branded main entrance.
A ‘reborn’ Sutton Coldfield school which has been on a mission to drive up standards and instil pride has crowned its new era with a right Royal rebranding.
This month excited students proudly wore their new uniforms as they returned to the newly renamed Royal Sutton School to find the site revitalised by colourful new branding.
The site’s royal rebrand was completed over the summer holidays, meaning students at the former John Willmott School returned to an entirely new atmosphere.
I have followed the school’s inspirational journey to improvement very closely (earlier this year it received its first ever ‘Good’ Ofsted report) and I regularly visit - I last popped in to hear how students had written hundreds of letters to His Majesty the King, about their new ‘Royal’ name. I’m looking forward to visiting again soon.
Headteacher Nicola Gould said: “Not only are we the first school in Sutton to adopt the Royal name, we’ve also adopted the royal colours from the Tudor rose.
“It’s created a really positive new outlook for the school and reflects how we have been working to raise aspirations among the children, and enthuse the staff.
“It has been a long journey, but it has been wonderful to come back to school this September and see the changes and sense the difference it has made to everyone. There is a real buzz around the place.”
For the full story, click here: https://tinyurl.com/Royal-Sutton-School
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Above: On my last visit to what was then called John Wilmott School. Now, it is the Royal Sutton School, with a new name and new uniforms!
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Congratulations to local hero Harold Jones - BEM
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Above: With Harold Jones, the 101-year-old Sutton man who has been awarded a BEM.
I’m sure everyone in the Royal Town will join me in congratulating Harold Jones, the inspirational Sutton Coldfield army veteran, who is this month set to receive the British Empire Medal.
Harold, who is 101-years-old, was inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore to raise tens of thousands of pounds for Motor Neurone Disease by taking daily sponsored walks in his garden.
He chose to support the Motor Neurone Disease Association after losing three friends to this terrible disease, and hopes the money he raises will help sufferers, support their loved ones, research the cause of the illness, fund treatment and ultimately find a cure.
In February, I had the privilege of presenting Harold with a ‘Points of Light’ award on behalf of the Prime Minister, when I met him at St Columba’s Church in Banners Gate.
Now he will soon have the letters BEM after his name, after being recognised by the King for his efforts.
I look forward to seeing him again soon, to marvel at his new ‘gong’ and to read of his remarkable life – because a little bird tells me he has put pen to paper and written his autobiography!
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More trains thanks to Midlands Rail Hub
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Above: With our brilliant and much-missed former Mayor, Andy Street, at Sutton Train Station.
I am happy to report that a huge rail investment set in motion by the last Government will soon be having positive impact on local services.
Midlands Rail Hub is the flagship project of Midlands Connect and was given government funding earlier this year to progress.
It was one of the ambitious infrastructure projects that was championed by our former Mayor, Andy Street.
It will create nearly 20 million more seats on the railway every year and will enhance access to HS2 for 1.6 million more people. More than 12,750 jobs are expected to be created, including 300 apprentices, as a result from the Midlands Rail Hub programme. The project creates nearly 100 extra trains, every day, into and out of Birmingham.
Now, I have received confirmation of one of the first benefits Sutton Coldfield commuters will soon see on the Cross City line - an extra train every hour running from Redditch to Lichfield Trent Valley, stopping at all of Sutton’s stations.
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Heritage Week has me thinking about the future
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Above: Visiting New Hall Mill during Heritage Week.
I have received so many positive messages regarding last week’s Heritage Week, that I wanted to once again pass on my thanks to everyone who made it happen.
I was hugely impressed by all of the venues that I attended, and it seems that thousands of other Sutton residents felt the same way.
The Royal Town has a wonderful and unique history, but it is only thanks to the work of Sutton Coldfield Heritage Network, and all the brilliant individuals and groups who contribute to it, that we could celebrate it in such a powerful way.
Backed by funding from Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, they created a truly memorable week.
People are already looking ahead to next year – and beyond. As we approach the 500th anniversary of Sutton’s Royal Charter in 2028, I know that the future of our heritage is in safe hands.
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Why we must continue to back Ukraine
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Above: Members of Sutton-based North Birmingham 4 Ukraine on the spot where President Zelensky addressed both Houses of Parliament.
This week, in my role as Shadow Foreign Secretary, I contributed a column to the Conservative Home website on the need for the UK to continue its support for Ukraine.
Sutton Coldfield, and the broader West Midlands, has done much to support the people of Ukraine. Sutton Coldfield and surrounding areas are now host to one of the largest Ukranian communities in Birmingham.
North Birmingham 4 Ukraine for example, which is based in Sutton, helps Ukrainians integrate, provides a network to find hosts and gives language support among other services.
Earlier this year, I was delighted to invite 50 guests from the group to visit the Houses of Parliament for a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster. A highlight of the day was seeing the spot in Westminster Hall where President Zelensky stood and addressed both Houses of Parliament when he visited in 2022.
Now, however, I believe we are at an important point where we must ensure our commitment to support Ukraine does not waver.
In my column I recall the lessons I learned from older politicians who were part of the wartime generation: Appeasement must never be an option; red lines must never be crossed; bullies must always be faced down.
If you would like to read the column, please click here: https://tinyurl.com/Andrew-Mitchell-Ukraine
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Putting on the style to support Cancer Support Centre
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Sutton Coldfield Cancer Support Centre is organising a black tie ball this winter to raise funds for its important work supporting local people post-diagnosis.
I am privileged to be Patron of the centre, which is based in the same building as St Giles Hospice in Lindridge Road, and I know just how important it is as a locally-based service.
Set to be held at Aston Wood Golf Course, Blake Street, on Friday29th November, the dinner looks like not only being one of the biggest dates on the Royal Town’s calendar it will also support a brilliant local charity.
If you are looking for a glamorous, fun night out, I’d urge you to consider putting on your ‘glad rags’ and getting along to support the Cancer Centre.
Tickets are available individually or as a discounted table of 10 – see the ‘further information’ section at the end of this newsletter for more details.
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