January 2024 - Pioneer Magazines

Feedback wanted on proposed Walsall boundary changes

The Local Government Boundary Commission is embarking on a mission to redefine council wards in Walsall, and they want your input. A comprehensive 10-week consultation on these proposals is now underway and will continue until April 8, 2024.

The objective of the commission is to ensure equitable representation of electors by redistributing the wards effectively. The Commission has put forth proposals for Walsall, advocating for the establishment of 20 three-councillor wards, heralding a significant shift in the ward landscape.

Notable changes include:

The renaming of Willenhall North ward to New Invention based on local input.
A substantial redesign of wards in Walsall town centre.

“ We want people in Walsall to help us,” said Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission.

“We have drawn up proposals for new wards in Walsall. We want to make sure these new electoral arrangements reflect communities.

“We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people. Residents and local organisations can help us do that. We would like them to let us know whether they agree with our proposals before we take final decisions. It’s easy to get involved. Go to our website. Or you can e-mail or write to us.

“Just tell us what you think and give us some details why you think that. It’s really simple, so do get involved.”

The Commission has dedicated a section on its website where you can delve into the proposal details and offer feedback on ward names and boundaries: https://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/walsall

Additionally, a high-resolution map is available on the Local Government Boundary Commission website.

Your views can also be shared via email at reviews@lgbce.org.uk.

Friends and family pay tribute to much-loved Walsall family man

Tributes to NHS worker Mark Rainer, who passed away early this month from a rare form of cancer, have flooded in.

Mark Rainer with his son, Josh

The 46-year-old family man from Walsall was a devoted public servant when he was diagnosed with Pericardial Sarcoma in 2022. Mark lost the battle with his illness when he passed away peacefully on 2 January with his partner by his side.

Mark was known as a very supportive colleague, having worked for the NHS for over 20 years, most recently as a Senior Pharmacy Assistant for the Trust at Walsall Manor Hospital.

Outside of his professional commitments, Mark proved to be a devoted partner to Nikki and a caring father to his 15-year-old son, Josh, as well as to his 8-year-old stepson, Wilton. He was widely recognised as a gentleman with a wonderful sense of humour.

Mark was also a devoted fan of Walsall F.C., and both the club and its fans paid tribute to his life with a minute’s applause at the third-round FA Cup tie in Southampton.

Walsall fan goes on 16-hour hike to raise money

One Walsall fan went even further to help raise money for Cancer Research in Mark’s memory. 32-year-old Josh Piddock embarked on a gruelling 48-mile walk that took him to six football stadiums: Coventry City, Birmingham City, Aston Villa, West Bromwich, Wolves, and Walsall.

Starting at Coventry City’s stadium, he walked for 16 hours through the night, visiting the home grounds of Birmingham City, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Walsall.

Fundraiser arrives at The Poundland Stadium to a warm welcome

Smashing his initial target of raising £500, Josh told Pioneer Magazines: ‘I was inspired to raise money for cancer research after seeing all the messages on social media about how kind Mark was and how sorely he will be missed. It was clear that Mark was one of the good guys who had been taken away too soon.’

A separate GoFundMe campaign also raised over £5,000 to establish a trust fund for Mark’s son.

Both campaigns are still open for donations:

Changes To Bulky Waste Collections in Walsall

Fees for bulky waste collections are being increased in Walsall from 5 February, 2024.

The service will be upgraded allowing residents to request the collection of more than three items. Prior to the change, Walsall Council would collect up to three items for a charge of £10.00

The new tiered system will allow residents to arrange the pick-up of up to nine bulky items.

1-3 items – £30
4-6 items – £50
7-9 items -£70

Collection slots can be booked online with a registered account and paid for via debit or credit card.

Further details can be found on Walsall Council’s bulky waste collection website.

Suspected Bomb In Walsall Turns Out To Be A Metal Pole

Contractors working at a factory unit on the Westgate Trading Estate in Aldridge, Walsall, made an urgent call to the police just before 13:00 GMT on Tuesday, expressing concerns about a possible unexploded bomb.

Westgate Industrial Estate (Google image)

In response, the site underwent a swift evacuation, and a safety cordon was promptly established while a specialised bomb disposal team arrived at the scene.

Following a thorough examination, law enforcement later confirmed the true identity of the object that had raised alarm.

According to a spokeswoman for the West Midlands force, “We were alerted to a potential unexploded device by contractors working at a factory unit on an industrial estate in Aldridge just before 1 pm today. A cordon was put in place, and Explosive Ordinance Disposal experts attended, determining the item to be a metal pole.”

Drive-by Gunman Flees After Shots Fired in Caldmore

West Midlands Police are actively searching for a drive-by gunman following an alarming incident that unfolded in Walsall on Friday 19 January.

The incident occurred on Caldmore Green, precisely before 5:40 pm. According to authorities, gunshots were fired at a shop front from a moving vehicle, which then quickly fled the scene.

West Midlands Police are urging anyone present in the Caldmore Green area at the time of the incident who possesses dashcam footage to come forward and assist with their investigation, which is currently underway.

In an official statement, West Midlands Police expressed their appeal for information regarding the incident:

“We’re appealing for information after shots were fired at a shop front in Caldmore Green, Walsall. No-one was injured but damage was caused to a window at just before 5.40pm yesterday.

“It’s understood the gun shots were fired from a vehicle which then made off. We’re carrying out extensive CCTV and other enquiries to establish who was involved and why.

“We know how concerning this will have been and we’ve increased patrols in the area. As part of our investigation we’re particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in Caldmore Green at the time and has dashcam footage.

“Anyone with information can speak to our officers in the area, or contact us via Live Chat on our website. You can also call 101, quoting 20/19746/24.”

Sister Dora Commemorated In Thanksgiving Service

The people of Walsall came together on Sunday 21 January to commemorate Sister Dora in the annual Thanksgiving service.

Held at St. Paul’s Church, the service concluded with a procession to her statue at the Bridge where floral tributes were laid.

In attendance was Deputy Mayoress Mrs. Christina Harris, who said:

“It has been an honour to continue the tradition of remembering such an important figure in this town’s history.

It is so important that we keep Sister Dora’s memory alive and continue to take inspiration from her life.”

Sister Dora, also known as Dorothy Pattison, was a remarkable British nurse and Anglican nun who lived in the 19th century. She was born on January 16, 1832, and passed away on December 24, 1878. Sister Dora is celebrated for her dedication to nursing and her pioneering work in healthcare.

She worked tirelessly to improve healthcare practices and conditions for patients, particularly in Walsall, Staffordshire, where she spent a significant part of her career. Sister Dora’s commitment to nursing and her compassionate care for patients earned her widespread recognition and respect.

Lidl Warehouse in Walsall Closing With 100 Jobs At Risk

100 workers at Walsall’s Lidl Warehouse in Talbot Close, Bloxwich are at risk of losing their jobs following an announcement from the supermarket giant that it will be closing down.

Due to no longer meeting “operation requirements” the Lidl warehouse will close in 12 months’ time with the company attempting to arrange alternative employment at other sites for its staff.

Speaking to The Grocer, a spokesperson for Lidle said: “Since 2008, our Walsall facility has been a key support function for our stores and distribution centres.

“However, the site itself is not purpose-built having been constructed around 50 years ago and, with multiple buildings of varying ages, it is no longer able to meet our operational requirements.

“With regret, we are proposing the closure of this location with a view to consolidating operations within our newer warehouse facilities nearby.

The news follows confirmation that a new Lidl supermarket is due to be built in Walsall Wood on the grounds of the Horse & Jockey pub.

First Pictures of Walsall’s Guildhall

Following on from the news that the Guildhall in Walsall will be transformed into a creative hub, the Council has released some digital designs showcasing what it may look like once complete.

Work on transforming the historic Grade II listed building begins in the Spring with £1.8 million set aside from the Government’s Town Deal Fund to bring the building back into use.

Alongside a gallery area, a café and conference facilities, the new space will also feature a courtyard and spaces that local creative industries can use.

New designs for the Guildhall, give us an insight on what it could look like with digital images showing the café area and courtyard.

“These new images really bring the project to life and it’s exciting to see the plans coming together,” said Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration
Walsall Council.

“This project is a great example of how we can diversify town centre buildings away from retail offerings, to provide facilities that will help local people access resources to build creative businesses.”

“Walsall is a hub of creativity and with the right facilities, there is real opportunity and scope to support and grow talent within the borough. We acknowledge the need to move away from retail purposes for our town centre buildings and I think that once it’s up and running the Creative Centre will be a hive of activity.”

The transformation of the building is part of a wider project by Walsall Council, which sees multiple investments and regeneration plans across the borough.

Popular Piano Prodigy Bringing His Music To Walsall

One of the UK’s most exciting young jazz musicians is coming to Walsall!

Following the release last year of his debut albim ‘Home’, The Eddie Gripper Trio are now touring and will perform at The Table on Lower Hall Lane in Walsall on 29 January 2024.

Described a piano prodigy, Eddie started playing pians a the age of 11. From the press release:

“At a very young age, Eddie Gripper has proved an incredible prowess on his instrument of choice, clearly demonstrating an innate talent that would often take a lifetime to achieve. This is very much evident on Eddie’s debut album Home, a captivating body of work that perfectly showcases the young pianist’s expertise in an exquisite light.”

Playing alongside Ursula Harrison on double bass and Isaac Zuckerman on drums, The Eddie Gripper Trio has performed at numerous festivals and music venues and have gained plenty of accolades along the way.

Backed by Jazz Midlands, the performance will take place at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced £10 per person and can be booked via TicketTailor.

Walsall Teenager Arrested After Project Guardian Discover Knife

Another teenager was arrested yesterday (16 January) in Walsall for allegedly possessing a knife by the West Midlands Police Project Guardian team.

The 16-year-old, who can’t be named for legal reasons, was also found to be carrying a bag of cannabis when he was arrested by the youth violence and knife crime team on a routine patrol.

He is due to appear at Birmingham Youth Court on February 2.

The Project Guardian Western taskforce, which operates in Walsall, Dudley, Sandwell, and Wolverhampton, was established at the close of the previous year and has proven to be highly effective in our ongoing efforts to combat knife crime and youth violence.

Inspector Colin Gallier, who leads Western Project Guardian taskforce, said: “This is yet another good arrest for the Project Guardian team and we will continue to target those who carry knives.

“However, we are not just there to target offenders. We like to engage with the public, let them know what we do as a team and to raise awareness of knife crime and the impact of carrying knives.

“If you see one of our Project Guardian officers please come over to us. We will only be too pleased to talk to you and give you an insight into what we do.”

The incident follows the arrest of two teenagers, a boy and a girl, who were arrested last week on suspicion of burglary. The boy was also believed to be carrying a knife.

Month: January 2024