My family came from Alum Rock / Ward End. My nan lived in Sandbourne Road. I knew the Pelham when it had a cinema and a model shop opposite (I used to get my Hornby trains fixed there). I have a fondness for the area - or rather I used to. I avoid it like the plague, now, along with several other parts of Birmingham. That connection has been lost. Like a lot of areas in Birmingham, now, it no longer belongs to us, sadly. Even driving through there I feel like a stranger. The same with the park. I remember watching the trains go through it (steam trains!). I know that Alum Rock park has gone a similar way. You need to be of a particular type to be allowed in there. Same with Cannon Hill park. What on earth is happening? I don't necessarily blame the council. Government, yes. Also hidden agendas. I, for one, am glad I won't be around to see the conclusion. Sorry, but it makes me so sad.