Police have released images of seven youths they’d like to speak to in connection with an assault in Great Barr in early June.
The assault happened at approximately 7pm on June 2 when a man, in his 40s, was kicked and punched in an attack that took place in Raymont Close, near to Great Barr school.
The youths are suspected to be between 15-18 years-old.
Images now show clear pictures of the seven suspects that police would like to speak to in connection with the incident.
Writing on Twitter, Birmingham Police wrote:
“We want to speak to these lads after a man was seriously injured by a group in #GreatBarr. The man in his 40s was repeatedly punched and kicked by a group of seven lads in Raymont Grove at 7pm on 2 June. He was treated in hospital. His injuries are not life-changing.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat or by calling 101. Quote 20/624260/21.
Walsall Council has released a video of a car (seized due to its involvement in fly-tipping) being crushed to emphasis the repercussions for local residents who dump their rubbish illegally.
Walsall Council Leader, Councillor Mike Bird was present at the scrapyard to witness the crushing of a Vauxhall Zafira, which was used to dump 38 bags of rubbish at Rayboulds Bridge, Walsall.
“We will find you, we will fine you and we will crush your vehicle” is the message from Walsall Council, who has seized other vehicles dumping illegal waste across Walsall.
The seizing of vehicles is one of the enforcement methods that the Council are using, with some vehicles sold to support clean-up costs of fly-tipping.
The maximum penalty is up to five years’ imprisonment or an unlimited fine.
Walsall Council Leader, Cllr Mike Bird said:
“We are all absolutely sick of flytipping, so I am determined to throw all the powers we have at it and stamp it out of Walsall”.
“Vehicle seizures, prosecutions and fixed penalty fines send out a strong message that this council really means business. I am delighted that this tough vehicle action has dealt a crushing blow to these criminal dumpers. “
“Be warned – we will find you, we will fine you and we will crush your vehicle.”
The idea to offer a wide selection of homemade cakes to cater for specific dietary requirements was the brainchild of a Walsall-based entrepreneur. Since opening the first branch in 2011, the franchise has grown across the country, with many of the stores being based in the West Midlands.
The Great Barr branch can be found next door to Sunita’s Sweet Centre on the same road, offering a variety of sumptuous traditional Indian sweets.
As well as vegan, gluten free and stunning celebration cakes, the Eggless Cakeshop also sells cupcakes, themed cakes and novelty cakes fit for any occasion.
A selection of some of the novelty cakes available
The Great Barr Eggless Cakeshop offers a click and collect service, where you can browse through the various cakes online and order directly through the website, or you can phone to discuss your specific needs – 0121 572 0464.
Cupcake Giveaway
Pioneer Magazines has teamed with the Great Barr branch to give away a mouth-watering prize!
To be in with chance of winning a 6-pack of vanilla and chocolate, strawberry-topped cupcakes, simply:
Thrill-seekers will be able to take on a 220 metre-long zip wire on the site of the Midland’s newest super hospital – all for charity.
The event will see riders whizzing past the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick from the top of a crane positioned on site, reaching exhilarating speeds of up to 35mph.
The Midland Met is Sandwell and West Birmingham (SWB) NHS Trust’s multi-million pound development and will boast the latest technology to treat patients when it opens in 2022.
All money raised across the two days will go to Your Trust Charity, which is the registered charity for SWB NHS Trust.
Frontline medic Dr. Sarb Claire, who is also deputy medical director at the Trust, is taking part along with several of her colleagues and her 14-year-old son. She said: “This is going to be an amazing experience on the site of our fantastic super hospital – a state-of-the-art hospital that will deliver high quality care and provide a real opportunity to change the landscape of healtcahre.”
Dr. Clare added: “Taking part in the zip wire challenge isn’t just about the adventure though, it’s also about raising money which will go towards enhancing the experience of our patients, their families and the staff at the new hospital. It will pay for things like children’s play areas and will be a space for the community and staff to connect, learn and be a fundamental part of the hospital.”
Johnny Shah, Head of Your Trust Charity, added: “The zip wire is our biggest and most exciting event to date. The more funds we raise the more things we can support in the new hospital. From education and arts projects to funding research and development around cardiology, leukaemia and other conditions that impact local people. We’ll also be able to fund sensory rooms, patient spaces and outdoor areas. Every penny raised goes to the charity. The build is paid for.”
“Your Trust Charity is inviting everyone to take part, including families, businesses across the area, and staff at the Trust. Together they will be helping the charity to make the Midland Met more than a hospital.”
The event will take place on 4 and 5 September, 2021. To sign up, email trustcharity@nhs.net.
Walsall Football Club has ditched the ticket-based book that fans would usually receive when buying a season ticket in favour of a smartphone QR code for the 2021/2022 season.
Unlike previous years, Saddlers fans can only purchase a season ticket online from the e-ticketing website. Once the sign-up process is complete, supporters will receive a QR code which they can scan at the turnstiles on match days.
“The ONLY way to secure your return to the Banks’s Stadium and purchase a season ticket will be online via our e-ticketing site. We believe this will ensure a more efficient, simpler and Covid-safe process for all supporters,” reads a statement on the official site.
Individual tickets for matches will also be sent via mobile.
Though the mobile ticketing system is the preferred method of entering the stadium, the club has confirmed that supporters who don’t own a smartphone can request a card by phoning the club office.
Season ticket sales are now open with a fast-track period running until July 18 allowing fans to buy their season ticket at a reduced rate, from £250 per adult for the HomeServe Lower Stand to £350 for the main stand.
Walsall residents are spoiled when it comes to Indian restaurants. Dotted across the borough – from Brownhills right into the centre of town and surrounding areas – are dozens of curry houses attempting to tickle your taste buds.
But what are the best Walsall Indian restaurants?
The answer to that question really does come down to personal preference, whether it’s the type of setting you prefer or a particular balance of flavours from the cuisine.
So, our favourite local restaurants are simply the ones that we have enjoyed the most over the years – five Indian restaurants that have consistently delivered fantastic Indian cuisine.
Top Walsall Indian Restaurants
Blue Ginger
This Walsall town centre Indian restaurant, formerly known as Shahi Grill, really accelerated its profile over lockdown. With restaurants shut for indoor eating, the community turned to delivery and Blue Ginger rose to the challenge.
With regular 5-star ratings on Google, TripAdvisor and JustEat, word started to get around about their customer service and delicious food. After ordering a delivery, we were hooked and it’s now become our go-to Indian delivery.
Chicken Tikka starter
Since reopening, we’ve also visited to eat inside and we can see why Blue Ginger is rapidly becoming one of the best Walsall restaurants. The owner and staff are welcoming, attentive and friendly, while the “Sizzling Tawa” dishes, the signature dishes and the spicy baltis melt-in-your-mouth with an array of well-balanced Indian flavours that elevate their dishes.
Presentation is also top-notch!
If you’re looking for delicious Indian food served with a smile and a personal touch from the charismatic Mr. Khan, then check it out.
There’s plenty of strong competition vying for your business in Walsall town centre and Golden Moments is up there with the very best.
Once again, this Walsall curry house has dozens of 5-star reviews and boasts a lavish interior that makes dining here feel like you’re eating in a fine dining restaurant.
Serving Bangladeshi and Indian food, Golden Moments set a gold standard for Indian restaurants in Walsall for many years with its fresh and flavoursome dishes and exemplary customer service.
With delicious dishes, many of which we haven’t seen at other restaurants (such as the white chicken tikka starter and the mouth-watering Tiger Bahar), it’s no wonder people travel from afar to sample the cuisine.
Check out the brand-new Royal Platter, which is a delicious feast for two!
If you like Indian food and you have somehow missed Golden Moments off your list of places to visit, you’re missing a real treat.
Shimla Peppers offers a haven of tranquility in a very relaxed and stylish restaurant in the heart of Walsall town centre.
Our table of choice is always outside on the balcony, where the décor, heaters and ambient lighting transports you to a faraway place.
Outside at Shimla Peppers
The service is impeccable with attentive waiters, a comprehensive drinks list and a varied menu.
If you visit Shimla Peppers, you may notice that the food doesn’t arrive at your table as quickly as many other places. This is because the chef uses the freshest ingredients to create their dishes, with no artificial colourings or flavours, so when it arrives it’s well worth the wait.
There’s a balance of flavours to the food at Shimla Peppers which many Indian restaurants can’t compete with. The setting is lovely, but it’s the food that is the star attraction.
We’ve been going to the Kajal in the Park Hall area of Walsall for many, many years. It really does help when the owners and staff at an Indian restaurant value their customers and the Kajal doesn’t disappoint with smiling faces and friendly waiters always at hand to ensure you have everything you need.
The main dining room area is fairly compact, which creates an electric atmosphere when it’s busy.
The food is first class with sizzling baltis, including our personal favourite – the Kajal Special Balti with chicken tikka, lamb tikka and tandoori chicken – traditional classics and the unique chef specials.
The Kajal has served the people of Walsall since 2004 and has learnt exactly what their customers like and want over many years of experience. The result is a welcoming Indian restaurant with food that will have you coming back for more.
Address: 51-53 Liskeard Road, Park Hall, Walsall, WS5 3EY.
Phone: 01922 625286
Malabar
We love the vibrant atmosphere at the Malabar in Aldridge!
It starts from the moment you arrive with a friendly greeting from owner, Mo, and attentive waiters who are more than happy to explain dishes, offer advice and even create something bespoke to cater for your own tastes.
The aromas fill the restaurant as the executive chefs put together freshly cooked dishes with the freshest produce and spices.
From the speciality seafood dishes to the wide range of classics and comprehensive vegetarian selections, you’ll probably spend the first 15 minutes browsing through the extensive menu, which leaves you yearning to come back to try other dishes!
The quality of the food is consistently good whenever we’ve visited.
This fairly small and cosy Indian restaurant, which also has a function room upstairs, is buzzing on the weekends so be sure to book.
These are just some of Walsall’s best Indian restaurants, but there are also many others that are worth visiting! If you’re vegetarian or vegan, we’d recommend Mum’s Kitchen, which currently delivers delicious home-cooked Indian food to Walsall and the surrounding areas.
A new coffee shop has opened its doors in Walsall, with the aim of stirring up pride in the town and providing the community with a welcoming space.
The Table – formerly the Vine in Lower Hall Lane – is the brainchild of graphic designer James Clark, who has long dreamed of opening a coffee shop.
Now, with members of Walsall Community Church, he and a small team of dedicated volunteers have transformed the building into what is hoped will be a vibrant community space.
Serving coffees, teas, cakes and other goodies, diners can now eat indoors following the lift in local restrictions and there’s plans to let some of the space out to the local community. It has already had several people express interest in using it for toddler groups, art and craft classes and maths tutoring to just name a few.
The cafe also has laptop charging points, enabling enable people to go and work in a relaxing environment.
James and Katie Clarke and volunteer Abby Heaton at The Table
James said: “We called it The Table because we believe everybody deserves a place at the table. This is a community-focused coffee shop and we want it encourage connection and strengthen relationships in the community, especially for those people who need community around them.”
James and the team spent weeks transforming the site – filming their progress on social media – after receiving £10,000 grant funding from the National Lottery Community Fund and money from Walsall Community Church. It also launched a Crowdfunder page, which ended in April, with the aim to raise a further £5,000.
“We want to help elevate Walsall,” said James, who quit his job to focus on The Table. “It is a beautiful place with some amazing architecture, green spaces and amazing creative people. Instead of having to go to Lichfield, Birmingham or Sutton, Walsall deserves to be on the map a bit more.
“I love Walsall and the diversity of people, culture and community that we have in our town. It’s an amazing town, often in the shadows of neighbouring Birmingham, or tarnished by horrible statistics about crime or poverty.
“It’s true that this place has its fair share of challenges but it’s time that we all pick up the slack and actually do something about it, and what better way to change the narrative than to start writing a new story, right in the heart of the town?”
The Table aims to combat isolation and loneliness, which has been heightened by the pandemic, and support positive mental health through creative workshops, and will support local small businesses by providing retail opportunities. It also hopes to provide work experience and training for young people.
“It will provide a welcoming and safe place for the community to come together in a safe environment. This town is home to an amazing and varied population from many different cultures and we want to create somewhere that welcomes all and helps bridge gaps in our community,” said James.
“I have always had a dream to start a coffee shop and I am also hugely passionate about building community. I am so excited that my dream is going to become a reality. I am not from Walsall originally but it is the place I now proudly call home along with my wife, Katie and our beautiful daughter Laurel.
“Surrounded by empty shop fronts and vacant retail spaces we are putting our stake in the ground and saying ‘Walsall is great’! We all deserve somewhere to enjoy and celebrate our town, each other and our community, so that’s what we’re doing at The Table.
“We are so excited for this adventure and the impact it will have on the town and the people of Walsall.”
The Table is on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter – @thetablewalsall.
Smart cameras and information robots are set to be trialled by West Midlands 5g (WM5g) and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) as part of a £1.6 million investment.
Plans include introducing robot guides at Birmingham New Street Station to provide passengers with information as rail officials confirm that passenger levels have hit their lowest since records began in 1872.
In a scheme to explore the benefits of 5G technology on the West Midlands transport network, plans also include the introduction of smart train robots that will support autonomous light rail vehicles.
The technology will use 5G for location accuracy and camera data in order to navigate train and bus stations.
Chris Lane, head of transport innovation at TfWM, said: “The awarding of this second round of funding demonstrates the scope that 5G technology can offer in developing and enhancing transport across the West Midlands.
“These trials have the potential to revolutionise the way our regional transport systems operate, with the use of 5G across our transport system promising to create greater efficiencies and solidify the West Midlands as one of the most innovative regions in the UK.”
Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman added: “The idea of robots roaming railway stations and assisting passengers might sound like science fiction, but it could soon be a reality thanks to the government investing up to £20 million in West Midlands 5G.
“These innovative projects will explore how 5G can make public transport better for both passengers and staff, including by making it easier for disabled people to travel, reducing overcrowding on buses and detecting hazards on the railways.”
The Commonwealth Games 2022 represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only showcase the West Midlands on the global stage but also see massive investment and regeneration in Perry Barr and further afield.
Next year’s Games, which promise to boast the biggest ever sports programme in Commonwealth Games history, hope to leave a lasting legacy for Perry Barr, Birmingham and the wider West Midlands Region.
Bosses behind next year’s Birmingham Games have set out an exciting vision for not just sport but for the development of the area – typified by exciting projects such as the major redevelopment of Perry Barr’s Alexander Stadium and the ongoing building work to create the new Sandwell Aquatics Centre which will have various facilities, such as a 50m Olympic-sized swimming pool, to the people.
Birmingham 2022 Firsts
Organisers of the Games say the competition will be the ‘Games for Everyone’, as it will deliver the largest fully-integrated para-sport programme for any Commonwealth Games and, for the first time, in global multi-sport event history, more medals will be awarded to women than men.
Birmingham 2022 aims to deliver many Games’ firsts;
Being the first carbon neutral Games,
The first time a social value requirement has been embedded in every tender for goods and services,
The largest Business and Tourism programme of any Games,
The first comprehensive and most ambitious community engagement programme,
The first Games to fully integrate volunteers, from all delivery partners, into a united volunteering programme.
The Games is community focused and through it, it hopes 35,000 much needed new jobs and skills opportunities, including volunteering and training opportunities, will be created. A tonic despite Covid.
The Gazette now looks at what key players in the Games, includes sports’ people themselves, think the sporting extravaganza will bring to Birmingham, the UK, and to its people and communities.
Kofi Joseph’s relationship with basketball began at primary school. In his 18 years of playing the sport, Aston-born Kofi has competed in the British Basketball League for Worcester Wolves and took part in the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Despite living in Manchester Kofi remains a Brummie at heart.
Kofi said: “(Birmingham) defines me as a person. A lot of my core values and beliefs are engrained in me because of Birmingham.
“The people are so diverse. I love Brummies. Wherever I go you know where I’m from and I represent it. We’re just so diverse and multicultural, we have got a certain swag to us.
“Birmingham has a lot to offer and it will be great to let people know about our diversity, the culture we have and how talented the young people are.
“This will be a really good way to finally have the opportunity, on a world stage, to show what we can do.”
A key element of the Games is its focus on the importance of the environment and, as a result, organisers are keen to make Birmingham 2022 the first carbon-neutral Games.
Severn Trent has formed a new partnership with the Games and will be Birmingham 2022’s Official Nature & Carbon Neutral Supporter.
They will be responsible for delivering a host of initiatives to help the Games off-set the carbon generated and Severn Trent hopes to leave a ‘positive social and environmental legacy of sustainability in the West Midlands.
One such bold initiative will see the creation of 2022 acres of forest, as well as 72 tennis court sized mini forests, to be built in urban areas across the West Midlands.
Ian Reid (CEO of Birmingham 2022 and Liv Garfield, CEO of Severn Trent
Liv Garfield, CEO of Severn Trent, commented: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the Commonwealth Games and to play a leading role in helping make Birmingham 2022 the most sustainable Games ever.
“We’re passionate about making a positive impact on the communities and the environment where we live and operate, and to the lives of everyone that we serve.”
Nigel Huddleston, Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, said: “The Birmingham Commonwealth Games will provide some of the most memorable moments in what is set to be an incredible year of celebration for the UK in 2022.
“I’m delighted to support Birmingham 2022’s ambition to be the first ever carbon neutral Commonwealth Games.
“I hope this will set a new standard for major events as we look to build back greener and play our part in building a more sustainable future for us all.”
Ian Reid, Chief Executive of Birmingham 2022, said: “We’re on track to stage a magnificent edition of the Commonwealth Games and we have seen huge interest in tickets in recent weeks.
“Now, more than ever, people are searching to look forward to and that is certainly what we will deliver.
“There are millions of sports fans out there who, because of the pandemic, have not been able to attend events for 12 months and with things moving in the right direction, we are anticipating a huge amount of interest when our tickets go on sale later in the year.
“We have always had strong ambitions to set new standards in all that we do with the Commonwealth Games and make significant progress in areas that matter.
“Our plan not only outlines how we will continue to support the regionwide economic recovery, but also demonstrates how we will leave a credible piece of social and environmental legacy.”
For further information about the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games please visit the Games website at www.birmingham2022.com
Canals across the West Midlands are set to play their part in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
In photographs snapped in the last couple of weeks, representatives from a Birmingham film production company are seen filming for a promotional video at the Walsall Canal.
Walsall Canal Set For Increased Footfall
Speaking to Pioneer Magazines, Lee Bates, an Area Operations Team Leader for the West Midlands region Canal & River Trust, told us that:
“The Canal & River Trust, the charity that cares for over 500 miles of canals across the West Midlands, is currently getting the regions canals ‘Games Ready’ for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. With many of the game’s venues located next to or near a canal our canal towpaths provide safe, traffic-free walking and cycling routes in and around the region”.
The Trust is expecting visitors to the games to enjoy walking many of the canal routes and volunteers have been hard at work to ensure people can navigate them safely.
“The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will undoubtedly bring an increased footfall onto our wonderful canals, including the Walsall Canal, so we need to ensure they are fit for purpose and we’re busy working to improve our towpaths and key access onto the canal and as well as tackling the problems of litter and graffiti,” said Lee.
“We are also enhancing the wayfinding and signage required to help people clearly and safely navigate around our wonderful canals”.
Volunteers Needed At Canal & River Trust
The Trust is currently looking for volunteers to help make a difference to the Walsall Canal prior to the Commonwealth Games. They can be contacted via the official website: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
Volunteers from the Canal & River Trust help tidy up
As for the promotional video showcasing Walsall Canal, Lee explained that it should be ready for July.
“If you’ve been out on the canal in Walsall recently you may have seen us filming along the canal,” he told us. “We’re currently working with Slinky Productions, a Birmingham based film production company, to create a promotional film about volunteering on our canals to really show the variety of volunteering roles we have at the Canal & River Trust”.
The film will be available to watch on the Canal & River Trust website and on the Twitter channel @CRTWestMidlands.
