Balsall Heath Station – not yet

Reopening of a rail station is there in the Neighbourhood Plan, as voted on by residents some years ago. We can see new stations being built at Moseley Village and Kings Heath, so where is ours?  A feasibility study for West Midlands Rail Executive has now found that it will not be possible to fit in another station on this line, until a curve has been built to take trains into Moor Street instead of New Street station (which is full up). This is called the Midlands Rail Hub and is some years away, as a big project, but the cancellation of High Speed Rail north of Birmingham has released money to bring it forward. However, by end of 2024 we should all benefit from fewer  cars and less congestion on the main road, with hundreds of seats an hour on the new Moseley/ Kings Heath service.  WM Rail Exec

Seed Swap

Gardeners in Balsall Heath are invited to bring any surplus seeds from last year to swap with others, on Saturday 10th February at the Mix Cafe on Moseley Road 12-2pm. This is a great idea, organised by Grow Stop, as part of Balsall Heath Second Saturday at the Old Print Works (opposite the Swimming Baths). Grow Stop have a greenhouse on Gosford Street where vegetables are grown and swapped. Let’s power up, co-operate and improve our growing efforts in 2024 !

Drop in conversations about a Neighbourhood Council

Should Balsall Heath set up its own Neighbourhood Council?
How could this benefit the area?
Last autumn’s postal vote will be re-run in June.
Drop In for Community Conversations
Saturday 3rd June at Moseley Road Baths; 11.30 am to 1.30.
Saturday 3rd June at BH City Farm; 2 pm-4.
Tuesday 6th June BH City Farm; 7 pm-8.3

Re-run of ballot for Neighbourhood Council

Voters in Balsall Heath will again be asked if they want a Neighbourhood Council to be set up. The number of votes cast at the end of 2022 did not meet the required threshold. Everyone will be asked to post their votes in a reply envelope, which they should receive around the start of June. If it goes forward, there will be elections for the Members, who will make a plan and justify a small charge on those who pay council tax to sustain activity into the future. It can apply for other funding, pay staff, hold meetings, be consulted and push for a better neighbourhood for everyone and a cleaner, greener Balsall Heath.

More details on City Council website

Orchard of Balsall Heath

Fruit and nut trees have been planted across Balsall Heath and local residents are learning to look after them, as part of activity by Stirchley-based Fruit and Nut Village. They are working with the Friends of Seven Streets Park to transform neglected open space between Clifton and Runcorn Road.

Following a walk with Balsall Heath Is Our Planet, they decided to extend their planting along the River Rea into our neighbourhood. Recently, many fruit trees have been planted in Calthorpe Park and on the other side of the Rea (Clevedon Road). The group has been working with Percy Shurmer School and the Central Mosque.

People are invited to a work session on Friday 28^th April starts 10.00 ends 1pm, meeting outside Percy Shurmer School. Please wear shoes and clothing for work and potentially rain.

More about fruitandnutvillage is on facebook or twitter