News archive
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Latest local news stories
Aldridge road reopened to traffic
An Aldridge road which was closed earlier this week while a hole in the road was investigated has reopened to traffic.
Summer fun at Walsall Leather Museum
A summer of fun is lined up at Walsall Leather Museum with a packed programme of events to keep children entertained during the school holidays.
Changing landscape prompts change to education in Walsall
Walsall Council’s cabinet has agreed major changes to the way education is delivered in order to meet 'a changing landscape'.
Sports 4 All at summer holiday camps in Walsall
A wide variety of sports will be available at two council leisure centres in Walsall during the school summer holidays, Oak Park Leisure Centre, Walsall Wood, and Bloxwich Leisure Centre will both be offering a number of activities for eight to 14-year-olds during July and August.
Hole in the road in Aldridge
An Aldridge road remains closed while a hole in the road is investigated.
Green-fingered pair help Mayor’s fundraiser bloom
Award-winning gardeners Tony and Marie Newton have come up with a blooming good way to support the Mayor of Walsall’s charity appeal.
Get the bug in Walsall's countryside
Young explorers can have a whale of a time searching the undergrowth at one of Walsall's countryside sites as part of a bug hunting session.
Dickinson's the Real Deal for Walsall Town Hall
People have a couple of weeks to dash to their attics and rummage through their cupboards in search of items to catch the eye of TV's antiques expert David Dickinson who is coming to Walsall at the end of this month.
Bloxwich Celebrates Summer
Circus and carnival themed fun will be coming to Bloxwich this Saturday (July 30) as part of the Bloxwich Celebrates Summer event.
Countryside site keeps its Green Flag
A popular wildlife site – known for its carpet of bluebells – has been given a Green Flag Award for the second year running.
Green Flag Award joy for two borough parks
Parks in Willenhall and Palfrey have once again been judged among the best in the country after retaining their prestigious Green Flags.
Bradford Place Bus Station information
From 24 July 2011, Bradford Place will be closed for re-development.
Contractor appointed for fourth phase of Arboretum restoration
A contractor has been appointed to carry out the £1.7m fourth phase of work on the restoration programme at Walsall Arboretum.
Lifting the lid on Walsall's communities
The often unseen work which goes on in Walsall's communities to address issues such as anti-social behaviour and littering to organising fun days will be outlined during a month long campaign by Walsall Council and its partners.
Support centre on the move
A one stop support and advice service helping disabled people, carers and the over 50s continue living independently together with providing information on everything from employment to health issues is on the move.
Protect your home against the cold and heat
Residents who are homeowners or rent privately are being urged to plan ahead and ensure their homes are ready for the cold winter months by Walsall Council's energy efficiency team.
Residents invited to have their say on council website
Residents are being invited to have their say on the continuing improvement of Walsall Council’s website at a special session being held on Thursday 21 July at 6pm at the Council House.
Gallery Garden is a national first - in Walsall
Walsall Arboretum will be able to boast a £50,000 Gallery Garden thanks to cash from the Big Lottery Fund's Changing Spaces secured by two of the premier park's champion volunteers.
Judas Priest exhibition at Walsall Leather Museum
Walsall Leather Museum takes a look at the 'traditional' heavy metal look and in particular the outfits worn by one of its most famous sons Judas Priest in its latest exhibition.
Support for resurrected Palfrey Park group
A bid to relaunch the Palfrey Park Friends and Users Association is on track for success - with 17 people coming forward to help get the group off the ground once more.
Summer fun for adults with learning disabilities
From canoeing to horse riding - Walsall adults with a learning disability have a wealth of opportunities available to them through a summer scheme which is being run over the next four weeks.
Schools contract to be discussed
National changes to the way education is provided have prompted Walsall Council to review their current approach.
Opportunities for all the name of the game at Goscote
People who use the Goscote Centre, their carers and volunteers still have more than a week left to suggest a name for an exciting new community enterprise.
Pleck and Brownhills promise summer fun
Activities a-plenty are on offer at two borough parks next week as the 2011 season of fun days continues.
Plans submitted for George Rose Park improvements
A £300,000 package of improvements for a Darlaston park has been submitted to Walsall Council's planners with work scheduled to be completed in Spring 2013.
Summer fun for children at Walsall Museum
Come rain or shine its always a challenge to keep the kids occupied over the summer holidays, but Walsall Museum has the answer.
Website disruption
Due to an essential upgrade, the council website may be disrupted briefly this afternoon between 5pm and 5.30pm.
Weekend of music at two borough parks
Music fans will be spoilt for choice this weekend as two borough parks host free Summer bandstand concerts.
99 things for young people to do this summer
Walsall Council is offering a range of fun and exciting activities to occupy young people across the borough throughout the summer holidays.
Support for resurrected Palfrey Park group
A bid to relaunch the Palfrey Park Friends and Users Association is on track for success - with 17 people coming forward to help get the group off the ground once more.
Walsall Town Show promises a 2011 event to remember
Live music and entertainment, fairground rides, traction engines, displays and stalls look set to draw the crowds to the third annual Walsall Town Show this Summer.
Help the Mayor honour community's stars
As residents of all ages prepare for their summer breaks, the Mayor of Walsall is urging them to set aside a little time to nominate worthy recipients for his civic awards.
Supporting older people in Orchard Hills
Residents in Orchard Hills can access support and advice about growing older at an event next week.
All change for bus passengers at Bradford Place gets £430,000 upgrade
Bus passengers in Walsall will see major improvements at the town’s Bradford Place bus interchange as part of a £430,000 upgrade.
Walsall's countryside needs you
Green-minded volunteers who have a few hours to spare and care about Walsall's countryside are being urged to step forward and help make a difference.
Town centre - traffic operation
Over 300 people have been caught flouting traffic regulations in Walsall town centre as part of a two month blitz by police.
Ryders Hayes named top 100 teaching school
Ryders Hayes School in Pelsall is officially one of the first in the country to be selected for an important new role aimed at raising standards in education.
Have your say on Aldridge community garden plan
Views are being sought about the possible creation of a small community garden in the centre of Aldridge during an informal consultation at the town's library on Saturday (16 July 2011).
Anti-social behaviour crackdown at former playground
Action has been taken to stamp out anti-social behaviour focused around a former playground in Moxley following complaints from residents.
Gala Dance Studio wants your feedback
The team at Gala Dance Studio located within Gala Baths Walsall wants your views on the facility which was opened earlier this year.
Residents join forces to tidy up estate
Residents on a Willenhall estate have joined forces with the council and partners including the police and area partnerships to tackle issues in their community including anti-social behaviour and littering.
Water fun with a £175,000 play feature
Young visitors to Walsall Arboretum will be able to make a real splash next summer when they enjoy £175,000 worth of water play features.
Restoration making good progress at Walsall Arboretum
Work on the ladies’ bowls pavilion, conversion of the lakeside café and landscaping of the community garden at Walsall Arboretum is on course for completion at the end of this month (July 2011).
Fans are in fashion at Walsall Museum
A new display at Walsall Museum shows how the well-dressed woman in times past dealt with the perennial problem of keeping cool in hot weather while remaining fashionable at all times.
Graffiti wall to tackle menace in Darlaston
Eyesore graffiti in Darlaston is being tackled through a new approach with the introduction of a dedicated wall in the town.
Circus fun at Walsall libraries
All the fun of the circus will be coming to Aldridge and Willenhall libraries this Saturday (16 July) with youngsters able to have a go at everything from juggling to stilt walking and plate spinning.
Museum’s talk explores what we wore in Walsall
A fascinating illustrated talk at Walsall Museum this month casts a light on the type of clothing worn by men, women and children in Walsall through centuries past.
Pay & Grading recommendations approved at Full Council
Members from Walsall Council have agreed to endorse a new pay and grading structure which will resolve outstanding pay inequalities at Full Council last night.
Chuckery Primary School celebrate their 80th birthday - 1930s style
To celebrate their 80th birthday, the staff, pupils, parents and governors of Chuckery Primary School in Walsall are about to embark on a series of birthday festivities.
Open mic session for young performers
Forget the X-Factor - Walsall young people are being urged to show off their talent at another open mic night in the town centre later this month.
Pay and Grading
The proposed pay and grading recommendations were approved by full council last night. The agreement was reached by an overall majority of 31 to 21, with one abstention.
Council reassures residents over Southern Cross announcement
Walsall Council has taken steps to reassure residents and relatives of patients who receive care in nursing homes operated by Southern Cross, following the announcement this morning.
Parents advised to check limousine operators during Prom season
Walsall Council’s licensing enforcement team is advising parents to check with operators that they are licensed before booking limousines for their children for Prom nights.
Hydrotherapy sessions at Bloxwich Leisure Centre
Hydrotherapy sessions are now available in Bloxwich for people with reduced mobility, the sessions will be held at Bloxwich Leisure Centre every Wednesday from the 3 August 2011 from 8am until 9am.
Bands on the Beacon II was music to everyone's ears
With more than 1,000 music lovers soaking up the sunshine around Barr Beacon, this year's Bands on the Beacon II was a soaraway success.
Music for the masses – at Barr Beacon
Music fans should make tracks to Walsall's landmark Barr Beacon this afternoon (Sunday 10 July 2011) to soak up the sun and enjoy a free family concert.
Reading groups for book lovers
Adults and children with a love of books are being invited to share their passion with others at a series of reading groups run by Walsall Library Service.
Area plans outline progress in tackling residents' key concerns
Detailed plans outlining the progress made by Walsall's Area Partnerships in tackling issues from anti-social behaviour to health inequalities are now available in print and online.
Anger at mobile phone mast construction
Walsall Council planning chiefs have spoken of their anger after mobile phone operators used a legal loophole to build a mast.
Bands on the run if rain stops play
Musicians lined up for this weekend's Bands on the Beacon II event are ready to raise the roof just down the road from a Walsall landmark if rain stops play.
Walsall’s Mayor throws down a £10,000 challenge
From abseiling to abstaining from chocolate, taking the plunge in a sponsored swim or holding a head shave – Walsall’s Mayor is asking borough residents to take part in a novel fundraising challenge to net £10,000.
District centres welcome Heart of England in Bloom judges
Horticultural experts started their tour of Walsall's five district centres today (Thursday 7 July) as part of the judging for this year's Heart of England in Bloom competition.
College courses combine learning with fun
Friendly tutors from Walsall Adult & Community College (WACC) are offering residents the chance to learn new skills in an informal, relaxed setting.
New book charts Walsall's history over last century
Walsall residents can enjoy a pictorial look back at the borough over the last 100 years and discover how it has changed in a talk and book launch at Walsall Leather Museum.
Stepping up security in the fight against crime
People interested in picking up basic crime prevention tips and information on the latest equipment available can sign up to two forthcoming tours of a police safe house organised by Aldridge and Beacon Area Partnership.
Opportunity knocks for a career in social care
Young people who are interested in exploring a career in adult social care can take advantage of a new apprenticeship scheme running in Walsall later this year.
Residents invited to discuss community issues
People living in Aldridge, Streetly, Pheasey and Walsall Wood can raise any concerns and discuss key community issues with the council and other leading agencies tomorrow (Thursday 7 July).
Dumped shopping trolleys returned to owner
Abandoned trolleys are being removed from across Bloxwich thanks to an initiative supported by businesses and residents which is also helping raise money for charity.
Roll Up Roll Up and join the circus fun at Aldridge Library
Juggling, stilt walking and plate spinning are among the circus skills children can have a go at alongside Boo Boo the Clown at Aldridge Library on Saturday 16 July.
Early bird enrolment opportunities at WACC
If you're interested in learning a new language, acquiring a NVQ or taking up a new hobby, be among the first to secure your place next term at Walsall Adult & Community College (WACC) this Saturday, 9 July.
Author to visit Walsall to tell of Israel – Palestine wall
An event to further strengthen ties and build understanding between Walsall and a Palestinian town is set to be staged.
Surgical Instruments go on show at Walsall Museum
If you’re squeamish look away now, the latest display at Walsall Museum is not for the faint hearted.
New pavilion will do Palfrey Park proud
Plans have been submitted for a £350,000 environmentally friendly pavilion at Palfrey Park as the final key feature of its five year improvement.
Work set to begin on Pelsall project
Contractors are set to begin work on the new state-of-the-art health, children's centre and library in Pelsall next week.
Walsall historian restores remarkable people to their rightful place in history
Walsall Local History Centre is offering a rare opportunity to the public to hear about the lives and achievements of a selection of remarkable Walsall people who were born or lived in the town during the 19th and 20th centuries, at a talk taking place at the Essex Street centre on two occasions in July.
Accord’s plans for new factory move forward as manager is hired
Plans to open a manufacturing hub in Walsall which will produce low carbon timber homes have moved a step closer with the appointment of a factory manager.
Further praise for Walsall Music Service
Walsall Music Service, which gives thousands of pupils from all over the borough the chance to participate in all kinds of music-making including bands, choirs, orchestras and rock and pop groups, has been declared “outstanding” once again.
Residents' concerns tackled by area partnerships
Anti-social behaviour, flytipping, improving support for older people and tackling health inequalities are among the issues which have been addressed by Walsall Area Partnership's since their launch.
Council to vote on new pay and grading scheme
Councillors are being asked to approve a new system for grading and paying thousands of Walsall Council employees. The new revised pay structure that links salaries to the skills and qualifications required by around 1500 distinct jobs will be put to full council on Monday 11 July 2011.
Mellish Road church work to start
Walsall Council understands that long awaited work will take place to demolish a former church.
Independents’ Day 2011 - your high street needs you
A national scheme to encourage people to shop in independent shops has been backed by Walsall Council.
Exhibition of ‘Walsall Through Time’ at the Local History Centre
Walsall Local History Centre is launching its latest exhibition – the first in a two-part sequence entitled ‘Walsall Through Time’ – on 1 July 2011.
Sport and fitness demonstrations at family fun day
Sport clubs, leisure and fitness providers will be giving people a taster of their activities, coaching and classes from Zumba and aerobics to martial arts and dance at a family fun day at Walsall Arboretum on Sunday 24 July.
Borough's first outdoor gym unveiled at Reedswood Park
Residents of all ages are finding that fitness is fun thanks to the borough's first ever outdoor gym that has been installed at Reedswood Park.
Health information and advice available at libraries
Information and advice on everything from quitting smoking to joining a walking group will be available at six Walsall libraries throughout health information week.
Call to relaunch Palfrey Park group
A public meeting is being held next month to relaunch the Palfrey Park Friends and Users Association with support from local residents who are taking a pride in their area.
Red bus to help capture views
A big red bus has been enlisted in a drive to improve the way shoppers and visitors find their way across Walsall town centre.
Community meeting to update residents
People living in Aldridge, Streetly, Pheasey and Walsall Wood are invited to a community meeting tomorrow (Thursday 30 June) to discover more about work taking place in their area.
Joint agency approach to tackle sex workers
A joint agency approach to tackle kerb crawlers and prostitution in areas of the Walsall borough is proving to be a success.
Walsall plays pop in exciting contest finale
A nail-biting evening awaits the 16 young singers who have made it through to the grand final of West Midlands Popstars 2011.
A number of schools may be closed
On Thursday 30 June 2011, a number of schools may be closed or partially closed due to national industrial action organised through the NUT and ATL Teacher Unions.
Goscote event will be everyone's cup of tea
An Afternoon Tea Party is on the menu for people who use the Goscote Centre as well as budding volunteers who want to help get a community enterprise get off the ground.
Wildflower seeds to help Darlaston bloom
Tens of thousands of wildflower seeds have been planted by schoolchildren in Darlaston as part of a series of projects to support the town's entry in this year's Heart of England in Bloom competition.
Motor scrambling project aims to tackle anti-social behaviour
Illegal off road motorbike riding in Willenhall is being tackled through an initiative giving young people the chance to ride bikes and learn about their dangers in a supervised environment.
WOW factor helps safeguard hundreds of jobs in Walsall
Over 250 jobs have been safeguarded and a number of new posts created in Walsall over the last year as part of an ongoing programme aimed at helping businesses reach their full potential.
Youth activities in Moxley
Young people in Moxley can enjoy a variety of activities from testing their head for heights on a 25ft climbing tower to Wii fit games and music mixing decks on a weekly basis.
Careers advice and support extended to more libraries
Advice and support with finding a job or pursuing a new career path is now available at two additional libraries in Walsall following a link up with adult careers service Next Step.
New UK citizenship courses at Walsall libraries
New courses for residents applying for UK citizenship and those wanting advice ahead of sitting the national citizenship test are taking place at libraries across Walsall.
Pool in pygmyweed battle uncovered
A pool which has been blighted by an invasive weed, which threatened wildlife, for almost a year forcing it to be covered over has been opened up again.