I regularly use public transport and I am writing about the changes in times and, in particular, the route of the number 31 bus.
The powers that be have decided to terminate the bus at Solihull station so there is no service into Solihull town centre. That means a 10 minute walk to the shops and back (when you have bags of shopping). I though the general idea was to encourage the public to use public transport!
My neighbour who is over 90 will no longer be able to use this service for Solihull shopping as it is too far for her to walk. This must apply to lots of people – the bus comes from Acocks Green.
Generally I have noticed most people wish to travel into the centre of the town and only a few alight at the station. So why and how was this decision made?
And I am dismayed there are now only two buses and hour. This area is not well served by public transport (the number 30 is not reliable and there are only two and hour).
Service is defined in the dictionary as ‘to meet a general need’. I hope Network West Midlands will think again.
Geraldine Brook
Solihull
On behalf of SSAFA (The Armed Forces Charity), I wish to thank the residents and visitors to Solihull who contributed to the annual Flag Day held in the town centre on July 28. Their generosity raised a total of £580.02 for the benefit of our clients living within the Borough of Solihull.
Christine Mulira
Chairman Solihull SSAFA Branch
As a keen walker I’m delighted to be supporting Bowel Cancer UK and Beating Bowel Cancer’s Walk Together to save lives and improve the quality of life for all those affected by the disease.
My mum was diagnosed with bowel cancer and is thankfully now recovered, so I know how important it is to raise awareness.
Walk Together is a perfect opportunity to bring people together from all “walks” of life, to show our support for those undergoing treatment, remember loved ones and help stop people dying from bowel cancer. It’s a sponsored walk for people of all ages and abilities.
Bowel cancer is the UK’s fourth most common cancer and the second biggest cancer killer. Every year almost 42,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer and more than 16,000 people die from the disease. However it’s treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early.
Sign up to the walk in London on Saturday 15 September or to receive a fundraising pack with everything you need to hold your own memorable walk, visit: bowelcanceruk.org.uk/walktogether
If you need inspiration on walks in your area, visit The Outdoor Guide: theoutdoorguide.co.uk
Julia Bradbury
TV presenter and co-founder of walking site The Outdoor Guide
Just after her first birthday, my daughter Shakeerah was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She wasn’t expected to survive.
Shakeerah is now six. She’s a bundle of joy but her disability has impacted on almost every area of our lives. She has a tracheostomy, uses a ventilator overnight, is fed through a plastic tube in her tummy, and bears scars around her head from numerous operations (45 and counting).
I didn’t think about carers before Shakeerah came along. To be honest, I probably wouldn’t have thought it a particularly hard way of living. Never would I have imagined how complicated it is, or how relentless the battle for support. On top of the 24/7 care, endless appointments, and military planning needed to master medication timetables, equipment and or even leaving the house, there are a plethora of forms to complete, referrals and regulations to navigate. Although Councils have a duty to provide care for disabled children and their families, budget cuts mean these services are harder to find. Yet they are our lifeline!
Short breaks provide children like my daughter with a safe environment, allowing her to interact with other children and participate in activities tailored to her abilities. Shakeerah comes home with biscuits she’s decorated, plants she’s potted, and a huge grin. And I feel recharged and ready for the next challenge.
We need your help. The Children’s Trust, the charity that provides Shakeerah with short breaks, has launched The Little Break Appeal. Please help us raise £100,000 to ensure that families get the support they desperately need. You can donate online www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk.
Yasmeen Crowther
Shakeerah’s Mum
