Thursday, October 30, 2008

Strike hits metal firm

Staff walk out over pay and pensions. Up to 180 metal workers at an Aldridge factory were on strike today over a pay dispute and possible redundancies.Staff at Bolton Brass in Middlemore Lane downed tools after bosses decided not to give them a wage increase,while redundancy packages have been "drastically reduced".They say the final salary scheme has also been scrapped.It is the latest crippling blow to workers in Aldridge after 230 employees at Amtrack in Northgate Way were axed when the national parcel freight company went in to administration last month.Bolton Brass which manufactures brass products,has a history dating back around 200 years.Employees say the firm has not informed them of any further lay - offs,following a round of voluntary redundancies eight months ago.But they say changes to the standard terms of redundack packages in recent months have heightened fears over their jobs.Around a dozen workers were stationed outside the site this morning,in line with legal restrictions on the number of pickets. Spokesman for the union Unite Tom Keogh said employees would also be on strike tomorrow and planned a series of two day walk outs over the coming weeks.They have given staff a zero per cent pay increase,which is basically a pay cut he said. A lot of staff have been here for 25 years plus,man and boy.They know that in,in the current economic climate,if they lose their jobs here they will stuggle to find anything else.One worker said "Iwould get £8,000 less under the new redundancy terms although the bosses are not saying there are going to be redundancies.But if they are not making any compulsory redundancies why have they changed the package ? No one at Bolton Brass was available for comment today. Richard Williams # - Dusan Popratnjak - 10/30/08; 11:25:17 PM - Comment [0] Trackback [0]

Angry residents blockade road in lorry protest

Police were twice forced to move a group of pensioners,school children and parents who blockaded an Aldridge Road preventing dozens of lorries from accessing a quarry.The spirited group of placard waving Branton Hill Road residents formed a human barrier on Monday and Wednesday morning stopping vehicles fromreaching Bliss Sand and Gravel quarry. Increased use of the road by heavy vehicles leading to intolerable air pollution and safety concerns were reason behind the residents show of defiance.Mr Philli[p Mountford who lives at number 26 said we have upto 200 lorries coming through here every day,bringing with them dust during the summer and mud during the winter.Residents have also blamed the heavy use of the road for ill health and causing sand damage to parked vehicles.Checks found the amount of dust in the air is 4 times higher than is acceptable and we have had people becoming ill and suffering.Ken Gregory who lives at number 6 said the group is planning more protests and is lobbying Walsall Council to open a new road of the Chester Road.   Bobby Bridge # - Dusan Popratnjak - 10/30/08; 11:23:14 PM - Comment [0] Trackback [0]

Bail hostel MUST close,says dad

Protesters opposed to a bail hostel in Aldridge will be joined by the father of the eight - year old - girl who was allegedly assualted by one of its residents. The Druids Heath parent will join pickets outside Stonnall Road centre on Saturday at noon to demand its closure. The 35 year old claimed his daughter was out walking with a neighbour and her child ,when she was attacked by a man who put his hand inside her skirt.The father who can not be named for legal reasons said the assualt left his daughter shocked and shaken.After I made sure she,her friend and her friends mother were OK ,I drove round the area trying to find the guy,he said Unsuccessful, he went to a friend who told him about the hostel.The woman who was with my daughter gave me such a good description that when I arrived I immediately recognised the man,but it took two hours for police to come and arrest him.He added localpeople were fearful the hostel was being used to house sex offenders,if this was just a bail hostel for ordinary criminals I would not mind,but sex offenders is totally wrong for a residential area, Protesters are being supported by local councillors who before the attack had arranged to meet the Probation Service to discuss a new site for the hostel.Councillor Mike Flowers said a high court ruling as far back as 1997 found the hostel was an inappropriate location.It was originally given planning permission as a bail hostel for people waiting trial for petty criminal offences but the government gave approved status for people living prison on licence.it is in effect an open prison. A probation West Midlands spokesperson confirmed a resident from Stonnall  hostel was arrested by police on the evening in question on the evening of August 28th.He was recalled to prison the following morning and is now under police investigation. George Makin # - Dusan Popratnjak - 10/30/08; 11:21:48 PM - Comment [0] Trackback [0]

Disco ban is music to neighbours ears

Residents reveal six year nightmare of late - night party noise Its home to Aldridge's neighbourhood watch meetings,slimming classes and play groups.But people living near a church hall in the town endured a six year night - mare as a string of loud late - night parties were held there. Now the hall known as the Friary Club,at St Mary of the Angels,has been banned from holding discos after neighbours listed the hits that had been giving them a head ache.Living on a prayer,Tainted Love,and Deep Inferno were among the songs played loudly into the night.During an extraordinary four hour meeting,members of Walsalls Licensing sub- committee were also made to listen to neighbours tape recordings of screaming children and presented with an iron pole that had been hurled in to a garden next to the club.Training consultant Ian Perry aged 63,whose home is in St Marys Way backs on to the club,said he and his wife arranged to go away at weekends to get away from the noise.They dictate how we live and when we go to bed he said.Six years is a very long time I don't want to hear New York New York at full volume in the middle of the night.Its very stressfull wondering what we're going to have to endure today. Solicitor Lynn Levesley who lives with her family next to the club,said she had even joined the club in an effort to reach an amicable solution"It seems the clubs committee has nothing but contempt for the neighbours " she said. Members of the clubs management committee apologised to residents and said they were looking in to a number of measures to combat problems including a new key fob system and an improved smoking shelter.Entertainment Secretary Andy Carter said "We want to return it to a social club rather than a pub.But Chairman of the licensing committee Councillor Graham Wilkes said he sympathised with the plight of residents and took away the clubs licence for playing live and recorded music.He said "They have shown a disregard that has bordered contempt for the authorities and even more so its neighbours. Richard Williams. # - Dusan Popratnjak - 10/30/08; 11:20:04 PM - Comment [0] Trackback [0]

Shock as 129 workers lose their jobs at factory

Nearly 130 workers at an Aldridge foundry have been told they are to lose jobs in a shock announcement which left the work force stunned. Staff at Bolton Bras in Middlemore Lane have been told that the redundancies are a result of a down turn in the construction industry.The news is a hammer bolw to the local area,coming just weeks after 400 workers lost their jobs when freight firm Amtrak in Northgate Way went in to administration. Last week staff at Bolton Brass took industrial action against a zero pay rise and changes to their contract,which the union claimed would worsen employees rights during redundancies. George Makin # - Dusan Popratnjak - 10/30/08; 11:17:28 PM - Comment [0] Trackback [0]

Supermarket move hits snag over land

Morrisons major expansion plan faces being scuppered.   A scheme to expand a super market in Aldridge could be scuppered - after owners of a hotley contested piece of land said they had no plans to sell it. Morrisons has made an undisclosed offer to buy up Aldridge Ambulance Station,which bosses hope to demolish to forge ahead with their expansion plans.But West Midlands Ambulance Service said today they were not planning to give up the land just yey.A spokesperson  for the service today confirmed a formal offer has been received by the leading retailer which expressed an interest earlier this year.But insisted it has not been considered at this stage as they are not actively  looking to sell off the station and would not compromise its service.West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman Murray McGregor said "The trust has received a formal offer from Morrisons.However,the trust has not declared the site surplus and there would have to be a formal legal process.It is not going to happen soon,if it is going to happen at all.We stress this would only happen if we could then improve and enhance the ambulance service in Aldridge. Even if the ambulance service was prepared to sell off the land,it would need to go on the market and could not just be sold to Morrisons. Walsall Mayor councillor Tom Ansell,who represents Aldridge has already expressed his concerns about the possible loss of the ambulance station.It is not the only bid Morrisons has made in the borough CraigHughes. # - Dusan Popratnjak - 10/30/08; 11:15:50 PM - Comment [0] Trackback [0]

First glimpse at luxury £40 k - a year complex

Cinema,hair salon and restaurant for pampered eldlerly residents An old peoples home in Aldridge is one of the most exclusive in the country,charging residents up to £40,000 per year. The Express and Star has been given a sneak peak of Richmond Hall care home in Stonnall Road before the first residents move in tomorrow.The newly refurbished complex for over 60's is under new owners who have given it a £2 million refurbishment.The home was formerly Richard House which closed down in 2005 after a catalogue of complaints.Resident Eileen Murphy died following an untreated epilitic fit.Now new owner Stonnall Care Limited hopes to offer its wealthy clientele the opportunity to enjoy a little luxery in retirement.The five star accomodation includes 64 en suite rooms,therapy room,hair dressers,koi carppool and even its own cinema.It is set in five acres of beautiful landscaped gardens.The finishing touches are now being put to the care home before opening its doors.Five people are booked in to Richmond Hall so far with a package for residential care starting at £595 per week and nursing car at £695. Pampering is high on the agenda and the retired residents will be able to enjoy treatments such as  aromatherapy in the therapy room and massages. To ensure the ladies always look their best a hair dressing salon is also on site.The home restaurant will boast an extensive gourmet menu. Care manager Karen Beale aged 36 said today "This is an exclusive care home and people who come here will obviously be very wealthy.They will be paying a lot of money to stay here but they will be living in luxury.They will expect only the best.We have around 20 staff at the moment and they are all highly trained and have a lot of experience like myself in caring for the elderly.We want Richmond Hall to have an atmosphere of a luxery hotel.This is a place where the retired can come and be pampered.   Andy Richardson. # - Dusan Popratnjak - 10/30/08; 11:13:25 PM - Comment [0] Trackback [0]

Jobs Axe at metal firm

Brass manufacturers blame downturn. An Aldridge brass manufacturing firm has announced it is to shed almost two thirds of its workforce- just days after staff went on strike over the threat of redundancies. Bosses at Bolton Brass say 129 jobs are to go,blaming a drastic downturn in the U.K construction industry.It is the latest crippling blow to employment in the village,coming just weeks after 230 people lost their jobs when freight firm Amtrak in Northgate Way went in to administration.Bolton Brass employs 190 staff at Middlemore Lane base,with 147 of those working on the factory floor.It is believed that 96 manufacturing jobs will go,with the rest to include clerical and managerial staff.The company said that the current market conditions combined with the cost structure does not justify current manning levels. They say it will take three to four months to carry out the redundancy exercise.On Tuesday workers at the factory went on a two - day - walk out over a pay dispute and the threat of redundancies.They were also prptesting over news the final salary pension scheme had been axed.Tom Keogh from the union Unite,said there was a lot of anger amongst workers. Richard Moncton ,group managing director at Bolton Brass said "It is with great regret that Bolton Brass Limited announces today the proposed redundancies of approximately 129 jobs,like many other U.K companies directly involved in manufacturing we have seen a dramatic down turn in orders over recent months. Andy Richardson # - Dusan Popratnjak - 10/30/08; 11:10:30 PM - Comment [0] Trackback [0]

Road blocked in protest at lorries

"Enough is enough" - that was the message from defiant Aldridge residents who today blocked a road in protest at lorries driving past their homes.For the second time this week campaigners,including school children and pensioners,took to Branton Hill Lane with banners and placards and stopped lorries in their tracks.Around 200 vehicles drive up and down the road every day but residents say their complaints about dust,mud speeding HGV's and noise have fallen on deaf ears. The row over traffic travelling to and from Bliss Sand and Gravel Co Ltd has reached boiling point,and today police were called to try and break up the blockade.It caused traffic queues in nearby Little Aston Road a busy commuter route linking the A452 Chester Road to the town centre.Branton Hill Lane resident Philip Mountfourd aged 68 said "The protest has engendered a lot of community spirit. Bliss Sand and Gravel said it hadtaken the residents concerns on board and installed a wheel wash at their site. Deborah Stewart. # - Dusan Popratnjak - 10/30/08; 11:08:23 PM - Comment [0] Trackback [0]

Vandal attack fears as court up for sale

Councillor says battle for village parking space has been lost. A West Midlands magistrates court has been boarded upand put up for sale after years of uncertainty over the buildings future.Criminal cases were moved from Aldridge to Walsall two years ago and since then only family hearings were held at the premises,off Anchor Road.However,recently the decision was taken to stop hearing any cases in Aldridge and now the building has been put up for sale along with its car park,which was formerly Walsall Council land. Councillor John Rochelle,of Aldridge Central South ward,said people were more concerned over the loss of the court car park,which they hoped would be made available.He said the car park was taken over for £1 by the Ministry of Justice about ten years agoWe have lost the battle over the car park,he added Through Aldridge village partnership I had hoped we could get it for public use because we are so desparately short of parking space in the town.The front car park near the library had belonged to the council,but the Lord Chancellors department acquired it.This now means it will eventually be sold along with the court. The court was hit by vandal attacks and it is feared leaving it empty could attract more damage.The Aldridge and Walsall merged in 2005 and the two courthouses have operated as one unit since.   Deborah Stewart. # - Dusan Popratnjak - 10/30/08; 11:06:31 PM - Comment [0] Trackback [0]

Families to stage a protest at bail hostel

immediate closure demanded after an alleged sexual assualt. Families are to stage a protest outside a bailhostel in Aldridge to demand its immediate closure after an alleged sexual assualt by one of its residents. Around 100 people are expected to gather at the front of the Stonnall Road base this weekend to oppose the facility and the type of offenders who are staying in the grounds.Angry residents are petitioning Gordon Brown to demand action to shut down the facility which has  attracted scores of complaints since it opened in the late 1980's. Hundreds of people have already added their names to the petition on the official Prime ministers Office at :-               www.petitions.number10.gov.uk/aldridge/website People have also expressed their opposition against the hostel through the networking website Face book and the protest is due to be held this Saturday from midday. Residents across the area have joined forces and people in the community are urged to attend and show the strength of feeling after the alleged assualt which took place on the 28th August. # - Dusan Popratnjak - 10/30/08; 11:02:59 PM - Comment [0] Trackback [0]

Crime - fight groups bike cash booster.

The safety of police cyclists pedalling on the beat in Aldridge is to be improved this winter after a resident - led crime fighting group donated £250 to buy new lights for their patrol bikes. North Aldridge Neighbourhood Watch has presented police teams covering the town,Streetly,Pheasey Rushall and Shelfield with the sum. Officers were presented with cheque at the groups annual co-ordinators meeting last night at St Thomas Church Hall in St Thomas Close.North Aldridge Neighbourhood Watch secretary Tony Marshall said " This shows our support and commitment towards neighbourhood policing and the officers that support us.The mounted patrols across the area have proved to be a great success enabling officers to meet and greet more residents and hopefully act as a deterrent to crime.Now that it is getting darker patrols will be able to continue for the benefit of all residents under Aldridge Station. The group has also agreed to fund Junior neighbourhood Watch project at Leighswood School next year. It was previously funded by Brownhills and Aldridge  local neighbourhood partnership. # - Dusan Popratnjak - 10/30/08; 11:00:26 PM - Comment [0] Trackback [0]

Police support store booze sale protests

Hundreds of residents sign petition over supermarket application. Police have thrown their weight behind a battle launched by angry residents desperate to stop booze being sold at a supermarket in Aldridge. Hundreds of people have already signed a petition against the plans by Tesco which is opening an Express branch on the site of the former Aldridge Tavern pub.The venue in Paddock Lane was shut down due to anti - social behaviour last year and the supermarket giant has been converting it into a new store. An application to sell alchol between 6.00am and 11.00pm each day has been submitted and prompted out rage within the commuity with more than 600 people signing a petition in protest.They claimed there were already enough places trading liquer in the surrounding area and were worried it would bring traffic nusiance and yobbish behaviour around Paddock Lane and Lynmouth Close.In a report to local councillor PC Brian Doyle,licensing officer of Walsall Police said " It is the submission of West Midlands policethat these hours would impact on the residents of Paddock Lane.He added more suitable trading hours would be 8.00am until 21.00pm.In a letter to the committee residents Linda Hicken added concerns that alcohol played a large part in problems encountered by the emergancy services and the general public.She said "I worry that the Tesco Express tore will become a magnet ,due to its possible late opening hours for localyouthsto hang about outside,and so anti social behaviour ensues,and we shall again have noise and disturbance.I am also concerned about the amount of extra traffic. The application is now due to be heard by Walsall Councils licensing sub committee. # - Dusan Popratnjak - 10/30/08; 10:49:01 PM - Comment [0] Trackback [0]

Hundreds at event to find job support.

More than 200 people including employees made redudant from the Aldridge based Amtrack company got advice on job and training opportunities during an event aimed at boosting employment.A support into Jobs fair took place at Darlaston Town hall last week with 22 exhibitors,including Asda and the police,to promote vacancies and support that is available to help people back into employment. Walsall Council helped to organise the event which saw the strategic recruitment team stage seminars giving advice on topics such as completing application forms.The welfare rights team were also available to deal with benefit - related inquiries at the fair on Wednesday. Some people completed application forms on the day,while others were able to find out about courses and training that may result in them taking a different career path. # - Dusan Popratnjak - 10/30/08; 8:44:29 PM - Comment [0] Trackback [0]

Residents take stand against firms trucks.

"Enough is enough" is the message from defiant Aldridge residents who blocked a road in protest at the hundreds of trucks passing their homes.Up to 30 campaigners from Branton Hill Lane and Little Aston Road for the second time last week blocked the path of lorries going to and from Bliss Sand and Gravel Ltd. The company has permission for 200 vehicle movements per day.But residents claimed despite their complaints about dust ,mud ,speeding HGV's and noise,their concerns have fallen on deaf ears.Police were called to the scene after the blockade in Branton Hill Lane caused traffic queues in Little Aston Road,a busy commuter route linking the A452 Chester Road to the town centre.But the protesters waving banners saying "enough is enough" stayed put at the scene for 60 minutes.Branton Hill Lane resident Philip Mountford,aged 68 said "People were very enthuastic about taking actiuon.This protest has engendered a lot of community spirit.There were protesters from all age groups including parents with children on their way to school.The children can not play and there is concern about the safety when walking to Cooper and Jordan and St Francis of Assisi schools because of the lorries. We have also been supported by residents who were on their way to work,bu joined in the protest. Bliss Sand and Gravel Co Ltd has been in operation for 64 years. # - Dusan Popratnjak - 10/30/08; 8:35:20 PM - Comment [0] Trackback [0]

Sale of booze prompts letters of complaint

Objectors write to council over supermarkets application. Objectors have written to council chiefs ahead of a crunch meeting to decide whether booze can be sold at a supermarket in Aldridge.Letters demanding the application be thrown out have been submitted against Tesco. The super market giant is opening an Express branch on the former Aldridge Tavern pub site.The matter is due to be considered by Walsall Councils licensing sub committee on Monday and a number of peoplehave raised concernsThe Paddock Lane pubwas shut due to anti - social behaviour last year.The application is to sell alcohol between 06.00am and 23.00pm and there are concerns trading liquer in the surrounding area would bring traffic nuisance and yobbish behaviour around Paddock Lane and Lynmouth Close. In a letter to the committee John Messenger,of The Leasow says "I formally object to the granting of a licence tosell liquer at the new mini supermarket in Aldridge. There are already lots of such facilities in the area.I worry about the effect of the shop on local traffic.The main road and the Redhouse Lane are already very busy. Another resident Linda Hicken adds "In todays climate,alcohol plays a large part in the problems encountered by the police,ambulance service,hospitals and the public.I do not feel that another outlet selling booze is required in the area. Another outlet Daves Supermarket in Station Road Aldrige less than half a mile away was sold and converted in to houses,they used to sell alcohol and never had any problems. The residents of PaddockLane and Lynmouth Close have enjoyed peace and quite for the first time since the closing of the Aldridge Tavern in October 2007. Police have also raised their concerns about the proposals believing the hours of trading would affect neighbours. PC Brian Doyle,licencing officer at Walsall Police Station says "It is the submission of West Midlands Police that these hours would impact on the residents of Paddock Lane.He added that more suitable hours would be 08.00am -21.00pm.   # - Dusan Popratnjak - 10/30/08; 8:18:43 PM - Comment [0] Trackback [0]

Protest at Bail Hostel

Huge demo after alleged sex attack. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside a bail hostel in Aldridge this afternoon to demand its immediate closure amid allegations a young girl was assualted by one of its residents.Around 200 people waving banners conggregated at the front of the Stonnall Road hostel from noon. They are protesting about the type of offenders it houses.The facility has attracted scores of complaints since it opened in the late 1980's but the pressure has intensified since the alleged sexual assualt last month.A parent of the girl,who can not be named for legalreasons,was among those demonstrating at the hostel. Other protesters included Philip Derry,aged 44 from Friezland Lane,Brownhills.He said "I have friends who live close by and I thought I would join them today because I feel strongly about it.His wife Judy,aged 47 added "The hostel is just in the wrong location.It is in a residential area where there are lots of families. Residents are also petitioning Prime Minister Gordon Brown to shut the facility.Hundreds of people have already added their names to the petition on the official number 10 website at http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/aldridge/website The probation Service has confirmed a hostel resident was arrested by police on August 28th on suspicion of sexual assualt.He was recalled to prison.   # - Dusan Popratnjak - 10/30/08; 7:54:42 PM - Comment [0] Trackback [0]

European Market comes to Aldridge

A cultured taste of mainland Europe will be coming to Aldridge for its first continental market. Specialist artisan traders from Italy,France,Belgium and other European countries are traveling to the town ready for the event.Paella.Italian cured meats,Brittany biscuits and other produce will be available in the heart of the Aldridge shopping centre this Friday (31/10/08) and Saturday and Sunday. Hopes are high the event running from 09.30am until 17.30pm will recreate the laid back feel of a summer holiday abroad with a range of produce on offer. Crepes,watches and pashminas will also be on offer along with antipasti,olives,turkish delight and jewellery.Members of the Aldridge Village Business Partnership have joined forces with Walsall Council for the initiative.Maria Bianco chairperson of the Aldridge Village Business Partnership,said that traders were excited about the event.She added "We hope that new and existing customers will come to Aldridge to enjoy the continental market along with the range of shops the town as to offer.     # - Dusan Popratnjak - 10/30/08; 7:35:20 PM - Comment [0] Trackback [0]

Robbers threaten workers at store

Two shop assistants were threatened as robbers made off with cash and cigarettes from an Aldridge off licence. The two women were approached by two men at  Threshers Store, in High Street, Aldridge. It is not known if the men had weapons but the two women shop assistants aged 20 and 26 were badly shaken.They were not injured in the raid,in which the men escaped with both cash and cigarettes.The attack happened at around 22.00pm on Saturday but details only emerged today as police appealed for help in tracing the duo.   The first man was described as black colour,of stocky build,6 ft 3ins tall and his face was covered.The second man is believed to be blackor mixed race.   Any one with information should call the robery team at Walsall on 0845 11350000. # - Dusan Popratnjak - 10/30/08; 7:22:25 PM - Comment [0] Trackback [0]