March 2024 - Pioneer Magazines

Walsall boxing club to be centre of new faith-based BBC film

The Midland Langa Seva Society (MLSS) Boxing Academy in Bloxwich will be in the spotlight this Spring as a new BBC One faith film explores the community boxing club.

Tentatively titled “Sikh Warriors”, the film will highlight the work of the team at MLSS, which is headed by coach “Pops”.

The Community Hub opened in 2021 and features a gym, boxing gym, a music studio, café and studios for classes.

“The aims of the centre are to help people both physically and mentally,” said MLSS CEO Randhir Singh.

“The charity aims to do more than feed the homeless but also to help service users in the long term. The emphasis is wellbeing and tackling mental health issues, especially in this day and age, and building confidence, especially among younger people who are suffering from bullying. We want this to be a place for everyone and somewhere where they can come and enjoy a coffee or play a game and come together as a community.”

A firm release date for the film has yet to be announced, but it’s expected to be available on BBC One and iPlayer over Easter.

Islamic charity in Walsall under scrutiny for “serious and ongoing concerns”

The Abu Bakr Trust, with its headquarters based on Wednesbury Road in Walsall, is under investigation by the Charity Commission due to “serious and ongoing concerns”.

One of the schools ran by the Abu Bakr organisation

For approximately 20 years, the charity organisation has provided the Muslim community of Walsall with educational opportunities, currently overseeing four independent schools, a mosque, and other educational facilities.

Alongside failure to adhere to filing deadlines for annual returns, the Charity Commission are looking into whether trustees have fulfilled their legal obligations and duties in accordance with charity law.

Via the UK government website, the inquiry will examine:

The trustees’ governance and management of the Abu Bakr Trust, including their failure to ensure annual returns are filed on time.
The charity’s financial management, including its level of debt.
Whether the trustees have properly exercised their legal duties and responsibilities under charity law.
The extent of misconduct and/or mismanagement within the administration of the charity by its current and former trustees.

Two Bloxwich teens arrested as Rambo-style knife uncovered

Two teenage boys have been arrested in Bloxwich following an incident in Lister Close just after 7pm last night (Monday).

A 15-year-old and 14-year-old boy were arrested following the incident where threats were made to other teenagers. Subsequent searches uncovered a large Rambo-style knife, two flick knives, and a knuckle duster.

Both culprits are still being detained by West Midlands police with allegations of making threats with a blade in a public space.

Simon Watkins, from the Homicide Reduction Team at Walsall Local Policing Area (LPA), which looks at reducing serious youth violence for the under 25s, said: “Officers reacted quickly to make the arrests and bring two young people into custody.

“A number of weapons have been taken off the streets of Walsall. Under 25 serious youth violence and robbery are two of Walsall LPA local priorities.

“Witnesses or anyone with any information about this incident can contact us on Live Chat via our website or by calling 101 quoting crime reference number 20/271222/24.”

Walsall Council Enforces Public Ban on Council Meetings Following Pro-Palestine Protest

Walsall Council has announced a ban on public attendance at its council meetings, following a recent Pro-Palestine protest at a full council meeting last week.

walsall council office — ***Walsall Council House***

The council’s decision came in the wake of a demonstration where Pro-Palestine activists interrupted a council session to demand action with shouts of “ceasefire now” causing significant disruption that led the meeting to being abandoned.

Walsall Council stated that the ban is a temporary measure, aimed at ensuring the safety of both council members and the public, citing vulnerabilities in their security protocols and raising concerns over the potential for future incidents that could compromise the council’s ability to conduct its business effectively.

The ban has implications for how Walsall residents engage with their local government. For some, attending council meetings is a direct way to stay informed, express opinions, and hold elected officials accountable. The decision to exclude the public from meetings has left some residents feeling disenfranchised and disconnected from the decision-making processes that affect their lives.

In response to the backlash, the council is reportedly considering alternative approaches to address security concerns without completely shutting out the public. This includes stricter security checks for attendees, rather than an outright ban.

Police officer injured in Walsall as man arrested for attempted murder

A man has been apprehended on suspicion of attempted murder following a hit-and-run incident in Walsall that left an officer with leg injuries. The incident occurred on Reservoir Place in Pleck at approximately 10:30 am on Saturday, February 24th.

The incident happened after the officer tried to speak with the driver, who then hit him with his vehicle and pushed him against a police car before driving off.

A hunt for the perpetrator saw officers intercept his vehicle in Oldbury at approximately 5.15am on Tuesday, where the presence of illicit drugs was also uncovered.

A 28-year-old male is now facing charges of attempted murder and possession of drugs with intent to distribute. Additionally, a 21-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of aiding an offender and involvement in drug-related activities. Both individuals are currently in custody for interrogation.

While the injured officer’s condition is hoped to not be life-altering, ongoing assessments are being conducted as part of the recovery process. Another officer received medical attention but fortunately sustained no serious injuries.

“An officer has been injured while going about their duties and this is completely unacceptable,” said Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby, representing the Walsall Local Policing Area (LPA).

“We’re waiting for further updates on the extent of his injuries and our thoughts are with them and their family. We’ll be offering them all the support we can, alongside colleagues who were there at the time.”

Anyone with further information is encouraged to reach out via Live Chat on the department’s website or by calling 101, referencing log number 1403 dated February 24, 2024.