Posted Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Cyclesolihull is arranging one of their Community Cycle Rides from Dickens Heath on Wednesday 7 May, leaving from outside the library at 7 pm. It will be a 9 mile ride out to Tanworth and Earlswood Lakes with a refreshment stop. It is suitable for all types of cyclist and there is no need to book - just turn up for a pleasant ride in the countryside with a few other people. Further details from www.cyclesolihull.org.uk
Steve

Posted Monday, April 7, 2008
174/173 Bus Service
Melissa my daughter attends Solihull 6th Form College and uses the bus. I agreed it doesn't run every half hour but in the morning the bus goes through the village at 8:24 and gets into Solihull at 8:52 if that's any good. Coming back you can catch the 16: 35 or 17:50 which gets in the village at 16:54 and 18:09 respectively. For a bus time table try www.networkwestmidlands.com
Gary Smith

Posted Monday, March 24, 2008
I have live in dickens heath for 4 years and love the place... it is so quiet there, i just hope it stays that way:)
Claire

Posted Wednesday, March 19, 2008
What Gets Me Down About Dickens Heath ?
Having lived in DHV for 6 years I find that the otherwise cordial lifestyle is spoiled by:
Speeding Traffic: Idiots with more money that their intelligence and behaviour would suggest suitable, driving like chav boy racers around the tight bends and curves of the village; mobile phones inevitably in hand.  Nobody seems to want to take ownership of this problem.  The Council witters on about the road layout being designed so as to prevent speeding.  In reality, the cretins who treat the village as a race track use the bends as an extra challenge.  It'll end in a tragedy soon.  I just hope not for my children.
School Run Traffic: Despite all properties being a spit away from the school, every morning the length of Three Acres Lane is a sea of cars straddled hither and thither.  God forbid that anyone should actually walk for 5 minutes.
Ghost Town: The repeated failure of businesses in Main Street is symptomatic of the burdensome cost of running a commercial concern under a cloud of oppressive rents and associated costs.  I fear we live in a ghost town in the making.  I wonder if the landlords even care?
Dickens Heath can and should be outstanding.  A common sense of responsibility can help it become so.
Chris S, Dickens Heath resident.

Posted Monday, March 3, 2008
Phil the Walker - keep on walking (the opposite way hopefully)
Bobby

Posted Monday, March 3, 2008
I have been living in dickens heath for about 7 years and everyone has said there will be a bus service which will take us to towards solihull way and back to dickens heath but i have not yet seen a good bus service out of the time i have lived in dickens heath. The bus service at the moment is awful as it runs every now and again and not even at specific times such as every half hour, i dont like living in dickens heath as it is so far away from everything i wouldnt mind though if their was a good bus service travlling into and out of the village. I am currently at solihull sixth form college and i find it hard to get their and back home on time as i am only able to catch the 4 bus which is a 20 minute walk to get to. We need to try and find a solution for us teenagers and adults who cant drive to be able to get into and out of the village to be able to get to work, college and school!!!!!
Melissa E

Posted Monday, March 3, 2008
I've been living in Dickens Heath for about 6 months and all i can say is that most of the people on here who are complaining must have had a very fortunate life to feel that there is anything really worth moaning abut in the area.
Maybe business's are not surviving, and maybe there are a few 'youths' occasionally in the area but speaking as someone who has had to work extremely hard to get out of 'the real world' and move into somewhere as safe and inviting as Dickens Heath, you really need to open your eyes to the state rest of the country and the appalling conditions some people are unfortunate enough to have to live in and maybe you will see just how good you have it.
Matt

Posted Monday, February 25, 2008
What the Dickens? I am an avid walker & have recently decided to have a stroll through Dickens Heath. I can honestly say I've never seen a place like this! My first impressions were good, very clean, very tidy etc, but as I continued my walk I noticed something else. The place began to look very bland, very false. I failed to see a single person. I began to feel uneasy. I approached the village shops. A Tescos & an expensive
restaurant or two & that was about it. I see there used to be a chip shop in the village. I'm not surprised it closed, in fact I'm amazed it was ever opened. A chip shop in a place like this! As I walked out of the village, I realised what that it reminded me of the village in the 1960's TV series "The Prisoner", Very pretty, very clean & slightly threatening. I live in Birmingham & I know that Brum is a bit of a dump, but at least it has character & soul. Dickens Heath however resembles a well-kept prison.
Phil the Walker

Posted Monday, February 4, 2008
CRIME IN DICKENS HEATH
Please please can everyone be aware and cautious.
My husband and I live in Dickens Heath and both of our cars were broken into last night. My spare tyre was stolen and my husbands In car stereo system was taken from his car. I am so angered by this. it is not the first time we have been victims of crime in Dickens Heath, the same thing happened 4 years ago albeit at a different address. Many people feel safe and protected in our village, i am one of those people, i do things I should not do regarding the safety of our home. I now feel vunerable and want to warn people of this. I know that a few homes down our road have been targeted for sat nav systems over the past few months. please tell people to watch out and be careful
Sarah

Posted Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The businesses that have done well are Mortons, Tesco's, Heath Dental, Dry Cleaners, Janaki's and Giovanni's. The village can not sustain much more. If the fish and chip shop wasn't so rubbish it would have done well. The same applies to quite a few of failed businesses in the list. Still, I agree it's a shame so many fail.  Out of the restaurants Giovanni's is excellent. Particularly the steaks. Janaki's can be good and Morton's offers up decent food. I haven't tried the Chinese yet, but will do so shortly.  As for broadband I'm with Be There and I'm syncing at 6,500kbps. I live on Old Dickens Heath Road.
Bobby

Posted Monday, January 28, 2008
And now John Shepherd have packed up and left, and the garden furniture shop is closing!  I make that 12 businesses that have come and gone:
1 Newsagents (lasted about five minutes)
2 Chip shop and pizzeria (now Da Vinci's)
3 Coffee shop
4 Belushi Woman and Kids
5 Toy Den
6 Women's clothes shop
7 SO Travel
8 Art gallery
9 John Shepherd
10 Campbell Watson (relocated to Waterside)
11 Lingerie shop
12 Abacus
Surely Parkridge should reduce the rent, if only until the new centre is built and the village is fully populated and can support the local businesses?
Mike

Posted Monday, January 28, 2008
I pay £14.99 per month with Tiscali. Though this is via a BT line, Tiscali have taken over its ownership. This means that the price includes broadband, line rental and free weekend phone calls. I believe that they are currently including wireless broadband when you sign up to a 12 month contract.
Andy

Posted Monday, January 28, 2008
It won't matter which provider you get ADSL from (over a BT Line) they will all be down to line length / quality of wiring.
It's unlikely that Cable is in the area as most cable companies are cash strapped and won't provide the materials to the builders.. so what they'll do is canvass you all then when demand is high cause the will promise high speed access, they'll dig up the verges and roads and lay cable - ta-dah!
Noodle of Solihull

Posted Monday, January 28, 2008
Another thing that surprises me is that given we have such a dense population on dickens heath that how few forum posters there are either here or on the dickensheath.co.uk thing that was set up. Come on people whether to moan or to praise lets get things going somewhere.
PS as for the restaurants round here mentioned before I can whole heartedly recommended the Cantonese on main street good food, decent prices and decent portions............says the fat bloke so u know its gotta be good
Diamond Joe

Posted Monday, January 28, 2008
Jodie, I don't think there is a cable service into dickens heath sadly so I think your stuck with needing a land line
Diamond Joe

Posted Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Hi, Is it possible to get broadband to a property in Dickens Heath without a phone line. A friend of mine uses Virgin and just pays a small charge each month and doesn't need to rent a phoneline. I don't think Virgin is available in Dickens Heath but does anybody know if there are any others. I don't want to pay the price of renting a BT phoneline and then pay the charge for internet on top of that. Your suggestions are appreciated. Many Thanks
Jodie

Posted Monday, January 21, 2008
Cheers Steve thats useful to know, had a quote for an ADSL2 speed that was slower than what im on now which seemed odd, damm the Shirley Exchange for being so far away
Diamond Joe

Posted Wednesday, January 16, 2008
I'm with BT in Waterside. The highest I got is 3.5meg, at the moment at 11:00 im getting 2meg. Hope that helps
Steve

Posted Monday, January 14, 2008
Hi Guys, what's the fastest broadband speed anyone is getting on Dickens Heath? I know we quite away from exchange in Shirley but wondering if anyone has got quicker that the 3mb I currently got and who with
Diamond Joe

Posted Monday, November 26, 2007
And now I've just heard that SO Travel are relocating to Solihull.  Good grief - there's going to be no-one left!
Mike

Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Tanworth-in-Arden Parish Council has allotments available on it's site by the Reservoir Pub in Earlswood. For more details contact Parish Clerk on 01564 703200 -- office@tanworth-pc.org.uk

Posted Thursday, November 1, 2007
Is anyone concerned about the frequency with which businesses close on the Heath?  It looks as if Belushi Women and Kids have been forced to close their doors in the last couple of weeks.  We're at risk of the place becoming a shopping ghost town full of vacant units.
Mike

Posted Thursday, October 18, 2007
What the hell are the planners on? I remember, it was about 6 years ago. Rumbush Lane, Tythe Barn Lane, all were great through routes from Earlswood through to Shirley. What's happened now? I can't find my way around anywhere without getting lost in the labyrinth that is Dickens Heath. I understand that you want to keep traffic away, but please, where are the signs telling you where to go to bypass this artificial village?
Simon Dean

Posted Monday, October 8, 2007
I have a great business opportunity idea for someone in Dickens Heath!  Why not open a restaurant?  You won't have much competition as the restaurants already open leave a lot to be desired.  Is it only our family who think that apart from Giovanni's and a few dishes on Morton's menu the other restaurants are just rubbish.  Even the chip shop was rubbish.  We have now tried all the food establishments in Dickens Heath - but won't be going back to any of them.
Like to eat out family

Posted Monday, June 25, 2007
In response to Jon Benshaw's post, there are a few local gyms - two David Lloyd Leisure centres in Cranmore Boulevard and Monkspath. There is also Living Well in Widney Manor, and Virgin Active on the Blythe Park business park at the junction of M42 and A34.
Hope this helps
Ed

Posted Monday, June 18, 2007
I am a 24 yr old man who is relocating to Dickens heath in july living with my 2 good friends. I liked the look of the place when I saw it but am shocked that there is no local gym. I know me and my friends would love a gym and would use it regularly.
Jon Belshaw

Posted Monday, February 26, 2007
I have only lived in the village for a short time. I see positives and negative throughout. Their seems to me an over building in the area (or over subscription) one of the two. This to me seems the on-coming threat, especially when one as to rely so much on a vehicle here. New town, new problems but this town is for the most part wonderful to live here. The social structure of where i was living was so fractured because of common offences by bored and reckless youths. I can fully understand (Nipping things in the bud) but the kids are getting bad press and you need to let them be. If you want reality then live in the community of Castle Vale or even Minworth, Falcon lodge, smiths wood, Chelmsley Wood or worse Lindhurst estate and count yourselves lucky that you have a job to which to springboard from (because the majority of people are struggling to meet demands)
Roy-simon cattell

Posted Thursday, February 1, 2007
I agree with nick, i got told to leave waterside as well, it sucks. Its there to be played in, not protected. Although i do think chavs and that wreck it a bit lol but thats just me. please reply, c ya!
Rhys

Posted Monday, January 29, 2007
We are too 15 year old girls living in dickens heath and would like to say to all the people that complain about the youths that we do not have any where else to go as there are not any bus services to go any where else. We are currently part of a youth club committee service trying to find activities for teenagers but we need more funding. We do not do any body any harm if we do walk around anyway. And the security guards are nice!! thank-you
Em n Mel x

Posted Monday, January 22, 2007
Hi yes nik thats a fair comment about there being no facilties for the youth of dickens heath. although if i gym was made within walking distance that would still not solve the problem of there being nothing to do. this is due to the fact that the young people would not be interested in a gym. Im one of the teenagers living in dickens heath and i find that there is nothing for us and we have to travel to far to shirley and solihull and in the winter with less light at night it is unsafe to travel therefore i believe that somethink needs to be done about this problem. There is only one solution to boredom at the moment which is the weekly youth group which runs on a thursday which is attratctin to many kids from outside the area and destroying what we have been privileged to be given. Im willing to stand up for the local youth and run project's to help raise money for the local youth community. To improve the area for younger kids of today and of kids to come. if anyone is itnerested in helping or giving some ideas on how we could do this then i can be contacted on email,  send all your suggestions
Callum

Posted Tuesday, January 9, 2007
I would like to bring to the attention of local residents the Cyclesolihull Winter Warmer cycle ride which will start from outside Dickens Heath library on Saturday 20 January 2007 at 10.30 am. This will be a leisurely 9 mile ride to Tanworth-in-Arden via Earlswood Lakes and is an ideal way to explore the local area with a few other people. The ride is open to everyone - just turn up at the start point.
Steve Holt

Posted  Monday, January 1, 2007
Would just like to warn people to be extra vigilant in their security as a person was recently disturbed scoping out our house from our back garden.  Thankfully, a neighbour, returning from work (late shift) saw him/her and shouted out; so please make sure all your windows and doors are locked.
Pip

Posted  Monday, December 18, 2006
In reply to Jed's reply to Ed I also don't want the place turning into a Theme Park and i also want to add myself that many other people may be Disabled and believe that they also need badges. Also the public should leave the space behind the apartments free to only Residents
Barry Wilson

Posted  Monday, December 18, 2006
Dickens heath is a nice place to live, but there are no activities for teenagers, i would like for their to be a gym in the area, walking distance. i dont know why they continue to build more apartments when they have not yet sold the first lot. dikens heath for me is gettin boring. i got told to move away from waterside by two fat body guards who thaught they were big, we wernt doing any harm. i h8 the place now, unless they do something drastic, such as build a gym, better BUS SERVICE because its awfull at the moment. and thats it. thnx
Nick

Posted  Thursday, December 14, 2006
To quote Jed: 'I doubt it though as i have not seen one disabled person since i moved in earlier this year. This is a good thing, we don't want it turning into a theme park'.  Words fail me.
I should point out I parked in one of the public parking spaces at the back; it is clearly signposted and I can read, unlike those who are purposely selective in their eyesight.  If you have an issue with non-residents occupying your parking space, I suggest you could ask the management office about the proposal of putting up signage separating 'public parking' and 'residents only' or even painting on the tarmac.
Ed

Posted  Monday, December 11, 2006
In reply to Linda and ED. I am a resident of Dickens Heath and am one of the able bodied 'offenders' who park in disabled spaces. If all you lot hadn't taken up the parking outside the apartments behind the shops then i would park there. The fact is that you do and therefore i will continue to park in the disabled spaces. Ed seeing as you don't have a pass you shouldn't even be looking in those spaces for a start, secondly perhaps all the cars parked there belong to people like you with disabilities but unable to get a pass! I doubt it though as i have not seen one disabled person since i moved in earlier this year. This is a good thing, we don't want it turning into a theme park.
Jed

Posted  Monday, December 4, 2006
I can empathise with Linda's comments. There is parking behind Main Street on both sides, but not many people bother to drive the extra few metres. I keep seeing disabled spaces being taken up by cars bearing no blue badges. On a few occasions, all of the spaces were taken up and upon closer inspection, none of the offending cars had the parking permits.  Before you have a go at me for any reason, I have to say I have a permanent disability. I do not have a blue badge because my council refused on the grounds that I wasn't disabled enough. A disability is a disability whether it involves any one of the five senses or loss of limbs. I fear for the future regarding society.
Ed

Posted  Monday, November 27, 2006
We live not far from DH, near Fulford Heath golf course. We have the same problems that most householders have rubbish dumped, break ins etc.. I think it is now everywhere. We enjoy going to Mortons and the italian but also like going back home. I am not sure I would want to live there. The parking is bad but what really upsets me is that all the disabled spaces outside mortons are taken up by able bodied people in rather nice cars.  I can only think that the disability is between their ears!!  It is really sad when well educated people can not read....       
Linda

Posted  Wednesday, November 22, 2006
I have been a resident of Dickens Heath for 25 years, and along with a lot of people were filled with horror at the proposals for development of the new village.  I have to say that apart from a few traffic hold ups and muddy roads it hasn't affected us 'old residents' too much - in fact it is great to have shops/library/restaurants etc within walking distance.  My main concern is the fact that quite a few people don't use their indicators when using the new roundabouts.  I've witnessed a few 'near misses', and find the whole situation quite frustrating.  You can bet your life the culprits are the first to moan when they are held up in traffic, or someone drives into them.
Sue

Posted  Monday, November 20, 2006
Watch out for thieves!  Someone tried to enter my property on Dickens Heath Road at 3AM this morning.  Luckily I was awoken by the beam of the torch they were using and they ran off.  Best for people to check their security and downstairs windows.  Hope the person involves meets someone whilst thieving who breaks their arms and legs.
Andy

Posted  Monday, October 30, 2006
Glad to say DH is a cracking place to live.  Good social, decent people, forward thinking architecture and innovative living ideas. Decent pubs/eateries, appropriate open space and good school.
As with all things some teething troubles, not sure if centre has been thought through in enough detail - as demonstrated by some of the businesses struggling and ludicrous parking - also dreadful driving by rat runners and late night, non-resident boy racers.  Crime, especially car crime and anti social behaviour, continues to be a thorn in the side, but no worse than any reasonably affluent estate - ask Monkspath residents.  All things considered DH is largely achieving its original ambitions, a self contained and welcoming community.  Biggest opinions appear to be from non-residents feeling the need to have their voices heard - easy solution - if you don't like it don't come back!
Resident

Posted  Thursday, October 26, 2006
My name is Patrick Fitzgerald, I am currently studying Geography at A level and for my coursework I have chosen to base it upon Dickens Heath Village. This coursework will include everything to peoples attitudes on traffic in the area. The coursework is based on counterurbanisation. I will also love to hear from everyone who has a positive attitude and a negative attitude about dickens heath to email me and tell me all. Im eager to hear from you and any campaign which may have took place in the development of DH. Please reply A.S.A.P.
Patrick

Posted  Monday, October 23, 2006
Drive away Steve and don't come back!
Mike

Posted  Monday, October 16, 2006
Dickens Heath? An appalling, tasteless, twee legoland designed to line the pockets of upmarket builders. Three quarters of a million for an OTT 3-bed penthouse flat proves that money buys neither taste nor style. Dickens heath is a carbuncle and an affront on the countyside. I drive away, in utter despair.
Steve

Posted  Friday, September 22, 2006
Is there anyone in DH village that would like to start a reading group or any social group.  I have been in the village for 4 years, I have grown up children and work full time and have found it very difficult to meet anyone else living in DH.  Any suggestions anyone, for a cup of tea and a chat.
Sarah

Posted  Monday, September 18, 2006
David Lloyd Cranmore is an OK gym but it depends if you are after something with lots of families as members and tennis as cranmore is or whether you would prefer a gym with more professionals as members... David Lloyd Monkspath would be a better option for you if this is the case, round by where the UCI cinema used to be... it's much closer than Virgin Active and has a much nicer team of staff and better facilities in my experience!
Jo Harvey

Posted  Tuesday, September 12, 2006
In reply to your query @ A future resident, do you know many people of your age who can afford property prices in Dickens Heath? There may be shared ownership properties but still prices are rather high.
Ed

Posted  Friday, September 8, 2006
Hi, I am 22 and want to move to the area to be nearer to work in Birmingham City Center. Dickens Heath has been suggested to me as a place worth checking out. I have had a quick drive round and I like the general atmosphere of the place but I am just wondering if it is the type of place where I am likely to be living near to people of a similar age range to myself.
Possible Future Resident

Posted  Wednesday, September 6, 2006
My companions and I were sitting in the Dickens Heath Waterside and we were told to move off the premises. We were sitting and talking, keeping ourselves to ourselves. We weren't doing anything wrong and we were asked rudely to go and when we asked why the man just said "Because I said so. This is private property." But there weren't any signs up at all. Other people were sitting there aswell and they were not asked to leave.
The other night there were some older teenagers on motorbikes, drinking, smoking, being anti social and they were not instructed to leave the vicinity.
We think that this is highly unfair and we think that we should be allowed to just sit and talk. We weren't doing any harm to anyone and we weren't obstructing the showrooms or doing anything to put people off purchasing a property.
I also think that he was being very judgemental, thinking that teenagers must mean trouble. You just have to look at this letter I have written to you. Standard English and not a swear word at all.
People are always complaining about "us youths" staying in on computers and watching television. But when we go out cycling to increase our fitness we still get complained at.
Kate

Posted  Thursday, August 31, 2006
Sarah - You will find there is a Virgin Active gym on Blythe Valley Business Park on the M42 Junction. Very good gym with a fantastic spa. I too was a member of Fitness First by the ice rink and i find this much better. Good luck
Gaynor - Sorry to hear of your parking trouble, however if on your next visit rather than going straight down the main street go left or right before tescos, you will find car parks located to the rear of the shops with walkways through to main street. Good Luck.
M

Posted  Monday, August 28, 2006
There is no gym in Dickens Heath but give the Iyengar Yoga classes a try. They are run at the Village Hall by Pilar Vigus, a Dickens Heath resident, on Monday nights and she is also starting a beginners class on Sunday mornings from September as well. Give it a try. You may be surprised how good it is.
Roger

Posted  Friday, August 4, 2006
I was very impressed by what I saw recently in Dickens Heath. The Waterside development with wonderful landscaping and smart flats, all by the canal, is an amazing departure from traditional "housing estate". The village centre could be anywhere, while the sun shines, and had a look of a smart corner of France. Giovanni's restaurant was marvellous - and there appears to be an atmosphere of affluence, even optimism. I hear that property is selling well - although prices are far from low. Does anyone have any thoughts on the social future of the place? Is this a place for families and well-heeled singles? What sort of people are being attracted here and where would they be heading, if Dickens Heath did not exist?
M. Lennox

Posted  Friday, August 4, 2006
I will shortly be moving to the area and am currently a member at Fitness First in Hobs Moat. Obviously I would prefer a gym a little closer to home, and I have identified that David Lloyd at Cranmore is probably my best option. Are any other residents a member there? Is that the closest gym? Isn't there a gym planned for the new waterside development? I can't believe there is a church, a library and a school but no gym!
Sarah

Posted  Tuesday, August 1, 2006
Did the town (oops sorry village) planers actually through of the problem of parking when building Dickens Heath.  There is a distinct lack of driveways and parking spaces in the village.  The shortage of parking around the village hall and shopping centre is a definite deterrent in visiting the centre. The last few times I have visited the shops I have been:-

Blocked in by a 4x4 who parked directly behind me and dropped in to Mortons for a drink, after waiting a few minutes I went in and asked him to move, after a torrent of abuse stating 'Dickens Heath should be for Locals only' he moved his vehicle - straight into a disabled parking slot and back into Mortons.

Parked opposite the local India restaurant to pop in to Tesco's, and the 'owner/manager' asked me to move as this was for his customers - really busy at 6.30 on a Saturday and where was the 'patrons only' sign - mind it had only just opened.

Went to the chip shop (very good I might add) and parked outside one of the houses - no parking on Main St available, (I was not blocking a driveway as there was no drive) - Again I was asked to move, and not very polity either, just because they were expecting guests and she did pay over 200K for her house (right by a chippie, no drive, front door opens straight onto the pavement & still a building site 2 years later - bargain!)  No wonder Mr 4x4 prefers to block other drivers in on the Main St - it's safer!

Also, I drive down Tythe Barn Road every day, and have done before the village was built - does anyone in Dickens Heath actually put their car in their garage or on their driveway (those who have drives anyway)? Why do people insist on parking on the road, especially on bends, in particular right by the village school?  This is not a quite country lane anymore, and it is not going to be long until there is a serious accident here, as the traffic will only get worse as the development increases. Yes, we have problems with parked cars where I live, but as it is in a quite cul-de-sac -its not a problem unless they block the road. Also, I have supported the local church and events at the village hall - to answer Tiff's comments on Mark
Gaynor - Majors Green

Posted  Tuesday, July 25, 2006
To Heather, Dickens Heath is a lovely new area and Mortons is a very friendly and relaxed Bar.  Solihull is only a short train ride from both Stratford -upon-Avon and Birmingham City Centre where there is lots of shops and more nightlife.  In Solihull Town centre, there is a shopping centre with lots of restaurants and bars for the girls to enjoy!!
Shellie

Posted  Monday, July 17, 2006
re Heather wilcox's comment.  Your daughter will be as safe here as any place in the Uk. Its a nice modern bar in one of the nicest parts of the UK, Solihull, near to Stratford on Avon . Mortons is a really cool restaurant http://www.solihull-online.com/mortons-dickens-heath.jpg (also see website http://www.mortonskitchen.co.uk/) The management and staff are great too !
Ian Walker

Posted  Friday, June 16, 2006
My name is heather - I live in Toronto, NSW Australia.  I have just found this site the Dickens Heath news letter. My daughter and a friend are coming to England on the 9th July & just been employed by Mortons Kitchen Bar.  I am very excited that she is venturing and finding her way in the world - BUT also skeptical of her going so far from home.  Can you tell me about your area - & send pictures and things to do around the area - also if there is any good spots for the girls to visit - interesting people to meet etc.  Thank you for taking time to read this, would love to hear from anyone that can tell me more about the area. Kind regards
Heather Wilcox

Posted Thursday, June 1, 2006
Hi to all Dickens Heath Residents especially those keen to get fit or that already run!
I wanted to test the water and see if their are any like minded people out there like me who do run alone but find it can be boring and difficult sometimes to motivate oneself after a hard days work. 
Does a social running group already exist in the village that I may join if not...
I would like to propose the idea of starting up a social running group? The thinking was maybe to meet twice in the week (Tuesday and Thursdays) at around 6.30pm, depening on interest maybe have a couple of groups based on ability going out at differing pace and distance. Could also meet up Sunday mornings too? Only need about half a dozen or of us to get this started and could meet from the Village Hall. I know of a couple of routes I have tried that incorperate the canal but others among you may have good suggestions.
What do you think?  Email me back. Regards
Max Hymas
Dickens Heath Resident

Posted Friday, May 12, 2006
DESPERATELY SEEKING BRIAN WALKER!
My name is Steve Jones. I am a student at the International Film School of Wales and together with my colleague, Matthew Evans, have made a documentary about rail enthusiasts. One enthusiast we need to track down is Brian Walker. Our enquiries have led us to Dickens Heath Council and so we were wondering whether Brian is employed there and if so, whether you could forward our details on to him. For our film to be marked properly, our tutors need to see we have gained the necessary permission from our contributors. As Brian gave a (fine) interview, it is important that we contact him. We hope you can help us with our quest! Many thanks and kind regards, Steven Jones and Matthew Evans.
Steve Jones

Posted Sunday, May 7, 2006
I'm looking a location for the British version of 'Desperate Housewife's' and Dickens Heath sounds ideal, narrow minded, insular, xenophobic and full of trite, twee architecture that would make Prince Charles blush. What role would you like Tiffany? You must have a Wisteria Lane.....
Richard

Posted Friday, April 21, 2006
Oh Mark, i am sorry you feel this way, but it has been proven our surroundings directly influence our moods, may i suggest as you seem so envious you move into our cosmopolitan haven with us and enhance your own existence. As you seem to be so down i would like to suggest that maybe you join one of our super community supported events at our beautiful village hall or maybe just try to find yourself and peace. God bless your soul !
Tiffany Woodes

Posted Monday, March 20, 2006
Tiffany, I assume by "less salubrious" surrounding areas you refer to Tidbury Green, Earlswood, Majors Green, Bentley Heath, Dorridge, Knowle etc? May I take this opportunity as a resident of the less salubrious surrounding area to express how jealous we are of people who live in the wide open green space that is Dickens Heath. We only wish we had our own Chav infested shopping precinct, graffiti problem, and 4X4's blocking our roadways, (because we don't have any front drives or garages)! We also really dislike our large gardens and open views. Further, the less salubrious surrounding area has been greatly enhanced by the construction of a huge "anti-green" estate with all the associated traffic, infrastructure and Chav teenager problems, and for this we thank you.
Mark, dweller of the rougher parts.

Posted Monday, February 27, 2006
Can we get broadband everywhere in the village yet??? I am on Aldershaws and had heard we can't????
James

Posted Wednesday, February 22, 2006
It's a fabulous safe place to live ! unlike the less salubrious surrounding areas !
Tiffany Woodes

Posted Monday, January 9, 2006
Wouldn't want to live there.. bit of a builder's dream.. but Morton's is very good.. have heard the Italian is good too?
Solihull Guy

Posted Friday, December 30, 2005
I used to live in Dicken's Heath. I cannot believe the posts here are so positive about the new village. The development is not only ugly it is completely out of character with the local countryside surrounding it and which it replaced. It should have been built on the alternative brown belt site that was being considered. For it to have got the go ahead only bodes very badly for the future of the rapidly disappearing English countryside.
Ger

Posted Friday, December 16, 2005
I'd certainly go for Hitchcock & Hepburn, and if people want to watch student/arthouse films, i'd be more than willing to show them! However, it would need a lot of support from DH residents (and surrounding areas) to be a go-er. Let's face it, anything would be better than the abysmal surroundings of Cine-World...
Paul

Posted Monday, December 12, 2005
Thanks Spicey,  RE: Broadband in Aldershaws, I have been informed by my neighbours that BT have been busy the past week (5th Dec) in the road. My friendly neighbours have quizzed the BT guys and yes they are changing the cables from Fibre to copper. So the only question is now, Do they need to change the cables from the box in the road to the house as well?  Do you know Spicey.  In the meantime I will keept trying BT to see if they no more.  Thanks for the advice.
Ron S

Posted Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Ooh, Classic films! Hitchcock! Breakfast at Tiffany's! Bella de Jour! Well...perhaps the latter is unlikely, but I can hope, can't I? It's certainly an appealing idea--and a place to go other than the obscenely overpriced Morton's bar!  What about a support for student films in the area too? A place to showcase their works and get opinions from a real audience?
N

Posted Monday, December 5, 2005
Does anyone think there is a demand for a weekly cinema in the DH Village Hall? By cinema I mean a fairly large screen (somewhere upto 9m wide) and a digital DVD projector with commercially rented films. Films shown would be a mixture of fairly recent releases and classics.  Please let me know (either here or direct to my email) if you think it would be supported. Thanks.
Paul Taylor
 

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Posted Monday, December 5, 2005
In reply to Ron question regarding broadband, I see no reason why Aldershaws should not be able to get broadband. BT are telling you that there are fibre optics on the telephone line. The line can easily be converted to a copper line (BT will lay copper overlays on the fibre optic line). For ADSL to work the line must be metal to function. You may notice the BT telecom cable boxes dotted around DH, one is green the other is grey. One contains fibre optic lines and the other contains copper  This is a tell-tale sign that broadband is possible. I had exactly the same problem with fibre optics on my telephone line and BT sorted this for me (I live on Old Dickens Heath Road). You will only get 1mbps connection speed though. I'd persist with getting it sorted with BT, they sometimes need a little pushing in the right direction.!
Hope this helps, let me know how you get on
Spicey

Posted Monday, November 14, 2005
Can any one explain to me why the town centre is looking great and the developers have taken a lot of time and care to get it like that yet when i walk home from there, down the pathway between the centre and the top end of Rumbush Lane, the pathway has no lighting whatsoever and is pitch black !! Surely with the time and money  spent on the centre they should have considered the safety of the residents returning home??!!
Neil Johnston

Posted Monday, November 14, 2005
RE: Broadband,  after reading Ed's comments I have approached BT for broadband. After so long it seems to finally here.....but NO not quite. After BT took my order they informed me on the day it was due to be connected (8th Nov 2205)that we have Fibre and they can not offer Broadband. They has suggested re-trying in 3 months....!!!.  I don't know if the village is fully broadband or if it is just us poor souls in Aldershaws.
Ron S

Posted Monday, November 7, 2005
Can anyone help me with the web site of the new pre-school that is opening in january?
Tracey Henshaw

Posted Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Re Mark's comments below regarding graffiti, although I don't live in Majors Green, I do drive through the village (Tile House Lane, Haslucks Green Rd) on regular basis and have been saddened to see the recent outbreak of graffiti on the Canal Bridge, various BT junction boxes and one or two street signs in Majors Green. Not sure which Council covers this area though I did write to Bromsgrove Council (unhelpful) - its a pity as it does make that area look run down, perhaps the residents could contact their Council and get it removed. I've given up trying to find out who is responsible for removing the graffiti, I don't even live in the area - sadly, if the residents who live in Majors Green can't be bothered, then why I am I wasting my time?
Jim Brown

Posted Saturday, October 8, 2005
Is it me, or has a large group of undesirable youth started to regularly come into Dickens Heath to hang around the village green? They seem to be coming into the village from the main Dickens Rd end. I've already seen instances of idiotic behaviour and whilst there is not too much evidence of vandalism at the moment, surely it is only a matter of time? I have already challenged these youths on a couple of occasions and thankfully they have stopped their stupid antics.  As residents, we all should do our best to look after our village and to report issues to the Police immediately if appropriate. Get on to Council if necessary to remove graffiti and other mess that these thoughtless people leave behind.
Mr K Bains

Posted Tuesday, October 4, 2005
Glad to be of assistance, Spicey. I actually was with Wanadoo but they could not get me broadband so I had to reluctantly go to BT. No regrets now. It definitely was an occasion given four years of dial-up dosage and waiting!   But I do advise you to make sure your PC is fully protected against internet threats; Broadband substantially increases the risk of 'break-ins'. Despite saying that, I offer you best of luck surfing the net (at great speed)
Ed

Posted Saturday, October 1, 2005
I moved to Dickens Heath from Cleobury Mortimer at the end of last year, I think its great. don't get me wrong everywhere has its plus and miuns points, but the plus side far out weighs the other. How can people who pass thro' and do not live in DH pass comment. I have chosen live here and i like, so i don't care what they think, with their real village pubs, swimming pools n'all :-)) Mortens is cool, fair priced and only a couple of minutes walk. I have been in quite a few times and anyone who would like to join me for a drink is more than welcome.
Pete

Posted Saturday, October 1, 2005
Thank you very much Ed.
I'll place an order directly with BT instead of going through Demon. 1mb is excellent, I was expecting slower line speeds.  Not sure I could cope with ultra slow dial-up for 4 years!  The leap in performance with broadband must have been a joyous occasion!
Spicey

Posted Friday, September 23, 2005
I wish to respond to Spicey's question about broadband in the village. I am on broadband which was supplied by BT however, the maximum they could offer is 1.1 mbps due to the distance from the Shirley exchange. I have had it since early August and have endeavoured no grief whatsoever. I survived on dial-up for nearly four years!!
Ed

Posted Monday, September 19, 2005
Does anyone have broadband in the village?. If so what ISP have you gone with and what speeds can you obtain? BT say it may not be possible to obtain ADSL services due to the length of the line from the Shirley Exchange, and apparently there are fibre optics on the line which are incompatible (the line has to be metal)
Spicey
PS, love living in Dicken Heath. Apart from the lack of broadband that is!

Posted Sunday, September 18, 2005
Love dickens heath.. I'm from Derby but drop down every Saturday to Mortons!
Looks like a film set but I like that.. something different at last!
Guy.
Hope you like the picture

Posted Friday, September 9, 2005
Gents, I'm somewhat reluctant to enter the fray here, but some things just have to be said. I come from South Staffordshire where we have both villages and small towns. We even have the city of Wolverhampton on our doorstep. I visit Dickens Heath regularly and so I feel qualified to comment. Dickens Heath is a nice, up market place to visit and live. It isn't a town (not large enough) and a village it surely isn't (too large). What you are living in is an up market housing estate, nothing more and nothing less and in 15 - 20 years time it will be looking as tired as the similar estates surrounding Wolverhampton are looking now.
Robin Philips - S Staffs

Posted Wednesday, September 7, 2005
Chuck, you must be a very sad person to try and make people feel jealous over you having 'real money'. Surely if this is the case you wouldn't baulk at the overpriced beer in Mortons (or Mortimers as you call it - highlighting your obvious lack of mental ability or inability to try and be witty). In fact I would suggest you have never been to Mortons as the prices for food and beer there are as keen as any comparable place in the area.
I would suggest you retire to your country retreat in Tamworth, leave us Dickens Heath residents (who are perfectly happy living in our overpriced barracks - it makes me laugh when others make such comments, you are all obviously just jealous) alone and think about how much your parents must love you to give you the name Chuck.....
Steve

Posted Wednesday, September 7, 2005
Chucky you really must give us all the name of your local VILLAGE pub i'm sure a few of us Dickens Heath residents would love to enjoy a pint or two with you!
Jo

Posted Tuesday, September 6, 2005
Dear Readers, any chance we could stop worrying about "anti social" behaviour, when we simply refer to groups of children and teenagers congregating. There are two frequent acts of real anti social behaviour being committed that really must be addressed.
1) Graffiti on the canal architecture, fences, road signs and even pavements, spreading from Majors Green, (where I live), through Dickens Heath, and on to Cheswick Green. It is always one of two "tags", suggesting the same two culprits. Clear examples can be found on the footpath opposite the Cheswick Green Inn, on and around the Garden Centre in Tythebarn Lane, and on the Canal Bridge in Majors Green. The mindless scribbles are now so prolific they are really starting to make the locality look like a run down Chav Estate. It can't be too difficult to identify the guilty..know anyone with a huge collection of spray paint?
2) The second issue is most probably the work of adults. Lorry loads, and I do mean "Lorry loads" of waste, usually building waste, being dumped in Tythebarn Lane, near where the road is fenced off, on the Three Maypoles side. This is just beyond belief. Even worse, these vandals have probably been paid to dispose of this rubbish! Again, it shouldn't be too hard to identify the guilty.
Let's concentrate on what's really spoiling our district.
Mark, Majors Green

Posted Tuesday, September 6, 2005
Dickens Heath is Solihull Town planning gone mad!
Don Keyride

Posted Monday, September 5, 2005
Peter, I feel you are taking this far too seriously. Us people with real money just pass through Dickens Heath to get home to Tamworth in Arden! Go buy yourself an over priced beer at Mortimers and relax while i enjoy a pint at my VILLAGE pub and then retire to my abode for a quick late night swim.
Chuck

Posted Monday, August 29, 2005
Chuck, I think you'll only ever be a regular passer, unless you get run over by a tank from the barracks that is!  When the debate as to whether we live in a village, or some other appropriately termed definition of the area, is resolved, let me know so I can inform my friends and family - I guess the right question to ask is at what point can we consider it a town (if we can't than a village will do for me).   Perhaps if we then tell the kids/youths/hoodies etc that they live in a village not a town, then they will stop any apparent anti-social behaviour.
Peter Farrell

Posted Friday, August 19, 2005
Does anyone else apart from me (a regular passer) think that Dickens Heath looks just like an army barracks from an American war film? I'm have expecting Rambo to walk past in full gear!! Good chippy though!
Chuck

Posted Monday, August 8, 2005
Hi all just to say that one of my friends moved to DH in jan this year. just been to see her in her new flat next to the canal, and all I've got to say is that Dickens Heath is a wonderful development , which you all should be proud to live in , went to say hi to one of her mates in the new part over Tesco.  the area around that part is so nice , did not try the bar over the road (next time). ok is not all finished yet believe me it could be a lot worse . how much more work is going on till its all finish ? back up in DH in October so if anyone wants to show me more of the place then get back to me or have a pint in the new bar thanks and enjoy Dickens Heath
Andy (Hereford)

Posted Monday, August 8, 2005
Marco, I like calling it a village and am not a Yuppie and don't want to live in Brindley Place. Perhaps if you don't like the connotations of a village you should move into Sparkhill or surrounding area. To address the 'annoyed youngster' stop agitating people and causing problems and they won't complain about you! Just as a note, Surely in this weather you don't need a hood on and is the strongest brand of cider really necessary?
James

Posted Monday, July 25, 2005
Ha ha ha, I'm sorry but as a resident of Dickens Heath 'village' I must laugh at these derisory comments!
Dickens Heath is a haven compared to surrounding areas so maybe all the people moaning on this site should move to a private road (or the moon) where they can live in 'peace'!  Anyone calling Dickens Heath 'the village' is a blatant Yuppy and perhaps they would be better suited in Brindley Place (watch out for those drunken yobbos on Broad Street though!)  Just wait until the boy racers arrange a meet in Dickens Heath and then rant all you like!!!!
Marco Baloni

Posted Friday, July 22, 2005
I am a 'youngster' in the dickens heath area, and i wish all of the old, boring people would stop nagging about our behavior. You must live very boring lives if all u can do is moan about us on the internet.
very annoyed 'youngster'

Posted Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Natalie, Just so you are aware the definition of a village is:
'a group of houses and other buildings, such as a church, a school and some shops, which is smaller than a town'
Does this clear up for you why we call it a village??
James

Posted Monday, July 18, 2005
The thing that makes me laugh is what is named 'The Village'......Ha!  I have lived here all my life an remember when it was a field an a couple of houses....that was a village. Not this Yuppy filled superficial town that has sprung up from nowhere. 'The Village'.  What a joke!
Natalie

Posted Friday, June 17, 2005
I tried to contribute to Solihull in Bloom by placing nice plants in pots outside the front of my house in Dickens Heath and some adults have stolen a couple of my pots, they were too heavy for kids. I thought Solihull was supposed to be a nice borough....
Emma

Posted Monday, June 6, 2005
Looking at all your comments I think you are all a bunch of sad people, you should concentrate on getting the illegal immigrants out of this country and make it a better place to live in. From an ex-Dickens Heath resident moved to a better place Chelmsley Wood!!!
Amy

Posted Monday, June 6, 2005
Yes I live in the village and have done since about 6 months from the start and I have lived in and around the area all my life. I find most of these comments very amusing and some people should try getting out of there little utopia and stop thinking DH is live war time in Iraq ! just because a few kids are bored and getting up to mischief (and yes I know to the victims it doesn't seem this way but it really is) you should not go writing of the whole estate and dropping the price of your house by 50k.do other new estate not get limited parking, do no teenagers get in to trouble anywhere else in the world, it may surprise you that that isn't a new concept. If you find problems with DH try going a few miles outside the area go on .... even the highly sought after Knowle, Dorridge, Lapworh and shock horror even the mighty Solihull all have the same issues.
In the real world

Posted Monday, June 6, 2005
Sorry Future resident, I wasn't taking a swipe at you at all but I'm always hearing comments "from outsiders" as to how poor the village is, etc and they haven't even been there. Any friends who spent a weekend over have absolutely had great fun. Nice bike ride to Earlswood lakes coming up tomorrow.
I'm not a believer that everything is always perfect and I have knocked on doors on one occasion to warn residents that there was a suspicious chap wondering around. We must all always be vigilant. (mind you I did live in Chelmsley Wood for 4 years so maybe anywhere would be paradise... sorry wooders)
If anyone has met Pat the security chap, he really seems to know what he's about and I can see he's going to be one of the big characters in years to come.
There is a residents association but my wife did not enjoy it when she went - how about meeting at Mortons over beers (you'll see my two dogs tied up outside or doing a run to the chippy).
Email me if you are interested.
Adrian

Posted Thursday, June 2, 2005
Mortons Bar and Restaurant is owned by the same people as the The Boot/Orange Tree etc etc and will be opening in the village in early July (hopefully!!  The date keeps going back and back)  Beats a walk to the Cheswick Green or Red Lion!  Just hope it will be big enough to fit all us thirsty Dickens Heath Residents into.
Mick

Posted Tuesday, May 31, 2005
How do I get access to post information on the Dickens Heath forum?  I had my car vandalised last sat night and want to post a message.  The link to the residents association takes me to a search engine.  Kind regards,
Sharon Perrin

Posted Tuesday, May 31, 2005
It's good to see some positive feedback on this forum! I know a couple of people who live in DH and are enjoying living there too.  I totally agree with Steven that a residents association is essential for tackling concerns within DH.  I've recently heard on the grapevine that the owner of of The Boot in Lapworth is opening something similar in DH, is this true?
Optimistic future resident

Posted Thursday, May 26, 2005
I agree totally with Adrian, and also can see the points of the others who have commented. I have lived in Dickens Heath now for 4 months and am really enjoying it, a bit strange at first, especially with new bits of road cropping up every morning, making the drive to work a little trickier. I live right on the canal, and teens are forever wandering down throwing branches in there, and speeding along the path on motorised scooters, when in gangs they do look fairly intimidating, and I could go on. But I see many more kids enjoying themselves, and feeding the ducks etc which counterbalances it a little.
I have looked at this web page on a number of occasions, firstly prior to moving to DH and afterwards (such as today), mainly to get an idea of when the shops were opening!.
Today however after reading the comments, I think the best way forward is to set up a residents association (if there isn't one already that I don't know about). Issues raised such as these can be addressed here and action taken. It will also provide a single point of communication for the DH community with feeds in from local council, business and the police etc, which will help with organising events, and addressing wider issues.
What do others think?
Steven

Posted Thursday, May 26, 2005
First off, I'd like to say that I am glad to hear from the last couple of postings that there are people who do not think the situation is that bad. I can only go on what I read and what I did was quite disturbing. My main reason for writing was to try to suggest doing something constructive to prevent this escalating further.

Secondly, the not too subtle swipes at me for not being there I have to say are somewhat unfounded as I have lived in the area for many years, my family still live in Monkspath and although work took me abroad I always planned to move back there. I have as much right to take an interest and comment on things as all of you living there now.

I do wonder though if the last 2 people made their comments with the benefit of not having been personally affected by any of the problems mentioned. I wonder too if you could be so positive and forgiving if your property had been damaged, and I don't think you should try to belittle the legitimate concerns of other residents who have felt things more directly.

I must say though that I too am very excited about the village centre developments and just hope that things like traffic etc can be controlled, as the comments made regarding commercial interests taking precedence over the village concept are founded in truth. I am resigned to the fact, but they have started building large flats overlooking my garden and shutting out light, buildings that most definitely were not in the original plans, something. This is something that can't be changed, but I would be wary about 'waiting to see how things turn out' with parking and the village centre, as in terms of planning there have been plenty of poor decisions made already.

Anyway, on a positive note I think having this board is great in the way that it enables everyone to air their thoughts, and hopefully to work together to sort out any issues, something that is at the heart of any community and the concept of the village from the outset. However I would reiterate something from my last posting, which is do these comments have any effect? Do the council take notice at all? Is there a village council (of residents) to follow up?
Slightly appeased future resident

Posted Monday, May 23, 2005
Couldn't agree more with the last comment. Dickens Heath is a wonderful development and when the centre is completed or even next month when stage 1 of the centre is open, it will bring new life into the village.

It has something for everyone and every budget and the most wonderful walks along the canals (with the dogs of course) to pubs in both directions. I'm sick of hearing people moaning about the village most of whom have never visited and we should all talk DH up.

I walk my two brown dogs around the village twice a day. Sure I've seen the mopeds but the kids have always been fine as far as I've seen - It's quite funny to see how the affluent families treat their kids when I have to make do with a simple pushbike - I've seen the odd bit of litter but not loads of bottles hanging around the village green. It's easy to pick up the latest Daily Mail and categories the kids hanging around the village green as bad hoodies or whatever the latest buzzword of the day is, but they have to socialise and get out just as we all did when we were younger.

I believe the security in the village is going to be 365/24/7 so they will be controlling any issues that arise if any vandalism does occur. Let's see how it pans out.

My only moan is that there is too much street furniture everywhere including the Redrow marketing sign on the main roundabout. Oh and other dogs owners not collecting dogmess !!
Adrian

Posted Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Can I first just say, oh my god!!  This may be a long one too.  I apologise but it's needed....

I have watched with interest as this message board has filled with comments over recent months but I really do feel that some of the comments on here are starting to take things a little far!  I have therefore decided to take the unusual step of putting something positive on this board and hope that most residents agree that this is a fairer representation of village life than a lot of the messages posted (anyone reading such messages (who may be prospective purchasers in the area remember) may draw the conclusion that Dickens Heath is some sort of American Ghetto given some of the negative comments below!  This is in my opinion is quite ridiculous)

The village has its issues (note the word 'issue' not serious problem, life threatening devastation etc) and these have been more than well documented on this notice board.  However, I'd like to respond to the main issues raised that some people seem to think are so grave that I really do wonder why you moved to the village in the first place (if indeed you do actually live in the village at all).

1)Traffic - I have never had a problem travelling in and out of the village.  The road into the village is being dramatically improved and will allow much safer access for cars, cyclists and pedestrians.  The traffic lights and construction work being carried out on this road causes minor traffic issues at the moment but this is temporary and once completed we will have a much improved, safe method of travelling into the village.  I have also never had a problem crossing any of the roads within the village despite the comment below about a constant stream of traffic making its way through the 'narrow streets'.

2)Parking - I think everyone will admit that parking could be better in the village.  However there are two points to be made here.  Parking is an issue in almost all new developments these days and considerably worse in a lot of other developments I have seen (try going to the huge new estate in Lichfield for example).  The introduction of PPG3 by the government means that Housebuilders are obliged to squeeze houses onto sites to make better use of what little land there is in this country to build on.  This obviously increases the number of cars in the village.  It does however mean that the village has a great mix of housing and that there is a real community growing here.  The second point is that parking would be greatly improved if people used their own parking facilities properly.  There are significant numbers of cars parked outside peoples' houses / on the street as opposed to on their drives or in their garages.  Such 'lazy parking' only magnifies the problem.  Only time will tell whether there will be enough parking in the village centre but rather than pre-empt chaos can we please wait and see how it turns out??

3)The Village Centre - Am I the only one that is very excited about the village centre?  I have lived in the village for nearly 4 years with no facilities at all and am eagerly awaiting the opening of the village centre.  Everyone who has visited has said what a great place it will be once everything is available, likening it to a type of Brindley Place but in the middle of the countryside.  The village centre was one of the main attractions to me (and a lot of other people I know who live in Dickens Heath) and I for one am looking forward to being able to sit outside Mortons Bar and enjoy a few drinks with other people from the village.  The other question to the people who are moaning about the village centre is why move here if you didn't like the concept?  The plans for the village have remained moderately unchanged since I moved in and therefore only people that did not research what was to be built here can truly be surprised?  If this is the case then I have little sympathy.

4)Young people - There has been a lot made of the problems with anti-social behaviour occurring in the village.  This is an area that I agree needs attention.  Anyone causing damage or disturbance within our village need to be dealt with properly and this requires co-operation from both the local authorities and the village residents.  The excuse that there is nothing for youngsters to do is a poor one on their part and especially their parents.  I was young and bored once but never felt the need to start smashing things up or race around on mopeds etc etc.  These are the extremes that have received a lot of publicity and rightfully so and is a sad reflection of the way young people behave these days (but again I refer to other comments made that this is not isolated to Dickens Heath, it happens everywhere and has been recognised by Tony Blair as a growing problem with society as a whole).  On the positive side, it does appear to be better this year than last.  There is improved security around the village and I hope this continues to be funded once the centre is completed.  I think my message to the young people of the village would be to have fun by all means but the antisocial behaviour that has been witnessed has no place in our village and you should also take responsibility and not humour anyone who partakes in it (whether they are from the village or not)

Anyway, I will stop now.  I fully appreciate the issues people have raised and can understand how this worries some people but surely most are in the main happy with the village or every house would be up for sale!?!!  Let's try and remain positive about what is going to be a unique place to live.  We're lucky to have such a development in a beautiful green belt environment and should appreciate this.

So to respond to Alan Carpenter's final comment 'Great place to live eh !'  I would say, I think so!!
Proud Resident

Posted Monday, May 16, 2005
Dear 'worried future resident' (see append 11th May 2005)

I am not sure how long it is since you saw Dickens Heath but next time you do you may be in for a shock. Originally it was going to be a 'village', but it is now growing to be a 'town'.  A number of new buildings have been built in the village centre, including a library, a village hall, but most worrying of all, a shopping complex.  This shopping complex is almost ready to open, but I think when it does the traffic it will attract will making living in Dickens Heath a nightmare.  Near the shops some apartments are being built. These are not small building but four huge buildings, many floors high, that dominate the village. They spoil the view for many of the houses nearby.

There is no 'by pass' round the village, and all local traffic has to go through the village, making a continuous flow of traffic at all hours. I think the lack of a bypass is one of the worst planning examples in Dickens Heath, compared with say nearby Cheswick Green which has a perfect by pass if you want to avoid the actual village of Cheswick Green.  Narrow roads and lack of parking space has also meant that many cars now park on the pavements, blocking pavements and ruining grass verges.  

There is almost nothing to do in the village for young people (or anybody) and once the shopping complex is open you will get gangs of kids hanging around looking for trouble

I am afraid the village is being ruined by a combination of greed by the various house building companies involved, and a lack of control by the council in limiting what they can do.  It seems that the council wanted to spend as little money as possible on this development, leaving the house building firms the job of building the local roads. They build the roads as narrow as possible to squeeze in more houses, causing the traffic and parking problems.  To me Dickens Heath is a classic example of how NOT to build a new village and will be studied by town planners in years to come as an example of what NOT to do.
 Alan Carpenter
p.s. Although the library and village hall are lovely new buildings, a matter a weeks after they were finished someone smashed all the windows in the back of the village hall. This was featured in the local paper. Great place to live eh !

Posted Wednesday, May 11, 2005
I apologise in advance for the excessive length of my message but what I read on this site meant that I could not sit by without writing my thoughts and concerns.

I am not currently resident in Dickens Heath but own a property there that I am currently renting out while working abroad. I do however plan to return to the UK next year and move into the property with my family, something we have been looking forward to since we purchased it. I therefore always eagerly look for any info on the village that I can get and reading the recent comments here has me deeply concerned. My wife and I purposely bought a property in the village with the idea of raising our family in what we saw as a wonderful clean and safe environment. We now are lucky enough to have a newborn son who will be around 1 and a half years old by the time we plan to live in the village

I have written this lengthy piece in the hope that people committing (or through their inaction condone) this antisocial behaviour might read this and perhaps get an idea of how frightening developments like this are on a number of levels for many residents. For one I imagine that as with ourselves a lot of people purchased properties in the village not only for the promise of a unique living environment, but also very much as a serious investment. Consequently anything that threatens the value of this investment should be taken very seriously as once problems snowball they will affect all residents and very likely be irreversible. Once an area loses its reputation you can pretty much safely say that it will not be regained.

Secondly and something that as a parent makes the investment issue pale in comparison is the frightening thought that my son could come into harm's way through the actions of other, irresponsible people. If my son were to be hurt by either mopeds on walkways, dangerous litter (cans and bottles) or anything else (adults speeding in cars) that should not be taking place, however indirect the involvement I would go to extreme lengths to make sure that whoever was even slightly related to the cause would pay heavily through legal channels. This applies to both the youths in question and the parents of the youths should they be of an age whereby they cannot take direct responsibility for their actions by law. However I would of course rather that the problem was eradicated instead so that I never needed to take such action and my son's safety could be guaranteed.

I certainly do not advocate vigilantism, however there is a very real threat that this could become a reality through the backlash of thoroughly incensed people tired of the crimes affecting their lives, if what I read about is allowed to get out of hand. Before this happens I therefore fully endorse joint action by concerned residents and the idea that these youths should be monitored, even photographic evidence taken. It would seem that the police would not lift a finger without being presented with such materials, although I imagine they would be there within minutes at the phone call of an aggrieved parent whose 15 year old has been beaten up by a resident who can no longer endure the affronts to their safety and environment.

Callum, Sarah and Tanya, I assume that you would have no problem with this monitoring if what you say is true and that all the offenders are from outside the village with Dickens Heath children not being involved at all. However, by all accounts it would seem that there is some level of involvement of the children of residents, and if parents are aware of this, they should be taking action as was suggested by other residents on this board. Tanya, there were no disparaging comments made on the dress of the youths involved, this was purely a way of picking them out for monitoring as they appear to stand out quite obviously through their choice of attire. If they were wearing the most outrageous outfits imaginable but not committing crimes in our village I am sure no one would have any issue with them.

I must say however that I am very disturbed by Sarah's comments. Sarah, you allude to two very serious things. 1. That you are in fact damaging things in the village and disturbing residents, whether this is in retaliation or not. You are therefore a criminal and have no leg to stand on in this argument. 2. You make a serious accusation that other residents are upsetting and disturbing you. If the latter is true, then you have a legitimate complaint yourself and should be consulting authorities to redress the wrongs done to you. Responding with crime will only make things deteriorate all round.

To address your other points, the alcohol and graffiti problems could indeed be due to irresponsible young adults, I am not there so I cannot know, but it would seem from your comments that you know more about the true culprits than anyone else writing on this board. If you are so affronted by the accusations against you then you should do the right thing, clearing yourself in the process, and hand this information over to the correct authorities. It seems that you too would welcome this issue being resolved and it appears that you are in possibly the strongest position to help make this happen. This is what disturbs me most, as you claim injustice, yet you seem to be committing these crimes and have knowledge about other people committing them.

Finally, as the opposing sides here will not agree on whether the criminals are from inside or outside the village, perhaps it would be better to put arguing that issue aside until evidence proves one way or the other, and concentrate as a community on the point that there is nothing for kids to do in the area, as this is obviously something that needs addressing. Callum, you are in a unique position to push for development in this area, as you best know the needs of a teenager, and Sarah as you also raise this point you should respond to the question posed on this board and let other residents know what you need in the village to provide you with something to do. Unless you make your needs known nothing is likely to change, and simply using this as an argument whilst doing nothing about it and sympathizing with those committing antisocial behaviour is tantamount to condoning criminal action.

I have followed in the media in despair from abroad over the past few years the horrid rise in antisocial and violent behaviour in Britain while at the same time naively thinking that it would not happen in Dickens Heath. At the moment the youths in question are probably mostly harmless and bored (although let us not forget that they are criminals), but their actions will soon escalate when graffiti and vandalism are no longer exciting or interesting.
This is what really worries me, and so rather than attacking each other it would seem sensible for a start to work towards an answer to the lack of interesting pastimes available in the village as other residents here also appear to be advocating. After all, there must be more interesting things to do than sitting around the children's play area and littering. At the same time it is important to pin down and punish severely the perpetrators of the serious crimes mentioned here in order to make our neighbourhoods safer for everyone, something which I cannot believe even residents of 'accused' children such as Callum could object to.

My only final point would be to ask whether the local council representative is even doing their job properly and following up these complaints, and what they are already or planning to do about it.
Worried future resident

Posted Tuesday, April 19, 2005
I would like to agree fully with all of the comments below by 'Dickens Heath Resident'. I also live in the Village and have had the outside of my house tainted with grafiti. I also often see kids ranging from 13-16 hanging around the streets, drinking and smoking and throwing empty cans on the street. In response to Sarah concerning the moped riders being considerate, well I suppose if you believe riding your mopeds on the village green at night so there are less kids to hit at this time of day considerate then I agree.

As for the parent below that complains about the lack of activities for kids, it is about time you took responsibility for your children and stop expecting others to do your job for you. I'm sure I wasn't provided with activities to fill my day as a child but I didn't spend this time intimidating others, causing trouble and practising my best 'I have a bad attitude' face.

Again I agree with comments made below about this not being a problem purely restricted to Dickens Heath but to be honest I don't care I just want to stop this culture of trouble causing teenagers.
Fed Up Resident

Posted Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Firstly your comments about 'not caused any damage or disturbance to anyone who has not caused disturbance or upset to us first' implies that you are causing damage and disturbance to people that are annoying you.  Why do this in your own village?

As for the problems discussed before about drinking etc, I regularly see people around the park and wandering by the library drinking cans etc and there are loads of cans etc thrown by people's houses. 

So who did smash all the windows then?

Finally re the mopeds, they don't drive considerately and have been seen on pedestrian walkways.

What sort of things do you want to see in the village that would keep you occupied?
Dickens Heath Resident

Posted Monday, April 11, 2005
I feel that you are treating us youths unfairly. we have not caused any damage or disturbance to anyone who has not caused disturbance or upset to us first.   As there is not yet anything to do in the village we have no option but to hang around the small children's park and the green.  As for alcohol and graffiti these problems are not due to us, if and when we drink we do not do it in public or to cause harm. Do you not think this could be due to older adolescences or young adults 'having a good time'? As for the graffiti, not that i have seen any, I am aware that this is not to do with the youths of the village, but possibly due to people who come from outside the village and elsewhere.  I also know that the damage caused recently to windows was nothing to do with us, despite us being blamed for this act.  The people who drive around on mopheads are considerate to the people around: and have caused no damage to the area either. Although i know people who have been severely injured by cars - which adults drive, speeding down Dickens Heath Road and Rumbush Lane?  if anyone has any responses to this post please direct them to me on the message board.
Thanks
Sarah

Posted Monday, April 11, 2005
I disagree with the comments made because you shouldn't blame the young teens hanging around. all they do is talk and spend time with their friends. you also are commenting on the way they dress and their appearance but you shouldn't judge on the way they dress have you ever heard of the phrase you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover!!!
Tanya W

Posted Thursday, April 7, 2005
There is no doubt that there is little for young people to do in the village at the moment but that is no excuse for the sort of things that have been going on lately.

Whether it is the kids from the village or from outside, the smashing of windows, underage drinking and graffiti is unacceptable and should be dealt with appropriately by the police.

It has to be said that this isn't just an issue in Dickens Heath, it is happening up and down the country and locally in areas such as Dorridge, Knowle, Hillfield etc etc.  It just seems to be a problem with kids of this age these days.  As parents we just need to make sure we at least have some idea of what is going on and take responsibility for it.  Though I am not saying that it is your child who is causing trouble, you are kidding yourself if you think that Dickens Heath kids aren't getting caught up with what is going on, as it has been observed regularly by many.

The village centre is soon to open and hopefully Dickens Heath will start to deliver to the residents the considerable potential that everyone has invested in.  It would be a shame if this is tainted by bored youngsters.
Dickens Heath Resident

Posted Monday, April 4, 2005
I think that these comments below are unacceptable, because there is nothing for young people in the area to do. they have not caused any damage, the articles blame youngsters of dickens heath when usually it is people from different areas in Solihull. I know as I am a parent of one these children being accused. 
Callum Lyall

Posted Monday, December 6, 2004
Yes, definitely, residents should identify these mindless culprits and make them stop, before they cause too much damage.
Concerned Resident

Posted Monday, December 6, 2004
I am pleased that its not just me that was becoming increasingly concerned regarding the activities of these "young people", and I would certainly agree with all the comments made previously. This problem started about 6 months ago, if not before.

This is a big issue, if not the biggest we collectively face at present in Dickens Heath, and one which will adversely impact on the village and residents quality of life if not addressed. Do you want to see damaged buildings, litter and beer cans  everywhere, groups of young thugs effing and blinding into the middle of the night? So yes, lets take a stand and identify these culprits so they know their actions are not going un-noticed.

The lads involved are the same - three of them are the moped riders mentioned before who quite clearly appear to come from outside the area. In addition, the other main group comprises a big lad (5' 10", stock build, same jacket everyday, blonde/ginger hair) who is usually accompanied by 4 - 5 young lads in track-suits, you can't miss them, same clothes and baseball caps almost every day. These lads appear to be from Dickens Heath, and can regularly be seen wandering around the village streets causing a nuisance and damaging things.

This group, sometimes joined by a particularly unpleasant looking youth with an "L" plated moped, are the main culprits (although the behaviour of some of the young girls that hang around with them is embarrassing - where are their parents, don't they care?).

If any residents know who these youths are, or if you are a parent of these children, bring to their attention the impact of their behaviour and that they are being monitored. What they are doing is not acceptable. The resident below is spot on - we've all paid a lot of money to buy into what is an otherwise excellent development - don't let these idiots spoil our village. If nobody cares or acts, don't be surprised if your new neighbourhood goes downhill fast.

The other plea I would make is in relation to litter - have you noticed how much of it is about? If we all made just a small effort to pick up litter and keep the areas near our house clean and tidy, wouldn't the whole neighbourhood benefit? We all want to live in a clean and pleasant area, but it's not going to happen by itself.

Let's all take pride in our new village, and help keep it clean and tidy. Great village communities don't just happen - they require concious action and a bit of effort by the people who live there.
Jim
Dickens Heath Resident

Posted Monday, November 29, 2004
It depends on what you define as ASB. As a resident I have come across two types (1) the use of village streets as a racing track for mopeds and (2) loud shouting around the playground area early on Sunday mornings. Personally I have also had guys in their teens sit around the outside of my home and leave beer cans in my garden. Not the sort of thing I thought would happen when I bought into the Dickens Heath lifestyle.
I think on one hand these guys are harmless. I'm in my 30s now but when I was a teen I would not be caught riding around on a moped as you'd be the butt of everyone's jokes. On the other hand they do create a climate of fear and intimidation. There are a lot of young kids who live in the area and play around the playground area - it's only a matter of time before something serious happens. I'm not a parent of a young child but if I was I would be very concerned.
And it's only a matter of time before these worthless individuals actually start to affect the investment we have made in Dickens Heath.
Would anybody be interested in finding out who these people are? Their addresses, their names, where their parents work? We need to get this information to make any sort of progress. The information could then be provided to the police and the local media.
Dickens Heath Resident

Posted Thursday, November 25, 2004
Most residents should have received through their door, a survey from the Conservative's relating to anti-social behaviour and whether this is prevalent in our village.  I would seriously encourage everyone to return this survey as anti-social behaviour orders can only be obtained when the majority of the residents agree there is a problem.  Even residents who are not as affected by the groups of teenagers should please return them for the sake of those that are.

If you have not received the survey you should contact the Conservative's at their Solihull HQ.
Dickens Heath Resident

Posted Friday, November 12, 2004
I would very much echo the sentiments below.

Dickens Heath residents need to challenge this type of behaviour to make the culprits realise the effects their actions are having on local residents.

This is an issue for the whole of the village,  and not just those residents most directly affected. These types of actions and behaviour are like a cancer - they will spread throughout the village.
Tom Green
Resident

Posted Monday, November 8, 2004
I have to agree with the comments made below.  There has been a noticeable increase in antisocial behaviour due to a senseless minority who seem to have made the village play area their place to hang out. The main culprits are a small group of lads with mopeds who not only race up and down the roads but are also driving on the village green and on public walkways. 

Recently me and my wife were walking down the pedestrian walkway between the village library and Old Dickens Heath Road/Rumbush Lane and one such moped rider came flying round on the pavement and nearly hit us.  This sort of behaviour is not only illegal but also very dangerous.

In response to the previous comment, I believe these people are coming from outside the village (moped riders) as I find it hard to believe that any of the Dickens Heath residents would allow their children to consistently behave like this.

So, the council and the police need to take this sort of thing very seriously.  With reference to the police, we all appreciate that your time is precious and that you have to prioritise more serious crimes, but imagine having mopeds racing up and down your road and endangering your children.  We as village residents can do little about it, you can. It is a big issue and proactive involvement by the police is needed now to stop it becoming a bigger issue.  Vandalism, dangerous driving, under age drinking are all criminal offences and there is therefore plenty of evidence to move these people on.  Please ensure this occurs otherwise it is likely that someone will soon get hurt as a result.

In terms of the people consistently behaving like this, the fact that you are constantly hanging around a kids playground is a sad reflection on you to be honest.   You're 15-17 years old for god's sake, get a life and go and do something constructive with your time! 
Dickens Heath Resident

Posted Wednesday, October 27, 2004
I have been a resident of Dickens Heath for a number of years. For a few months now, residents living around the village green have been experiencing regular instances of anti social behaviour and vandalism. These acts are being perpetrated by a small minority of mindless idiots who seem to have a total disregard for the local environment. Aside from the noise and disturbance, these idiots have vandalised and defiled the children's play area, littered the village green with bottles, bits of wood and various other items, and have caused damage to the Redrow marketing suite signage on two occasions. As usual, the Police seem totally disinterested and ineffective in dealing with this problem.

These acts of mindless vandalism in the Village will get worse unless Dickens Heath residents take collective action to address this situation.

Why oh why do these idiots behave like this, and where are their parents? Why is that these morons feel the need to deface and defile their own neighbourhood?  Does anybody care about this?
A very concerned resident

Posted Monday, January 26, 2004
I am a resident in Dickens Heath and I am not impressed at all. We are actually moving next week. First of all the public transport is unbelievable. Some of us actually do not drive and rely on public transport in order to get to work . I have to get a taxi to work and it is costing me a fortune. I live on the other side of Rumbush lane, so the road is blocked off and it would add an hour on to my journey if I wanted to walk. The noise is terrible, during the day the whole house shakes tremendously. When we moved in the noise was nothing compared to now. Residents should not have been moved into that part of Rumbush Lane if they knew they were going to block it off and make that much noise that we feel like we are experiencing an earthquake. Improvements really need to be made.
A not very happy resident.

Solihull Council now has a page dedicated to Dickens Heath, you can find it at:
http://www.solihull.gov.uk/about/dickensheath/


Hockley Heath Parish Council Election News
In February 2002 Government officers started the process of a Periodic Electoral Review of the electoral make-up of Solihull Borough. This process included a consultation period and the publication of a report of their findings. Hockley Heath Parish Council and all four Residents Associations I the Parish responded to the consultation document. So did large numbers of residents in the Parish, which was all recorded in the interim report which demonstrated the interest local people have in their electoral arrangements.

Although the final decision has not been published yet, I can tell you that recommendations in the interim report, to be sent to The Electoral Commission, is for the Village of Hockley Heath to be put into a Borough Ward along with Dorridge and the ward to be named “Dorridge and Hockley Heath” and to remain in the Parish of Hockley Heath. The remaining villages in the Parish (Cheswick Green, Tidbury Green and Dickens Heath) to be put into a new Borough Ward along with Monkspath, the recommended name being “Packwood”. Perhaps the most significant part of the report from the Parish Council’s point of view is that the whole of the Parish is itself to be warded in 2004. The recommendation is for the Parish to have four wards with 13 councillors. The Parish Wards will be Hockley Heath which will have 3 parish councillors, Cheswick Green 4, Dickens Heath 4 and Tidbury Green 2.

The difficulty now for parishioners is that the local elections in May this year will be under the present arrangements to elect 13 Parish Councillors for the whole of the Parish. Then, in 2004, the new warding arrangements come into force and you will be expected to vote again, this time for the number of councillors prescribed for each Parish Ward.

It’s not too early to be thinking of putting your name forward (or twisting someone else’s arm), the process starts in March. If you are interested but not sure what the implications are you are more than welcome to come along to one of our meetings or you can contact me or any other member for a chat.
Cllr Len Cresswell (01564 70 3244)
Chairman Hockley Heath Parish Council

Residents of Dickens Heath are welcome to use this page to comment on matters of local interest.