Walsall Healthwatch is conducting a survey of residents to help plan for the future of local pharmacies and understand the current challenges faced.
The Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment can be completed online by Walsall residents or print versions are available in libraries and local pharmacies.
The deadline for completion is 25 February 2022.
Councillor Stephen Craddock, Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “If you use your local pharmacy and live in Walsall, then please take a few minutes to answer some questions about your local pharmacies.
“The results of the survey will directly help us and our NHS colleagues to shape the services provided by community pharmacies in the Borough to ensure they meet the needs of all residents.”
A major vehicle convoy is to descend on main roads up and down the country as part of a movement calling for an end of all COVID 19 regulations.
Recent convoy in Canada – 2022
From today (Saturday, 5 February), UK Convoy 2022 will be hitting routes in Wales, Scotland, Ireland and England, as part of a campaign calling for all COVID 19 regulations to cease and all vaccine mandates and vaccine passports to stop around the world.
The group’s website says: “The time has come to stand up in the UK and say no more!”
Details of the convoy are still being confirmed but it is believed the routes will take participants through Birmingham, Edinburgh, Newcastle and London.
Canadian community shares supplies with truckers
According to the official website, there are at least 12 UK convoys of truckers departing from various points across the country, with plans to continue the protests into Monday and beyond.
Local convoy route heads for the Midlands
The UK Convoy is said to be inspired by the recent Canadian truckers’ convoy and similar protests are expected in many countries around the world.
The Canadian truckers’ convoy, which states that they are not anti-vaccine but oppose the mandates that require vaccination for people to work, saw thousands line the streets in support to end the mandates.
A countdown timer on the UK Convoy website, which has been named “Time to Come Together,” counts down until the moment when truckers from across the UK will ride the length and breadth of the country. The website states that this in order to “show the real unity of the UK people and to secure future freedom for our children.”
Images from Canadian convoy.
The website asks: “Do you reject vaccine passports or any similar form of medical certification in the United Kingdom – Add your voice to ours by signing this open letter”.
Traffic disruption could be possible across the country, including the West Midlands and Staffordshire as a potentially large convoy of truckers drives through the region. We’ll update you over the weekend on planned routes through the region so you can plan your travel.
An eight-year-old boy sadly died this week after having a cardiac arrest at the popular Crash Bang Wallop indoor play centre in Walsall.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “We were called to a play centre on Lindon Road, Walsall yesterday (1 Feb) to reports a child had gone into cardiac arrest.
It is reported that, despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the boy died at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
The death is not being treated as suspicious and has been referred to the coroner
Posting on their Facebook page, Crash Bang Wallop said they would not be making any comment to the media out of respect, but praised the efforts of staff and the emergency services.
“We are deeply saddened to hear the little boy, who we believe suffered a cardiac arrest yesterday, has passed away today. Our deepest condolences go out to his Family, and our thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time, ” reads the post.
“Out of respect and family wishes, we have declined, and will continue to decline discussing with the media, for what should be a private family matter.
We would like to thank our staff for acting on their training, and providing the necessary first aid and CPR until the emergency services promptly arrived. We would also like to thank the emergency services for their swift response and further assistance today.
A further thank you to the kind people who assisted in a difficult situation which no one could have foreseen.
A 10-year vision for the development of Willenhall will be laid out in a report to be considered by Walsall Council.
The report stems from the Love Willenhall public engagement in 2021 where the community were asked via surveys to help build a picture of future life in the town.
The survey flagged up multiple concerns within the community, including derelict buildings, poor transport and crime.
The idea is to make Willenhall a more vibrant, healthy and prosperous community, which starts with the introduction of a new train station which will open in 2023.
The official press release states:
“The framework identifies four Areas of Opportunity centred on Moat Street/Villiers Street, the Pinson Road area, land around the site of the new railway station and land to the north of the district centre.
The Areas of Opportunity have been assessed against a series of criteria and are expected to incorporate new housing as well as green space, community facilities and improved walking and cycle routes. The plans will require a phased programme of land acquisition with the first phase to be focused on Moat Street/ Villiers Street. A draft Business Charter has been prepared setting out the Council’s commitment to support businesses that may be impacted by any development proposals.”
Speaking about the framework, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council, Cllr Adrian Andrew said:
“The Willenhall Framework Plan aims to have a firm focus on the future of Willenhall, to have the aspiration to become a more vibrant, healthy and prosperous community. Willenhall has a strong identity linked to its proud industrial past including at the heart of the lock making industry. Now is the time to focus on the future, Willenhall’s distinct heritage and mixed land uses presents opportunities to boost housing, create a stronger economy and greener and more sustainable environment”.
Five retail units situated on George Street near to the ASDA superstore in Walsall have been put on the market by property investment company and developer, Goold Estates.
Each property contains 711 sq ft of retail space.
Anthony Williams, property director at Goold Estates, said: “We’re hugely proud to have delivered the regeneration of the southern end of Walsall High Street, in partnership with St Modwen.
“We’ve worked together for more than 15 years to develop St Matthew’s Quarter into a vibrant retail destination. It’s exciting to see the continued investment in the area with the recent £3m refurbishment of Asda and the impending completion of The Ladder School and Walsall Studio School extension.
“However, with the development completed, the time was right to wind up the joint venture and we now wish to sell the retail units.
“As a business we have disposed of several legacy properties in recent years and the sale of the George Street shopping parade will allow us to focus on other development and acquisition opportunities across the West Midlands.”
A Frankie & Lola’s soft play area has recently opened at the ASDA in Walsall on George Street.
Situated on the mezzanine level of the superstore, the jungle-themed soft play area hosts sessions that take place Monday to Saturday between 10am and 5.30pm with advanced booking recommended.
Costs are based on a 90-minute session with babies (0-6 months) priced at £1.95 and toddlers priced at £4.95.
As well as a place for your children to unwind, you can also take advantage of the café for hot drinks and meals, with special meal deals costing £7.95.
Car parking is free for up to four hours, though you’ll need to register your vehicle with a QR Code available at reception.
