Month: August 2024

Walsall MakerFest is coming to the town centre this September with a vibrant celebration of our creative community.

This free one-day festival, taking place on Saturday, September 7, from 11 am to 5 pm, will showcase the best of Walsall and the Black Country’s artistic talent through live music, dance, a makers’ market, street food, workshops, storytelling, a fashion show, and pop-up shops.

The festival will highlight the local music scene with a series of live performances at The Crossing at St Paul’s in the town centre, featuring a wide range of musical genres from reggae and blues to Latin and Motown.

Music Lineup:

• Rhythms Del Toro (4:00 pm – 5:00 pm): A seven-piece international collective known for their explosive Latin renditions of popular classics.
• Asifa Lahore (3:10 pm – 3:40 pm): A celebrated drag queen and multilingual advocate for intersectional rights, Asifa will not only deliver a stunning cabaret performance but also serve as the compère for the live music stage.
• Janel Antoneshia (2:35 pm – 3:05 pm): A Jamaican singer from the Black Country, recognized for her distinctive blend of nu soul and reggae.
• Millicent Chapanda (2:00 pm – 2:30 pm): A Zimbabwean Shona cultural artist based in Walsall, celebrated for her traditional mbira playing, percussion, and vocal artistry.
• Elle-J Walters (1:25 pm – 1:55 pm): A Birmingham-based songwriter who has toured nationally and internationally, supporting artists such as Shalamar, The Real Thing, and Hot Chocolate.
• The 2Ds (12:50 pm – 1:20 pm): Kicking off the event with an infectious performance of old-school Motown and Northern Soul hits.

The musical festivities will continue into the evening with a free concert at St Matthew’s Church. From 5 pm to 7 pm, local choirs including St Matthew’s Community Choir, Blue Lights, and Voices Entwined will come together for “People Sing,” a powerful showcase of community spirit through song.

 

In response to the devastating chemical spill in the Walsall Canal, the Canal & River Trust has launched a fundraising campaign to help restore the local ecosystem. The spill, which occurred when approximately 4,000 litres of sodium cyanide leaked into the canal, led to the deaths of thousands of fish and severely disrupted the aquatic environment.

The charity is seeking to raise £10,000 to support the extensive cleanup efforts and aid in the recovery of wildlife affected by the disaster. The funds will be used to manage the immediate aftermath, including removing contaminated fish carcasses and continuing water quality tests, as well as supporting longer-term ecological restoration.

The Canal & River Trust has expressed deep concern over the incident, which has impacted 12 miles of the canal and threatens the future health of the waterway’s ecosystem. Paul Wilkinson, an ecologist with the Trust, warned that the damage could take years to fully repair, with the loss of vital species and the potential for invasive species to take hold.

The Trust is urging the public to contribute to the fundraiser, emphasising the importance of quick and effective action to protect and restore the canal’s natural environment.

Students across Walsall are celebrating their A-Level results, with provisional data showing impressive outcomes. A notable 6.3% of students achieved the top A* grade, while 24% secured an A or A* overall. The pass rate stood strong at 94.8%.

Councillor Pardeep Kaur praised both students and educators for their dedication, acknowledging the emotional significance of the day. She also reassured those with unexpected results, emphasising that many opportunities remain open.

“It’s a big day for lots of young people in the borough,” said Pardeep.

“A day that is full of mixed emotions, and one that people will have felt a nervous build up to.

“A huge congratulations to everybody receiving their results, you should be very proud of what you have achieved, and I hope you take a moment to
celebrate your achievements and successes.

“It’s also important on days like these to thank the dedicated teaching staff who support pupils the best way they can to achieve great things, results days really are a testament to the hard work staff put into teaching.

“It’s the start of the future for our young people, and today will confirm for lots of people what their next steps will be, whether that’s going onto work or higher education.

“There will be some surprises today nonetheless, with results being even better or perhaps not as good as some had expected.

“As big and important as this day is, it doesn’t define your future forever, and if you are disappointed with your results, please be assured there are still plenty of opportunities and good things to come.”

For further guidance, students can contact Walsall Council’s Employment and Skills Team.

Walsall Town Centre is set for a vibrant transformation this September with the launch of a new creative festival, designed to spotlight local talent and engage the community in a dynamic celebration of the arts. The festival will feature a variety of events, including live performances, visual arts exhibitions, and interactive workshops, aimed at “breathing new life into the town centre.” The initiative, led by local artists and supported by the council, is expected to attract visitors and boost the local economy.

Organisers emphasise that the festival will serve as a platform for local creatives to display their work, fostering a sense of community pride and cultural enrichment. Activities are planned throughout the town centre, including:

• Maker’s Market
• Innovative workshops
• Dance showcases
• Storytelling
• Performance and parades
• Fashion extravanganza
• Flash mobs

For more details and updates, visit the Walsall Council website.

The Leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Garry Perry, has issued a stern warning to those responsible for the ongoing issue of fly-tipping in the town centre, promising a “zero-tolerance approach.”

The council has ramped up efforts, including the use of CCTV and increased enforcement, to tackle the problem, which has resulted in hundreds of fines over the past year. Residents are encouraged to report incidents and dispose of waste through proper channels to avoid hefty penalties.

For more details, visit the Walsall Council website.

A significant spillage has occurred on the Walsall Canal this week, sparking widespread concern among environmental groups, local authorities, and residents. The incident, which took place on Monday, has led to severe disruption in the area, with ongoing efforts to contain the damage.

The spillage, initially reported by a local passerby, involved a substantial amount of an unidentified substance that has polluted a stretch of the canal. Preliminary reports suggest that the substance might be industrial waste, although investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact nature and source of the pollutant.

Immediate Response and Environmental Impact

Upon receiving reports of the spillage, the Environment Agency, along with the Canal & River Trust, swiftly mobilised emergency response teams. Booms and other containment measures were deployed to prevent the spread of the contaminant to further stretches of the canal, particularly those connected to sensitive ecological areas.

Local wildlife has already shown signs of distress, with several dead fish spotted near the affected area. Environmentalists are particularly concerned about the long-term impact on the canal’s ecosystem, which supports a diverse range of species, including waterfowl, amphibians, and various aquatic plants.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency stated, “We are working around the clock to identify the substance and mitigate the damage. Our priority is to protect the local environment and ensure the safety of the surrounding communities.”

Disruption to Local Communities

The spillage has not only raised environmental alarms but also caused significant disruption to local communities. The canal, a popular spot for recreational activities such as boating and fishing, has been closed to the public while cleanup operations are underway.

Residents in the nearby area have reported a strong, unpleasant odor emanating from the canal, leading to concerns about air quality. Some have expressed frustration over the perceived lack of communication from authorities regarding the potential health risks associated with the spillage.

Investigation and Accountability

As the cleanup continues, attention is turning to the question of accountability. Local authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to determine the source of the spillage and to hold those responsible to account. There is speculation that the spill may have originated from a nearby industrial site, but no official confirmation has been made.

Councillor Ayesha Khan, representing the affected ward, called for a thorough investigation: “The people of Walsall deserve answers. This incident has not only endangered our environment but has also disrupted the lives of many residents. We need to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that steps are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.”

Ongoing Efforts and Future Precautions

In the wake of the spillage, there have been renewed calls for stricter regulations regarding industrial waste disposal and more robust monitoring of waterways. Environmental groups are urging local businesses and industries to adopt more sustainable practices to prevent future incidents.

Meanwhile, the Canal & River Trust has assured the public that they are doing everything possible to restore the canal to its former state. Cleanup operations are expected to continue for several weeks, with long-term monitoring in place to assess the recovery of the affected ecosystem.

As Walsall navigates the aftermath of this unfortunate event, the community remains hopeful that lessons learned will lead to a safer and more environmentally conscious future for the area.

Police have arrested a 26-year-old man following a violent incident in Walsall late last night, which left four people injured. The disturbance occurred in Reedswood Lane, Birchills, at approximately 11:50 p.m. on 31 July, involving both gunfire and stabbings.

Authorities responded to reports of a fight and a gun being fired at a car. Four men were subsequently taken to the hospital. Among the injured, at least one sustained gunshot wounds, while the others suffered from stab injuries. Two of the men are in serious condition, while the injuries of the other two are not considered life-threatening.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers recovered a gun and a machete from Reedswood Lane. These weapons are now undergoing forensic examination to gather evidence and assist in the ongoing investigation.

The police are currently in the early stages of their inquiry. The 26-year-old suspect, arrested on suspicion of wounding, is in custody and being questioned. The police believe that others were involved in the incident and are actively conducting CCTV and other investigations to identify additional suspects.

To ensure community safety, Section 60 stop and search powers have been implemented in the area. This measure allows police officers to search individuals for weapons without the need for specific suspicion, aiming to prevent further violence and reassure residents.

Members of the public are encouraged to contact the police with any information that might aid the investigation. They can reach out through the live chat feature on the police website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 20/720593/24. Alternatively, they can anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

An outbreak of toxic blue-green algae in lakes and ponds across the UK has raised alarms among pet owners and environmental authorities. The presence of the harmful algae, known to be lethal to dogs, has been reported in several popular recreational water bodies, prompting urgent warnings from local councils and environmental agencies.

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, thrive in warm, stagnant waters, often forming a green scum on the surface. While not all algae blooms are toxic, the harmful variety can produce toxins that pose serious health risks to animals and humans. Dogs are particularly vulnerable as they are likely to ingest the contaminated water while swimming or by licking their fur afterward.

Recent incidents have highlighted the dangers, with several reports of dogs falling ill and even dying after contact with affected waters. Veterinarian Dr. Sarah Jones explained the symptoms of algae poisoning in dogs: “Symptoms can range from vomiting and diarrhoea to seizures and liver failure. It’s crucial for pet owners to seek immediate veterinary care if they suspect their dog has been exposed.”

Authorities have been quick to act, closing affected areas and putting up warning signs to prevent access to contaminated water. Environmental scientist Dr. Mark Stevens emphasized the importance of public awareness: “We urge the public to heed warnings and keep pets away from water bodies where blue-green algae are present. These blooms are not only a risk to pets but can also affect wildlife and human health.”

Local councils are also taking measures to monitor and manage the outbreak. Efforts include testing water samples and increasing public awareness through social media and community bulletins. In some regions, authorities are considering long-term strategies to prevent future outbreaks, such as improving water circulation and reducing nutrient pollution, which can exacerbate algae growth.

Pet owners are advised to keep their dogs on a lead near water bodies and avoid allowing them to drink or swim in water that appears discoloured or has visible algae. Additionally, rinsing dogs with clean water after exposure and ensuring they do not ingest water from potentially contaminated sources is recommended.

As the warm weather continues, the potential for further outbreaks remains, making vigilance and preventative measures crucial. For more information and updates on the status of local water bodies, pet owners can visit their local council’s website or contact environmental health services.

 

The Manchester Bee monument has concluded its tour of Walsall schools, playing a pivotal role in an anti-violence campaign led by West Midlands Police. The 27-foot bee, crafted from confiscated guns and knives, visited 25 schools across the borough in June and July, fostering discussions on the perils and consequences of knife carrying among young people.

The monument served as a powerful symbol, bringing school communities together to engage in meaningful dialogue. Schools organised assemblies, talks, and creative activities to help students understand and internalise the message conveyed by the bee.

Holy Trinity C of E Primary School in Clayhanger was one of the schools to host the Manchester Bee. Headteacher Becky Graham shared her thoughts on the visit:

“We had the privilege of hosting the Manchester Bee at Holy Trinity.

“The bee’s tour, aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of knife crime and violence, provided a valuable learning experience for our students.

“The visit reinforced our commitment to educating children on the importance of Speaking Out to Stay Safe and making the right choices to protect themselves and our community. Our students were deeply engaged and took away essential lessons about safety and responsibility.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to enhance our children’s understanding and commitment to creating a safer environment for all.”

Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby, commander at Walsall LPA, emphasised the positive feedback received from schools during the bee’s tour: “We need children talking about knife crime and the Manchester Bee gave schools the opportunity to start the conversation. Now we need to continue the conversations about #LifeorKnife”.

The bee’s visit builds upon the legacy of the Knife Angel’s successful visit to Walsall in December last year. To learn more about the #LifeorKnife campaign, visit LifeorKnife | West Midlands Police.