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Month: March 2021

Ambitious £25m Plan For Walsall And Bloxwich Revealed

Proposals for Walsall and Bloxwich town centres are being discussed by Walsall Council to inject up to £25m into a variety of initiatives.

walsall town

Key figures from the education, public and private sectors, as well as local organisations, have worked alongside Walsall Council and advisory boards from Bloxwich and Walsall to outline two Town Investment Plans.

Bloxwich Investment Plans

  1. Active Travel and Connectivity: including cycling and walking connections between Bloxwich high street, Walsall town centre and local employment sites.
  2. Promotion of Construction Skills Through Regeneration: Supporting training and employment through a fund that will seek applications from local housing associations and developers to financially support the remediation of existing derelict brownfield sites, and the environmental upgrading of existing dwellings. To access the fund applicants will be asked to make commitments to providing local jobs for local people, the use of local supply chains and the delivery construction skills and training for local people by developers.
  3. Community Capital: Grants programme for local Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) and social enterprise organisations to bid into, so they can expand their roles in supporting local people into employment and training etc.,
  4. Incubation Space and Digital Access Centre: The facility will provide incubation space on Bloxwich High Street for local start-ups and small businesses and allow access to digital connectivity for local residents who do not have home access to broadband. The facility will also include the provision of co-working rented spaces which allows the businesses to collaborate and provides an income stream for the facility.
  5. Green Bloxwich: Creating multi-use spaces such as new parks, sports arenas, allotment spaces for growing food and zones to attract and encourage wildlife.  The spaces will include a social events and public space for festivals and presentations and events. This project also includes the refurbishment of heritage buildings in King George’s V Park to bring them into economic use such as the conversion to community café and skills training facility.

 

Walsall Investment Plans

  1. Construction Skills Academy: Providing a range of construction skills training to ensure Walsall residents benefit from the investment in house building and construction in the town and the wider area.
  2.  Advanced Electric Vehicle Technology Centre: The provision of a new training facility to provide learning opportunities in the new and emerging electric vehicle market, delivered in partnership with Walsall College.
  3. Town Centre Performing Arts Venue: An exciting new 1,000 seater, multi-use entertainment and performance arena within Walsall Town Centre, creating a destination venue.
  4. Active Travel and Connectivity:  active connections including cycling and walking – between Walsall town centre, Bloxwich high street, and local employment sites such as Phoenix 10.
  5. Digital Skills Hub: Creating a new digital skills hub in Walsall town centre.  Aimed at accelerating digital growth and a ‘ready to go’ employable workforce with the skills, knowledge and experience to succeed in the changing workplace.
  6. Town Centre Community Learning Campus: the development of a fit for purpose adult/community education facility on the high street. Creating a new and improved offer that is accessible to all the borough and will attract more people to the town; providing day and night economic activity.
  7. The Creative Industries Enterprise Centre: Creation of a makerspace, creative incubator and skills development hub.  Aimed at small enterprises and local residents. Providing a high street presence, with the potential to create Walsall’s version of the Digbeth Custard Factory or Bristol Engine Shed.
  8. Active Public Spaces: Developing an inviting, engaging and quality public space which better links the high street to the New Art Gallery and edge of town retail.
  9. Community Capital: Grants programme for local Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) and social enterprise organisations to bid into, so they can expand their roles in supporting local people into employment and training etc.

Speaking about the plans, Manjit Jhooty, Chair of the Town Deal Board and CEO of the Jhoots Group said:

“It’s been a privilege to take part in this process. Formulating these plans has been a challenge but I’m confident that with government approval, these ideas will have a lasting impact on the local economy. It’s a fantastic opportunity to improve the prospects for our workforce and support the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that we have in Walsall.”

Deputy Leader of Walsall Council, Cllr Adrian Andrew said:

“I’d like to thank the council officers, members of the Town Deal boards and local community groups who have put so much effort into producing these plans. They reflect the ambition we have for Walsall as we emerge from the pandemic and begin to build a brighter future for all our residents. It’s rare for towns to have this kind of opportunity and level of investment and if we receive approval, we will begin work at once to put our plans into action.”

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Walsall Developments Get Go Ahead

Former Walsall Councillor Sentenced For Child Sex Offences

Former councillor Sean Coughlan has been sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court this week after being charged with two child sex offences.

Escaping a custodial sentence, the 65-year-old was sentenced to an 18-month community order and 30 days of rehabilitation after pleading guilty to one count of attempting sexual activity and one count of sexual communication with a child under 16.

He is also subject to a five-year sexual harm prevention order.

Judge Chambers said: “There are mitigating circumstances, you have reached 65 without a criminal record. And letters of support were written for you by your wife and daughter who said they are standing by you. I am also taking into account the psychiatric report, and that you were remanded in custody for your own protection in December and classed as a suicide risk.”

“Significantly, you served your community well. Becoming leader of your political party. You tried to help others. The character references all were supportive. In your own letter you rightly said ‘I helped hundreds of people over the years but this is what I will be remembered for’.”

After being arrested on the 2 December 2021, Walsall Labour Councillor Sean Coughlan, 65, was suspended from the Labour party.

sean coughlan

The Willenhall South councillor was placed under citizens arrest as part of a sting by paedophile hunting group Northwest Hebephile Hunter.

Coughlan, who has represented the Labour party in Willenhall South since 1995, was videoed by the group during his arrest where he was questioned on his alleged illegal online activity with a 14-year-old girl. 

Coughlan was recently in the running for deputy mayor of Walsall, in a high-profile election that made national news due to claims by his party that he was blocked out of the appointment by the Conservatives due to his mental health issues.

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New Walsall Developments Get Green Light

Walsall Council’s planning committee has approved plans to build 263 homes on the former Elkington Works/Cerro EMS site in Blakenall, which has lain derelict for more than a decade.

goscote lane new homes

New homes to be built on derelict space next to Goscote lane

Taylor Wimpey will build 263 homes on the 22-acre brownfield site in Goscote Lane, at least a quarter of which will be affordable homes. The developer will also create a public play area and landscaping.

The site was the former home of Elkington Copper Refiners, which operated there from the 1860s until the mid 1980s. Part of the site was used by Cerro EMS until about 2008, after which it has stood empty.

Brownhills is to get a new civic square, which will host events and seasonal market stalls. The square will be built on land next to Kwik Fit, in the High Street, which has lain vacant for more than 50 years.

brownhills civic square
Artist’s impression of Brownhills Civic Square. Picture courtesy of Metis Consultants.

As well as play areas, seating, bicycle stands and lighting, the square will also have a mounting point for a community Christmas tree.

New Town Houses By Walsall Art Gallery

A “pocket park” and 15 town houses are to be built on land near the Walsall New Art Gallery. Developer Urban Splash received a grant of £700,000 from the West Midlands Combined Authority to bring forward the development. Once completed, Walsall will be “gifted” two new areas of open space.

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Captain Tom Moore Song Is A Touching Tribute

A Staffordshire singer-songwriter has penned a song in tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore who died in February this year.

Jessica Sherry from Perton and her friend Peter Jones from Telford – also known as Double Strings – teamed up to honour the memory of the fundraising ex-British Army officer.

Speaking to WCR FM, Jessica said: “We’ve done this because Sir Captain Tom Moore inspired me by the hope that he gave to everybody. That made me want to do something to support him.

I want his family to see the impact that he had on everybody. That’s why we’ve written this song for him. Just so they can see how much he’s helped everybody. I don’t want him to be forgotten, I want his memory to live on”.

Remembering Captain Sir Tom Moore in Walsall

The 100-year-old raised almost £33m for NHS charities by walking laps in his garden.

He was a complete inspiration and did so much to raise vital funds to support NHS patients, staff and volunteers during the pandemic, when help was most needed.

Thanks to his amazing efforts, funds have reached the length and breadth of the UK working with 241 member charities. They have made a huge difference on the ground, both to address the immediate needs of patients and staff and to support the longer-term recovery of the NHS.

manor hospital walsall

For Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Well Wishers charity in particular, these funds have been used in a variety of ways and it seems fitting to provide a reminder:

  • Wheelchairs – The first sum to benefit the trust was used to purchase 20 much-needed wheelchairs for the main atrium. So many staff and volunteers have been in the unfortunate situation of trying to locate a wheelchair for poorly patients, or someone struggling with mobility issues and we know this causes great anxiety to all. These wheelchairs have helped greatly to resolve this issue and now both staff and patients feel more confident knowing these are easily accessible.
  • Fundraising Hub – The second sum will be used to refurbish the Fundraising Hub in the main atrium which is a real boost for Well Wishers as this area has finally given the charity a home and a proper base for all of its work.

Prior to the pandemic Well Wishers was generating funds of around £4,000 each month through book sales and events – and teams across the hospital and community have been able to use this money for the benefit of our patients and their families.

  • Chapel refurbishment – A third and final bid will be used to refurbish our Chapel.  This project has been discussed for over 18 months as the current facilities are inadequate, old-fashioned and uninviting for a place that holds services, private prayer time, group prayers and weddings and blessings.

The revamp will create a private prayer/counselling room, a more modern worship area, window coverings and hopefully new flooring, a new ceiling and decoration.  The bid requested that the funding was used for a multi-cultural project that benefited patients, visitors, staff and volunteers with particular consideration shown to our BAME community.

  • BCWB STP – Walsall Healthcare through Well Wishers has also been successful in a joint bid with Black Country & West Birmingham Sustainability Transformation Partnership and money received is being used to tackle health inequalities with Walsall Together taking the lead on this borough-wide work.
  • Representation – The trust has represented NHS Charities in the Midlands as local companies and members of the public continue to raise money for the organisation.

walsall nhs trust

Sir Captain Tom Did So Much To Help The NHS

Fundraising Manager Georgie Westley said:

“It feels surreal to think that one inspiring 100-year-old army veteran did so much to help the NHS during a pandemic.

“What a remarkable man. I feel honoured that we have been able to receive his donations through NHS Charities. Everything we are putting this money towards will mean that we can continue to benefit for years to come. It really is in Captain Sir Tom Moore’s memory as his actions will have a ripple effect in benefitting the charity and his legacy will live on.”

Chair of Walsall Healthcare’s Charitable Funds Committee Paul Assinder added:

“Captain Tom was not only an inspiration to the country during one of the most challenging periods in our history but as we all know, raised a phenomenal amount of money for the NHS. Like other NHS charities this year, our usual income generated through fundraising activities, has been severely restricted due to Covid-19 and the various national lockdowns.

“Against such a background, the funds raised by Captain Tom and distributed to local charities like our own by ‘NHS Charities’, has been a crucial lifeline, which has enabled us to keep operating and supporting our colleagues who have given so much over the last 12 months.

“In Walsall, Captain Tom’s legacy will live on in the form of a fleet of new wheelchairs, a fundraising hub, the refurbishment of the chapel and prayer area and in numerous other ways in which we remain able to support the great work done every day by our colleagues.”

New Walsall Pregnancy Support Service Launches

A dedicated midwifery team has been launched in Pelsall, which will give pregnant women and their families more personalised care.

walsall pregnancy support team
Midwives from the Harmony Midwifery Team at Pelsall Village Centre.

The Continuity of Carer service, at Pelsall Village Centre, will comprise a team that will support mums-to-be throughout their pregnancy, at birth and into the early stages of parenthood.

Daren Fradgley, director of integration for Walsall Healthcare Trust, said: “We are so pleased to offer a more joined up and personal approach to mums at such an important milestone in their lives.

“It has many benefits, including more co-ordinated care with a single team, ensuring all the needs of a woman and her baby are met, less hospital appointments as care is delivered in the community wherever possible, reduction in miscarriages and pre-term births and more positive outcomes for women knowing they have someone they trust and feel comfortable with supporting them all the way through their pregnancy, birth and during those first special days and weeks.”

Continuity of Carer Model Helps Deliver Pregnancy Support In Walsall

The service has been introduced following recommendations from the 2016 National Better Births Review and builds on the success of a Continuity of Carer model, which was implemented by the Wyndlow Team at the Walsall Healthcare Trust midwifery-led unit.

pregnant mother

The model has been shown to benefit mothers and babies, with national evidence revealing women who receive continuity of carer are: seven times more likely to be attended at birth by a known midwife; have fewer antenatal admissions and a shorter postnatal stay; are 16% less likely to lose their baby; and are 24% less likely to experience pre-term birth.

Hannah Platten, interim better births lead midwife, said: “We are really excited to be part of this new approach to caring for our pregnant ladies. One of the key elements of our job is to build a relationship with our moms to be so they feel able to talk to us about their pregnancy and birth choices and raise any concerns they have confidently.

“Continuity of care also means we have a more in-depth knowledge of their individual needs, so we can provide a personalised and holistic service and they don’t have to keep explaining their history to a different midwife every time they have an appointment. I am really proud of the dedication and enthusiasm shown by the Harmony Midwifery Team as we embark on this new way of working.”

Written by Jane Howarth.

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Cycle Spring 2021 Event Added To May Calendar

Booking for Cycle Spring 2021, the yearly St. Giles Hospice fundraising event, is now open and organisers are confident that the event will still go ahead as planned.

cycle spring photo
Photo from the 2019 Cycle Spring event.

Due to take place on Sunday 23 May, 2021, the COVID compliant Cycle Spring event encourages new riders and old to choose from one of three cycle routes.

Riders must be aged 10 or over and the three routes – all starting in Whittington, Lichfield – vary by difficulty with a 27-mile, 52-mile and a challenging 76-mile route planned.

 

Get On Your Bike For Cycle Spring 2021

Fundraising events for St. Giles Hospice have suffered in 2021 due to COVID restrictions.

Chloe Herbert, Head of Fundraising at St Giles Hospice said: “We’re absolutely delighted at the thought of being able to welcome back our wonderful fundraisers in person in 2021 after a year when we’ve had to cancel our events and close our shops, which significantly impacted on our income.

cycling event 2021

“Whether you’re a regular rider or new to cycling, we’d love you to support us at our COVID-compliant Cycle Spring event. We sincerely hope that Coronavirus restrictions do not result in further cancellations but the safety of our supporters, volunteers and staff is our top priority. Whatever happens, we’ll be keeping our participants up to date with developments.

“If, come May, we can’t get together at Whittington we’ll provide our participants with everything you need to cycle for St Giles in your own time. We’ll make sure that our community can still take part, no matter what! Following sign up, all cyclists will be provided with fundraising packs full of route maps, medals, certificates and more.”

Entry costs are £25 per person if you book before 31 March, or £27 per person if you book after the early bird offer until 20 May, 2021.

Cyclists booking a place before midnight on Wednesday 31st March can enjoy an early bird offer of £25, and entry at £27 closes at midday on Thursday 20th May 2021.

Birmingham 2022 Catering Contracts – Suppliers Needed

Birmingham 2020 Commonwealth Games organisers are now inviting suppliers to tender for £5 million worth of catering contracts.

hurdles at commonwealth games

Those successful companies will be providing food and drink to thousands of attendees at next summer’s games across multiple locations, including: Alexander Stadium, Sandwell Aquatics Centre, West Park, Sutton Park, Smithfield, St Nicholas Park, Victoria Park, Cannock Chase, and fan zones.

“As the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is a publicly funded event, we are required to comply with public contract regulations in the procurement of goods and services required to support the staging of the Games,” reads the official statement from Birmingham 2022.

Find More Information On Birmingham 2022 Catering Contracts

In the first instance, interested companies should register on the business portal at Find it in Birmingham.

Contracts will be awarded in the summer with the cut-off date for the first tender set as March 29, 2021.

John Crabtree, chairman of the Birmingham 2022 board, said: “These games have always been about providing tangible, transformational opportunities and this is a great demonstration of how real those benefits can be.

birmingham 2022

“We have a well-earned reputation for delivering incredible food in the city and region and I know there are talented, ambitious, proven suppliers who will be relishing the opportunity to bid for these lots.

“This is about so much more than winning a contract, the successful bidders will provide jobs, training and further opportunities for more people, expanding the positive impact and benefits the games bring.”

The boost for the hospitality and catering sector is expected to support up to 2,000 jobs.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “One of the reasons I was so determined to help secure the Commonwealth Games for the West Midlands was the employment opportunities it would create, and it is brilliant seeing that come to fruition. Whether it is catering or retail, security or IT, the thousands of jobs the Commonwealth Games is creating are coming at a critical time for our region as we look to bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic. I would urge everyone looking for work or wanting to get involved in this once-in-a-generation opportunity to visit the Birmingham 2022 and see what roles are available.”

Other opportunities for local businesses are also available as the Birmingham Organising Committee for the 2022 Commonwealth Games also seek weight-lifting sport equipment, network equipment and delivery services.

Birmingham 2020 contracts

Commonwealth Games 2022 Progress Gains Momentum

Plans for next year’s Commonwealth Games have recently been boosted with news that work on the redevelopment of Alexandra Stadium is sprinting ahead.

Since planning permission was granted in January of last year, the demolition of three existing stands has been completed and the site remodelled with steelwork that will form the new West Stand which is now taking shape.

alexandra stadium
Triple jumper Nathan Douglas at the Alexander stadium.

Despite challenges posed by the Covid pandemic, the £72.4 million pound scheme remains on budget, say council chiefs, and scheduled for completion in spring 2022 ahead of its use as the venue for the Commonwealth Games athletics competition, as well as the location for the prestigious event’s opening and closing ceremonies.

Kelly Sotherton, Team England’s Track and Field Team Leader for Birmingham 2022, said: “It is fantastic to be able to take a closer look at the progress that has recently been made on the redevelopment of Alexander Stadium.

“I’m impressed with how quickly the new parts of the stadium are taking shape. This is an amazing venue for Birmingham 2022 and I’m sure that athletes from across the country, and around the world, are looking forward to competing during the Games.

“This stadium has long been associated with great events and great athletes and that association can now continue in 2022 and beyond.”

Nigel Huddleston, Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, added: “I’m delighted by the significant progress that has been made at the Alexander Stadium in the past few months and I want to thank everyone involved for their efforts so far.

“We are on track for the stadium to be a brilliant centrepiece of the Games and a fantastic community facility for many years to come.”

Get Free Books Delivered By Walsall Libraries

Walsall libraries are offering a free service to local residents.

book

The Ring and Read home delivery service allows library members to loan books and have them delivered.

The following libraries are taking part in the scheme:

  • Aldridge District Library
  • Bloxwich District Library
  • Brownhills District Library
  • Lichfield Street Hub
  • Streetly Community Library
  • Willenhall District Library

To take advantage of the local book delivery service, you need to have a library card and fill out an online form, or give your library a call.

Though you aren’t able to browse the selection of books, you can choose from a variety of options, including books by specific genres or authors and even if you prefer hardback or paperback.

Walsall libraries are also delivering audio books.

Members can loan up to 10 books at a time, which will then be delivered direct to your doorstep.

walsall libraries bookshelf

Walsall Libraries Online Access

If you’re tech savvy, you may also want to take advantage of the online service. You’ll need an eLibrary card, plus a PIN number, which you can get by joining online.

There are multiple resources available, including:

  • BorrowBox – Download the BorrowBox app on Apple or Android devices from the iTunes or Google Play Store. Type in your eLibrary card and pin and enjoy a wide selection of ebooks.
  • RGDigital Audiobooks – Download the RGB Digital App from iTunes, Google Play or Kindle store and enjoy a variety of audiobooks, as well as comic books and graphic novels.
  • Encyclopedia Britannica – Access three editions of the encyclopedia, including the Online Library Edition, Student Edition and the Junior Edition.

Check out the full list of online resources for Walsall libraries, which includes some help with family research.

New Walsall Covid Vaccination Centre Opens Next Week

A new Covid-19 vaccination centre will open in the Saddler’s Centre in Walsall on Monday, 15 March.

walsall saddlers centre covid testing site

Walsall Covid Vaccination Centre Opening At TJ Hughes Store

The former TJ Hughes and Argos store will accept its first patients next week with up to 1,000 locals due to be vaccinated on day one.

The new vaccination site, run by the Walsall Together Partnership, will only accept patients with an appointment.

Initially, patients who fall into the eligible categories, such as being over 55 or at high risk from coronavirus, can book appointments online. Others will be contacted be via text from the National NHS Booking Service or by letter.

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s acting chief executive office, Darren Fradgley, said:

“It is really important that members of the public help us to ensure things run efficiently and effectively by only coming to the centre if they have been contacted by the NHS and have an appointment booked.”

 

Free parking for one hour is available on the Saddlers Centre car park for anyone with an appointment, and essential retailers will be unaffected.

Melvin Glasby, Centre Manager commented, “The Saddlers Centre is happy to support our community in the fight against Covid-19 and welcomes the vaccination centre.  Our essential retailers are open at this time, and we will do all we can to support the Council and NHS in the operation of this important task.”

Other Walsall Covid testing centres include Walsall Town Hall on Darwall Street and Wolverhampton University, Walsall Campus.

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Walsall Walking Group Needs Your Help

A Walsall walking group is campaigning to secure permanent public right of access to a popular roadway through the Great Barr Hall estate in Pheasey.

walsall ramblers logo

The Walsall Ramblers wants Suttons Drive, between Chapel Lane and Horseshoe Crescent in the Nether Hall Avenue area and which sits in the historic Great Barr Hall estate, to be included in the definitive map of the borough. This would protect it from being closed off to the public and safeguard its future as a right of way.

Walsall Ramblers Collecting Evidence

However, Dick Turton, the walking environments officer for Walsall Ramblers group, says it needs to collect evidence from the public who have used the roadway over the past 20 years, to add weight to its application to modify the map.

“Walsall Ramblers have been trying since late last year to formalise the route into the Great Barr Hall site, known as Suttons Drive, by having it included on the definitive map of Walsall,” he said.

suttons drive great barr
Suttons Drive in Great Barr

“This would protect at least this part of the estate for the public to use by making it into a public right of way and would mean the current landowner or any future landowner could not close it the public without a closure order.

“For us to have a good chance in our application, we need evidence from the public to confirm they have used the route – whether regularly as a walker, cyclist or horse rider – or if they used it to get to work or to church. This would help us to confirm that the route has been used as a right of way for more than 20 years.

“We would ask any readers of the Pioneer to get in touch and fill in a form as every piece of evidence will help us.”

The derelict Great Barr Hall, which is Grade II listed and on the Buildings At Risk register, is currently on the market for £7 million and includes 153 acres of grounds, parkland and two lakes. Last year, Walsall Council refused a planning application to build five exclusive homes on part of the old St Margaret’s Hospital, saying it would negatively impact on the conservation areas and Green Belt land that it sits in.

great barr hall lake

Dick said any application to create a public right of way would need the approval of the current landowner – or any buyer, should the estate be sold. However, if the landowner refused or did not want to divert the roadway so that the public could have a right of way, the Ramblers could take it to a public enquiry.

The Ramblers group is hoping to gain as much evidence as possible by June 30, 2021, so that it can go forward with its application.

Information and forms can be obtained from walsallramblers@talktalk.net. The Ramblers group and the Rights of Way team at Walsall Council can help anyone with filling in the forms.

Written by Jane Howarth.

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