I LIVE in Northbrook Road Solihull and have recently been watching young foxes playing in my garden.
They have been bringing in litter and other things they have found.
Worryingly, this has included a split packet of rat poison (Pest Expert Formula B). This is professional grade and should only be used in a bait box. It is harmful to children, pets and “non-target species”.
My local Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator has sent out an email warning but this covers a very limited area. I have twice left messages for Solihull Council Environmental Health but have had no response.
The important issue is that poison is being kept insecurely where it can be taken by foxes.
M Nichols, Solihull
I COMMEND the high quality multi disciplinary care that I received at Solihull hospital recently following abdominal surgery.
Great thanks goes to the skill of the surgeons – Mr Dattani and Mr Karandikar, and the team work and dedication of all the staff who work on the Enhanced Peri operative care ward.
The specialist care from the nurses, anaesthetists, ward doctors, radiologists, ancillary staff were all exceptional which led to a shortened hospital stay.
Thank you again.
F Oakes, Solihull
WHAT is it with the M42 these days? So many times there appears to be ‘phantom’ jams, particularly when travelling north from the M42 / M40 junction.
On Monday this week the warning signs were flashing after Junction 3 – it was midday and there appeared to be no obvious hold-up, and yet we crawled all the way to the Shirley turn off before a brief acceleration to junction 5 and Solihull and then it was hold-ups again.
I also wish that whoever is controlling the speed limit numbers on the overheard gantries could provide some stepped consistency instead of going in jumps of 20 mph as happens some time.
You have written in the past of the dangers of Solihull ‘overheating’ and it seems, the M42 traffic jams are the first sign of it.
Goodness knows what will happen when UK Central opens and we have everyone going to and from there plus all the HS2 traffic.
T Walker, Shirley
The UK Wide Cycle Ride challenge returns this September – and it is the perfect opportunity for people from the Midlands to take their fitness up a gear, while raising money for Diabetes UK along the way.
Challengers can pick from one of four virtual distances, ranging from 150 miles for beginners through to 950 miles for more experienced cyclists, and have the entire month to clock up the mileage.
Cycling is a fantastic way to help you get fit and healthy, to have fun and set yourself a goal. And with autumn on the way, bringing slightly cooler weather, this challenge comes at the perfect time for anyone looking to saddle up and give it a try.
You can cycle the miles however you wish over the 30 days of September, by embracing the outdoors or staying at home and using an exercise bike.
There is no registration fee and no minimum sponsorship.
So please sign up to the UK Wide Cycle Ride at cycle.diabetes.org.uk. Your support can change lives.
P Shorrick, Diabetes UK
THE GCSE results highlight the resilience and determination of our country’s young people, who on average have missed 14 weeks of learning. At Nacro, our Further Education and Skills Centres teach some of the most disadvantaged 16–19-year-olds. Around 50% of our students started the pandemic without a digital device or Wi-Fi to study on. Yet today, despite coming to us without GCSEs in English and maths, they have gone to achieve great re-sit results, with an increase of high passes 4 and above. For them this is the golden ticket to a good job or further education.
This success has been a result of the hard work and determination of our learners, with support from our staff. But it has been bolstered by the use of the Government’s recovery tuition funding. Early analysis shows those who took part in the scheme achieved 15 per cent higher pass rates compared to those who did not.
We now need this funding boost to become permanent for those who need to fill gaps in learning or faced multiple barriers to education and skills.
L Capper MBE
Director of Skills and Education, Nacro
WITH National Grief Awareness Day on August 30, I’d like to highlight Cats Protection’s grief support service for cat owners.
Now in its fifth year, Paws to Listen is there for anyone facing the heartbreak of losing their cat, struggling with issues like euthanasia, or whose cat has gone missing.
It is a free and confidential service, connecting callers with a volunteer listener over the telephone or via email.
Pet loss is not always fully recognised in society as a significant loss, causing many to be reluctant to talk about their grief.
Additionally, Covid restrictions in the past year or so have often meant that people could not be with their pets at the point of euthanasia, which has compounded people’s grief.
The Paws to Listen phone line is open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) and can be reached on 0800 024 94 94. Alternatively, people can get in touch via an online form at: www.cats.org.uk/grief
C Joyce, Cats Protection
