Firefighters have been battling a large bungalow fire in Solihull, which has almost completely destroyed the property. Fire Crews from Billesley, Highgate, Kings Norton and Solihull were called to the scene on Tythe Barn Lane, Dickens Heath, at 4.43am this morning. Eight firefighters in breathing apparatus were deployed to tackle the blaze in which an…

A cancer survivor from Solihull has set up her own charity to raise money for the hospital services which have helped save her life. Jackie Stretton was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in April 2012 and had to undergo an operation and gruelling chemotherapy treatment. The 70-year-old said she would not have got through her illness…

The police watchdog has chosen not to launch an inquiry into the circumstances of a suspected double murder in Solihull which occurred shortly after officers left the scene. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said the deaths of Pin Chang, 58, and his 50-year-old wife Quoi, would now be subject to a local conduct investigation…

Campaigners took to the streets of Balsall Common last weekend in a bid to force a Government rethink following the recent opening of Birmingham Airport’s runway extension – it has triggered waves of complaints of alleged noise nuisance from planes taking off at the airport. Angry residents are raising a protest petition to be sent…

Work is now underway on 106 new homes on a former school site in North Solihull. Digby Court will be built on the grounds of the former Bishop Wilson School in Pike Drive following the school’s move to new premises in nearby Chelmund’s Cross. Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council approved plans for the development in April…

An elite Royal Marine from Solihull on a special forces “escape and evasion” training exercise in Wales died after falling more than 100ft down a steep gorge at night, an inquest has heard today. 25-year-old Ashley Hicks, who was described as “exceptionally capable,” was leading a six-man team in October 2012 and stepped over a…

An investigation has been launched by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) following a double stabbing in Solihull last week. Pin Chang aged 58 and his wife Quoi Chang aged 50 died from stab wounds at their home on Hermitage Road early in the morning of Monday 7th July. Their son was found seriously injured….

A former drug addict who injected £200 of crack and heroin a day at his lowest point is set to graduate from university with a first class degree. Jason Turner, of Damson Wood, Solihull, was hooked on drugs for 22 years and turned to crime to feed his habit. The 44-year-old was in and out…

Fast food giant KFC has won its bid for a new restaurant next to Shirley Heath Junior School. The proposal came under massive fire from campaigners and the local community – mostly because of its close proximity to the school. And Solihull Council supported their calls when its planning committee rejected the application. But KFC…

A cruel rogue trader who ripped off an elderly resident with sky-high fees for shoddy work has been jailed following a West Midlands Police investigation. Harry Smith preyed on vulnerable people − including Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers − he could talk into home maintenance that surveyors later deemed extortionately priced, often unnecessary, and potentially damaging…