Posted by Dusan Popratnjak, 3/21/08 at 2:16:29 PM.

Aldridge North.

Aldridge North and Brownhills covers Brownhills,Catshill,Clayhanger,Druids Heath,Shire Oak and Walsall Wood.

LNP Contacts are :-

Papinder Singh 01922-654722.

Gurdeep Sanghera 01922-652285.

Ian Cooper 0192201922 - 652285.

Meeting Dates.

January 7th 2008 LNP Meeting at Park View Centre,Brownhills

January 24th 2008,Community Action Group at St Thomas Church,Aldridge.

February 18th LNP Meeting

February 26th 2008 Community Action Group at Brownhills Community Centre.

March 18th 2008 Community Action Group at Park view Centre.

March 31st LNP

April 17th 2008 Community Action Group

(Please contact Lucy Flowers on 01922 - 653381 for venue information.)

There key priorities are :-

(1) Reduce anti social behaviour.

(2) Play key role in planning for the regeneration of Brownhills and Aldridge North.

(3) Improve facilities and provisions for young people.

(4) Care in the community.

Key Priorities

Following te various consultations carie ut with local people,local community organisations and service providers the LNP finalised a list of pledges which they will progress over the next 18 months.

(1) Reduce anti Social Behaviour

• Identify ad monitor hotspots forASB and fly - tipping nd in partnership with relevant agencies seek solutions.
• Monitor and influence reduction of crime in the area.
• Work in partnership with key agencies such as the Police,Safer Walsall Borough Partnership and youth agencies.

(2) Care in the Community

• Obtain information from all relevant service providers on current services available to elderely people in Aldridge North and Brownhills,and promote this information to the elderly poulation.
• Revewfindings of any prevous consultatons arried out with elderly people in the LNP area to identify gaps and needs,which the LNP will aim to reduce.
• Review the curren provision to ackle problems around high  teenage pregnancy rates.

(3) Improve Facilities and Provisions for young people.

• Review facilities at Hollad Park and request relevant servies crry out key pieces of work to improve the site.
• Map out all facilities available to young people in the LNP area to identify gaps in provison.
• Link into and influence activities of the planned childrens centre.
• Survey chldren and young people to identify what they would get involved with.

(4) Plan key role in planning for the regeneration of Aldridge North and Brownhills.

• Link into the transport package programme and Masterplan and receive regular updates.
• Identify key projects the LNP could spearhead and identify funding sources to fund initiatives.
• Tackle problems around empty / derelict properties.

Profile of the area.

Population.

Over the last decade the population in this area has increase by 4.3%.There is a similar proportion of people aged over 60 and those of aged children in the area.A small proportion of the population are from black and minority etnnic communities (3.0%) compared to the borough average.Arecent survey indicates that 74.8% of people in the area are very /fairly  satisfied with the area as a place to live. 

Health.

Births to teenage mothers are slightly below the borough average.Almost a third of the population aged 16 to 74 are economically inactive.Deaths from all causes are slightly higher than the national average and premature deaths are on par. 

Economy.

There are 598 businessess within the area of which 30.7% are wholesale / retail.Unemployment is low,an average of 2.7% of the working age population claiming Job Seekers Allowance benefits compared to the borough average of 3.9%.

Education an Training.

There are nine different primary schools being:-

(1) Walsall Wood JMI.Brownhills Road,Brownhills WS8 7BP.Tel 01543-452664.

(2) Watling Street Primary,Watling Street,Brownhills.WS8 7LW.01543- 452320.

(3) St Johns CE Primary.Brook Lane,Walsall Wood.WS9 9NA.Tel 01543-452197.

(4) Millfields Primary.Catshill Road,Brownhills.WS8 6BN. Tel 01543-452513

(5) St James Primary.Great Charles Street,Brownhills .WS8 6AE. Tel 01543-452328.

(6) Brownhills West.Shannon Drive,Brownhills.WS8 7LA. Tel 01543-452766.

(7) Castlefort JMI. Castlefort Road,Walsall wood.WS9 9JP. Tel 01543-452158

(8) St Bernadettes Catholic Primary.Narrow Lane,Brownhills.WS8 6HX. Tel 01543-452921.

(9) Holy Trinity CE Primary Church Street,Clayhanger,B'hills.WS8 7EG Tel 01543-452327.

and two secondary schools Shire Oak - A Science College.Lichfield Road,Shire Oak,Walsall Wood.WS9 9PA. Tel 01543- 452518. and Brownhills Community and Technology College.Deakin Avenue,Brownhills.WS8 7QG. Tel 01543-452886  within the area as well as a Special school Oak wood,Druids Walk,Walsall Wood,WS9 9JS  Tel 01543-452040 and nursery school Ogley Hay Nursery Bricklin Street,Brownhills.WS8 6AU Tel 01543-452740.A slightly higher proportion of 16 year olds (50.3%) obtained passes of 5 or more GCSEs A* - C compared with Walsall as a whole.The proportion of 16 - 19 year olds not in Education,Emplyment or Training (NEET) is 6.6%,the same as the borough average.41.7% of the poulation in this area have no qualifications which is slightly less than the borough average.

Praise for four - year turnaround.

Tory Leader hails school achievement.

Tory Chief David Cameron has held up a Walsall school as a model of good discipline and behaviour in the classroom.The Conservative party leader visited Walsall Wood JMI School in Brownhills Road,on Monday to congratulate headteacher Robert Trawford on scooping the prestigious Head teacher of the year award at the NCSL Teaching Awards.

Mr Cameron was very impressed with the behavoiuur of the youngsters,quality of their work and for the schools turn around from being classed as failing to potentially outstanding in just four years.

During the tour of the school he spent 40 minutes chatting to year 5 and 6 pupils.He chatted about his own school life,his political career,as well as asking children about their favourite subjects.Mr Cameron said " There are clear policies and boundaries here which are helping the behaviour and performance of the children and there is a head teacher that has clearly improved the school."I am a great believer that we should high light models of best practice like Walsall Wood JMI School.

Mr Trawford who as been head at the school for four years said " I am very humble and proud that Mr Cameron has held us up as a model of best practice.

Housing and Transport.

Almost three quarters of the housing in this area is owner occupied (70%) and consists of almost half being semi detached and a quarter of detached type.House prices for all property types are below that of the borough average.

Almost a quarter of households in this area do not own a car resulting in a higher dependance on public transport.

Crime.

The rate of total recorded crime in this area is well below the borough average.Other key crime types (burglary dwelling,criminal damage and vehicle crime ) are also below the borough averages.

Whats happening.

Walsall Wood Camera Club is urging photography buffs to join their ranks.The club meets omn May 20th at St Johns Community Hall,Walsall Wood at 19.45pm.Call Dve Deeming on 01922- 496756 or visit www.walsallwoodcameraclub.org.uk for more information.

Author Ned Williams will appear at Brownhills Library on May 20th at 14.30pm.The event coincides with BIG Book fortnight and every one is welcome to attend.

Potters Craft and Leisure.

Thursday 12th June 2008 is Potters Craft and Leisure,Swan Works,Pelsall Road,Brownhills for china painting 11.00am - 13.00pm and ceramics 11.00am - 14.00pm.

Arson Attack on ex centre.(14/06/08)

A derelict medical centre in Brownhills has been gutted in an arson attack.

Fire crews were called to the former medical centre off Silver Street,at around 10.10pm last night.Three fire engines from Aldridge,Bloxwich and Walsall fire stations attended the scence.

Firefighter Neil Kinsey from Aldridge Fire Station,said he believed youths were responsible for the fire,the latest in a line of attacks on the building.

Concert Date.

Accord singers present a Night of Entertainment at Walsall Wood Methodist Church on Saturday 21st June 2008 between 19.00pm - 21.15pm.

Doors open at 18.30pm and admission is £4 for adults and £2 for children.

Tickets can be bought on the door or by calling 01922-634011.

Plans for Apartments at former Library Site.

A  site that was once Walsall Wood Library could soon be demolished to make way for 11 apartments.Originally it was only intended to last for about 10 years and it dates back to the 1960's. At the moment the site is being vandalised on a regular basis.

Atotal of £100,000 was spent transforming a former neighbourhood office on the corner of Coppice Road and Lichfield Road to create the librarys replacement.

Brownhills Canal Festival on June 29th.

A Brownhills sculpture has been given a makeover in time to welcome visitors to the towns annual canal festival on June 29th 2008.

The work which depicts images of Brownhills history and stands at the junction of Silver Street and High Street,was erected in 2002.It is the handywork of sculpptur John Mckenna who also created another famous Brownhills landmark - Jigger the miner.

The work was carried out by Brownhills Local committee members Barry Poxon,Brian Stringer and Gerald Bickley.

Doug Birch,chairman of the Brownhills Local committee,said "We've had lots of good comments from the residents saying they can see a lot of the details more clearly now".

The canal festival will be held in Silver Street from 10.00am 16.00pm 0n June 29th 2008.

St Bernadettes to host school fair.

A summer fair is to be held at St Bernadettes school next month,the school which is based in Narrow Lane,Brownhills will host the fun filledc event on Sunday 13th July 2008.

A barbecue,bouncy castle,a car boot sale and range of other various stalls.

Cash that is raised will go towards repair work at the nearby St Bernadettes Church in High Street,Brownhills.

To book a space for the car boot (£6) call Betty on 01543-377364.

Fellowship group celebrates its 40th Birthday.

A fellowship group that encourages elderly people to keep physically and mentally active is celebrating its 40th birthday this coming month.

Brownhills & Walsall Wood Fellowship  is organising an evnt at its Beacon Way venue in Walsall Wood on Saturday 19th July 2008.

This group of volunteers works with the elderly to help prevent isolation and as arranged courses in first aid,fire safety and healthy eating.

Several stalls,tombolas and raffles will be there on the day.

Mayor of Walsall Tom Ansell will be in attendance on the day.

Family Fun Day at local beauty spot.

Children will be able to enjoy various rides,face painting and a five a side competition at a fun day in Brownhills.

Punch and Judy,inflatabiles and charity stalls are also among the activities lined up for the planned event in Holland Park,Brownhills on July 23rd between 10.30am - 16.00pm

Refurb of tribute to local hero.

Work is to be carried out repairing a memorial for a committed charity worker and well known Brownhills entertainer.

The shelter in memory of former miner George Edward Fullelove,who died in 1956,is getting a revamp by Walsall Council.It follows a plea by the community to spruce upthe tribute to George ,who was born in 1891 and lived in High Street.George founded the Brownhills Male Voice Choir and became a popular figure for his musical talent.He also set up Brownhills music festival which was a yearly tradition for more than 50 years until it folded in 2001.

A campaign was launched to spruce up the shelter on the edge of the Brownhills Common and it is hoped work will now begin within the next couple of months.

Stolen taxi found alight.(24/07/08)

A taxi stolen from Brownhills was discovered dumped and ablaze two miles away.The owner of the private hire cab firm flagged down a passing police patrol car after a man drove away in the Peugot 406 which had been parked up in High Street at about 11.25pm last night.The missing taxi based at AAA Cars of Walsall Wood was eventually found alight in Ford brook Lane,Shelfield after being driven along Vicarage Road which is closed due to road works.It is unclear how the vehicle came to be stolen from the night shift driver

Former Head teacher in clear over conduct.(24/07/08)

A head teacher accused over bullying and harassing staff at a Brownhills school has been clearedat a General Teaching Council hearing.Dr David Cooper,former head of Brownhills Community Technology College said he was "over the moon" after an hearing in Birmingham found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct could not be proved.But despite clearing the 47 year old of the allegations, aGTC committee yesterday said a statement he readoutto teachers had been "intimidating & and "publicly humiliating".

It had been claimed staff felt threatened by CCTV cameras installed by Dr Cooper in his office.Staff also alleged a document to teachers threatening in its tone and content and that he had spoken inappropriately to staff who disclosed its existence.

Dr Cooper was sacked from the post he held at the school from Easter 2003 until his suspension in June 2004.But a statement read out by the panel at Victoria House in Birmingham yesterday said " Dr Coopers evidence,which seems entirely credible and which we accept,is that a CCTV system was in place for a reasons of safety and security.

The committee do not find evidence that the document refered to was a staff document.It was intended for discussion with two members of staff and clearly intended by Dr Cooper to remain confidential.In fact it was marked confidential five times.

Having discovered this confidential document had been leaked to other teaching staff,Dr Cooper read out a speech to staff which the committee agreed had been highly inappropriate.

The tone of the address when read is in our view intimidating.

We heard evidence which we accept of the manner in which he addressed the staff from two teachers who were both present andconsistently describe feeling very intimidated,that it was a tirade,or a rant by Dr Cooper,who was red faced and appeared about to lose control.We consider there was an element of publicly humiliating the staff who had disclosed the document in front of their colleagues.

Dr Cooper ,a father of four from Cannock,is now a researcher for the University of Nottingham's school of Education.He claimed both he and his family received death threats ,it was a witch hunt he said.

Richard Williams.

Park turned in to a seaside (24/07/08)

A Brownhills park was transformed into a seaside scence for the day as part of a string of events being staged around the local area.Holland Park was a hive of activity for the day with traditional entertainment including a punch and judy show for children to enjoy.Crowds turned out on the first day of the school holidays yesterday to sample the seaside atmospere.The fun day also featured inflatables,charity stalls,childrens rides,music and a five a side football tournament,face painting and a play bus.

Walsall Wood and Brownhills fellowship.(25/07/08)

Dedicated volunteers have kept the Brownhills and Walsall Wood Fellowship going strong since it started back in 1968 and despite running costs now topping £20,000 the group is showing no sign of slowing down.It has more than1200 people pass through its doors every year and offers courses in everything from first aid and cooking to floor basket ball and social nights from its community centre base in Beacon Way.The Fellowship grew out of another charity which used to run a childrens home for autistic youngsters next door to the existing community centre which was opened by Princess Alexandra in the 1950's.However from 1968 the focus shifted from children to looking after the elderly and disabled people and the fellowship as it is today was born,but many of the original volunteers from the childrens home are still members today.

Patricia Davies the clubs secretary said " The longevity of the fellowship has been down to the work of the volunteers who have put their hearts and souls in to it".Inez Holyman aged 80 is one of those whohas been involved with the group since the start and continues to run the sewing club every week.Other directors Nany Rhodes and Winnie Williams are also long standing members and volunteers.The fellowship is open to all ages and also runs self help groups,a sewing and craft group,a Tuesday evening social group,a Darby and Joan,a Mencap group,luncheon club and a friends club which goes out and visits sick members.

The charity still needs help and urges local people in the community to get involved.Its main aim is to alleviate loneliness and isolation although there are still many people who are still unaware we are actually here.Please get the word around to them to come along and get involved.

Heart attack driver death.

A driver in his 60's died after suffering a suspected heart attack at the wheel in Walsall Wood.His Fiat people carrier careed off High Street,before crashing through railings,surging down an embankment and coming to a stop  in the car park of St Johns Medical Centre.The tradegy happened at 11.20am yesterday.

Watch commander Andrew Dickson,of Aldridge fire station said "The manhad been freed by officers from a passing police car".

Volunteer call.(31/07/08)

Volunteers are needed for a successful Brownhills charity shop.

The cancer Research Shop in High Street, is looking  to find people willing to help out on Mondays,Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Giving just four hours a week over a year is worth around £1000 to the charity.

To find out more,or for a taster session call the shop manager Tess Elsmore on 01543-375969.

Join group for common walk.(02/08/08)

Walkers can enjoy a stroll around Clayhanger Common during a weekly walk in Brownhills.

People should meet at the Brownhills Canoe car park at 11.00am for an 11.15am start every Thursday.

The 45 minute walk is free and special Ground miles rewards are available for any one who joins the weekly strolls.

Man in court over taxi.(4/08/08)

A man accused of stealing a taxi and setting fire to it has appeared at Walsall Magistrates Court to face a string of charges.

Kieron Francis Logan yesterday appeared to face allegatins of arson,theft of a motor vehicle,using a vehicle without insurance and driving whilst disqualified.

The case related to the theft of a taxi - private hire silver Peugot from High Street in Walsall Wood,which was later found ablaze in Ford brook Lane,Pelsall on July 23rd.

Chairman of the bench Mrs Daorothy Harding refused an application for bail by defending solicitor Mr David Grice.Logan aged 24 of Bush Grove,Pelsall was remanded in custody until August 29th 2008.

Tesco plans to double size creating 150 jobs.

Plans have been unveiled to double the size of Tesco in Brownhills store creating around 150 new jobs.Regeneration chiefs have welcomed proposals to replace the "outdated" supermarket in Silver Street with a 60,000 square foot Tesco Extra.

The store which would be accessed via Ferrie Grove and Silver Street,would be built on stilts to allow for 280 extra car parking spaces.The mixed use proposal includes around a dozen units on Pier Street and High Street,including an atrium and cafe,while homes with parking are also proposed along Silver Street and Pier Street.

Public consultation on the proposals including an in store exhibitian,will take place in September 2008.

Dilapidated flats will finally be demolished.(5/08/08)

Eye-sore flats that have been a blot on the landscape of Brownhills for years are to be pulled down.They will come down at the end of the year.Walsall Housing group today confirmed the news concerning the dilapidated three four storey 1960s maisonettes in Deakin Avenue and Watlin Road.Fencing is due to be put up round the Deakin Avenue over the next month and the flats condemned.The news as come as a welcome relief to those in the area who have been campaigning for their demolition.Ward Councillor Alan Paul said "They are eyesores and I don't think people will be sorry to see them go at all.They are a blot on the landscape in Brownhills and have been for some time.Some years ago they were actually quite nice flats,but over recent years they have got worse and they detract from what is other wise a very respectable area.The flats face the Brownhills Community College and are on a main route through Brownhills which drivers have to face every day.It is the latest group of outdated flats Walsall Housing Group has promised to raze to the ground.

Ben Lammas.

Head cleared of bullying will never teach again.

A former Brownhills head teacher accused of bullying his staff said he will never teach again after being cleared by the General Teaching Council.Dr David Cooper spoke of his relief after the allegation that he "terrified" teachers at Brownhills College had dogged him for the last four years.The 47 year old,from Lichfield,who had himself been a pupil at the school,was cleared at a GTC hearing which as ended last week.Doctor Cooper was alleged to have been guilty of unacceptable professional conduct and was suspended in 2004.He was accused of telling staff all meetings in his office would be recorded by CCTV,producing a threatening staff document and speaking inappropriatelyto those who disclosed its existence.

The father of four who was joined in court by his 74 year old father Leonard claimed after the case he had been the victim of a witch hunt.I am  absolutely over the moon Ive been cleared he stated.It was a disgrace the claims were brought against me in the first place.I was very proud of the school and I wanted it to do really well.His father who resides in Cannock,claimed that his accusers had destroyed his sons career in education.Dr Cooper who is now working as a researcher at Nottingham University told the teacher panel a CCTV was put in for security reasons.He said before he took over as head,vandals had caused £3000 worth of damage after smashing windows around the school.

At an earlier hearing Eryl Powell Director of Learning at the school said he had written to the chair of governors as a pleas for help.He claimed Dr Cooper was not willing to listen but admited he had never officially complained.

Inquest case is adjourned.

An inquest has opened to  establish whether the death of a Walsall man was caused by a drug he was taking for heart problems.Stephen Brewer,aged 50 died at his home in Stewart a road in Walsall Wood,last Tuesday of heart trouble the court heard.

Black Country coroner Robin Balmain opened and adjourned an inquest into his death yesterday.The reason for opening the inquest is to look into whether the use of a drug called Arcoxia might have been a factor

Burglar to pay £400 after theft at Brownhills church

A burglar caught trying to steal lead from a Brownhills church on security cameras installed to combat metal thefts has been ordered to pay out more than £400,

Ryan David Capper broke into St Bernadette Roman Catholic Church and then tried to take metal from the roof.But he was caught on newly erected CCTV church leaders paid out for after being a regular target. Capper was given a one year community order and orderedto complete 140 hours of unpaid work when he appeared before Walsall Magistrates court yesterday.

The 26 year old was also ordered to pay £350 compensation and £60 costs.

Capper of Athenly Court,Station Road,Pelsall pleaded guilty to a charge of burglarly with intent to steal from the church in Warren Place,on July 25th,at a previous hearing.Mr Colin Heald,prosecuting said Capper and an accomplice attempted to force open a door into the boiler house at aroung 20.15pm.He returned at around 21.25pm and tried to take lead from the roof causing damage around £700 worth of damage.

Mr John Deeley,defending said Capper had been drinking and submitted an early guilty plea and the damage was nearer £300.

Underpass could now be closed.

An underpass which has become a magnet for youths could be closed off under ambitious plans to revamp the heart of Walsall Wood.The future of the pathway under Lichfield Road is being considered as part of a £200,000 overall of the area during the next few years.The underpassis now mainly used as a meeting point for youngsters and as a result some people feel to intimadated to use it.There have also previously been problems with cars dumped nearby.But residents are being urged to come forward with their views and if most want it to stay there is a possibility it could be refurbished.Thousands of pounds is to be spent on the main Walsall Wood High Street under proposals to brighten up and improve the appearance of the area.A decision on the underpass is among the first considerations.Councillor Mike Flower,who is part of a steering group heping to lead the regeneration of Walsall Wood said " We are trying  to decide what to do with the underpass and want to hear from people whether they want it closed off or cleaned up and refurbished.It has been there for a number of years and has become like a youth shelter where youngsters meet,but we are not saying they are doing anything wrong or we want them turfed out with nowhere else to go.

From preliminary discussions there has been a mixed response with some people no longer wanting it and others wanting it  and keeping it.

Residents can give their views on the underpass by calling Councillor Flower on 07732079881 or by e mail at flowermd@walsall.gov.uk

By Craig Hughes.

Residents anger as brick sheds collapse

Residents have hit out after brick sheds at the back of their homes were allowed to collapse,sending piles of rubble tumbling in to their gardens.The buildings,which stretch to around 40 foot along the back of properties in Marklew Close,Walsall Wood,crumbled to the ground last week.Tenants say it was lucky no one was injured or killed by the falling bricks,which have been left srewn across gardens in the street.Dave Cross,aged 45 said he and his neighbours had persistantly warned landlords Walsall Housing Group about the precarious structure.Mr Cross ,a long distance lorry driver said "We had told them about this and I am disgusted it had been allowed to happen "No oe answered our queries or has been round to check the state of the sheds as far as I am aware.Some of the neighbours have kids playing in their gardens and had this happened at a different time it could have seriously injured some one or even worse.It was very lucky no - one was hurt.Mr Cross said the problem was hat empty window holes had not been filled in and it had left the old buildings in a weakened state.He said "I heard a loud bang during the night on Monday,which must  have been when they went down".I went around to have a look and there are piles of hundred of bricks lying every where. 

Perry Buck spokesperson for WHG ,said moves had now been made to make sure te site was made safe after te collapse.He said "We have inspected the site and ensured it is safe and does not represent a danger to the public".We will be installing high  - security metal fencing around  the site to deter any furter problemswith the sheds and at the same time we willstaret investigating long term options for the site.

by Ben Lammas.

Eight months for takeaway attack.(17/08/2008)

A teenage demolition worker who brutally head butted a man inside a chinese takeaway has been put behind bars for eight months."This man was older and smaller thn you and he was minding his own business" Recorder Martin Butterworth told 18 year old Nicholas Ball.

"You picked an arguement with him and you persisted in your attack when this man was doing his best to avoid looking at you for fear of provoking further violence".

Ball of Catshill Road,Brownhills admitted assualting Alan Gruenenwald causing actual bodily harm and he was sent to a Yong Offenders Institution.

This   violent unprooked assult on a man in public place added the Recorder at Wolverhampton Crown Court

He stated your record clearly hints you are heading for further violent offending".

Charnjit Jutla,prosecuting,said Ball,whose previous convictions  include robbery,launched his attack on Mr Grunenwald in the Wonderful Kitchen in Shannon Drive,Brownhills.

Engineering firms milestone.(17/08/2008)

A Brownhills engineering business is celebrating its 30th anniversary by doubling the size of its factory and creating scores of jobs. With planning permission in place,work is due to start on a £410,000 expansion project at Lodent Precision on the Coppice Side Industrial Estate.

And the extension,to accomodate a new milling machine,will also create new jobs as the company wins more contracts from its clients.

First prize for sheepdog.(17/08/2008)

A Brownhills womans pet has scooped top prize at a prestigious international dog show.The kennel Club,organiser of Crufts ran its popular Internation Agility Festival at the East of England Show ground from August 8th - 10th.And shetland sheep dog Truly Driven owned by Nicola Garret of Brownhills took home first prize in the Medium Kennel Club British Open Final.Nicola's three year old sheep dog is now eligible to compete in Crufts 2009.

The agility addicts completed against the clock,using their top handling skills to navigate their dog and themselves at top speed around the challenging courses.

Nicola said "Its been a great festival.I was well qualified and it was an easy round to win ".

Blown away by new salon.(17/08/2008)

A former Walsall College student is hoping his new business will cut it for years to come.

David James,aged 24 celebrated the grand opening of his salon the David James Hair Design Studio,in Lichfield Road,Walsall Wood.David,from New Invention,has been hairdressing for five years  and recently enjoyed a stint at Wasall Colleges hair dressing department to polish his technical skills.David said he picke up invaluable business experience through working in the colleges busy commercial salon.

"Ive always had a flair for hair dressing and have long dreamt of owning my own salon"he added.

Jams chaos as markings on road fade.(17/08/2008)

Drivers are facing traffic chaos in Walsall Wood as motorists are unwittingly blocking part of the route because road markings have faded.Yellow lines along Chester Road near the Lichfield Road junction are no longer clearly visible and people are leaving cars on one of the two lanes.It is causing build ups of traffic around the Shire Oak junction for motorists traveling from Brownhills along the Chester Road.Urgent action is being demanded in an attempt to cut down on the congestion with two lanes fullly operational.

Aldridge North and Walsall Wood Councillor Mike Flower said " The junction is heavilly - congested as there is a lot of traffic which uses it.There are two lanes with one going straight on and  left and the other one to turn right.But motorists are parking on the left hand side meaning in reality there is no two lanes of traffic.I have spoken to people in highways and been told there are traffic regulation orders and cars should not be waiting there.

But the markings seem to have washed away and people don't know they should not be leaving their cars.

We want to see the lines repainted to try to  alleviate some of the problems around the junction.

Walsall council was unavailable to return with a statement about the problems today but its highways department was looking in to the claims.

It is the latest issue highlighted in the leafy village. It was revealled earlier this month how an underpass which has become a magnet for youths could be closed off under plans to revamp the heart of Walsall Wood.

Inquiry on death couple is ongoing

Investigations were continuing today into the death of a devoted Walsall couple found dead at home.Mystery surrounds the deaths of John and June Jones in Walsall Wood.Post mortems have been carried out but police said they could not yet reveal the results as they were still trying to contact relatives.

Dectectives were today continuing efforts to piece together the final moments of the couple,whose neighbours raised the alarm on Saturday after not seeing them for two days.

A single floral tribute has been placed outside their home in Lichfield Road.

One of the neighbours of the couple,who were aged in their 60',said the community was still in shock.

Keith Davis,aged 50,said "We 'd always stop and have a 10 minute chat.I alway got on well with them.I think everyone just wants to know exactly what has happened.Walsall Coroners Court say an inquest would now not be opened until next week at the earliest.

by Ben Lamas

Opinions are wanted over open spaces and shopping area.

Open spaces and a shopping area are set to be revamped as part of a £300,000 plan in Walsall Wood.Landscaping and planting could take shape at open spaces as part of the council scheme.However,officers drawing up the scheme and councillors want to hear residents views about the proposals - which could also see a piece of public art created.A special event will see the plans go on public display at Walsall Wood library,off Lichfield Road from 10.00am - 13.00pm on September 8th,10th and 12th.The plans will also be on view between 10.00am - 13.00pm and 14.00pm to 16.00pm on September 13th.

Councillor Mike Flower,councillor for Aldridge North and Walsall Wood and lead member for the regeneration project,said "This will be the second time the public have been consulted on plans for the Walsall Wood High Street area.

We have listened to peoples priorities and we hope the public will now come along and have their say on trhe detailed proposals.This is a very exciting time for Walsall Wood.We want every one to have their say so if any one  cannot attend one of the sessions they are welcome to talk to one of their local councillors who will ensure their comments are considered.We hope that Christmas lights will be in place by the start of winter so the project is gathering monentum.Councillor Adrian Andrews,Walsall Council deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration said "Tis is a fantastic scheme which will improve Walsall Wood and we want to put people who live here work and shop in the community driving seat.We would love residents to come and see what is being proposed,but most of all we would like to hear their views on the proposals and how they can be improved.For example ,one of the things that we will be looking at is seeing if the lorry parkjust off the High Street would be better used for car parking in the daytime.

For more information contact Walsall Council regeneration officer Cherry Shine on 01922-652537.

Olympic look for driveway.

Olympic - mad builder Chris Badley was quick off the blocks when he was asked to come up with an unsual design for a customers driveway.The wacky Olympic rings design wa created after householder Olive bough challenged the builder to come up with an unsual block paving pattern for her driveway in Linden Road,Brownhills.

Mr Bradley said he had the brainwave after he started creatin hue circes using the bricks,"Mrs Bough said she did not want the usual diamond design and she wanted something different".The builder said "It was not my plan initially but I started makin circles and it just sort of escalatd into the Oympic rings"

by Emma Sloper.

Gym shuts after fire breaks out.

A gym in Walsall Wood was evacuated after an electrical fault melted wires above the mens changing rooms.

More thn 100 members were forced to leave the Fitness First gym in Lichfield Road,after members reported smelling smoke.Two fire crews attended the scene just after 18.00pm yesterday.

Watch Commander Alan Whitbrook of Aldridge fire station said "It was a small electrical fire which caused a couple of cables to melt above the mens changing rooms.The smell was reported and the building was evacuated.The power was shut off and the gym had to close for the evening.Three carbon dioxide fire extinguishers were used to put out the blaze in the false ceiling on the first floor of the two storey building.

Wife suffering from depression.

A wife whose body was found along with her husbands at their Walsall Wood home had been suffering from depression it was claimed today.John Jones told neighbours that his wife June's rapidly deteriorating mental state had pushed him to "his wits end".Detectives were due in to return to the devoted couples well - kept home in Lichfield Road oday,as hey continue attempts to unravel the mysterious deaths.But  neighbours who dicovered the couples bodies last weekend,after noticing their curtains had remained closed, said that Mr Jones was struggling to cope with his wifes pychological turmoil.

Keith Davis,50,had known the couple for more than 20 years,"She had been getting worse and worse over the last six months "he said.John actually came round a couple of times at the end of his tether and said he as really stuggling to cope.I just remember him saying "I am at my wits end "

Police remain tight lipped over the findings of a post mortem,but an inquest is to open at Walsall. Coroners Court next week.

Roller disco fun for youngsters.

Youngsters can get their skates on at a weekly event in Walsall Wood. A roller- skating disco takes place at Oak Park Leisure Centre each Wednesday until the end of the school summer holidays.

Sessions cost £4 and run from 15.00pm - 17.00pm atthe venue in Lichfield Road in Walsall Wood,but for more details call 01543-452849.

Fun day at park.

Activities including laser quest and go - carts will be on offer at Clayhanger Park,Church Street, Brownhills on Tuesday 26th August 2008.

Mum denies child porn allegations.

A former teaching assistant and mother of three has denied making a hoard of indecent photographs and videos of children.

Rose Foxall,aged 49 of Heron Close,Brownhills appeared at Walsall Magistrates Court, facing 11 charges ,including ten of making videos of minors,and one of possessing 147 indecent images of minors,gathered over a number of years.

The court was toldthat following a fire at the Sadler Road home she shared with her late husband Martin last year,a fire officer alledgedly un covered the images,along with a net work of cameras running through the bed rooms and bath room of the property.

Prosecuting solicitors alledged that the girls,aged between five and 12 at the time but now in their teens were attracted to the house with promoses of a swimming pool party.Foxall was arrested in connection with the enquiry last August,and was on police bail since then.Husband Martin aged 50 a local community worker,committed suicide five days after his arrest in August last year.

Mr Foxall helped run the Brownhills Canoe and Out door Cente in Silver Street,since it opened in June 2006

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