31 January 2022
Andrew Mitchell MP visits Romulus FC Academy

Andrew Mitchell has visited Romulus FC Academy, situated off Lindridge Road in the Royal Town, and to meet with Chairman, Richard Evans, staff and students.

Andrew Mitchell MP visits Romulus FC

The Academy is a full-time education and football college for ages 16 to19 and has been up and running for eight years and Andrew spent a very enjoyable morning with them all. Forty students attend the Academy of whom 25 are Suttonians. The Academy has great plans for improving its facilities and working with Falcon Lodge.

Andrew said:

“I was taken on a tour around the site showing me the classrooms, changing rooms and clubhouse from where the students work from during

the weekdays. The students are offered various courses, mainly a BTEC level 3 & 2 in sports leisure. Two pitches provide a training area and on a Wednesday the scholars play in the Alliance League and College League. The home of Romulus Academy provides a safe environment for forty plus students where the emphasis is on full-time education with full-time football.”

Since the Romulus FC Academy was founded in 2014, it has continuously provided the local community with a legitimate pathway into the professional game, whilst simultaneously offering an opportunity into higher education.

Andrew added:

“Thank you to everyone who made me so welcome and I wish Romulus FC every success.”

PhotoAndrew Mitchell MP with students of Romulus FC Academy

Andrew Mitchell MP visits Romulus FC
17 January 2022
Andrew Mitchell MP visits New Oscott Primary School

Our MP, Andrew Mitchell, is a regular visitor to schools in the Royal Town and his latest visit was to the New Oscott Primary School where he met and talked with the Headteacher, Alison Walklett, and former Chairman and now Deputy Chair of Governors, Steve Wright.

Andrew Mitchell visits New Oscott Primary School and meets Headteacher Alison Walklett

During Andrew’s visit, he also spoke with several classes about the work they are doing and answered questions on the work he does as their MP in Parliament.

Andrew said,

“I am always very interested to learn how the schools in the Royal Town are getting on, particularly after the challenges they have been presented with over the last two years or so; and it is so good to be able to thank them for all their dedication and hard work.”

Photo: Andrew Mitchell with pupils and Headteacher Alison Walklett and Deputy Chair of Governors Steve Wright.

17 January 2022
Andrew Mitchell MP supports Veganuary

Andrew Mitchell, our Royal Town’s Member of Parliament, is supporting Veganuary by visiting restaurants in the constituency such as Quinto Lounge.

Andrew Mitchell visits the Quinto Lounge for Veganuary

Veganuary is an annual challenge run by a UK nonprofit organisation that promotes and educates about veganism by encouraging people to follow a vegan lifestyle for the month of January. Since the event began in 2014, participation has increased each year. 400,000 people signed up to the 2020 campaign. The campaign estimated this represented the carbon dioxide equivalent of 450,000 flights and the lives of more than a million animals. Veganuary can also refer to the event itself.

Andrew said,

“I am supporting local restaurants engaged in Veganuary and thank you to Lauren and Jack for being so welcoming and serving such sumptuous food. I encourage everyone to join the event if they are able”.

Photo: Quinto Lounge with staff Lauren Gwilt and Jack Smith

6 December 2021
Andrew Mitchell supports Small Business Saturday

This year’s Small Business Saturday was held on 4th December to support and celebrate small businesses right across the UK.

Andrew Mitchell MP and Phil Rogers of Brummie Honey

We all know the impact that COVID-19 has had on our small businesses, and we have all been humbled by the resilience, resolve and determination they have shown in innovating and adapting to the challenges of the pandemic.

Small Business Saturday 2021 was an opportunity to show our continued support and encourage our local communities to do so as well. The significance of Small Business Saturday is even more pronounced this year, as small businesses use these crucial winter months of trading to recover from the pandemic. It’s vital that we help small businesses grow and thrive again.

Andrew said:

“I wholeheartedly support the small businesses in our Royal Town and am always very keen to meet as many of them as I can.  A particularly sweet visit on Friday was to a Vesey based cottage industry called ‘Brummie Honey’ run by Bee Keeper Phil Rogers together with his wife Ann and their daughter Faith; and having purchased one of their 1lb jars, I can thoroughly recommend their delicious produce!  Brummie Honey has 20 hives in and around Sutton which produce 800 pounds of honey per annum with their main sales via Facebook and Instagram being in June, July and August.” 

www.brummiehoney.com

3 December 2021
Andrew Mitchell says thank you to Dr Rahul Dubb and his team for all their hard work with the Covid-19 vaccination programme

Sutton Coldfield MP, Andrew Mitchell has received both his flu and booster jabs this week at the Town Hall and heard first hand how the rollout programme is progressing.

Andrew Mitchell thanks Dr Rahul Dubb and his team

Andrew said:

“My thanks to Dr. Rahul Dubb and his team for all the work they are doing.  I was very interested to hear how things are going on the front line in Sutton Coldfield and commend the magnificent response they have mounted to the new Omicron variant.”

Dr. Dubb added:

“We are planning to continue to work 6-7 days a week to increase the capacity at the Town Hall as space allows.  We have added to our vaccinating and administrative teams to enable this work to be carried out whilst also managing our housebound patients and an ever busier GP practice.  In order to achieve this, we are prioritising vaccinations by most at risk and age groups and our aim is to get the booster programme rolled out in the very tight timescales needed.

“To help us, may I please urge people to be patient as we will contact you to book an appointment.  Meanwhile, please maintain vigilance in hand hygiene, face masks social distancing as per the government guidance.”

Dr. Dubb stressed:

“Please be assured, that with everyone’s patience, we shall endeavour to complete this booster push at pace.”

15 November 2021
Andrew Mitchell addresses royal town’s Probus Club’s 50th anniversary dinner

Sutton Coldfield’s Probus Club recently celebrated 50 years since its formation, marking the occasion with a dinner at Moor Hall Golf Club.

Andrew Mitchell MP with attends Probus Club's 50th anniversary dinner

Probus Clubs are groups for retired or semi-retired people from all walks of life and include many business and professional people.

Eighty-one members and guests joined the evening and attendees heard from the guest of honour Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP. Andrew responded to the toast of “Guests and Members” by giving an illuminating speech about his ongoing plans for the revitalization of the Royal Town.

Following the meal, entertainment was provided by Sean Carpenter a skilled table magician and music for dancing was provided by Ian Casey.

Andrew Mitchell MP said,

“I very much enjoyed speaking to the Royal Town’s Probus Club on the occasion of their 50th anniversary dinner. I would like to thank members for their warm welcome and to all the organisers for creating such a wonderful evening!”

Photo: Pictured with Andrew Mitchell MP are Mike Stanley, Pam Stanley, Roger Small, Pat Small, Andrew Mitchell, Lyn Elks, Martin Addinell, Andrew Pike, Roger Lucas, Freda Williams 

15 November 2021
Andrew Mitchell MP pays tribute to Royal Sutton Coldfield’s service men and women on Remembrance Sunday  

Andrew Mitchell MP joined Royal Town residents in paying tribute to service men and women at Sutton Coldfield’s official Remembrance Day ceremony on Sunday.

Remembrance Service 2021

A series of wreaths were laid by Group Captain Stewart DL, the Royal Town Council’s Mayor Terry Wood, the Town’s MP Andrew Mitchell, and the West Midlands Mayor Andy Street.

Speaking at the British Legion club in the Royal Town after the church service and parade, to veterans and their families, Andrew Mitchell thanked all those responsible for the work done throughout the Town to help and support those who have served their country in the military services.

Andrew Mitchell said:

“I am always proud to have the opportunity to pay my respects, on behalf of the Royal Town, to the Fallen and those brave men and women from all walks of life who gave their lives to protect our freedom.

“While Covid 19 meant that the full schedule of Remembrance Day activities did not take place this year, the service and the laying of the wreaths were still incredibly poignant and a fitting tribute to all those that have served our country.”

Andy Street said:

“Remembrance Day is an incredibly special occasion and I was glad to have the opportunity to join the service at Holy Trinity in Sutton Coldfield this year and to give thanks to all those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

Photo: Pictured with Andrew Mitchell are (from left to right), Revd Canon John Routh Rector, Holy Trinity Parish Church;  Mrs Pauline Wood; Councillor Terry Wood, Mayor of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield; Group Captain Stewart DL; Roy Hubbard Royal British legion – Sutton Coldfield Branch; Andy Street, West Midlands Mayor; and Simon Ward, Leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council.

 

1 November 2021
Andrew Mitchell MP welcomes spending commitments for Sutton Coldfield and the West Midlands in the Autumn Budget

Last week the Chancellor delivered the Autumn Budget and Spending Review, setting out the Government’s plans to support the economy as it continues to recover from the pandemic.

The West Midlands has been given a billion pounds of funding to expand the region’s tram, train, bus and cycle networks and support an environmentally friendly transport revolution.  Andy Street and the West Midlands Combined Authority secured the money from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement fund. The funding will enable work to progress on the Royal Sutton Coldfield town centre regeneration plans.

Following the Chancellor’s speech, Andrew spoke in the first day of the Budget debate. Andrew welcomed a significant boost to transport funding for the West Midlands as well as other measures that will benefit Suttonians.

Andrew Mitchell MP said “I welcome the Chancellor’s strong commitment to the West Midlands in the Budget. The money that has been provided through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement fund will help transform many local transport plans across our region and will be vital as we progress our town centre regeneration strategy.

Money from the fund will enable Sutton Coldfield to start major work on our town centre renewal. The plan is all set, and taxpayers’ money is now needed to address some of the key transport issues. This funding will make all the difference.

The skills agenda is vital for local businesses and it was good to see it feature so centrally in the Budget. The Prime Minister singled out Andy Street, our West Midlands Mayor, for his work on boot camps for digital retraining; a great example of innovation in the West Midlands which is now being rolled out nationally. These types of projects are incredibly important if we are to capture the vital growth that is required to ensure that we can secure new jobs and high-quality inward investment in the West Midlands.

House building is another priority locally, with demand for new homes increasing so I also welcomed significant Government investment in the building of new homes on brownfield sites.

We are looking for a £200 million accelerator in the West Midlands so that we can ensure that new homes are built while at the same time protecting our green belt. Locally we have one of the biggest house building programmes in the country at Langley, on Sutton Coldfield’s green belt. It is important that we focus on brownfield development, with houses built in the right places.

In the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield we have four particular priorities: the town centre, the Cottage Hospital, our Royal Park and the Town Hall. They all require, for the development and the aspirations that we have for them, a little bit of taxpayers’ money, and I am glad to see a number of regional and national announcements in the Budget that will have a positive impact locally. “

Some of the key announcements for the West Midlands included:

  • (Announced ahead of the Budget) The West Midlands has been handed a billion pounds of funding to expand the region’s tram, train, bus and cycle networks and drive a green transport revolution.  Andy Street and the West Midlands Combined Authority secured the money from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement fund.
  • £1.05 billion for Birmingham City Council over five years to transform local transport networks, for schemes such as the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill metro expansion and Sprint Phase 2.
  • Over £270 million of local roads maintenance funding between 2022-23 and 2024-25 and over £40 million for smaller transport improvement priorities through the Integrated Transport Block for Local Authorities in the West Midlands not receiving City Region Settlements.
  • £196 million for eleven projects through the first tranche of the £4.8 billion Levelling Up Fund – including £19.9 million to improve the A457 Dudley Road in Birmingham, £16 million to regenerate the Goods Yard in Stoke-on-Trent, and £20 million to develop a City Learning Quarter in Wolverhampton.
  • 10 new Community Diagnostic Centres will be built across the Midlands, expanding diagnostic capacity across the country whilst targeting investment at areas of deprivation.
  • £400 million of new funding for the British Business Bank’s Midlands Engine Investment Fund.
  • The West Midlands will also benefit from: a share of the £2.6 billion UK Shared Prosperity Fund – focused on helping people into jobs and supporting businesses across the UK; £560 million funding for the Youth Investment Fund and National Citizen Service; and £5 billion for Project Gigabit, rolling out gigabit capable broadband for homes and businesses across the UK.
28 October 2021
Andrew Mitchell MP visits Royal Town’s John Willmott School

Andrew Mitchell MP visited the John Willmott school to meet staff and sixth form pupils, including many students who are new arrivals to Sutton Coldfield.

The sixth form at the school has grown significantly and has doubled in size to 100 pupils in recent years with the school adding further academic subjects to the curriculum including geography and history.

Fewer than half of the current cohort were born in Sutton Coldfield and the school has seen a lot of new arrivals from Hong Kong, Nigeria and Portugal with some families making their school applications before they arrive.

During his visit Andrew met the school captains Yasmine, Reuben, Harry & Morgan who are studying a wide variety of subjects.

Andrew spoke about his role as a Member of Parliament, his focus on Sutton Coldfield and some current local issues. He was quizzed by pupils on subjects including the ways in which MPs can represent their constituents, support for asylum seekers, regeneration of our local town centre, assisted suicide and apprenticeships.

Andrew Mitchell said, “It was good to be back at the John Willmott school and to have the opportunity to meet the current sixth form and brilliant school captains. The school continues to grow from strength to strength and it was excellent to see the ways in which the staff are supporting pupils, particularly those that are new arrivals to our Royal Town.”

Andrew Mitchell MP visits John Willmott School
Andrew Mitchell MP visits John Willmott School
20 October 2021
Andrew Mitchell MP opens newly refurbished Shrubbery School building

A Sutton school has paid a moving tribute to its founder by naming a newly-refurbished building after her.

Andrew Mitchell MP at the opening of Rankin House at the Shrubbery School

Janice Rankin founded The Shrubbery, Sutton’s oldest independent school, in 1930, in the Walmley home where she lived with her family.

And last week Sutton MP Andrew Mitchell officially opened the refurbished building – now called Rankin House – cheered on by the entire school.

Mr Mitchell said:

“Miss Rankin was a true educational pioneer and much-loved by the pupils she taught over many decades.

“It was a privilege to open Rankin House and to see how the school she created nearly a century ago is thriving in the 21st century.”

Miss Rankin, who died in 1997 had only one pupil when the school first opened, a little girl called Eileen King, teaching her in a single classroom in the now listed house.

Headteacher Amanda Lees said:

“We are really grateful to Mr Mitchell for coming along and helping us celebrate Miss Rankin’s achievements, and the children really enjoyed learning about how she created their school.”

Shrubbery CEO Craig Johnson said: “It was great to see Rankin House opened – the refurbishments include everything from a new reception area and security system to wood panelling that celebrates the heritage of this historic building.

“However, Rankin House is just the start of exciting investment in The Shrubbery as the school prepares for its second century of educating local youngsters.”

Andrew Mitchell MP at the opening of Rankin House at the Shrubbery School
Andrew Mitchell MP at the opening of Rankin House at the Shrubbery School