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Two Bloxwich teens arrested as Rambo-style knife uncovered

Two teenage boys have been arrested in Bloxwich following an incident in Lister Close just after 7pm last night (Monday).

A 15-year-old and 14-year-old boy were arrested following the incident where threats were made to other teenagers. Subsequent searches uncovered a large Rambo-style knife, two flick knives, and a knuckle duster.

Both culprits are still being detained by West Midlands police with allegations of making threats with a blade in a public space.

Simon Watkins, from the Homicide Reduction Team at Walsall Local Policing Area (LPA), which looks at reducing serious youth violence for the under 25s, said: “Officers reacted quickly to make the arrests and bring two young people into custody.

“A number of weapons have been taken off the streets of Walsall. Under 25 serious youth violence and robbery are two of Walsall LPA local priorities.

“Witnesses or anyone with any information about this incident can contact us on Live Chat via our website or by calling 101 quoting crime reference number 20/271222/24.”

Walsall Council Enforces Public Ban on Council Meetings Following Pro-Palestine Protest

Walsall Council has announced a ban on public attendance at its council meetings, following a recent Pro-Palestine protest at a full council meeting last week.

walsall council office — ***Walsall Council House***

The council’s decision came in the wake of a demonstration where Pro-Palestine activists interrupted a council session to demand action with shouts of “ceasefire now” causing significant disruption that led the meeting to being abandoned.

Walsall Council stated that the ban is a temporary measure, aimed at ensuring the safety of both council members and the public, citing vulnerabilities in their security protocols and raising concerns over the potential for future incidents that could compromise the council’s ability to conduct its business effectively.

The ban has implications for how Walsall residents engage with their local government. For some, attending council meetings is a direct way to stay informed, express opinions, and hold elected officials accountable. The decision to exclude the public from meetings has left some residents feeling disenfranchised and disconnected from the decision-making processes that affect their lives.

In response to the backlash, the council is reportedly considering alternative approaches to address security concerns without completely shutting out the public. This includes stricter security checks for attendees, rather than an outright ban.

Police officer injured in Walsall as man arrested for attempted murder

A man has been apprehended on suspicion of attempted murder following a hit-and-run incident in Walsall that left an officer with leg injuries. The incident occurred on Reservoir Place in Pleck at approximately 10:30 am on Saturday, February 24th.

The incident happened after the officer tried to speak with the driver, who then hit him with his vehicle and pushed him against a police car before driving off.

A hunt for the perpetrator saw officers intercept his vehicle in Oldbury at approximately 5.15am on Tuesday, where the presence of illicit drugs was also uncovered.

A 28-year-old male is now facing charges of attempted murder and possession of drugs with intent to distribute. Additionally, a 21-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of aiding an offender and involvement in drug-related activities. Both individuals are currently in custody for interrogation.

While the injured officer’s condition is hoped to not be life-altering, ongoing assessments are being conducted as part of the recovery process. Another officer received medical attention but fortunately sustained no serious injuries.

“An officer has been injured while going about their duties and this is completely unacceptable,” said Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby, representing the Walsall Local Policing Area (LPA).

“We’re waiting for further updates on the extent of his injuries and our thoughts are with them and their family. We’ll be offering them all the support we can, alongside colleagues who were there at the time.”

Anyone with further information is encouraged to reach out via Live Chat on the department’s website or by calling 101, referencing log number 1403 dated February 24, 2024.

Public disorder interrupts Walsall Council Chamber meeting

A meeting held at Walsall Council was interrupted this evening (22 February 2024) following a “public disturbance” from the gallery.

Following prayers by St. Martin’s vicar Jenny Mayo-Lythall, the meeting, hosted by Walsall mayor Chris Towe, was disrupted by multiple members of the public shouting out “ceasefire now” and other inaudible remarks.

The mayor called for a temporary adjournment to clear the gallery as elected members swiftly left the chamber.

Pioneer Magazines contacted Walsall Council for comment. A spokesperson stated: “The meeting of Full Council on Thursday 22 February 2024 was adjourned shortly after 6pm due to a protest in the public gallery. The meeting will be rescheduled for another date.”

£30m Aldridge train station project begins

Preparations are underway to secure the future site of Aldridge Railway Station, marking a significant milestone in the region’s transportation infrastructure. The ambitious £30 million project aims to breathe new life into the area by constructing a modern single-platform station complete with a 40-space car park and convenient road access from Westfield Drive.

**Walsall mayor Andy Street with Aldridge-Brownhills MP Wendy Morton and stakeholders at the site of the new Aldridge railway station**

Collaborative efforts between Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE), and Network Rail are driving the initiative forward. This joint endeavor will culminate in the restoration of passenger rail services to the town after a hiatus spanning six decades.

Anticipated to debut in 2027, Aldridge Station promises to enhance connectivity for local residents. Initially, the station will offer a half-hourly service to Walsall town centre, facilitating transfers to Birmingham-bound trains. Furthermore, passengers will have the opportunity to access a broader network of regional and national services.

Looking ahead, ambitious plans envision the electrification of the line, enabling direct services to Birmingham and beyond. Additionally, Aldridge Station is poised for upgrades as part of the broader reopening of the Sutton Park Line to passenger services.

Developments on the horizon include plans by the newly established Wrexham, Shropshire, and Midlands Railway Company (WSMR) to operate services from North Wales and Shropshire to London Euston via the Sutton Park Line. Discussions are also underway to explore opportunities for these services to include stops at Aldridge, further enhancing regional connectivity.

Pupil attendance in Walsall “significantly” improving

Following concerns of persistent absence of pupils in schools since the Covid pandemic, latest figures show that attendance is improving in Walsall.

Due to a sharp rise in absentees post-pandemic, the Department for Education issued non-statutory guidance to schools in 2022 to help improve attendance.

This required schools to track attendance data and devise a strategic approach for improvement.

Absentee figures peaked in the 2021/2022 academic year to 29% of children who were considered as persistent absentees (missing 10% or more sessions). The latest confirmed figure shows that the percentage has now decreased to 23.10% for the 2022/23 Autumn/Spring term.

Unpublished figures for the 2023/24 Autumn terms show that the level of persistent absentees stands at 22.49%, a further decrease year-on-year.*

A national government campaign was launched earlier this year with the strapline “moments matter, attendance counts” to further increase awareness to parents and children about the importance of attending school.

*This is currently an estimated figure until officially published.

Source: Education and Overview Scrutiny Committee minutes

Youth unemployment in Walsall almost twice the national average

At a Walsall Council meeting held yesterday by the Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the latest figures show that youth unemployment in Walsall is almost twice the national average.

Though it was noted that progress had been made between 2000 and 2020, recent statistics show that youngsters not in education, employment and training (NEET) are rising.

The current UK average is 5%, while the rate in the borough of Walsall stands at 9.2% (2,060 aged between 18-24). The highest area of youth unemployment in the West Midlands is in Wolverhampton (10.9%).

The figure for Walsall is up 11.4% compared to the previous year.

From the minutes:

“In addition, recent increases in economic inactivity have been driven largely by young people, many of whom are inactive because of health-related reasons. The picture is even more stark for young people in our most deprived wards, and furthermore for those with particular characteristics, including care leavers, young offenders, young people with disabilities and some ethnic minorities.

On skills levels, 16,400 of the working age population have no qualifications in Walsall requiring 5,693 to be upskilled to meet regional averages. At a higher level, only 27.2% or 46,900 of Walsall residents possess a NVQ Level 4+.”

Walsall Council plans to work alongside the WMCA as well as training providers, employers and partners to help develop solutions.

Full Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee minutes

Walsall police search for man who was “deliberately struck” by car

A 27-year old man was arrested on Thursday afternoon on suspicion of wounding following an incident on Hospital Street near the centre of town.

Police are appealing for information after a man was deliberately struck by a car in Walsall after officers were alerted to the incident near the junction with Gladstone Street at approximately 4.40pm on 15 February.

While the man who was hit has not been found, the driver attempted to escape before being stopped and arrested in Smethwick shortly afterward.

The suspect is currently in custody, while police try and track down the injured man.

New York museum gifts seven Epstein artworks to New Art Gallery

A museum in New York has gifted seven artworks by American/British sculptor Sir Jacob Epstein to the New Art Gallery in Walsall.

Six tinted plaster casts from the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), featuring depictions of Epstein’s family members, Haile Selassie (Emperor of Ethiopia), and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (the First Prime Minister of India following Independence), have been brought to the UK with support from the Art Fund in 2019. However, due to the pandemic, their conservation and display were postponed until this year. These artworks will be permanently housed alongside the Garman Ryan Collection and a significant Epstein Archive at the Gallery.

Additionally, a sculpture of the renowned violinist and conductor Yehudi Menuhin, originating from the Jewish Museum in New York, has been unveiled to complement the existing series.

The artwork is currently being displayed on the first floor of the New Art Gallery. A guided tour will be taking place on Saturday 2 March with free entry.

Fingerpost pub in Pelsall available to let

Admirable Taverns is looking for a new manager to run the Fingerpost pub in Pelsall.

Situated next the Wyrley and Essington Canal, the tenancy agreement will require an initial investment of £15,000, which includes a £5,000 security deposit, £5,000 working capital and £5,000 stock.

Annual rent costs are £28,000 per year.

From the Admiral Taverns website:

“The Fingerpost stands as a distinctive detached establishment, nestled in a picturesque canal-side setting on the outskirts of Walsall. Upon arrival, you are greeted by a convenient front car park, offering ease of access. Step through the inviting front door, and you’ll find yourself in a spacious, open-plan bar area featuring a generously sized bar counter. This seamlessly transitions into a cosy, intimate dining section before leading you further into the heart of the establishment – the expansive main dining room. Here, the space opens up to reveal a splendid, elevated decked area, partially covered, which offers great views of the tranquil canal.

Positioned in close proximity to the main A5 route, connecting the M6 to Cannock and Walsall, The Fingerpost enjoys an ideal location for attracting passing travellers. Moreover, its longstanding presence in the area ensures a steady stream of loyal patrons from both the local community, drawn to its inviting ambiance for casual dining, and those seeking a welcoming spot to enjoy their favourite beverages.”

Interested parties can register their interest here > https://www.admiraltaverns.co.uk/pubs/fingerpost-walsall/