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Bloxwich Launchpad to replace former post office

Bloxwich Launchpad, a promising new development situated in the heart of Bloxwich town centre, is set to become a hub for residents seeking digital support and training, while also providing a conducive space for budding entrepreneurs to nurture and expand their ventures.

The visual representation of Bloxwich Launchpad reveals an impressive building with a grey and sandy colour palette, adorned with a prominent green sign proclaiming its identity as “Launchpad Bloxwich.”

The ground floor of the former post office building will house the Digital Access Centre, strategically positioned for the convenience of Bloxwich residents seeking assistance in enhancing their digital proficiency. Through collaborative efforts with local partners, community groups, and stakeholders, this center aims to offer a diverse array of services to cater to the needs of the community.

On the first floor, an exciting transformation awaits, as it evolves into an Incubation Center equipped with essential amenities such as meeting rooms, crafting spaces, and a print room, all designed to provide valuable support to entrepreneurs on their journey to success.

To bring this vision to life, a comprehensive refurbishment of the former Post Office in Market Place is in progress, with the goal of welcoming visitors to Bloxwich Launchpad by approximately September 2024.

“Bloxwich Launchpad represents an exhilarating and much-anticipated initiative that will empower residents to access essential digital skills support and training at a central, accessible location. Simultaneously, it provides a nurturing environment for entrepreneurs to flourish,” says Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration at Walsall Council.

The recent relocation of the Post Office to Tradeworld (Home Bargains) on Bloxwich High Street, following its closure earlier in 2023, has paved the way for the Council’s acquisition of the former building. This acquisition is part of a broader strategy aimed at modernising and expanding facilities to bolster business growth and digital literacy within the borough.

The borough of Walsall is currently immersed in a transformative £1.5 billion investment program, with Bloxwich Launchpad representing one of five pivotal projects under the Bloxwich Town Deal. It has secured Government Town Deal funding as part of the larger £25 million allocation earmarked for Bloxwich.

Moreover, these collective initiatives under the Bloxwich Town Deal are set to enhance connectivity between Bloxwich and the wider Walsall area, fostering improved public transport options and promoting active travel routes.

For more detailed information, please visit the Walsall Council website: Bloxwich and Walsall Town Deal | Walsall Council.

Win Tickets To The BBC Good Food Show Winter 2023

Be inspired to create your very own showstopping recipes as you watch your culinary heroes cook up delicious seasonal dishes live on stage in the Big Kitchen. Grab your tickets to see favourites, including Nadiya Hussain, James Martin, The Hairy Bikers, Michael Roux, Gennaro Contaldo, Jane Dunn of Jane’s Patisseries, and host Marcus Bean!

Taste the festivity

A whole stage is dedicated to the most wonderful time of the year. Take a seat at the Christmas Kitchen, hosted by Ruby Bhogal and get your festive fix, with live cookery demos of both sweet and savoury seasonal recipes. Simply drop into this FREE to attend stage, and allow the chefs and experts to wow you with their creative recipes.

The line-up of chefs and experts includes Becky Excell, who’ll be representing team Gluten-Free, ace baker Suzy Pela, the kings of quick, easy and delicious cooking Chris Baber, Craig & Shaun McAnuff (Original Flava), who’ll be bringing a Jamaican twist to the festivities, the wonderful chocolatier Paul A Young, slow-cooker pro Nathan Anthony (Bored of Lunch), and get prepared for the Chinese New Year with Suzie Lee.

Serving up a selection of festive showstoppers, take a seat in this FREE drop-in theatre and get ready to discover a whole host of alternatives to traditional Christmas meats…who knows, you might even find your new centrepiece for lunch ahead of the big day. There’s a fantastic line-up of chefs and experts making their way to the show, to provide plenty of recipe inspiration plus tips and tricks to enhance your cooking.

Shop, try and buy

The show will be packed full of hundreds of big brands and artisan producers for you to try and buy from. Whatever is on your shopping lists, they will have you covered. There are some seriously amazing and unique brands that your friends and family will love, from a range of festive sauces from The Welsh Saucery, tempting flavours of gin from Copper in the Clouds, bread dippers from Charlie & Ivy’s Oil Selection and mouth-watering sweet treats from the Chock Shop. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury or are looking to pick up new condiments to set your meals alight this festive season or simply want to pick up your favourite Christmas tipple, we guarantee you will not go home empty-handed.

More interactive than ever before

There are more hands-on experiences at this year’s show. Get involved in interactive workshops from Sweet Treats to Cocktail Masterclasses and so much more. Take the opportunity to test your taste-buds, expand your festive foodie knowledge and enjoy tasting outstanding, delicious products in the Fabulous Food Finds Tasting Theatre. Hosted by speciality food and drink expert, Katy Truss, Fabulous Food Finds sessions are designed to introduce you to quality products with a real wow factor.

The sessions this year include artisan Cheese Tastings, single-origin Coffee Sampling, plus a very special festive edition of the popular Mystery Tasting.

Plus, discover a new favourite tipple at the BBC Good Food Wine Club Tasting Theatre! From English Sparkling to Sherry and Port, you’ll get all the advice, recommendations and tasting opportunities to have a fantastic drinks menu come the big day.

Win tickets to the BBC Good Food Show Winter 2023

To be in with a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Good Food Show, simply answer the question: “Who will be hosting the Christmas Kitchen?”

You can enter via Facebook or by sending an email to community@pioneermagazines.co.uk with the subject header: “Good Food Show Tickets”.

Entries close on Monday 13 November and one winner will be announced on Facebook on November 14.

The tickets are not valid for Saturday entry.

Good luck!

Remembrance Day Parades And Services In Walsall – 2023

Residents of Walsall are preparing to pay tribute to the men and women of the armed forces on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.

Consequently, there are a number of parades and services across the borough taking place on Sunday 12 November 2023.

Remembrance Day – Walsall Cenotaph

The main service will take place in Bradford Place at the Cenotaph and will be led by the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Chris Towe and the Reverend Canon Rob Hall, vicar of St, Paul’s and St. Luke’s. Sir John Crabtree, the Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands will join other military veterans and representatives of the armed forces to lay the wreath.

The parade will start at 10.25am from Hatherton Road as it makes its way to Bradford Place at 10.35am. The service will commence at 10.40am, with two minutes silence at 11am. All residents are invited to attend.

Other Walsall Remembrance Day parades and services

Friday 10 November 2023

Barr Beacon War Memorial – 10.45am – Laying of the wreath
The Green, Blakenall Health – 10.45am – Parade and wreath laying

Sunday 12 November 2023

Aldridge War Memorial – 10.45 am
Bloxwich Cenotaph – 10.45am
Moxley Cenotaph – 10.30am
Pelsall Cenotaph – 10.50am
Streetly War Memorial – 10.45am
Willenhall Cenotaph – 10.45am
Walsall Wood War Memorial – 2pm

Huge Trailer Full Of Waste Dumped In Walsall

Environmental officers from Walsall Council are investigating the abandonment of a 40ft trailer filled with waste that was discovered on Skip Lane.

The trailer, which is suspected to be linked to a organised crime incident, was recovered on October 31 and taken to the Fryers Road waste station in Bloxwich for examination.

Councillor Gary Perry, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Resilient Communities, said:

“This is an irresponsible and dangerous act of fly-tipping. The people who did this have shown no regard for the environment or the local community.

Fly-tipping is a serious problem and we take it very seriously. We will do everything we can to track down the perpetrators of this crime and bring them to justice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. I urge anyone with information about this incident to come forward and report it to us. We will follow up on all leads.”

Anyone with information is encourage to call the fly-tipping hotline on: 01922 653300.

Walsall 2024/25 Budget Proposal Sets Out Further Council Tax Rise

Walsall Council is suggesting a 2.99% general council tax increase, in addition to a 2% precept designated for adult social care in the first draft of its 2024/25 budget. These proposals translate to an extra cost of 16 pence per day (£1.14 per week) for the average Band D property.

Within the budget, there is a draft capital program for 2024/25 with a total allocation of £132.08 million. This budget encompasses substantial investments in regeneration projects, infrastructure improvements, and educational initiatives. It also includes funding for adult and children’s social care, as well as housing support for vulnerable households through the provision of aids and adaptations.

Councillor Mike Bird, Leader of Walsall Council said:

“The council has a statutory responsibility to set a balanced budget and I am confident that our track record of strong and robust financial management will achieve this.

It’s a challenge that all councils are facing because of the unprecedented cost-of-living increases that we are all experiencing, and rising demand on many of our services, particularly within adult social care and children’s services. Our priority remains to deliver a balanced budget for 2024/25 and keep the council tax increase as low as possible. We know that many of our residents are finding it hard and our proposals have taken this into account. If you live, work, study, visit or do business in the Borough, please have your say in our budget consultation.”

The proposed budget also introduces several cost-saving measures. The council’s Proud transformation plan is aimed at enhancing service efficiency and performance while delivering better outcomes for customers. By the end of the current year, the transformation program is projected to have achieved £64 million in savings.

As of now, the budget for 2024/25 is not balanced, with a budget gap of £18.06 million. Strategies will be formulated to close this gap, and a further update is scheduled for presentation to the Cabinet on December 13, 2023. The final 2024/25 budget will be submitted to the Cabinet and subsequently to the Full Council in February 2024. Public consultation on these proposals is now underway.

To review the budget proposals for 2024/25 and participate in the consultation, please visit the following link: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/your-council/consultations/budget-consultation

Plans For New Walsall Secondary School Take Shape

The Department for Education has granted approval for the establishment of a secondary school in Walsall, marking a significant development for the region. This free school will receive direct funding from the government.

One potential location under consideration is the former Reedswood golf course. If chosen, this site will contribute an additional 1,100 student placements to the borough.

This announcement has been met with enthusiasm by local authorities and educational leaders. Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration at Walsall Council said:

“ This is really good news for the borough. The council has been working with local partners and with the Department for Education for some time to make this happen. The new secondary school in Walsall is part of our £1.5 billion plans to transform the borough, creating opportunities for local families and for young people. “

Walsall Council is currently in partnership with the Department for Education to pinpoint the most suitable location for the new school. The overarching goal is to ensure that every child in Walsall receives an exceptional educational foundation and a positive learning environment in the region’s schools.

Councillor Mark Statham, Portfolio Holder for Education and Skills at Walsall Council, shared this ambitious vision, emphasising the commitment to fostering a favorable learning experience for all students in Walsall.

“Our ambition is that every child in Walsall will have the best possible start and will have a positive learning experience in our schools. Once built and opened this new school will provide more places and more choice for pupils and for their parents and carers. “”

As part of the preparatory phase for the project, preliminary investigations into the former Reedswood golf course site are set to commence this week. These investigations will assess the site’s ground conditions and its suitability for hosting the new school.

Join the Walsall Bonfire Night Celebrations in 2023

Experience the magic of Bonfire Night at Walsall Council’s events this year with the action taking place Walsall Arboretum on Saturday, November 4th, 2023, and at King George V Playing Fields in Bloxwich on Sunday, November 5th, 2023.

Exciting Bonfire Night Events

Both evenings promise traditional bonfires, firework displays, and thrilling funfairs for everyone to enjoy. The festivities will kick off at 5:00 pm and conclude at 7:30 pm. Tickets are priced as follows:

Adult Tickets: £8.50
Children’s Tickets: £6.50
Family Tickets (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children): £24.00
Children under three: £1.00

Various food stalls will also be available at both venues.

Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing, Leisure and Public Spaces, enthusiastically shares, “We’re delighted to be holding our traditional Bonfire Night celebrations this year. It’s a great opportunity for families and friends to come together and enjoy a great evening. Everyone is welcome, so please come along and enjoy the event. These events are very popular and were sold out last year.”

Parking Information Limited parking is available at Walsall Arboretum for just £5. Blue Badge holders can find designated parking spaces at both Walsall Arboretum and King George V Playing Fields. However, these spaces are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

For additional details and to secure your tickets, please visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/healthyspaces.

Walsall Bonfires FAQs

Where are the bonfires being held this year?

This year, there are two council-run bonfire events:

Walsall Arboretum (pedestrians: WS1 2QB, cars: WS1 2DD) on Saturday, November 4th.
King George V Playing Fields (main: WS3 3NS, additional parking: WS3 2JS, WS3 2JU) on Sunday, November 5th.

What time does the event start?

Gates open at 5:00 pm
Bonfire is lit at 6:30 pm
Fireworks will start at 7:00 pm

What if I just want to visit the fairground and not the fireworks/bonfire?

The sites will be open to the public after the fireworks have concluded at 8:30 pm for visitors to enjoy the fair.

How much are tickets to the event?

Adult: £8.50
Child: £6.50
Family (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children): £24.00
Under 3: £1.00 Please note that all individuals using family tickets must arrive with their party.

Do you offer concessionary tickets? Concessionary tickets are not available for this event.

Are you charging for under 3’s? Yes, they are now charging for under 3’s to ensure accurate site attendance management.

Is general car parking available? Limited car parking is available exclusively at the Walsall Arboretum event. Attendees are encourage to walk or use public transportation whenever possible. Arboretum car parking is priced at £5 per car (cash only) and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Entry is through The Crescent car park, WS1 2DD. Please anticipate potential delays when leaving the site.

Is disabled car parking available? Limited free parking is available for blue badge holders at Walsall Arboretum (WS1 2DD) and King George V (WS3 3NS). Please ensure that the blue badge is prominently displayed. Spaces are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and availability is not guaranteed.

Walsall Nightclub Killer Convicted Of Murder

Following a tragic incident at Valesha’s nightclub in Walsall earlier this year, Edward Wilson, aged 39, has now been convicted of fatally stabbing Akeem Francis-Kerr.

The incident occurred shortly after 5 a.m. on March 11. Wilson, of Oakthorpe Gardens, Tividale, delivered a fatal blow to Francis-Kerr’s neck, resulting in his death within an hour. In court, it was revealed that the attack was allegedly provoked by a dispute over territorial space at the nightclub’s bar.

According to Prosecutor Maria Karaiskos KC, Wilson’s actions were driven by emotions such as anger, arrogance, or jealousy. He purportedly confronted Mr. Francis-Kerr after returning from the toilet and finding him conversing with two women in the same area where Wilson had been standing since he arrived an hour earlier.

During the trial, Wilson conceded that he and Francis-Kerr had engaged in a physical altercation but vehemently denied stabbing him. In a surprising turn of events, Wilson claimed he was unaware of the stabbing until a friend suggested that he might have been responsible as they left the club.

When questioned by his defense attorney, Nigel Edwards KC, about why he had not disclosed the truth to the police regarding his friend’s admission, Wilson explained that he had been concerned about the safety of his son and mother. He stated, “If I had revealed the truth at that moment, it would have jeopardised my family’s safety—my mother’s life, my son’s life. Today is the first time I am sharing what I knew because I need to protect my family.”

Following over 13 hours of deliberation, the jury returned a guilty verdict, leaving Mr. Francis-Kerr’s grieving loved ones with mixed emotions. Judge Kristina Montgomery informed Wilson that his sentencing would take place the following Wednesday at the same court, emphasising that he could face a life sentence.

Walsall Council Commits To Faith Convenant

Walsall Council leader Mike Bird has signed the Faith Convenant on behalf of Walsall Council at an event at Walsall College earlier this month.

The Faith Covenant represents a collaborative commitment between faith groups, local authorities, and various stakeholders to uphold a set of principles promoting practical cooperation on all fronts.

This pledge, endorsed by Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and Chair of WMCA, underscores WMCA’s determination to collaborate more closely and consistently with diverse faith communities. The goal is to create a more interconnected, prosperous, equitable, sustainable, and healthier region.

The formal signing ceremony occurred at Walsall College, where leaders from Sandwell and Walsall councils also joined, with Dudley expressing their intention to follow suit. Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Solihull, and Coventry have already pledged their support.

Councillor Mike Bird said: “I’m delighted to sign this Faith Covenant and it underlines Walsall Council’s ongoing commitment to celebrating cultural diversity and building positive relationships and partnerships with faith groups. Faith communities make a positive difference across the borough, and we are committed to working together with partners to serve our residents.”

This milestone establishes the West Midlands as a frontrunner in engaging with faith groups, building on the robust inter-faith relationships fostered by WMCA through the Faith Strategic Partnership Group.

Mayor Andy Street said, “Recognising the significant role faith communities play across our region has been a priority since I assumed office. Ensuring all communities have a strong voice aligns with our vision for a fairer, healthier, and more prosperous West Midlands. Through our Faith Strategic Partnership Group and, more recently, becoming the first combined authority in the country to endorse the Faith Covenant, we are actively strengthening inter-faith collaboration. But we acknowledge that there is more to be done, and we are committed to working in harmony with our dynamic and diverse region in the years to come.”

WMCA initiated the Faith Strategic Partnership Group to bring together representatives from various religions and ethnicities in the region. The group has identified priority areas and developed strategies to address them from a faith-based perspective. Priority issues include homelessness, education, youth, mental health, employment, poverty, community relations, and leadership.

Concurrently with the Faith Covenant signing, the Faith Strategic Partnership, in collaboration with The Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, hosted a conference titled “Faith & Virtues: A Virtue-Based Approach to Interfaith Relations in the West Midlands” at Edgbaston Stadium on September 20th.

The Mayor inaugurated the conference, which included workshops such as “Finding Common Ground,” “Shared Virtues as a Force for Good,” and “Looking to the Future.”

Amrick Singh Ubhi, Chair of the Faith Strategic Partnership Group, Chair of the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras, Birmingham, and Director of Civic Engagement and Partnerships at the Nishkam Centre, emphasized the vital role faith groups play in supporting public agencies. He stressed that faith groups are trusted partners with deep community roots and long-term perspectives. He highlighted the importance of building relationships and trust for long-term engagement and collaboration, emphasizing that faith groups contribute to the common good of society.

The chair expressed gratitude to Faith Action, Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP, the All-Party Parliamentary Faith Group, the Birmingham Faith Leaders Group, and Birmingham City Council for their pioneering role in adopting the covenant nationally in 2014. Cllr Kerrie Carmichael, WMCA Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Communities and Leader of Sandwell Council, emphasized the region’s diversity and the commitment to inclusivity, equality, and diversity to improve the lives of local residents and ensure everyone benefits from the region’s success.

Deeper Devolution Deal Approved By Walsall Council

Walsall Council has given the green light to the West Midlands ‘Trailblazer’ Deeper Devolution Deal and its accompanying implementation plan. This decision was made during a special Cabinet meeting held on September 20, 2023.

The primary objective of this deal is to stimulate economic growth, rejuvenate the local economy, address housing shortages, promote job creation, and enhance skill development. Additionally, it seeks to capitalise on the region’s existing strengths in the transportation network while advancing the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions.

Councillor Mike Bird, the Leader of Walsall Council, expressed enthusiasm for this landmark agreement, highlighting its alignment with the council’s priorities and its anticipated positive impact on Walsall. He emphasized that the transformation of the borough is already underway, with ongoing initiatives like the Walsall Growth Corridor, brownfield site redevelopment, and improvements to Junction 10 of the M6 motorway. This deal is expected to further catalyse investment in Walsall, bolster economic prosperity, create additional job opportunities, and facilitate the development of high-quality housing for residents.

In essence, this deal empowers local decision-making and fosters collaboration with partners in the West Midlands Combined Authority, with the aim of delivering enhanced benefits to residents, businesses, and communities.

The West Midlands Deeper Devolution Deal received preliminary approval during the Mayor of the West Midlands and Portfolio Leaders’ group meeting on March 10, 2023, and was subsequently announced in the Chancellor’s spring statement. Now, all constituent authorities are in the process of considering and approving the proposals and implementation plan. Pending approval by all constituent authorities, formal ratification of the deal will be sought at the West Midlands Combined Authority board meeting scheduled for October 2023.

This deal marks a pivotal moment in devolution, granting the region newfound powers and control over investments. It also positions the region as an influential player in shaping government policy. The estimated value of this deal is approximately £1.5 billion in funding.

For additional information, please visit the Trailblazing Devolution for the West Midlands page on the official website of West Midlands Combined Authority (wmca.org.uk).