Our readers who visit Digbeth regularly will have noticed that the hoardings around the failed Connaught Square development (opposite the Coach Station) are looking rather worse for wear at the moment…

MT @ellrbrown: Bradford Street, #Digbeth – demolished site – panoramic flic.kr/p/ed2EkL some of the hoardings have fallen down!

— Digbeth is Good (@digbeth) April 21, 2013

A large proportion of the hoardings have fallen in last week’s strong winds, but before they fell, others may have noticed that the Welcome to Digbeth Bab mural had been washed away and painted over:

This will be replacing the “Welcome to #Digbeth bab” mural: twitter.com/Kagey_infohub/…. It’s definitely a shame to see it go! @kagey_infohub

— Digbeth Residents (@mydigbeth) April 14, 2013

The mural was welcoming and a positive reflection on Digbeth, particularly due to its proximity to Digbeth Coach Station. Now, the thousands of visitors passing through Digbeth by coach, bus or on foot are greeted with an uncared-for site and an advert for legal highs, which is not ideal.

These events have spurred Digbeth Residents Association and the original mural’s artist, Dan Newso, to work together on a new replacement mural for the site. Planning is still in the very early stages, but we will be sure to keep you informed of any major developments. In the meantime, DRA have requested the repair of the boards surrounding the site, and are looking into possible sources of funding.

Do get in touch and let us know what you think of this story: Do you miss the Welcome mural? Is replacing it a good idea? What would you like to see on the hoardings? Can you help with funding the idea?

Get in touch by email, Facebook or join the conversation on Twitter (#WTDB2).

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Digbeth Residents Association and Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) is committed to working with West Midlands Police (WMP) to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in Digbeth.

If you want to help have an impact in how Digbeth is policed, you can! Members of the public are welcome to attend Nechells Neighbourhood Tasking Group meetings; the next meeting will take place on Tuesday 21st May at 2pm at Carol Gethin House, Arthur Street, Small Heath. Minutes from the previous meeting are included below.

The Partnerships Unit at WMP sends weekly crime statistics for Digbeth to DRA. Please find this week’s crime figures below:

BURGLARY
Useful link – West Midlands Police website

VEHICLE CRIME
Useful link – West Midlands Police website

No crimes reported.

Nechells Neighbourhood Tasking Minutes 23rd April 2013

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When: Tuesday 7th May, 18:00-20:00
Where: Spotted Dog, 104 Warwick Street, Digbeth, B12 0NH

Digbeth Residents Association wants to see a safer, cleaner and friendlier Digbeth. Meet the Neighbours is part of the friendlier strand of our action plan for 2013.

Every Tuesday throughout May, we will be hosting a very informal meet and greet for neighbours new and old alike to come and meet each other at the Spotted Dog.

Why not come down for an hour, or less, and put some names to faces of your fellow Digbeth residents over complimentary tea, coffee and cake?

Digbeth Needs You!

We are always looking for more volunteers to help publicise our events, organise community activities, and who could ultimately join our committee.

If you are interested in getting involved, with DRA please email contact@mydigbeth.co.uk, or simply come along to our next meeting on 13th May at 6pm in the Old Crown restaurant.

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Crave, based in the Custard Factory, offers high quality bespoke custom art tattoos and piercing, award winning hair stylists and beauticians, and is the first boutique in the UK to cater for all aesthetic needs.

Since opening in February, there has been an overwhelming response to Crave, resulting in a keenness to expand and evolve. The latest edition to the team, hairstylist Matt, has over ten years’ experience and also reached the final stages in the L’oreal Men’s Image Award.

Crave is proud to be part of the Digbeth community and now offers 10% discount on all beauty, piercing and hair treatments for Digbeth residents! Head to the website to choose your treatment, or call the salon directly on 0121 224 7505.

For more information, connect with Crave via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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Dear members & supporters,

Please find below an introduction to each article included in the April edition of Our News, the Neighbourhood Watch Network’s (NHWN) six-weekly e-newsletter. The full newsletter is included below.

• Message from the Chair
• Towergate Insurance
• National Neighbourhood and Home Watch Week 2013
• Police and Crime Commissioners survey
• National photography opportunity
• Garden Security – tips and advice
• Love thy neighbourhood
• Great Park Neighbourhood Watch – Case Study

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