A martial arts-trained man fought off four machete-wielding robbers who forced their way into his Solihull home demanding money. The masked men broke into David Pugh’s property in Catherine-de-Barnes in the early hours of Tuesday (13th February) also armed with baseball bats and golf clubs. Mr Pugh, 55, who is trained in Krav Maga, said…

Solihull is one of the first places outside London to create special crossings that include cycle lanes – known as parallel crossings. The five parallel crossings in north Solihull, combine a traditional pedestrian zebra crossing with a parallel cycle lane. This gives cyclists the same priority as pedestrians so stops any confusion drivers might have…

Churchill Retirement Living has celebrated the opening of its new Woolmans Lodge development in Shirley. Over 140 visitors attended the grand opening of the purpose built retirement development on Solihull Road – where potential purchasers were given the opportunity to view the new sales centre and show apartment, before being treated to sparkling wine and…

A “loud and aggressive” dog called Simba must die after biting a warden and putting neighbours in fear, senior judges have ruled. The Bullmastiff-Dogue de Bordeaux cross is the beloved pet of Balsall Common woman, Abbie Killeen, and she has campaigned to save his life. But, while recognising the “distress” caused to Mrs Killeen and…

Peaky Blinders founder Steven Knight has revealed more about the massive TV and film studio he plans to build in the West Midlands. The Brummie writer said he wants the studio, with six sound stages, to be up-and running in the next two years. And, after this ringing endorsement of the region’s creative industry, he…

Police have launched an investigation after reports that a woman was sexually assaulted in Kingshurst on Sunday (4th February). It is believed that the 26-year-old was walking home through Babbs Mill Recreation Ground at around 9pm when she was attacked. Detective Inspector Westley Martin, from Solihull’s Public Protection Unit, said: “Police were alerted to the…

The team behind Zindiya in Moseley are set to open a new restaurant in Solihull this April. The Tap & Tandoor will replace The Saddlers Arms. Located on Warwick Road near Mell Square Shopping Centre, The Saddlers Arms closed permanently in May 2017 citing tough trading conditions. The new venue, which has been dubbed by…

Parents have hit out over selfish parking at a Solihull school where there are said to be 450 car spaces within a five-minute walk. Mums and dads said they feared it was only a “matter of time” before someone was injured outside Monkspath Junior and Infant School. Now a school governor, Councillor Ken Hawkins, has…

Two kind-hearted volunteers from npower’s Solihull Office have been recognised for their ongoing work with Macmillan Cancer Support by HRH The Prince of Wales. Sam Schiaffino and Linda Owen were invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace on 31st January hosted by HRH The Prince of Wales, where their life-changing contributions to helping people living…

Forecasts that current cold weather is here to stay for a while have prompted Public Health England (PHE) to urge people to check on older friends, family and neighbours, who may feel isolated. The Met Office has said that cold conditions, presently affecting the West Midlands region and all other parts of the country, are…