Chuckery
Walsall's only municipal golf course closing
05 Dec 09 12:33
Walsall's only municipal golf course closing
Richard Williams Express & Star 5 Dec 09
Walsall’s only municipal golf course, The Grange in the Arboretum, will close next month. Council leader Councillor Mike Bird said: “At this point in time it is looking extremely likely we won’t be able to keep it going. It’s losing £60,000 this year and we just can’t afford that...
Express & Star 18 Sep Walsall golf course spared the axe
Express & Star 20 Aug Reprieve for threatened golf course
Express & Star 3 Jul Golf course price rises slashed
Express & Star 22 Jun Walsall Council golf course U-turn
Express & Star 30 May Walsall golf course in closure threat
Express & Star 16 Mar New hope for town's golf course
Express & Star 16 Jan Golf course facing closure
Walsall Council A brief history of the Walsall Aroretum PDF
Walsall Council Grange Golf Course
Youth bus targets ‘the dark nights’
27 Nov 09 11:39
News
Youth bus targets ‘the dark nights’
The YamYam 27 Nov 09
A specially equipped bus will be touring Walsall this winter in an effort to curb anti-social behaviour.
Walsall Council cabinet member for communities and partnerships, Garry Perry said: “With the dark nights over the winter months, the choice of outdoor activities for young people becomes more limited. If they do venture out, they tend to hang around in groups, which can be intimidating for people who live in the area.
“What we want to do is provide them with positive activities to do instead, things that will keep them occupied, out of harm`s way and out of trouble.”
The bus will be equipped with internet access and games consoles.
Sir Cliff Richard and his group The Shadows, still going strong since the film Summer Holiday in 1963, were unavailable for comment as they are touring Europe.
The YamYam 23 Oct Chuckery youth to remain on the buses
Youth bus targets ‘the dark nights’
The YamYam 27 Nov 09
A specially equipped bus will be touring Walsall this winter in an effort to curb anti-social behaviour.
Walsall Council cabinet member for communities and partnerships, Garry Perry said: “With the dark nights over the winter months, the choice of outdoor activities for young people becomes more limited. If they do venture out, they tend to hang around in groups, which can be intimidating for people who live in the area.
“What we want to do is provide them with positive activities to do instead, things that will keep them occupied, out of harm`s way and out of trouble.”
The bus will be equipped with internet access and games consoles.
Sir Cliff Richard and his group The Shadows, still going strong since the film Summer Holiday in 1963, were unavailable for comment as they are touring Europe.
The YamYam 23 Oct Chuckery youth to remain on the buses
Former Walsall school mentor’s horror decline with CJD
14 Nov 09 13:25
Former Walsall school mentor’s CJD decline
Alison Dayani B’ham Mail 14 Nov 09
A former head teacher rapidly deteriorated and died within eight weeks after being struck by rare brain disease Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, CJD, which strikes only one in a million people. Rory O’Sullivan, from Erdington, was a mentor to thousands of children at various schools including Hydesville Tower School in Chuckery...
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease Surveillance Unit Home
BBC Health Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
Alzheimer’s Society What is CJD?
Chuckery village green proposal
12 Nov 09 01:19
Chuckery village green proposal
The YamYam 12 Nov 09
After a successful campaign to block plans to build a youth centre on the corner of Charlotte Street and Walhouse Road, residents in Chuckery have joined forces with Walsall Council’s Green Spaces department to secure the future of the well-used public open space...
The Friends of Chuckery Corner Green, formed by a group a neighbours to “protect, improve and cherish” the site, will circulate a questionnaire to 500 Chuckery households on Saturday. The first part of the survey is to ask local people what improvements they would like to see. Chair of the group, Bev Simpson said:
“We have been working closely with Green Spaces to identify funding for improvements and we now need to hear the opinions of fellow residents and neighbours. It is important that we gather as much information as possible from people who actually use and enjoy the Green.”
The group also wish to apply for official Village Green status and the second part of the survey will ask for historical information about how the Green has been used as a recreational facility over the past decades. This will provide evidence which is an essential part of the application for Village Green Status. Vice-chair Paul Russell said:
“We want to hear from people who remember the Green as it was years ago. There must be thousands of memories out there and we would like to share them. We are also hoping to maybe turn up some old photographs of the Green that people have taken over the years.”
Anyone with memories to share or anyone wishing to become a member of the Friends of Chuckery Corner Green can contact the group by phoning or texting 07757 158465 or e-mail chuckeryfriends@yahoo.co.uk
Walsall Council Green Space Strategy
Advertiser 11 Jun Chuckery Corner Green saved
Express & Star 5 Jun Green saved from scheme
Advertiser 29 May Save Green campaign mounts
Advertiser 14 May Plea to save Chuckery green
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Corner Green
Walsall Council 24 Apr New centre for youth announced
Walsall Council 17 Mar Chuckery Youth Centre announced
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YamYam 23 Oct Chuckery youth to remain on the buses
YamYam 22 Oct Chuckery Youth Centre plans back on
YamYam 17 Sep Council learns from mistakes
YamYam 27 Aug Chuckery youth centre axed
Express & Star 7 Aug Race against time for Chuckery youth centre plan
Express & Star 5 Aug Accord blames council for Chuckery youth centre row
YamYam 3 Aug Chuckery youth centre plans shelved
Express & Star 30 Jul Bakery protesters hold demo
Express & Star 24 Jul MP joins fight over youth centre
Advertiser 16 Jul Old bakery site is a turkey
Advertiser 2 Jul Residents are angry over youth centre
Advertiser 29 Jun Residents object to proposed site
Advertiser 29 Jun Letters: Council 'listened' to people
Express & Star 25 Jun Fury at Chuckery youth centre site
YamYam 23 Jun Youth centre controversy goes on
YamYam 19 Jun Are youth centre plans 'half-baked'?
Express & Star 18 Jun Bakery may give rise to new centre
Walsall Council 17 Jun Former bakery earmarked
Walsall Arboretum gardener’s false £22,000 claim
03 Nov 09 14:06
News
Council gardener’s false £22,000 claim
Express & Star 3 Nov 09
A gardener who tends Walsall Arboretum has been jailed for nine months for helping his father falsely claim benefits of more than £22,000 over 10 years...
Council gardener’s false £22,000 claim
Express & Star 3 Nov 09
A gardener who tends Walsall Arboretum has been jailed for nine months for helping his father falsely claim benefits of more than £22,000 over 10 years...
Chuckery youth to remain on the buses
23 Oct 09 00:33
Chuckery youth to remain on the buses
The YamYam 23 Oct 09
Under pressure Walsall Council bosses are to press ahead with plans to use central government youth funding on a fleet of buses. £450,000 earmarked for a youth centre in Chuckery will be used to buy and equip the buses regardless of demands from the influential Local Neighbourhood Partnership that the money should be spent in Chuckery.
Members of the St Matthews/Birchills/Leamore LNP have demanded that cabinet reconsider the bus fleet plan and try again to find a suitable site for a permanent youth centre in the area. The committee, made up of local councillors, representatives of the police, fire service, housing groups and the NHS, as well as local people want to see a much needed facility for the young people of Chuckery.
But, cabinet member for children and young people, Councillor Rachel Walker said: “We have received feedback from the LNP. Unfortunately because the money is time-limited there was some urgency to spend it so that we did not lose it. We do recognise the concerns of the LNP. There will be targeted support for Chuckery.”
The successful funding bid to the government youth capital fund plus was specific to Chuckery and residents are angry that after 2 bodged attempts to impose a building without adequate consultation, the money will now be spread out across the borough. Like Chuckery, areas such as Brownhills and Pheasey suffer a chronic shortage of youth provision.
Council Leader Councillor Mike Bird who represents Pheasey Park Farm said: “It is regrettable what has happened over the youth centre and we will continue to look for a site for Chuckery. We have gone out of our way to find provision.”
After local people staged a successful campaign to save Chuckery Corner Green and to halt the use of a disused bakery close to family homes and businesses, residents made a number of suggestions for viable alternative sites. The council rejected all the suggestions and has so far, not divulged the sites that they have investigated in spite of repeated requests for this information.
YamYam 22 Oct Chuckery Youth Centre plans back on
YamYam 17 Sep Council learns from mistakes
YamYam 27 Aug Chuckery youth centre axed
Express & Star 7 Aug Race against time for Chuckery youth centre plan
Express & Star 5 Aug Accord blames council for Chuckery youth centre row
YamYam 3 Aug Chuckery youth centre plans shelved
Express & Star 30 Jul Bakery protesters hold demo
Express & Star 24 Jul MP joins fight over youth centre
Advertiser 16 Jul Old bakery site is a turkey
Advertiser 2 Jul Residents are angry over youth centre
Advertiser 29 Jun Residents object to proposed site
Advertiser 29 Jun Letters: Council 'listened' to people
Express & Star 25 Jun Fury at Chuckery youth centre site
YamYam 23 Jun Youth centre controversy goes on
YamYam 19 Jun Are youth centre plans 'half-baked'?
Express & Star 18 Jun Bakery may give rise to new centre
Walsall Council 17 Jun Former bakery earmarked
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Express & Star 5 Jun Green saved from scheme
Advertiser 29 May Save Green campaign mounts
Advertiser 14 May Plea to save Chuckery green
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Corner Green
Walsall Council 24 Apr New centre for youth announced
Walsall Council 17 Mar Chuckery Youth Centre announced
Chuckery Youth Centre plans back on
22 Oct 09 01:44
News
Chuckery Youth Centre plans back on
The YamYam 22 Oct
After a series of u-turns and climb-downs, Walsall Council is being urged to look again at plans for a permanent, purpose-built youth centre in Chuckery.
Having secured £450,000 in central government funding, Walsall`s cabinet abandoned plans for the much needed facility in the face of fierce opposition from local residents. Fearful of losing the funding, the council hastily came up with a plan to equip 6 buses with video games and DJ decks for use throughout the borough.
At a meeting of the St Matthews/Leamore/Birchills Local Neighbourhood Partnership (LNP), members voted to urge cabinet to drop this plan and to look again at a permanent facility in Chuckery. LNP chairman Councillor Tim Oliver said: “We feel that Chuckery needs its own youth centre and we want the cabinet to look at the area again to see if something could be done for the young people.
“There are concerns in the community that the consultation was not good enough. We think that there are other places in the neighbourhood which could be considered for a youth building.
“This is a one-off opportunity for Chuckery which might not come back again and it is imperative the cabinet looks at all the options.”
The original council decision to build on the Chuckery Corner Green provoked outrage from local residents who branded a haphazard consultation exercise as “a joke”. A 600 signature petition forced the council to look for alternative sites. The council announced that the youth centre would be built on the site of a disused bakery but again, residents objected and local MP Bruce George slammed the proposal as being “almost criminal”.
Speaking in August, Leader of the Council, Councillor Mike Bird said: “The chances of opening a permanent facility in Chuckery is nil and that is not down to us. We did all we could to find a permanent site but faced opposition at every turn.” He went on to say that £50,000 had been “wasted” in preparing designs for the two rejected locations.
Campaigners have consistently supported the proposal for a permanent youth centre and have suggested many alternative locations including the abandoned Chuckery Neighbourhood Office in Tantarra Street. Local councillor and cabinet member Mohammed Arif drew gasps of astonishment at an earlier LNP meeting when he stated the Chuckery Neighbourhood Office was not actually in Chuckery. It is thought that Councillor Arif abstained on the latest LNP vote.
The YamYam 17 Sep Council learns from mistakes
The YamYam 27 Aug Chuckery youth centre axed
Express & Star 7 Aug Race against time for Chuckery youth centre plan
Express & Star 5 Aug Accord blames council for Chuckery youth centre row
The YamYam 3 Aug Chuckery youth centre plans shelved
Express & Star 30 Jul Bakery protesters hold demo
Express & Star 24 Jul MP joins fight over youth centre
Advertiser 16 Jul Old bakery site is a turkey
Advertiser 2 Jul Residents are angry over youth centre
Advertiser 29 Jun Residents object to proposed site
Advertiser 29 Jun Letters: Council 'listened' to people
Express & Star 25 Jun Fury at Chuckery youth centre site
TheYamYam 23 Jun Youth centre controversy goes on
TheYamYam 19 Jun Are youth centre plans 'half-baked'?
Express & Star 18 Jun Bakery may give rise to new centre
Walsall Council 17 Jun Former bakery earmarked
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Advertiser 11 Jun Chuckery Corner Green saved
Express & Star 5 Jun Green saved from scheme
Advertiser 29 May Save Green campaign mounts
Advertiser 14 May Plea to save Chuckery green
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Corner Green
Walsall Council 24 Apr New centre for youth announced
Walsall Council 17 Mar Chuckery Youth Centre announced
Chuckery Youth Centre plans back on
The YamYam 22 Oct
After a series of u-turns and climb-downs, Walsall Council is being urged to look again at plans for a permanent, purpose-built youth centre in Chuckery.
At a meeting of the St Matthews/Leamore/Birchills Local Neighbourhood Partnership (LNP), members voted to urge cabinet to drop this plan and to look again at a permanent facility in Chuckery. LNP chairman Councillor Tim Oliver said: “We feel that Chuckery needs its own youth centre and we want the cabinet to look at the area again to see if something could be done for the young people.
“There are concerns in the community that the consultation was not good enough. We think that there are other places in the neighbourhood which could be considered for a youth building.
“This is a one-off opportunity for Chuckery which might not come back again and it is imperative the cabinet looks at all the options.”
Speaking in August, Leader of the Council, Councillor Mike Bird said: “The chances of opening a permanent facility in Chuckery is nil and that is not down to us. We did all we could to find a permanent site but faced opposition at every turn.” He went on to say that £50,000 had been “wasted” in preparing designs for the two rejected locations.
Campaigners have consistently supported the proposal for a permanent youth centre and have suggested many alternative locations including the abandoned Chuckery Neighbourhood Office in Tantarra Street. Local councillor and cabinet member Mohammed Arif drew gasps of astonishment at an earlier LNP meeting when he stated the Chuckery Neighbourhood Office was not actually in Chuckery. It is thought that Councillor Arif abstained on the latest LNP vote.
The YamYam 17 Sep Council learns from mistakes
The YamYam 27 Aug Chuckery youth centre axed
Express & Star 7 Aug Race against time for Chuckery youth centre plan
Express & Star 5 Aug Accord blames council for Chuckery youth centre row
The YamYam 3 Aug Chuckery youth centre plans shelved
Express & Star 30 Jul Bakery protesters hold demo
Express & Star 24 Jul MP joins fight over youth centre
Advertiser 16 Jul Old bakery site is a turkey
Advertiser 2 Jul Residents are angry over youth centre
Advertiser 29 Jun Residents object to proposed site
Advertiser 29 Jun Letters: Council 'listened' to people
Express & Star 25 Jun Fury at Chuckery youth centre site
TheYamYam 23 Jun Youth centre controversy goes on
TheYamYam 19 Jun Are youth centre plans 'half-baked'?
Express & Star 18 Jun Bakery may give rise to new centre
Walsall Council 17 Jun Former bakery earmarked
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Express & Star 5 Jun Green saved from scheme
Advertiser 29 May Save Green campaign mounts
Advertiser 14 May Plea to save Chuckery green
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Corner Green
Walsall Council 24 Apr New centre for youth announced
Walsall Council 17 Mar Chuckery Youth Centre announced
Feature: Up the Chuckery with Billy Meikle
17 Oct 09 02:26
Up the Chuckery with Billy Meikle
Stuart Williams 17 Oct 09
In 1942, local historian, photographer and credit draper Billy Meikle recalled an early memory of his youth in Walsall. In 1868, when he was just ten years old, a remarkable lady called Madam Angelo came to town...
Pregnant women assaulted in Chuckery
30 Sep 09 15:22
News
Pregnant women assaulted in Chuckery
The YamYam 30 Sep 09
West Midlands Police are investigating a racial attack on a pregnant woman in Chuckery.
Detectives said the 23-year-old woman was racially abused and assaulted as she was walking along Walsingham Street at around 6.45pm on Monday when a man shouted racial abuse at her.
The man then threw stones at her, despite the victim telling him she was pregnant. One of the stones hit the woman on the leg, and caused significant bruising.
The offender is described as being around 20-years-old, Asian, clean shaven, with large lips and nose. He was wearing a white baseball cap, a turquoise polo shirt and dark blue jeans.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Walsall police station on 0845 113 5000.
WM Police 30 Sep Pregnant woman Chuckery assault
Pregnant women assaulted in Chuckery
The YamYam 30 Sep 09
West Midlands Police are investigating a racial attack on a pregnant woman in Chuckery.
Detectives said the 23-year-old woman was racially abused and assaulted as she was walking along Walsingham Street at around 6.45pm on Monday when a man shouted racial abuse at her.
The man then threw stones at her, despite the victim telling him she was pregnant. One of the stones hit the woman on the leg, and caused significant bruising.
The offender is described as being around 20-years-old, Asian, clean shaven, with large lips and nose. He was wearing a white baseball cap, a turquoise polo shirt and dark blue jeans.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Walsall police station on 0845 113 5000.
WM Police 30 Sep Pregnant woman Chuckery assault
Call to runners for Walsall fun run
24 Sep 09 17:25
Call to runners for Walsall fun run
Walsall Advertiser 24 Sep 09
Fewer than 30 runners have signed up to take part in an annual Walsall fun run on Sunday at the Arboretum – prompting organisers to issue a rallying cry to residents of the borough to don their running shoes...
Walsall Rotary Club Home
Walsall golf course spared the axe
18 Sep 09 16:36
Walsall golf course spared the axe
Express & Star 18 Sep 09
Walsall’s municipal closure-threatened golf course has been spared the axe with council chiefs promising a major revamp...
Express & Star 20 Aug Reprieve for threatened golf course
Express & Star 3 Jul Golf course price rises slashed
Express & Star 22 Jun Walsall Council golf course U-turn
Express & Star 30 May Walsall golf course in closure threat
Express & Star 16 Mar New hope for town's golf course
Express & Star 16 Jan Golf course facing closure
Walsall Council learns from mistakes
17 Sep 09 17:45
Council learns from mistakes
The YamYam 17 Sep 09
Walsall Council has announced the first proposed sites for new play areas and mini parks to be located across the borough. The £1.1 million project will receive funding from the central government Playbuilder initiative which has been set up to create and improve play spaces for 8 – 13 year-olds. However, rather than rush through with the proposals, council chiefs have introduced a note of caution and are stressing the importance of consultation with local residents.
Following two humiliating u-turns on the controversial Chuckery Youth Centre, council leaders have learnt that the views of the public cannot be ignored and Wednesday night`s cabinet meeting resolved to proceed with the scheme provided that there is full consultation. Deputy leader Councillor Adrian Andrew said: "I am cautious about putting these things next to peoples` homes; we do not want to create white elephants".
A total of 22 potential sites have been earmarked for development and the first phase of work could start within the next six weeks. The possible locations include: Anson Road and Poplar Avenue, both in Bentley, Croft Street, Birchills, Tyne Close, Brownhills, William Street, Butts, Sneyd Lane, New Invention, White Horse Road, Newtown, Foley Road East, Streetly, Druid`s Walk, Walsall Wood and Dovedale Avenue and Greaves Crescent in Willenhall.
Cabinet member for leisure and culture, Barry Sanders revealed that 78% of households in Walsall currently do not have access to a park or play area. “We do not want to put these play areas in places where the majority of people do not want them” he said, “I would expect the least controversial schemes to start within six weeks but we have not yet decided which locations that will be”.
As with the Chuckery Youth Centre, the government funding is time limited and at least half of the facilities have to be in place by 2009/2010. Given the need for design and development work, it is not clear if such a tight time-scale will allow for any, let alone full, consultation with local residents.
Walsall Council Cabinet 16 Sep Walsall Playbuilder Programme pdf
YamYam 27 Aug Chuckery youth centre axed
Walsall Council 5 Aug Children to have say on play
Play England Playbuilders and pathfinders
Walkers light up Arbo for Walsall hospice fund
12 Sep 09 14:23
Walkers light up Arbo for Walsall hospice fund
Express & Star 12 Sep 09 (pictures)
Twinkling tea lights and luminous neon glow sticks lit up the Arboretum as around 900 people took part in the inaugural Walsall Hospice Starlight Walk on Friday evening...
Express & Star 7 Sep BGT songster Connie to appear for Walsall hospice
Connie Talbot Home
Express & Star 1 Sep £5.5m hospice work may start next month
Express & Star 31 Jul Health bosses give go-ahead.
Express & Star 27 Jun Supermodel adds hospice sparkle
Express & Star 11 Jun Starlight stroll for new hospice
Walsall Hospice Home
Walsall Hospice on Twitter @Walsall_Hospice
Chuckery pervert jailed for four years
27 Aug 09 19:20
News
Chuckery pervert jailed for four years
Walsall Advertiser 27 August 09
A paedophile from Walsall who took photographs of women using the toilet at Glastonbury Festival was jailed for four years at Wolverhampton Crown Court...
Express & Star 24 Aug Paedophile jailed over photos
Chuckery pervert jailed for four years
Walsall Advertiser 27 August 09
A paedophile from Walsall who took photographs of women using the toilet at Glastonbury Festival was jailed for four years at Wolverhampton Crown Court...
Express & Star 24 Aug Paedophile jailed over photos
Chuckery paedophile jailed over photos
27 Aug 09 19:17
News
Chuckery paedophile jailed over photos
Express & Star 24 August 09
A paedophile from Walsall who took photographs of women using the toilet at Glastonbury Festival was jailed for four years at Wolverhampton Crown Court...
Chuckery paedophile jailed over photos
Express & Star 24 August 09
A paedophile from Walsall who took photographs of women using the toilet at Glastonbury Festival was jailed for four years at Wolverhampton Crown Court...
Chuckery youth centre axed
27 Aug 09 04:41
News
Chuckery youth centre axed
The YamYam 27 August 09
Plans to build a controversial youth centre have finally been abandoned by Walsall Council. The £450k handout from central government was intended to provide activities for the young people of Chuckery during the evening and particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. But fierce opposition from local residents to the proposed location of the centre has forced Council leaders to think again.
Tory Leader of the Council, Councillor Mike Bird said: “The chances of opening a permanent facility in Chuckery is nil and that is not down to us. We did all we could to find a permanent site but faced opposition at every turn.”
More than 600 residents signed a petition opposed to the use of Chuckery Corner Green and were joined in a public protest by two members of Walsall Cabinet, Tory Councillors Arif and McCracken who represent St Matthews Ward.
A second location was hurriedly indentified but residents and businesses close to the derelict bakery on Holtshill Lane overwhelmingly opposed that proposal leading local MP Bruce George to brand the scheme as “almost criminal.” Following a second petition, the owners of the bakery site, Accord Housing, decided not to sell the land to the Council.
Campaigners have consistently supported the proposal for a youth centre in Chuckery and have suggested a number of alternative sites and strategies but claim that there has been a lack of consultation and an unwillingness to engage with the local community.
Councillor Bird, who represents Pheasey Park Farm has stated: “My conscience will be clear because I have done all I can, it has been other people holding this up and ruining the opportunity for the young people of Walsall.”
The loss of a youth centre in Chuckery will be a disappointment to local Tory Councillor Barry Sanders, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture. When the facility was first announced in March, he said: “There is a great need for a dedicated young people facility in Chuckery and campaigners have been asking for something like this for years, It will be a real boost for young people and the community as a whole and I am delighted that all the campaigning has paid off.”
The Council now intend to use the £450k funding to purchase six buses and equip them with computers, DJ decks and recording studios. Ironically, one of the alternatives suggested by campaigners was to use specially equipped buses that could be used not only in Chuckery but also elsewhere in the borough.
Councillor Bird has stated that £50k has been “wasted” in preparing designs for the two rejected locations for the Chuckery youth centre. It is not clear if this cost will be met by Council Tax payers or be deducted from the Government grant intended to improve the lives of the young people of Chuckery.
Express & Star 7 Aug Race against time for Chuckery youth centre plan
Express & Star 5 Aug Accord blames council for Chuckery youth centre row
The YamYam 3 Aug Chuckery youth centre plans shelved
Express & Star 30 Jul Bakery protesters hold demo
Express & Star 24 Jul MP joins fight over youth centre
Advertiser 16 Jul Old bakery site is a turkey
Advertiser 2 Jul Residents are angry over youth centre
Advertiser 29 Jun Residents object to proposed site
Advertiser 29 Jun Letters: Council 'listened' to people
Express & Star 25 Jun Fury at Chuckery youth centre site
TheYamYam 23 Jun Youth centre controversy goes on
TheYamYam 19 Jun Are youth centre plans 'half-baked'?
Express & Star 18 Jun Bakery may give rise to new centre
Walsall Council 17 Jun Former bakery earmarked
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Advertiser 11 Jun Chuckery Corner Green saved
Express & Star 5 Jun Green saved from scheme
Advertiser 29 May Save Green campaign mounts
Advertiser 14 May Plea to save Chuckery green
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Corner Green
Walsall Council 24 Apr New centre for youth announced
Walsall Council 17 Mar Chuckery Youth Centre announced
Chuckery youth centre axed
The YamYam 27 August 09
Plans to build a controversial youth centre have finally been abandoned by Walsall Council. The £450k handout from central government was intended to provide activities for the young people of Chuckery during the evening and particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. But fierce opposition from local residents to the proposed location of the centre has forced Council leaders to think again.
Tory Leader of the Council, Councillor Mike Bird said: “The chances of opening a permanent facility in Chuckery is nil and that is not down to us. We did all we could to find a permanent site but faced opposition at every turn.”
Campaigners have consistently supported the proposal for a youth centre in Chuckery and have suggested a number of alternative sites and strategies but claim that there has been a lack of consultation and an unwillingness to engage with the local community.
Councillor Bird, who represents Pheasey Park Farm has stated: “My conscience will be clear because I have done all I can, it has been other people holding this up and ruining the opportunity for the young people of Walsall.”
The loss of a youth centre in Chuckery will be a disappointment to local Tory Councillor Barry Sanders, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture. When the facility was first announced in March, he said: “There is a great need for a dedicated young people facility in Chuckery and campaigners have been asking for something like this for years, It will be a real boost for young people and the community as a whole and I am delighted that all the campaigning has paid off.”
The Council now intend to use the £450k funding to purchase six buses and equip them with computers, DJ decks and recording studios. Ironically, one of the alternatives suggested by campaigners was to use specially equipped buses that could be used not only in Chuckery but also elsewhere in the borough.
Councillor Bird has stated that £50k has been “wasted” in preparing designs for the two rejected locations for the Chuckery youth centre. It is not clear if this cost will be met by Council Tax payers or be deducted from the Government grant intended to improve the lives of the young people of Chuckery.
Express & Star 7 Aug Race against time for Chuckery youth centre plan
Express & Star 5 Aug Accord blames council for Chuckery youth centre row
The YamYam 3 Aug Chuckery youth centre plans shelved
Express & Star 30 Jul Bakery protesters hold demo
Express & Star 24 Jul MP joins fight over youth centre
Advertiser 16 Jul Old bakery site is a turkey
Advertiser 2 Jul Residents are angry over youth centre
Advertiser 29 Jun Residents object to proposed site
Advertiser 29 Jun Letters: Council 'listened' to people
Express & Star 25 Jun Fury at Chuckery youth centre site
TheYamYam 23 Jun Youth centre controversy goes on
TheYamYam 19 Jun Are youth centre plans 'half-baked'?
Express & Star 18 Jun Bakery may give rise to new centre
Walsall Council 17 Jun Former bakery earmarked
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Advertiser 11 Jun Chuckery Corner Green saved
Express & Star 5 Jun Green saved from scheme
Advertiser 29 May Save Green campaign mounts
Advertiser 14 May Plea to save Chuckery green
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Corner Green
Walsall Council 24 Apr New centre for youth announced
Walsall Council 17 Mar Chuckery Youth Centre announced
Walsall Arboretum trees may get the chop
21 Aug 09 12:23
Walsall Arboretum trees may get the chop
Express & Star 21 August 09
More than 90 trees dating back decades face being ripped out of Walsall Arboretum – ahead of a multi-million pound refurbishment...
Express & Star 20 Jul Arboretum revamp on track despite cash shortage
Express & Star 6 Jun Arboretum revamp’s £500k boost
Express & Star 4 May Arboretum revamp plan delayed
Express & Star 29 Apr Shock axe-list of Arboretum trees
Express & Star 15 Mar £7.9m Arboretum facelift delayed
Reprieve for Walsall golf course under threat
20 Aug 09 12:09
Reprieve for Walsall golf course under threat
Express & Star 20 August 09
Walsall’s only municipal golf course faces a stay of execution as council chiefs are looking to keep it running and improve facilities...
Express & Star 3 Jul Golf course price rises slashed
Express & Star 22 Jun Walsall Council golf course U-turn
Express & Star 30 May Walsall golf course in closure threat
Express & Star 16 Mar New hope for town's golf course
Express & Star 16 Jan Golf course facing closure
Flasher at Walsall Arboretum
19 Aug 09 13:13
Flasher at Walsall Arboretum
Express & Star 18 August 09
A woman was attacked by a flasher as she walked her dog in Walsall Arboretum on Sunday, prompting police to step up patrols at the park...
Mercury 19 Aug Police step up Arboretum park patrols
WM Police 18 Aug Appeal following Arboretum assault
Walsall Town Show 2009: Pat Collins 150
14 Aug 09 03:33
Walsall Town Show: Pat Collins 150th
Bloxidge Tallygraph 13 August 09 Summer finally arrived with a bang in Walsall on Saturday 8 August as thousands took to the Arboretum to enjoy all the fun of the fair - and much more - over a sun-drenched weekend at a brand new event celebrating the 150th birthday of Pat Collins, fairgound mogul, cinema pioneer and Walsall politician...
Bloxidge Tallygraph 19 Aug More pictures from the Town Show
Bloxidge Tallygraph 10 Aug Pat Collins honoured in showland style
Express & Star 10 Aug Big turnout for the King of Showmen
Big turnout for the King of Showmen at Walsall arboretum
10 Aug 09 12:03
Big turnout for the King of Showmen
Express & Star 10 August 09
Thousands of people descended on Walsall to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Pat Collins, the King of Showmen. All the fun of the fair came to the town’s Arboretum as visitors enjoyed the world’s largest mobile sandpit and children’s donkey rides. An exhibition on the life of Pat Collins, whose funfairs have been enjoyed by thousands of people up and down the country, was also on show...
Race against time for Chuckery youth centre plan
08 Aug 09 14:06
News
Race against time for Chuckery youth centre plan
Express & Star 7 August 09
Revised plans for a youth centre in Walsall must be submitted with in days - or the council will lose out on £452,000. A race against time is now on to find a suitable location for a new building...
Express & Star Archive
News
Accord blames council for Chuckery youth centre row
Express & Star 5 August 09
A housing association pulled out of a deal to sell land to make way for a £450,000 youth centre because Walsall Council failed to make an "accceptable offer"....
The YamYam 3 Aug Chuckery youth centre plans shelved
Express & Star 30 Jul Bakery protesters hold demo
Express & Star 24 Jul MP joins fight over youth centre
Advertiser 16 Jul Old bakery site is a turkey
Advertiser 2 Jul Residents are angry over youth centre
Advertiser 29 Jun Residents object to proposed site
Advertiser 29 Jun Letters: Council 'listened' to people
Express & Star 25 Jun Fury at Chuckery youth centre site
TheYamYam 23 Jun Youth centre controversy goes on
TheYamYam 19 Jun Are youth centre plans 'half-baked'?
Express & Star 18 Jun Bakery may give rise to new centre
Walsall Council 17 Jun Former bakery earmarked
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News
Chuckery Corner Green saved
Walsall Advertiser 11 June 09
A precious green space in Chuckery has been saved from becoming the venue for a £452,000 youth centre – which could now may be scrapped altogether...
Advertiser 11 Jun Chuckery Corner Green saved
Express & Star 5 Jun Green saved from scheme
Advertiser 29 May Save Green campaign mounts
Advertiser 14 May Plea to save Chuckery green
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Corner Green
Walsall Council 24 Apr New centre for youth announced
Walsall Council 17 Mar Chuckery Youth Centre announced
Race against time for Chuckery youth centre plan
Express & Star 7 August 09
Revised plans for a youth centre in Walsall must be submitted with in days - or the council will lose out on £452,000. A race against time is now on to find a suitable location for a new building...
Express & Star Archive
Accord blames council for Chuckery youth centre row
Express & Star 5 August 09
A housing association pulled out of a deal to sell land to make way for a £450,000 youth centre because Walsall Council failed to make an "accceptable offer"....
The YamYam 3 Aug Chuckery youth centre plans shelved
Express & Star 30 Jul Bakery protesters hold demo
Express & Star 24 Jul MP joins fight over youth centre
Advertiser 16 Jul Old bakery site is a turkey
Advertiser 2 Jul Residents are angry over youth centre
Advertiser 29 Jun Residents object to proposed site
Advertiser 29 Jun Letters: Council 'listened' to people
Express & Star 25 Jun Fury at Chuckery youth centre site
TheYamYam 23 Jun Youth centre controversy goes on
TheYamYam 19 Jun Are youth centre plans 'half-baked'?
Express & Star 18 Jun Bakery may give rise to new centre
Walsall Council 17 Jun Former bakery earmarked
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Chuckery Corner Green saved
Walsall Advertiser 11 June 09
A precious green space in Chuckery has been saved from becoming the venue for a £452,000 youth centre – which could now may be scrapped altogether...
Advertiser 11 Jun Chuckery Corner Green saved
Express & Star 5 Jun Green saved from scheme
Advertiser 29 May Save Green campaign mounts
Advertiser 14 May Plea to save Chuckery green
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Corner Green
Walsall Council 24 Apr New centre for youth announced
Walsall Council 17 Mar Chuckery Youth Centre announced
Accord Housing blames Walsall Council for Chuckery youth centre row
06 Aug 09 16:26
Accord blames council for Chuckery youth centre row
Express & Star 5 August 09
A housing association pulled out of a deal to sell land to make way for a £450,000 youth centre because Walsall Council failed to make an "accceptable offer"....
The YamYam 3 Aug Chuckery youth centre plans shelved
Express & Star 30 Jul Bakery protesters hold demo
Express & Star 24 Jul MP joins fight over youth centre
Advertiser 16 Jul Old bakery site is a turkey
Advertiser 2 Jul Residents are angry over youth centre
Advertiser 29 Jun Residents object to proposed site
Advertiser 29 Jun Letters: Council 'listened' to people
Express & Star 25 Jun Fury at Chuckery youth centre site
TheYamYam 23 Jun Youth centre controversy goes on
TheYamYam 19 Jun Are youth centre plans 'half-baked'?
Express & Star 18 Jun Bakery may give rise to new centre
Walsall Council 17 Jun Former bakery earmarked
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Advertiser 11 Jun Chuckery Corner Green saved
Express & Star 5 Jun Green saved from scheme
Advertiser 29 May Save Green campaign mounts
Advertiser 14 May Plea to save Chuckery green
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Corner Green
Walsall Council 24 Apr New centre for youth announced
Walsall Council 17 Mar Chuckery Youth Centre announced
Express & Star Archive
Chuckery youth centre plans shelved
03 Aug 09 13:30
Chuckery youth centre plans shelved
The YamYam 3 August 09
Council bosses have announced that they are to shelve plans for a new £500,000 youth centre in Chuckery but have hinted that the money may be spent in another part of the borough, possibly Clayhanger.
The council had agreed to buy a disused bakery in Paddock Lane and convert it into a new centre offering a range of social, educational and leisure services for young people in the area. But local residents, whilst welcoming plans for a new Chuckery youth centre, objected to the bakery site.
Glenys Russell, spokesperson for Friends of Chuckery Corner Green said "The site is too small, too close to family homes, too close to a pub and an off-licence and is on an already hazardous junction".
Bruce George, MP for Walsall South, who visited the bakery site last week had described the plan as "almost criminal" to put a site so close to residents' homes.
It has emerged that the Chuckery Tennant's Management Organisation was planning to object to a planning application. Now the bakery site owners Accord Housing have confirmed they are unable to proceed with the sale.
It it the second time the council has had to climb down on plans for building a youth centre in Chuckery. The council had previously considered building the new centre on land at the corner of Walhouse Road and Charlotte Street but withdrew their plans when local residents objected to loosing a much used public park.
Council leader Mike Bird said: "We had secured more than £452,000 to build this new centre, but despite our best efforts have been unable to find a suitable location in Chuckery.
"Sadly we will now have to cast the net more widely and look outside this immediate area.
Glenys Russell said "We have suggested a number of alternative, viable locations for the youth centre but council officers and councillors have chosen to ignore our views".
Cabinet member for children’s services Cllr Rachel Walker said: “We are all very disappointed as I'm sure young people in the area will be. We will do our best to find a new site as this is a much needed facility for our young people in Walsall.
Express & Star 30 Jul Bakery protesters hold demo
Express & Star 24 Jul MP joins fight over youth centre
Advertiser 16 Jul Old bakery site is a turkey
Advertiser 2 Jul Residents are angry over youth centre
Advertiser 29 Jun Residents object to proposed site
Advertiser 29 Jun Letters: Council 'listened' to people
Express & Star 25 Jun Fury at Chuckery youth centre site
TheYamYam 23 Jun Youth centre controversy goes on
TheYamYam 19 Jun Are youth centre plans 'half-baked'?
Express & Star 18 Jun Bakery may give rise to new centre
Walsall Council 17 Jun Former bakery earmarked
.....................................................................
Advertiser 11 Jun Chuckery Corner Green saved
Express & Star 5 Jun Green saved from scheme
Advertiser 29 May Save Green campaign mounts
Advertiser 14 May Plea to save Chuckery green
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Corner Green
Walsall Council 24 Apr New centre for youth announced
Walsall Council 17 Mar Chuckery Youth Centre announced
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Chuckery bakery protesters hold demo
31 Jul 09 01:54
Chuckery bakery protesters hold demo
Express & Star 30 July 09
Residents held a protest to highlight their opposition to plans to convert a former bakery into a youth centre. People living in Chuckery are outraged at plans to transform the former Jones bakery into a £500,000 youth centre...
Express & Star 24 Jul MP joins fight over youth centre
Advertiser 16 Jul Old bakery site is a turkey
Advertiser 2 Jul Residents are angry over youth centre
Advertiser 29 Jun Residents object to proposed site
Advertiser 29 Jun Letters: Council 'listened' to people
Express & Star 25 Jun Fury at Chuckery youth centre site
TheYamYam 23 Jun Youth centre controversy goes on
TheYamYam 19 Jun Are youth centre plans 'half-baked'?
Express & Star 18 Jun Bakery may give rise to new centre
Walsall Council 17 Jun Former bakery earmarked
.....................................................................
Advertiser 11 Jun Chuckery Corner Green saved
Express & Star 5 Jun Green saved from scheme
Advertiser 29 May Save Green campaign mounts
Advertiser 14 May Plea to save Chuckery green
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Corner Green
Walsall Council 24 Apr New centre for youth announced
Walsall Council 17 Mar Chuckery Youth Centre announced
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Express & Star Archive
MP joins fight over Chuckery youth centre
24 Jul 09 19:47
MP joins fight over Chuckery youth centre
Express & Star 24 July 09
Walsall South MP Bruce George has added his support to a campaign against plans to transform a derelict bakery in Chuckery into a £500,000 youth centre, describing the choice of location as "almost criminal"...
Advertiser 16 Jul Old bakery site is a turkey
Advertiser 2 Jul Residents are angry over youth centre
Advertiser 29 Jun Residents object to proposed site
Advertiser 29 Jun Letters: Council 'listened' to people
Express & Star 25 Jun Fury at Chuckery youth centre site
TheYamYam 23 Jun Youth centre controversy goes on
TheYamYam 19 Jun Are youth centre plans 'half-baked'?
Express & Star 18 Jun Bakery may give rise to new centre
Walsall Council 17 Jun Former bakery earmarked
.....................................................................
Advertiser 11 Jun Chuckery Corner Green saved
Express & Star 5 Jun Green saved from scheme
Advertiser 29 May Save Green campaign mounts
Advertiser 14 May Plea to save Chuckery green
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Corner Green
Walsall Council 24 Apr New centre for youth announced
Walsall Council 17 Mar Chuckery Youth Centre announced
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Express & Star Archive
Hunt after Walsall St Matthews sex attack claim
24 Jul 09 16:18
Hunt after Walsall St Matthews sex attack claim
Express & Star 24 July 09
A corden was set up around St Matthews Church on Church Hill, Walsall, as police looked into allegations of a sexual assault in the grounds at around 2:45am this morning. Officers stood guard making sure no-one entered the grounds...
Arboretum revamp on track despite cash shortage
20 Jul 09 21:26
Arboretum revamp on track despite cash shortage
Express & Star 20 July 09
A multi-million pound revamp of Walsall Arboretum will not be downsized despite council chiefs running short of £600,000 to pay for the scheme...
Express & Star 6 Jun Arboretum revamp’s £500k boost
Express & Star 4 May Arboretum revamp plan delayed
Express & Star 29 Apr Shock axe-list of Arboretum trees
Express & Star 15 Mar £7.9m Arboretum facelift delayed
Express & Star Archive
Source of Walsall UFO scare revealed
03 Jul 09 03:37
Source of UFO revealed
Jayne Howarth's Weblog 1 July
A ten-year-old girl from Walsall has been revealed the source of the UFO scare in the town this week...
Express & Star 1 Jul Walsall UFO mystery solved
Express & Star 29 Jun Walsall UFO alert
msnbc 10 Jun Mars attack on Walsall shock
The Mercury 16 May Lichfield UFO mystery solved
The Mercury 16 May UFO spotters a strange bunch
The Mercury 9 May 'Jellyfish' style UFO in Lichfield
UFO Magazine Home
Residents are angry over youth centre
02 Jul 09 15:23
Residents are angry over youth centre
Walsall Advertiser 2 July 09
Controversial plans to build a youth centre in Chuckery on the site of a former bakery were agreed by Walsall Council's cabinet last Wednesday. However, residents and businesses in the area have voiced opposition saying the plan is inappropriate for a number of reasons...
Walsall Advertiser 29 Jun Residents object to proposed site
Advertiser 29 Jun Letters: Council 'listened' to people
Express & Star 25 Jun Fury at Chuckery youth centre site
TheYamYam 23 Jun Youth centre controversy goes on
TheYamYam 19 Jun Are youth centre plans 'half-baked'?
Express & Star 18 Jun Bakery may give rise to new centre
Walsall Council 17 Jun Former bakery earmarked
Walsall Advertiser 11 Jun Chuckery Corner Green saved
Express & Star 5 Jun Green saved from scheme
Walsall Advertiser 29 May Save Green campaign mounts
Walsall Advertiser 14 May Plea to save Chuckery green
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Corner Green
Walsall Council 24 Apr New centre for youth announced
Walsall Council 17 Mar Chuckery Youth Centre announced
Bad with Walsall Twitter BadwithWalsall
Video: Walsall pensioner tells of dog attack terror
02 Jul 09 14:51
Video: Walsall pensioner tells of dog attack terror
Birmingham Mail 2 July 09 (video)
A Walsall pensioner has told of her ordeal at the jaws of five snarling dogs who left her injured and killed her beloved pet...
Express & Star 1 Jul Horror in St Matthews churchyard as pack of dogs savage pet
B'ham Mail 1 Jul Grandmother tells of dog attack
Beacon Radio 29 Jun Walsall pensioner attacked by dog pack
Horror in Chuckery as pack of dogs savage pet
01 Jul 09 12:12
Horror in Chuckery as pack of dogs savage pet
Express & Star 1 July 09
A pensioner has spoken of the horrific moment she watched a pack of blood-thirsty bull terriers savage her beloved pet dog before turning on her...
B'ham Mail 1 Jul Grandmother tells of dog attack
Beacon Radio 29 Jun Walsall pensioner attacked by dog pack
Walsall UFO mystery is solved
01 Jul 09 11:57
Walsall UFO mystery solved
Express & Star 1 July 09
The truth is out there – on page 1,520 of the Argos catalogue to be exact. The mystery of the cylindrical UFO spotted hovering in the skies above the Arboretum has been solved, a £6.49 children’s balloon...
Express & Star 29 Jun Walsall UFO alert
msnbc 10 Jun Mars attack on Walsall shock
The Mercury 16 May Lichfield UFO mystery solved
The Mercury 16 May UFO spotters a strange bunch
The Mercury 9 May 'Jellyfish' style UFO in Lichfield
UFO Magazine Home
Teenager stabbed at Blue Coat school
30 Jun 09 12:29
Teenager stabbed at Blue Coat school
Express & Star 30 June 09
A teenager was stabbed with a penknife following an argument at a Walsall school. The 14-year-old was slashed across the leg at Blue Coat Church of England Comprehensive School and another was arrested by Police...
BBC News 30 Jun Pupil stabbed after football row
Beacon Radio 30 Jun 14-year-old knifed in Walsall school
Blue Coat CoE Comprehensive School Home
Walsall pensioner attacked by dog pack
29 Jun 09 17:59
Walsall pensioner attacked by dog pack
Beacon Radio 29 June 09
A Walsall pensioner has been attacked by a pack of dogs. Police said that a 67-year-old woman was mauled by up to six Staffordshire bull terriers on Sunday after the animals first went for the dog she was walking on Coronation Walk in Chuckery...
Residents object to proposed site for Chuckery youth centre
29 Jun 09 14:46
Residents object to proposed site for youth centre
Walsall Advertiser 29 June 09
Fresh plans to build an expensive new youth centre in Chuckery have again been met with disapproval. The original location for the £452,000 youth centre at Chuckery green was vetoed by surrounding residents – forcing Walsall Council to select a new location. Attention has now been turned to a derelict bakery at the junction of Holtshill Lane and Paddock Lane...
Advertiser 29 Jun Letters: Council 'listened' to people
Express & Star 25 Jun Fury at Chuckery youth centre site
TheYamYam 23 Jun Youth centre controversy goes on
TheYamYam 19 Jun Are youth centre plans 'half-baked'?
Express & Star 18 Jun Bakery may give rise to new centre
Walsall Council 17 Jun Former bakery earmarked
Walsall Advertiser 11 Jun Chuckery Corner Green saved
Express & Star 5 Jun Green saved from scheme
Walsall Advertiser 29 May Save Green campaign mounts
Walsall Advertiser 14 May Plea to save Chuckery green
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Corner Green
Walsall Council 24 Apr New centre for youth announced
Walsall Council 17 Mar Chuckery Youth Centre announced
Bad with Walsall Twitter BadwithWalsall
Walsall UFO alert
29 Jun 09 11:50
Walsall UFO alert
Express & Star 29 June 09
Mysterious cylindrical object in sky above Arboretum
Retired teacher Mike Tunnicliffe was left scratching his head after seeing the UFO from his Walsall garden yesterday afternoon. Mr Tunnicliffe, who works part time at County Bridge Primary School, ran to get his camera and snapped the strange shaped object...
msnbc 10 Jun Mars attack on Walsall shock
The Mercury 16 May Lichfield UFO mystery solved
The Mercury 16 May UFO spotters a strange bunch
The Mercury 9 May 'Jellyfish' style UFO in Lichfield
UFO Magazine Home
Fury at Chuckery youth centre site
25 Jun 09 16:44
Fury at Chuckery youth centre site
Express & Star 25 June 09
Campaigners against the latest site to be earmarked for a £500,000 youth centre in Walsall today accused the council of putting property and cash ahead of opportunities for young people....
TheYamYam 23 Jun Youth centre controversy goes on
TheYamYam 19 Jun Are youth centre plans 'half-baked'?
Express & Star 18 Jun Bakery may give rise to new centre
Walsall Council 17 Jun Former bakery earmarked
Walsall Advertiser 11 Jun Chuckery Corner Green saved
Express & Star 5 Jun Green saved from scheme
Walsall Advertiser 29 May Save Green campaign mounts
Walsall Advertiser 14 May Plea to save Chuckery green
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Corner Green
Bad with Walsall Twitter BadwithWalsall
Former Crabtree man shines light on switches - video
24 Jun 09 12:28
News feature
Andrew shines light on Crabtree
Express & Star 24 June 09
After 28 years of working at the Crabtree factory in Chuckery you would have thought Andrew Noakes would have never wanted to see another electrical switch again. But the 66-year-old has created a museum at his Aldridge home dedicated to the company that was famous for making light switches, used in thousands of homes around the world. Andrew started working at Crabtrees in Lincoln Road in 1965 and was a guide in the factory’s museum for most of his employment.
Andrew shines light on Crabtree
Express & Star 24 June 09
After 28 years of working at the Crabtree factory in Chuckery you would have thought Andrew Noakes would have never wanted to see another electrical switch again. But the 66-year-old has created a museum at his Aldridge home dedicated to the company that was famous for making light switches, used in thousands of homes around the world. Andrew started working at Crabtrees in Lincoln Road in 1965 and was a guide in the factory’s museum for most of his employment.
Chuckery youth centre controversy continues
23 Jun 09 06:27
Chuckery youth centre controversy continues
TheYamYam 23 June 09
Controversial plans to build a £500,000 Youth Centre in the Chuckery area of Walsall have again come under fire from local residents. After facing overwhelming public opposition, Walsall Council abandoned plans to site the much needed building on a popular green space and have now turned their attention to a derelict bakery at the junction of Holtshill Lane and Paddock Lane.
Tory Councillor Barry Sanders, portfolio holder for Leisure and Culture, announced on Thursday that the land had been acquired by the Council from Accord Housing for an undisclosed sum.
On Friday, households close to the crumbling bakery received a letter from Bernard Moore, Interim Youth Service Manager at Walsall Council, informing residents of the proposal. The letter described a two storey building that would not have any parking facilities and that a planning application will shortly be submitted.
In a statement issued by Accord Housing, a spokesman said: “The bakery site has been on the open market for some time and at this present moment remains within our ownership.”
Funding for the project comes from the government Youth Capital Fund Plus which specifies that local young people should be part of the planning process and that the facility should be available to them on Friday and Saturday nights.
The bakery is situated on a blind bend that is regularly used by motorists as a “rat-run” from the Broadway to the town centre. Most drivers ignore the 20 m.p.h. speed limit in the Chuckery area and one resident described the proposal as “an accident waiting to happen.” The site is also adjacent to a pub and a general store that sells alcohol.
Shiggs Singh, landlord of the popular Spring Cottage pub on Holtshill Lane said: “Nobody from the Council has spoken to me about this and it`s just over the road from my business. I`m not at all happy about this proposal”
Following a 600 name petition against the use of the Green, a second petition is circulating the area calling for the Youth Centre to be located elsewhere in Chuckery and that the bakery land be used for affordable housing.
Glenys Russell of the newly formed Friends of Chuckery Corner Green said: “Forcing unworkable proposals onto unwilling residents is not consultation. Councillors and Council Officers need to be reminded that they are supposed to be public servants – not our masters.”
Campaigners have vowed to attend the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday to register their opposition to the plans. The meeting takes place in Committee Room 2 at the Council House at 6-00pm and is open to the public.
TheYamYam 19 Jun Are youth centre plans 'half-baked'?
Express & Star 18 Jun Bakery may give rise to new centre
Walsall Council 17 Jun Former bakery earmarked
Walsall Advertiser 11 Jun Chuckery Corner Green saved
Express & Star 5 Jun Green saved from scheme
Walsall Advertiser 29 May Save Green campaign mounts
Walsall Advertiser 14 May Plea to save Chuckery green
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Corner Green
Are Chuckery youth centre plans 'half-baked'?
19 Jun 09 03:00
Are youth centre plans 'half-baked'?
TheYamYam 19 June 09
Controversial plans to build a youth centre in Chuckery have taken a dramatic new turn. Following overwhelming public opposition to build the £452,000 centre on the popular Chuckery Corner Green, Walsall Council abandoned the original design and proposed location, and vowed to identify alternative sites.
St Mathews Conservative Councillor and Cabinet Member Mohamed Arif told campaigners that six sites were being investigated but that the location of these sites was “confidential”. He, and other local Councillors, promised that local residents would be fully consulted over the final location of the youth centre as well as consultation on its design and use.
Householders in Paddock Lane and Holtshill Lane have noticed a sudden interest in the disused bakery at the junction of the two roads over the last few days. Council Officers and others have been spotted inspecting the derelict building. Councillor Arif has been knocking on doors to ask residents their opinions on building a youth centre on the site. The YamYam has learnt that few of the responses were favourable.
In a sensational development on Thursday night, Tory Councillor Barry Sanders, another Cabinet Member, announced to a meeting of school governors that the former bakery had been bought by the Council, presumably to build the youth centre on the site. The cost to the cash-strapped Council remains unknown.
Earlier in the day, outgoing Cabinet Member for Children`s Services, Councillor Mike Flower said: “A lot of hard work has gone in to finding a suitable site for this fantastic new centre that will give local young people a place to socialise and learn new skills.”
Deputy leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Councillor Adrian Andrew, who keeps his post added: “This shows we are a listening council. I`m satisfied the bakery site is our best option.”
Councillor Flower, after a short time in post, is taking up the Environment portfolio in an exchange with Councillor Rachel Walker.
Local residents, still celebrating the council climb-down over their much-loved Green, remain determined that the young people of the area deserve a youth facility. However, the lack of consultation, in spite of council claims to the contrary, is resulting in an ebbing away of trust in Councillors and in Council Officers.
The Conservative Walsall Cabinet will discuss the proposed youth centre at a meeting on Wednesday 24th June.
Express & Star 18 Jun Bakery may give rise to new centre
Walsall Council 17 Jun Former bakery earmarked
Walsall Advertiser 11 Jun Chuckery Corner Green saved
Express & Star 5 Jun Green saved from scheme
Walsall Advertiser 29 May Save Green campaign mounts
Walsall Advertiser 14 May Plea to save Chuckery green
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Corner Green
Chuckery bakery gives rise to new youth centre
18 Jun 09 23:01
Chuckery bakery gives rise to new youth centre
TheYamYam 18 June 09
The YamYam has learnt that Walsall Council has made a verbal agreement to purchase a former Victorian bakery in Chuckery opposite the Spring Cottage pub, to transform it into a £500,000 youth centre, following widespread public protests over previous unconsulted plans to build it on a nearby public green...
Walsall Council 17 Jun Former bakery earmarked
Walsall Advertiser 11 Jun Chuckery Corner Green saved
Express & Star 5 Jun Green saved from scheme
Walsall Advertiser 29 May Save Green campaign mounts
Walsall Advertiser 14 May Plea to save Chuckery green
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Corner Green
Arboretum tribute to Bloxwich showman
12 Jun 09 19:03
Arboretum tribute to Bloxwich showman
Bloxidge Tallygraph 12 Jun 09
Traction engines, monster trucks, a seaside sand feature, donkeys, and the legendary fun fair which bears his name will pack Walsall Arboretum on 8 and 9 August for a grand celebration of the 150th birthday of “King of Showmen” Pat Collins who made Bloxwich his home in the early 20th century...
Walsall Council 12 Jun Town show fitting tribute
The Bloxidge Tallygraph 1 May Pat Collins exhibition
Chuckery Green saved as youth centre plan may be axed
11 Jun 09 19:40
Chuckery Corner Green saved
Walsall Advertiser 11 June 09
A precious green space in Chuckery has been saved from becoming the venue for a £452,000 youth centre – which could now may be scrapped altogether...
Express & Star 5 Jun Green saved from scheme
Walsall Advertiser 29 May Save Green campaign mounts
Walsall Advertiser 14 May Plea to save Chuckery green
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Corner Green
Arboretum revamp’s £500k boost
06 Jun 09 17:54
Arboretum revamp’s £500k boost
Express & Star 6 June 09
Ambitious plans for a £7.9 million pound revamp of Walsall Arboretum are back on track as council chiefs have secured almost half the cash needed for it to proceed...
Express & Star 4 May Arboretum revamp plan delayed
Express & Star 29 Apr Shock axe-list of Arboretum trees
Express & Star 15 Mar £7.9m Arboretum facelift delayed
Chuckery Green saved from scheme
05 Jun 09 21:44
Chuckery Green saved from scheme
Express & Star 5 June 09
People power has saved a neighbourhood green in Chuckery after hundereds of residents opposed council proposals to build on the plot of land...
Walsall Advertiser 29 May Save Green campaign mounts
Walsall Advertiser 14 May Plea to save Chuckery green
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Corner Green
Residents' campaign 6 May Rsidents keen to have say pdf
Residents' campaign 2 May Hands off our corner park pdf
Walsall Council 24 Apr New centre for young people
Walsall Council 17 Mar Chuckery Youth Centre proposed
Council plans Plot of land currently used as a park
Council plans Proposed building
Walsall golf course in closure threat
30 May 09 14:36
Walsall golf course in closure threat
Express & Star 30 May 09
Walsall’s only municipal golf course will close in one month unless new owners are found...
Express & Star 16 Mar New hope for town's golf course
Express & Star 16 Jan Golf course facing closure
Campaign mounts to save Chuckery village green
29 May 09 13:22
Campaign mounts to save Chuckery village green
Walsall Advertiser 29 May 09
Angry Chuckery residents have stepped up their campaign to save a much-loved green space from becoming the venue for a new £452,000 youth centre...
Walsall Advertiser 14 May Plea to save Chuckery green
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Corner Green
Residents' campaign 6 May Rsidents keen to have say pdf
Residents' campaign 2 May Hands off our corner park pdf
Walsall Council 24 Apr New centre for young people
Walsall Council 17 Mar Chuckery Youth Centre proposed
Council plans Plot of land currently used as a park
Council plans Proposed building
Sponsored walk at Walsall Arboretum
21 May 09 15:05
Sponsored walk at Walsall Arboretum
Express & Star 21 May 09
More than 250 supporters of diabetic patients have signed up for a sponsored walk at Walsall Arboretum...
Diabetes UK Home
Fitbods Home
Residents' plea to save Chuckery green space
17 May 09 18:01
Residents' plea to save Chuckery green space
Walsall Advertiser 14 May 09
The battle is on to save a well used Chuckery green space from becoming the venue for a £425,000 youth centre...
Express & Star 8 May Battle begins to save Chuckery Corner Green
Residents' campaign 6 May Rsidents keen to have say pdf
Residents' campaign 2 May Hands off our corner park pdf
Walsall Council 24 Apr New centre for young people
Walsall Council 17 Mar Chuckery Youth Centre proposed
Council plans Plot of land currently used as a park
Council plans Proposed building
Battle begins to save Chuckery Corner Green
09 May 09 12:50
Battle begins to save Chuckery Corner Green
Express & Star 8 May 09
Campaigners are launching an environmental fight against Walsall Council's plans to build on land popular with dog walkers and young footballers in the Chuckery. Local residents, who claim the consultation process has been a "joke", support the Council plans to spend more than £500,000 on a new youth centre but not at the expense of losing valuable public space...
Residents' campaign 11 May Residents vow to intensify campaign pdf
Residents' campaign 6 May Chuckery residents keen to have their say pdf
Residents' campaign 2 May Hands off our corner park pdf
Walsall Council 24 Apr New centre for young people
Walsall Council 17 Mar Chuckery Youth Centre proposed
Council plans Plot of land currently used as a park
Council plans Proposed building
One of several alternative plans Proposed by local residents
Arboretum revamp plan delayed
04 May 09 12:20
Arboretum revamp plan delayed
Express & Star 4 May 09
Plans for the £7.9 million transformation of Walsall Arboretum are now not due to be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund until August, five months later than the original March date...
Express & Star 29 Apr Shock axe-list of Arboretum trees
Express & Star 15 Mar £7.9m Arboretum facelift delayed
Shock axe-list of Arboretum trees
29 Apr 09 12:52
Shock axe-list of Arboretum trees
Express & Star 29 Apr 09
A hit-list of up to 60 trees in line for pruning or felling has been made at Walsall Arboretum, which is earmarked for a multi-million pound revamp...
Express & Star 15 Mar £7.9m Arboretum facelift delayed
New centre for young people in Chuckery
24 Apr 09 18:35
New centre for young people in Chuckery
Walsall Council News 24 Apr 09
Council leaders have backed plans to consult young people and local residents about a new centre for young people in Chuckery with ‘drop in sessions’ arranged for Tuesday 5 May at Chuckery Primary School Extended Services Building, 2.30pm and 5.30pm...
Local residents' campaign 6 May Chuckery residents keen to have their say pdf
Local residents' campaign 2 May Hands off our corner park pdf
Walsall Council 17 Mar Chuckery Youth Centre proposed
Plans Plot of land currently used as a park
Plans Proposed building
Just one of several alternative plans Proposed by local residents
Walsall Council News 24 Apr 09
Council leaders have backed plans to consult young people and local residents about a new centre for young people in Chuckery with ‘drop in sessions’ arranged for Tuesday 5 May at Chuckery Primary School Extended Services Building, 2.30pm and 5.30pm...
Local residents' campaign 6 May Chuckery residents keen to have their say pdf
Local residents' campaign 2 May Hands off our corner park pdf
Walsall Council 17 Mar Chuckery Youth Centre proposed
Plans Plot of land currently used as a park
Plans Proposed building
Just one of several alternative plans Proposed by local residents
Chuckery Youth Centre proposed
17 Mar 09 20:31
Chuckery Youth Centre proposed
Walsall Council, 17 Mar 09
Architects are drawing up designs for a multi-use Youth Centre in Chuckery after a Government grant of £452,000 has been secured...
Walsall Council, 17 Mar 09
Architects are drawing up designs for a multi-use Youth Centre in Chuckery after a Government grant of £452,000 has been secured...