Month: September 2022

A successful pilot scheme run by Sandwell Council to clean up fly-tipping hotspots has been extended after it was deemed that a multi-team approach was far more effective than previous methods.

Environment Response Team on Sandwell parkland

During the pilot scheme, which ran from January to August 2022, the Environment Response Team were sent to various sites across six towns in the borough that had significant problems and possible health and safety issues.

Sandwell Council report that over 750 vans were filled with general rubbish and green waste in the clean-up, as well as 184 vans of woodchipped waste which was then re-used across various great spaces.

Councillor Zahoor Ahmed, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for environmental services, said:
“We all want to live and work in a clean and safe Sandwell. The pilot has demonstrated how efficient and successful this multi-team, collaborative approach can. This approach can lead to communities being able to reclaim pride in their own neighbourhoods and work together with the council to continue to maintain the improved areas.”

According to feedback, residents were happy with the efforts of the Environment Response team and businesses will benefit from the cleaner areas.

Residents are being urged to continue to report any fly-tipping incidents, while environmental protection officers will continue to issue fixed penalty notices of up to £400.

Visitors to the Darlaston swimming pool and fitness centre can expect to see some minor disruption between October and Spring 2023 as work begins to improve energy efficiency.

As part of a £2.6m investment awarded to Walsall Council, the work includes the replacement of gas boilers with air source heat pumps, solar panel and LED lighting installation and other energy-efficient technology.

During the work, fewer car parking spaces will be available and visitors will need to use an alternative entrance.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council said:

“I’m really pleased that this investment in Darlaston is due to start soon. It will help the council to be able to reduce its carbon footprint by over 400 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year as well as saving in excess of £20k per year on spiralling energy costs.

“We’re committed to investing in our town and district centres. This investment in Darlaston is a great example of that.”

Councillor Garry Perry, Deputy Leader for Resilient Communities said:

“There will be some small disruption for service users but our staff and the contractor will do everything possible to minimise disruption. Around 18 car parking spaces will be unavailable and service users will have to access the main entrance from the coach-turning area rather than walking around the Victoria Road side of the building.

“There will be signage on site advising on access arrangements.”

Blakenall Heath in Walsall has made national headlines after a spate of criminal incidents sparked numerous media outlets to brand it as “the UK’s roughest estate”.

Angry residents took to social media to express their concerns about the neighbourhood reaching breaking point over the last few weeks, and called for action to be taken against the individuals involved.

Shops at Blakenall Village centre – Google Maps

Blakenall ward councillor Pete Smith said: “I’ve seen first-hand how these problems have escalated and people are saying enough is enough.”

Fly-tipping, arson and abuse of local shopkeepers are among some of the offences recently reported, while a delivery driver was attacked last week and ended up in hospital with an eye injury after a bottle was thrown through his van window.

In one of the worse incidents, a live pigeon was allegedly torn apart in front of customers and staff outside a local shop.

The recent trouble is said to be caused by a small minority, with many residents pointing their fingers toward a group of “lawless” youngsters.

Independent councillor Pete Smith has been highlighting the issues in Blakenall for some time and compared an area of Dawson Street near to the shopping centre to a “scene from war-torn Ukraine,” where rubbish lays piled up in front of empty properties and windows are boarded up or broken.

“The shopping Centre in Blakenall village is seemingly “lawless” for much of the time. Shopkeepers are at the end of their tether at the on-going anti-social behaviour, crime and general lawlessness that is getting worse rather than better: People seem to be unanimous that the situation has got worse in the last few weeks and has never been as bad as it is now. I have now been in every shop in this “village ” centre and the message, feelings and utter despair of these shopkeepers is soul destroying, “ he wrote in Facebook post.

“Every shopkeeper has a story to tell and the stories are so similar and familiar. They are losing customers and losing heart. They are desperate for help. It’s obvious that many of these children and youths as a well as their parents and grandparents, in many cases, are known to the shopkeepers, to many of the customers & local residents and to the Police. Yet the situation not only continues, but actually worsens,” he added.

“The situation has become so serious that I am now convinced that a joint effort between the council, the police, the housing associations, with the support of residents, shoppers and shop workers, is the only way forward.”

Smith says that some local shopkeepers are even considering hiring private security for protection. Meanwhile, Walsall Housing Group says that they are aware of the “ongoing issues in this area regarding criminal activity and antisocial behaviour.”

In a statement, the director of housing, Gary Brookes stated: “The situation in Dawson Street is one we are taking very seriously. We are working with a number of partners including the police, council and the residents themselves to resolve these issues.”

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An innovative project aimed at supporting children has been shortlisted for the ‘Children & Young People Now’ award, which rewards people and organisations for the outstanding work they do to improve the lives of children and young people.

Nominated in ‘The Play Award’ category, the Go Play Sandwell Partnership offers free play sessions to children aged 5-12 at the weekends and during school holidays.

The initiative was put together by Sandwell Council’s Play Service, Groundworks West Midlands and the Murray Hall Community Trust and has expanded to provide much more than just play sessions.

Over the past couple of years, the Go Play Sandwell project has developed a number of initiatives to help enhance the lives of local children, including digital play sessions, creating adventure maps in green spaces, and delivering 3,500 play packs to local homes.

They’ve also been responsible for leaving ‘fairy doors’ in woods, painted stones in parks and etching out hopscotch grids to encourage spontaneous games.

Councillor Simon Hackett, Sandwell’s cabinet member for children and education, said: “This is fantastic news. The nomination recognises the hard work of the partnership, and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved.

“Giving children the opportunity to play is an important part of their development. The work being done by the Go Play Sandwell Partnership shows our commitment to providing free, accessible and local play opportunities for the benefit of thousands of children across Sandwell.”

The Children & Young People Now awards are in their 17th year and have become the gold standard for people and organisations working with children and families.

The award ceremony takes place in London on 24 November when the Go Play Sandwell Partnership will discover whether they scooped this prestigious award.

Previously announced as a new tenpin bowling alley with karaoke booths coming to Walsall later this year, entertainment brand Tenpin have now revealed it will also feature escape rooms and laser tag.

The site on the Crown Wharf will boast two floors, 20 bowling lanes, three escape rooms, two karaoke rooms and a laser tag arena, in addition to arcade machines, seven pool tables and a fully-licensed bar menu. In addition, it will show live BT Sport and Sky Sport games.

Tenpin opens on Wednesday 28 September and booking is now available.

Here’s a run down of what to expect.

What Escape Rooms Are Available At TenPin Walsall?

There are three experiences designed by Houdini’s for up to seven people, including:

• Ghost Train
• Escape from Alcatraz
• Haunted Hotel

You have one hour to try and decipher codes and solve hidden puddles to escape the room within one hour. Price: £25 per person.

How Many Bowling Lanes Are At TenPin Walsall?

There are 12 bowling lines and you can book directly online. Prices are £12.50 for adults with concessions for juniors and students. The venus hosts kids bowling parties and offers party packages that include food and drink.

There’s also something called Hyperbowling, where points are earned by hitting specfic lights on the side bumpers before your ball hits the pins.

Do You Have To Book To Play Pool At TenPin Walsall?

No, you can just turn up and play one of the seven American pool tables.

What’s A Karaoke Booth?

There are two karaoke booths available that host up to 10 people and it costs £20 for 30 minutes. There are over 6,000 music tracks available. The concept is simple: sing like no-one is watching in your own private booth.

What Laser Tag Games Are There?

During the week, Laser Tag at Tenpin in Walsall is all about team battles a gourps of up to six will battle it out across the 4D arena. It costs £30 for 30 minutes.

There are also Laser Tag weekends where you can book the entire arena for you and your friends for £200 for 60 minutes.

If you’re looking for a party, there are also packages available for £13 a head.

Are There Any Discount Deals For Tenpin Walsall?

Yes, the venue will be running various deals, including an opening deal for October only where you can get two games of bowling for the price on one.

In addition:

• Thursday – 2 games a drink from only £10T
• Thursday – 2 games and a burger mean £10
• 1 hour of bowling and a 12” pizza from £30

 

What Food Is Available At The Bar?

Burgers, hotdogs, chicken nuggets, fries and pizza are on the menu. You can also get your hands on paninis, sharing dishes like Nachos and onion rings.

The drinks menu includes tap beer and cider, including Budweiser, Stella and Magners as well as selection of bottle beers, wine and spirits.

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Millions of people across the country tuned in to watch the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on September 19, with many attending churches in the West Midlands to pay their final respects.

The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Rose Martin, lit a candle on behalf of the Borough at St Matthew’s Church before watching the State Funeral broadcast on the big screen.

Rose Martin said: ““Watching the State Funeral was a moving experience, and it was a fitting tribute to her extraordinary reign. Amid all the pomp and pageantry, what came across was the love and respect felt by the Nation as the country said goodbye to the longest serving monarch this country has known.” 

A book of condolences is still open to send messages online, or you can visit in person at Walsall Town Hall each day between 9am and 6pm, or 10am-4pm on the weekends.

Parents can now apply for their child’s place at secondary school starting in 2023.

Applications can be made online up until 31 October 2022.

Parents will be able to choose in order of preference up to five secondary schools in or outside the Walsall borough.

Councillor Mark Statham, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said,

“The application process for secondary schools opens on 12 September and I urge parents and carers to make sure that you maximise your chances of obtaining a year 7 place at one of your preferred schools by submitting your application prior to the national application deadline of 31 October 2022.”

“It’s really important that you utilise all of the preferences to ensure that your child is allocated a school that you would be happy for them to attend. Applications received after this deadline will still be processed by the Admissions team but those applications submitted on time will be prioritised for processing.”

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