Black Country news and blogs Friday 24 May 2013
Walsall news »
United front over Centro’s plan to charge for Walsall toilets
Express & Star 23 MayCouncillors voted unanimously to press transport authority Centro to drop plans for a 20p charge at Walsall bus station’s toilets as the proposals were branded ‘scandalous’.
G4S set to run rape and sex crime victim support centres
Birmingham Mail 23 MayControversial firm which failed to fulfil London Olympics contract to manage Birmingham and Walsall centres…
Construction boss Fred Shaylor, 69, dies from cancer
Birmingham Mail 23 MayFounder and chairman built Aldridge-based firm into a £50 million turnover company…
Three-car crash sees rush hour motorway delays
Express & Star 23 MayThree cars were in a crash on the M5 today, causing heavy delays for rush hour drivers.
I thought world had ended after horrific smash
Express & Star 23 MayA nurse who will never walk again after a horror crash today told how the fateful night has changed her life forever.
U-turn over Black Country bus routes as plan sparks uproar
Express & Star 23 MayTransport bosses have made a U-turn on proposals to change a bus route after the plans were met with dismay from residents.
Crematorium flood forces 18 funeral services to move
Express & Star 23 MayA crematorium flooded following a fault, forcing 18 funeral services to be transferred to other sites up to 17 miles away.
Sudden repair of fences to screen Halesowen homes from motorway hell
Halesowen News 23 MayRESIDENTS whose lives have been blighted since fences blew down six months ago exposing them to the noise and sight of M5 traffic at Halesowen were surprised when highways workers re-erected them on Saturday.
Probe over teenager’s street arrest
BBC News 22 MayA complaint that excessive force was used while a boy was arrested in the Walsall area is being investigated.
West Midlands Fire Service to create 50 new frontline jobs
Express & Star 22 MayFifty new firefighters will be taken on by West Midlands Fire Service, bosses have revealed.
Brigade to recruit 50 new firefighters
Birmingham Mail 22 MayWest Midlands Fire Service ends three year recruitment freeze…
Gold awards for region’s florists at prestigious show
Express & Star 22 MayDazzling displays have helped exhibitors from across the West Midlands and Staffordshire win top awards at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.
Nursery plan at old Walsall working men’s club
Express & Star 22 MayAn historic former working men’s club in Walsall will be transformed into a nursery for up to 37 youngsters, under plans set to create 10 jobs.
Violence flared after axe used in Willenhall money dispute
Express & Star 22 MayA father armed with an axe smashed up a window at a Willenhall business and grabbed a worker by the throat as violence erupted in a dispute over money, a court heard.
Jobs blow as Tesco scraps expansion of Brownhills store
Express & Star 22 MayA multi-million pound overhaul of a supermarket in Brownhills, creating up to 150 new jobs, has been scrapped, it was announced today.
£90 fine for driver as Walsall crash puts nurse in wheelchair
Express & Star 22 MayA driver responsible for an car crash which left a nurse so badly injured she will never walk again has been handed a £90 fine.
New firefighters to be recruited
BBC News 22 MayWest Midlands Fire Service is about to recruit 50 new firefighters after a “dramatic fall” in numbers, it says.
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Comment »
To the Manor Born again…..
Mad Old Baggage 23 MayBack in July 2011 I blogged the following about The Manor House Youth Club in Aldridge.
Woolwich. No War But The Class War
Andy: Sabcat Printing 23 MayI’ve seen the same news as you’ve seen, read the same heroic story of Ingrid Loyau-Kennett, seen the same analysis on twitter from people as informed or ill-informed as any of us.
Independents Support Tory Attacks on Jobs and Communities
Walsall Labour Party News 23 MayFor the second year running Independent councillors in Walsall have aligned themselves with the Conservatives and Lib Dems allowing them to continue running the authority Darlaston South members, Paul and Christine Bott, and Blakenall’s Peter Smith…
Bid to unseat Walsall’s Tory/Lib Dem Coalition proves to be a damp squib!!
Cllr Ian Shires: LibDem - Willenhall North 23 MayAn attempt to displace Walsall Council’s minority Tory/LibDem Coalition administration, well trailed in the local press, fizzled out at the Adjourned Annual Council meeting last night as Labour failed to put forward any alternatives.
The hype and the anticlimax
Cllr Daniel Barker: LibDem - Short Heath 23 MayMy Mum texted me before last night’s Council Meeting warning that it ‘cud b a v.
In the shade
BrownhillsBob 23 MayPeter ‘Pedro’ Cutler has come upon an interesting football related query after finding something unexpected whilst looking for articles of Brownhills soccer teams as I requested in my post last Sunday.
A hidden jewel
Kate Goodall 22 MayTonight I went to the Grange Theatre on Broadway North with a friend who’d been given tickets via his work.
Statement on Equal Marriage
Valerie Vaz MP: PR 22 MayOn Tuesday 22 May 2013 the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill had its Third Reading in the House of Commons.
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Walsall on flickr
- Aldridge Croft
19 Jun 12
Taken whilst out on an evening bike ride, this is the Croft and St Mary’s Church in Aldridge. Oh, and my Dawes Galaxy bicycle with Brooks B17 saddle, of course.
Mainly cloudy with showers that will be heavy at times, becoming windy during the afternoon,
WS11: Cannock Chase area weather 24 MayThe weather forecast for the Cannock Chase and surrounding for Friday 24th and outlook the weekend.
Features »
Successful Science Breakfast Club
Pool Hayes Arts & Community School 24 MayThe Science Department held a revision breakfast before the GCSE Science and AS Chemistry exams, which was attended by over fifty Year 10, 11 and 12 students.
Woodlands 10pm report
Delves Junior School 23 MayThe weather this evening has been chilly but dry, and after our bonfire the children have had free time at the field.
Robin Hood
Delves Junior School 23 MayOne day we might give Robin Hood a run for his money! The group who climbed this morning are doing archery and canoeing this afternoon, while the other group are on the zip wire and assault course (they canoed this morning).
Unleashing Monster Files…
Nick Redfern's World of Whatever 23 MayThis week marks the official release of my new book: Monster Files: A Look Inside Government Secrets and Classified Documents on Bizarre Creatures and Extraordinary Animals! Published by New Page Books, Monster Files takes a long and winding trip …
Beaders Companion Chain Maille Projects
Jane Carroll's Creations 23 MayThis is my first attempt at chain maille using kit from BEADERS COMANION .
Frisbee golf
Delves Junior School 23 MayThe sun is out for the moment, and we’re playing frisbee golf.
Thrifty Thursday | Bargains for the bank holiday
Mike Maynard 23 MayThe Aldi super-six this week are celery, cucumbers, lemons (3), spring onions, tomatoes (6) and garlic (4).
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Walsall FC »
Coventry Saga Rears Its Ugly Head
Vital Walsall 24 MayCoventry Saga Rears Its Ugly Head Vitalfootball:Walsall:24/05/2013 09:49:00 Coventry City say that talks are ongoing with Walsall, yet Walsall have denied the claims.
Walsall in talks on Coventry ground-share
Express & Star 24 MayWalsall today rejected claims they have struck a deal for Coventry City to play at the Banks’s Stadium – but refused to deny ground-sharing talks have taken place.
Jimmy to stay on as Posh coach
Walsall Web Fans 24 MayJimmy Walker has agreed a new deal to stay on as Peterborough United’s Goalkeeping Coach.
Would a Sky Blues ground share be blue-sky thinking from Walsall FC?
Another Walsall FC Blog 23 MayAt the time of writing Walsall Football Club have yet to release an official statement regarding the speculated ground share with Coventry City.
Pato Top Target For Huddersfield
Vital Walsall 23 MayPato Top Target For Huddersfield Vitalfootball:Walsall:23/05/2013 17:48:00 Sky sports reveal Huddersfield have made Walsall ace Jamie Paterson their number 1 transfer target this summer…
Interview with ex-Saddler Ian Gaunt
The Gilbert Alsop 23 MayThe names of Walker, Brightwell, Aranalde, Tilson, Roper, Keates, Bennett, Goodman, Byfield, Matias, Leitao and Angell all bring back wonderful memories of Walsall’s glorious 2000/2001 campaign.
GROUNDSHARE DEAL – “CLOSE TO COMPLETION”
Bescot Banter 23 MaySuggestions of a possible groundshare between Walsall and Coventry City are continuing to surface despite a wall of silence from both clubs.
More Walsall FC
Sport »
CHAMPIONS!!!
Staffordshire FA 24 MayThe County Under 18 Team completed their Midland Youth Football Championship Programme in style last night at Pelsall Villa FC with a comprehensive 4 – 0 victory over Northamptonshire to secure the Championship for the second time in three…
Wolves pipped at the post by Birmingham
Express & Star 23 MayElite League leaders Wolves were pipped at the post by Birmingham in a 46-44 derby thriller at Perry Barr.
Under 9′s Colts – Colron Colts win at Hillsborough!
Colron FC 23 MayThe trophies keep on coming for the Under-9s Colts! Following a great season in the league, the boys won a Tournament played at Hillsborough.
Tesfa Robinson lands two awards as Chasetown FC celebrate their season
Lichfield Live 23 MayTesfa Robinson was a double winner as Chasetown FC handed out their end of season awards.
Dudley Heathens win National League opener
Express & Star 22 MayDudley Heathens kick-start their National League season in ideal fashion with a 56-36 triumph over King’s Lynn at Monmore Wood.
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Walsall FC News
- FORGOTTEN SADDLERS – DONOWA
- PITCH WORK GETS UNDERWAY
- FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS
- FOOTBALLING FUN COMING UP
- WANTED: PROGRAMME PANELISTS
- WRACK HAPPY WITH SADDLERS PROGRESS
- SADDLERS PRAISE
- OLD SHIRT WANTED
- ALL STARS RAISE VITAL FUNDS
- FORGOTTEN SADDLERS – DANIEL
- BOSS HAPPY WITH PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE
- SADDLERS TO HOST VILLA
- FORGOTTEN SADDLERS – MEHEW
- SADDLERS LEGENDS IN ACTION ON SATURDAY
- PRE-SEASON TAKING SHAPE
- SADDLERS TO HEAD TO ALFRETON
- CHRISTMAS 2013 AT BANKS'S STADIUM
- BOSS DELIGHTED TO HAVE RO'K BACK
- EVENT BROCHURE ON SALE NOW
- ACADEMY
UK news
- Breaking: Heathrow airport closed after British Airways plane is forced to make emergency landing
- Breaking: Heathrow airport closed after incident on British Airways plane
- Two arrested over Twitter comments about Woolwich murder
- Two arrested over Twitter comments about murder of soldier in Woolwich
- Eric Pickles: Law 'couldn't have stopped Woolwich murder'
- Eric Pickles: Law 'couldn't have stopped murder of Woolwich soldier'
- The moment police shoot Woolwich suspects captured on video
- The moment police shot Woolwich suspects captured on video
- Filmed: The moment police shot Woolwich suspects
- Children raised 'on diet of porn' more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour, warns report
Business »
Tesco drops plan to build supermarket on site of former Moseley car dealer
Birmingham Post 23 MayTesco has pulled out of plans to build a supermarket in Moseley, to the delight of campaigners who had protested against the development for many years.
M&B cautious as squeeze on consumer spending continues
TheBusinessDesk 23 MayBIRMINGHAM-based pubco Mitchells & Butlers has said it is cautious about growth prospects due to the ongoing squeeze on discretionary spend.
National hub role for Birmingham Airport ‘still an option’
Birmingham Post 23 MayExpanding Birmingham Airport to create a second national hub or “focal” airport is a real possibility, the independent body charged by the Government with recommending future aviation policy has now said.
Halfords launches battle plan after alarming profit slump
TheBusinessDesk 23 MayHALFORDS Group is aiming to address a sharp dip in profits through its new Getting into Gear 2016 campaign, which is intended to radically revamp its retail offer.
Shaylor Group founder dies aged 69
TheBusinessDesk 22 MayFRED Shaylor, founder and chairman of Aldridge-based construction firm Shaylor Group, has died after losing his fight with cancer.
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Second major manufacturing survey predicts sector growth
TheBusinessDesk 22 MayA SECOND survey of the manufacturing industry in as many days has suggested the sector is set for a major bounce with strong output growth expected during the next three months.
EEF spends millions on new apprentice training centre in Birmingham
TheBusinessDesk 22 MayMANUFACTURERS organisation EEF is investing millions of pounds in a new state-of-the-art Apprentice & Skills Training Centre in Birmingham.
Carillion wins £400m deal on Battersea Power Station site
Express & Star 22 MayWolverhampton-based construction company Carillion has won a £400 million deal to redevelop London’s landmark Battersea Power Station site.
Carillion powers on with £400m Battersea contract
TheBusinessDesk 22 MayWOLVERHAMPTON construction and support services giant Carillion has been selected as the preferred bidder for the £400m Phase 1 redevelopment of Battersea Power Station.
Darlaston factory site overhaul hit by economy blues
Express & Star 21 MayMulti-million pound plans to redevelop an iconic former factory site in the Black Country have stalled due to the flat economy, bosses behind the scheme said today.
More Business
Outdoors »
Cuckoo Flower, Quarry nature reserve, Mancetter,…
Aldridge in a Campervan 24 MayCuckoo Flower, Quarry nature reserve, Mancetter, Leicestershire, England All Original Photography by http://vwcampervan-aldridge.
Bluebells in Cuckoos Nook woods, Aldridge, Walsall, England
All…
Aldridge in a Campervan 24 MayBluebells in Cuckoos Nook woods, Aldridge, Walsall, England All Original Photography by http://vwcampervan-aldridge.
News from the Marsh
Clayhanger Marsh Log 23 MayStill quiet! Gareth paid one of his regular visits today, This will be the last update for a few days as I have got quite a busy weekend lined up.
Cottages over look St James Churchyard, Sutton Cheney,…
Aldridge in a Campervan 23 MayCottages over look St James Churchyard, Sutton Cheney, Leicestershire, England All Original Photography by http://vwcampervan-aldridge.
Ornate summer shelter, Mancetter, Leicestershire
All Original…
Aldridge in a Campervan 23 MayOrnate summer shelter, Mancetter, Leicestershire All Original Photography by http://vwcampervan-aldridge.
Steps through the Bluebells at St Lawrence’s Woods,…
Aldridge in a Campervan 23 MaySteps through the Bluebells at St Lawrence’s Woods, Mancetter,Leicestershire, England All Original Photography by http://vwcampervan-aldridge.
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International news
- Russia: Syria agrees to take part in talks
- Obama defends US drone attacks
- Two more arrested over UK soldier's killing
- Rioters continue to battle police in Sweden
- Armed group claims Niger suicide attacks
- US tax official put on leave over scandal
- Lebanon sectarian unrest toll rises
- US highway bridge collapses into river
- DRC rebels announce 'temporary' ceasefire
- Satellite collides with Soviet-era rocket
- US Boy Scouts vote to end ban on gays
- Gibraltar pushes to play in the big league
- IMF chief faces more questioning over payout
- Deadly violence continues in northern Lebanon
- Malaysia arrests opposition figures
More blogs »
Aunt Amy Abseils for Acorns
Acorns 21 MayA Black Country woman is scaling new heights to help raise funds for the charity that supports her nephew.
Acorns Children’s Hospice brings its history to life
Acorns 21 MayAcorns Children’s Hospice is bringing history to life as it celebrates 25 years of providing care and support to life limited children and their families.
Caring cuppa at Walsall dementia drop-in sessions
Caldmore Accord 20 MayPeople living with dementia and their families will be able to get information and advice over a cuppa at several drop-in sessions taking place across Walsall next week.
Meet Author Ann Cleeves
What's On Walsall 20 MayAnn Cleeves is the author behind ITV’s VERA and BBC One’s SHETLAND.
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999 »
Police launch new crime fighting ‘app’
WM Police Walsall 23 MayMEMBERS of the public can now help fight crime from their phone thanks to the launch of a new ‘app’featuring the faces of crime…
New Sexual Assault Referral Centres opened
WM Police Walsall 22 MayThe two new Horizon Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) for Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country were launched at an event in…
Residents encouraged to report domestic and child abuse in Walsall
WM Police Walsall 17 MayWalsall Police and other agencies from Safer Walsall Partnership are joining forces to raise awareness of domestic and child abuse in the borough and…
Walsall Police propose to launch walk in centre to bring their services direct to local community
WM Police Walsall 17 MayWest Midlands Police is looking at proposals to work with Walsall Council which could potentially herald a wholesale change to the way it…
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LocalGov »
Birmingham South Central CCG leads workshop to tackle childhood obesity
NHS Newsroom 24 MayDoctors and public health experts in Birmingham have joined forces with agencies across the city to tackle the growing problem of childhood obesity.
Workforce Development
FOI request: Walsall MBC 23 MayResponse by Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council to Simon Taylor on 23 May 2013.
Activities programme for people with disabilities
Walsall Council: Press Release 23 MayPeople with disabilities can try out a range of activities from swimming to interactive dance mats and golf during a special event at Bloxwich Leisure Centre.
Social workers flock to recruitment event
Walsall Council: Press Release 23 MayMore than 120 social workers,from newly qualified university graduates to people with over 25 years experience, turned up at a recruitment event in Walsall.
Full Council agrees Walsall administration
Walsall Council: Press Release 23 MayWalsall Council will continue to be run by a Conservative-led Liberal Democrat Coalition, members have agreed.
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This week’s regular weekly Lib Dem Advice Surgeries in Willenhall North…..
Cllr Ian Shires: LibDem - Willenhall North 24 MayThis week’s regular Lib Dem Councillors Advice Surgeries are: Friday: 7pm – 8pm @ “Oakwood Lodge”, Chaucer Ave.