Latest news with #SuttonColdfield
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hugely popular Sutton Coldfield café announces move in expansion plans
A popular café in Sutton Coldfield has confirmed it is moving premises – but it is not going far away and will see a big expansion. Silver Tree Bakery tentatively opened in Sutton's Gracechurch Centre in the former Ernest Jones jewellers premises around a year ago. in August 2024. It was an expansion from the businesses' first shop in in a Scandi-style hut next to their homes in Water Orton Lane in Minworth, but a 'pop-up' which was initially due to stay until Christmas. Read more: 'Thanks guys, we'll miss you'- sadness as burger joint announces closure It first opened from Friday to Sunday to test the water, but was an immediate success and quickly expanded its opening times to a six-day-a-week operation from Tuesday to Sunday. The business also extended its lease beyond Christmas. Now the Silver Tree's owners have confirmed they are moving their town centre site. They will head just a few doors up to the former Office show shop premises which faces Bishops Court, opposite WH Smith's. The new shop will be a bigger unit than the current site and allow the business to offer a lot more. The owners say it is 'more than just an upgrade' and will be an 'extended version of everything you already love about Silver Tree'. The new shop will have an 'extended menu' and not be 'just grab and go'. It will have indoor and outdoor seating – but more of it. And 'real crockery & cutlery' is also being added. A new element will be a brand new private co-working area upstairs and a 'multi-use event space for the community'. In a post on Facebook, Silver Tree Bakery's owners, Kirsty Cosgrave and he brother, Kirk Bick, said: 'We've been a little quiet lately… but that's only because we've been working on something very exciting behind the scenes. 'As we approach our 1-year anniversary at Gracechurch, we're thrilled to finally (and officially) announce that Silver Tree Bakery is expanding — and yes, it's probably the worst kept secret in Sutton Coldfield. 'We've just picked up the keys to our brand new home at Unit 194 in the Gracechurch Shopping Centre, and we're getting to work straight away." Get the latest Sutton Coldfield news delivered direct to your inbox The post continued: 'We've listened to your feedback, and we're building something special, not just for us, but for you, our local neighbourhood hub. 'Massive thanks to Gracechurch, SAV Group, and BPG Holdings. They have big plans for the centre, and it's only right we have big plans too!' The new look Silver Tree Bakery will take a little while to put together with the opening expected in 'several months'. Elsewhere in the Gracechurch Centre, another café, Roma, has reopened after being closed for more than six months. The venue in the former Patisserie Valerie premises (version two, within the inner centre) had closed around Christmas-time. But its not back open with a staff member saying it is 'under new ownership and management'. It has retained the same menu.
Auto Car
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
Car cannibalism: the parts theft crisis affecting UK motorists
Thefts of car parking sensors have risen by 300% amid an increase in overall vehicle parts crime across the country, a leading insurer has reported. Admiral Insurance says that last year it recorded 142 claims for stolen parking sensors, compared with 36 claims the previous year, with an additional 104 claims for stolen steering wheels and airbags. 'Parking sensors are easily accessible and have a high resale demand,' said Alex Wyard, director of technical underwriting at Allianz. 'Criminals see parts theft as an easy way to make extra cash, and we have seen an increase in all types of theft relating to cars over the past year. 'New airbags can cost as much as £1200, but thieves sell stolen ones for a fraction of the price. Wing mirrors, catalytic converters, wheels and car emblems are also quick to sell on.' Volkswagen Golf GTI owner Jeremy Merckel is among the latest victims of vehicle parts theft. One morning in March he was woken by a neighbour with the news that thieves had stolen the headlights, front bumper, grille and bonnet from his car. 'I was fuming,' says Merckel, who lives in Sutton Coldfield. 'A neighbour's doorbell camera showed one of the thieves casually walking away carrying the bumper above his head. I've been told the theft probably took no more than three minutes. It's the second time my Golf has been targeted: two years ago, the car's original front bumper was stolen. Surprisingly, the car hadn't been broken into, and apart from missing much of its front end, there was no other damage.' Merckel was warned by his insurer, Ageas UK, that his Golf, registered in 2019, might have to be written off. He says: 'Their first reaction was: 'Oh no, not another one!' But in the end they agreed to pay for the repairs. Within two weeks it was back on the road with a new bumper, grille and lights, but because no new one could be found, a used bonnet. My insurance premium doubled last time, so I'm expecting a similar increase.'
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Changes to plans for huge Sutton Coldfield 5,500-home development labelled 'eco vandalism'
Amended plans for a huge housing development on the edge of Birmingham have been submitted and are set to be discussed next week. The Langley Sutton Coldfield Consortium has submitted revised plans for the big 5,500-home development set to be built on former greenbelt land in Sutton Coldfield next to Walmley. The consortium, made up of a series of developers who are set to build the homes, says plans have been reviewed and changed to take on board residents' and local councillors' concerns. But local representatives have said some of the proposals are still opposed by residents and there is a demand for a further rethink. Read more: Hundreds oppose 'wildlife corridor destruction' plan linked to development There will be a chance for residents to quiz the developers direct at a public meeting held in Falcon Lodge next Monday (July 28). The Langley Consortium has said it has amended two key elements following the receipt of feedback to its previous proposals. A hedge row erupted last year, when the developers announced plans to remove more than 400 metres of mature hedgerows to make way for a new combined 3.5-metre wide cycle way and footpath. At the time more than 1,000 people had objected to the proposal to rip out the established hedgerow, home to a range of wildlife. And that figure is now almost 2,000. The consortium says it has 'listened' to those objections and now proposes intalling an 'instant hedge' along the western boundary of the site by Springfield Road. Another concern raised over the location of a primary electricity sub-station has also been addressed with that plan not now going head. On the hedge 'row' the Langley Consortium insisted the current hedgerow had to be removed as there was not space for a new cycleway, which Birmingham City Council insists must be installed – and must be next to the existing road. It said: 'The need for a walking/cycling route along the western boundary was prescribed by the city council's Highways to encourage sustainable travel and deliver a visible, safe and usable route for both new and existing residents. 'The existing verge on Springfield Road between Churchill Road and Reddicap Heath Road is too narrow to accommodate this facility resulting in the need to remove a 400m section of hedgerow. 'The consortium has committed to replanting a native, species-rich mature 'instant' hedgerow which will be circa 1.8m high in the first year of planting (broadly equivalent to the height of the existing hedge).' In addition to the new 'insta-hedge', the consortium said there will also be new tree planting and the hedge may go above 1.8 metres. It also claimed the new hedge would be better than the old one saying: 'This will provide an enhancement to biodiversity when compared with the existing, single non-native species hedgerow 'And can immediately reinstate the visual screening function provided by the existing hedgerow.' A spokesperson for the Langley Consortium said: 'We have listened to the concerns of residents and have amended our plans. 'We have removed the proposed primary electricity sub-station and are investing in an 'instant hedge' along Springfield Road. 'This new, 'instant hedge' enables the creation of a safe walking and cycling route together with an improved landscaping and biodiversity function. 'This forward-focused approach to delivering enduring benefits forms part of the wider drive to deliver an exemplar development.' Read more: Rising crime in suburb sparks plea on how to spend police station sell-off cash But Sutton Reddicap councillor, Richard Parkin, aired his frustrations claiming he had to fight to get a public meeting, with the consortium at first not willing to do so. And he also said the hedge replacement issue misses the point that residents want the existing hedgerow to be retained and the cycleway to be the new homes side of that natural barrier. That's rather than it being destroyed and replaced by a new hedge metres from where one already exists. Cllr Parkin (Sutton Reddicap, Cons.) said: 'Langley Consortium recently submitted updated plans and there's 80 new documents and almost 400 in total. 'There's pages and pages of stuff, which is virtually impossible to read and understand. 'Residents have contacted me and said 'how do we work out what we are looking at here?' 'The Langley Consortium was reluctant to have a meeting initially and then wanted to be at a ward meeting and only answer written questions. 'I said you have got to talk to people and eventually they agreed to have a public meeting – next Monday.' On the 'instant hedgerow' proposal Cllr Parkin said: 'I have many questions on it. 'The general view of residents they remain opposed to removing the hedgerow that's been there at least 90 years. 'It's eco-vandalism to encourage people to walk and cycle and active travel but to remove a mature hedgerow which a wildlife expert has said is home to a massive variety of birds and other animals. 'How long will it take for them to come back to the instant hedgerow, will it last as it will need a lot of watering before it is established. 'It seems sacrilege to remove a bio-diverse hedgerow to replace it with a new one metres away. 'Nearly 2,000 residents have objected to that and they haven't listened.' Cllr Parkin also said the new north A38 junction should have a northerly exit, not just one to the south – a point other councillors and residents have raised before. Read more: Hundreds more trains to serve city suburb weekly creating 'London-like' service His views have been echoed in a report by Jon Lord, head of regeneration & sustainability at Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council. In a report set to be discussed at the town council's planning committee next Tuesday (July 29), he recommended objections to the instant hedgerow plan saying the consortium and city council's arguments on why the new cycleway cannot be put behind the existing hedgerow 'can be refuted'. He referred to previous objections in December 2024 'remain unchanged and in some cases exacerbated' – namely the cycleway behind the existing hedge 'would be much more sensitive and beneficial in environmental terms compared to that currently being proposed'. Get the latest Sutton Coldfield news delivered direct to your inbox Mr Lord also questioned the internal road design within Langley as not 'safely accommodating cyclists' with question marks over the 6.5 metre (3.25 metre per carriageway) width of the road. And said the cycleway stops before reaching the northern section of the site. He also called for north facing slip roads on the second A38 junction – yet to be built, with fears traffic will be pushed onto more minor roads and cause congestion. And for a reliable bus service. The revised plans will be able to be discussed by Langley Consortium at an informal residents' drop-in question and answer session at Falcon Lodge Methodist Church Hall in Newdigate Road on Monday, July 28 between 4pm and 7pm. The Langley Consortium is made up of developers Homes England, Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd, Vistry Homes Ltd, William Davis and Bellway Home. It is set to build the majority of the 5,500 homes on the site and says 35 per cent will be 'affordable'.
The Sun
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Top UK burger joint suddenly shuts its penultimate branch as diners lament ‘it's a monumental shame'
A POPULAR burger restaurant has dished up its final menu to loyal customers. The surprising closure has left many patrons disappointed, with one person describing it as a "monumental shame". 2 Bosses of a the Birmingham-based Patty Freaks closed the Sutton Coldfield location on Sunday, July 20. Located in the basement of a former pub at the Gracechurch Centre, the popular establishment first opened in May, 2024. It quickly proved a hit with locals, serving up a selection of burgers, fried chicken, and loaded skin-on chips to 75 diners at a time. Popular location The brand was founded in 2018 by Pete Hargreaves and Allan Blewitt, with the vision of serving up smash burgers alongside music and retro games. The pair began selling burgers from a catering van in a lay-by before attending local food festivals and street food events. In 2022, they opened their debut restaurant in Lichfield, which still operates. However, the lease on the Sutton Coldfield locations has now run out, spurring the entrepreneurs to hit the road and focus on pop-ups. "Our lease at the old Molloy's property has come to an end, we would like to thank the owners of the Gracechurch Centre for their support and work on promoting small local businesses into their retail spaces," the Patty Freaks said on their Facebook page. "It was a privilege to be able to take on such a historic site and attempt to fill the boots of some of the huge brands that have come before us. Popular Tex Mex chain confirms it will close down all locations after 36 years in another restaurant slaughter "We're moving back to drive more on the pop-up side of the business and going back to the street-food roots." The Patty Freaks team went on to thank their many patrons over the year of operation. "We would sincerely like to thank our customer base for supporting us on this journey it's been a fantastic year and we've absolutely loved this challenge," they said. "We're working with the team to be able to redeploy the staff, who wish to move our Lichfield restaurant, or work on the Street-food. "Hopefully this is not the end for The Patty Freaks in Sutton Coldfield but for the time being we have to bid farewell." Sorely missed Fans of the restaurant shared their sadness at news of the shocking closure. "It was always a joy putting on events in the Sutton Coldfield site," wrote on Facebook user. "All the best with everything, couldn't find a nicer bunch to work with." "You'll be a sad loss to the high street, we really enjoyed our visit last month and our takeaways over the last 12 months, good luck in your new venture," said another customer. "What a monumental shame, the only place other than Leviathan Brewing that served up decent beer in Sutton, with great food, a pool table, and arcade machines to boot," commented a third person. "Thanks guys, we'll miss you." And a full list of the Côte Brasserie restaurants at risk of closure as the chain seeks new investors. A Michelin star chef recently closed a popular restaurant after just five months. Another popular restaurant closed all its locations after decades in business. Plus, another fan favourite restaurant that closed a popular city centre location. And an award-winning Italian restaurant that is closing due to tax hikes. 2
BBC News
14-07-2025
- BBC News
More than £8k raised for Daniel Drewitt's family after lake death
An online fundraising page set up to support the family of a boy who died after going missing in a lake has raised more than £8,000 within 48 Drewitt, 16, was found in a pool at Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield, on Midlands Police said his death was not being treated as suspicious and it was liaising with the coroner.A GoFundMe page, which organisers said on Saturday was set up with permission from Daniel's parents, would help support the family during a "difficult time". The fundraiser was initially created with the goal of raising £1,600 but quickly surpassed its target and now has a revised goal of £11, an update posted on Sunday, organiser Helena Swallow added the teenager's mother was "overwhelmed" with all the support and donations."The family are so very grateful, thank you so much," she 16-year-old was reported missing in Powell's Pool at about 18:00 BST on services were called but he died before his body was recovered from the water, the ambulance service an earlier statement, the teenager's family described him as a big Birmingham City fan who was "handsome, funny and talented"."He had so many dreams and aspirations, and he had his whole life ahead of him," they said. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
