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JANUARY, 13, 2011 15p when sold ROCK ’N’ ROLL PENSIONERS GET DINER IS OPENED IN TASTE OF NEW CENTRE MEALS SERVICE Page 2 Page 9 Councillor’s Council stay tight-lipped about threatened sites Warning to 6 LIBRARIES son head of Asbos bros drug empire ARE GOING A property company run by the son of a Walsall councillor was at the centre of a multi-million pound drug empire. Cannabis farms with a potential yield of more than £8.5 million were secretly set up in at least 46 homes and industrial units let through or owned by K2 Properties, Walsall. K2 –since sold and now doing legitimate business uMnudneirr n, ewwh mosaen afgaethmeern ti s– wPaaslf rrueny aTt otrhye tciomuen bcyil Alolri TO BE SHUT Nicholas, left, and Hayden Hawkins. Mohammed Munir. Two “neighbours from hell” who waged a cam- Properties included a mansion allegedly rented paign of abuse against residents have been warned out to an Arab sheikh and a home used as a safe they must stick to their anti-social behaviour orders house for a dozen Vietnamese illegal immigrant – or face jail. drug workers. Hayden and Nicholas Hawkins, aged 21 and 20 Munir and ex-business partner Shazad Ali, both respectively, made the lives of people in Pelsall Lane, 30, await sentence after admitting conspiracy to Rushall, a misery, even forcing some to leave their produce cannabis on the basis that their “direct” homes. The pair trampled on gardens, threatened benefit involved 25 properties. A total of 23 were their neighbours and threw objects at them. arrested as police smashed the Walsall-based drug [email protected] They didn’t let up after moving to Somerfield gaInlgle igna lr aimidms digurrainngt FLeeb Mruaanrhy aHnudn Mg,a 2r1ch, “lsaesrtg yeeaanrt. Six libraries in Walsall will shut Collecting a milestone RoTahde, Bolrodxewrsic him, wpohseerde tohne yt hceamrr ieadt oWna tlhsea lal bMusaeg.i s- major of the farmers”, admitted conspiracy to with the loss of 21 jobs under trates’ Court this week prevent them from using produce cannabis and was jailed for two years and council cost-cutting measures. obscene language and gestures, playing loud music eight months. Council chiefs are remaining tight- Hundreds of toy and or acting in a way which would cause harrassment A web of cannabis factories was said to be discov- lipped over which of the borough’s 16 model enthusiasts joined and intimidation. ered thanks to “old-fashioned coppering”. During a libraries will be axed until a review in the fun of a milestone They were also told not to be part of groups of more WromoveouTegInlrthvil ,nee tal rweo hfK euocah 2lmlc e wa cepgrkoxotsr ot okenwfnea aChrnt H ircacooauhnlfwr n d tcnpc hm£ota hCen2r –,tohk5eau,p0mi rona0tifpig e fcnliigearacge ses3 thrt wshw.r rraweeseeae ukr re.Ve vsineeuntasnlpeatidmci soe usaest neCcACsfshroaemoaoonourBTNIv uumstvtenelhuhe nn oir bc ci£wito2gnccsisee 6iinl0eg s ll le5il d1yo ewwbisotnmrr2n herih Hp f dllc atrbPoloieaoaue tearevne r ssrvr 2r settB parieri0re rnxvoiliduo 1leastSn geef n4hl kd m siir. tebwsmee eahdo uirn nmatt eiouarahores rrmeotel x, aeial. dcet.Dau e te sqtsettclel hyuhhkhtlamia ieroerinnbenesroedggeityfc ti t r £yoywotat1on’eC hshthcf.a i3eoe tlicbroa c u WsasLhbmcln.eitol aabtc eiuoolbllridelsnlrnaoi la obcureottlinyyoosrrll as&bayrcrPtsieouieemunron alITlanisdTlnlctcocere hi reeshnhdnscbsae , tego,aogy ba i otdl fWns egtlrr G sTfmh igosaaein.Cr .reeti lafignaso oosanmt wnsafliuil1lf,rslaaoe n rl0a tausct w ea0ctWuttnnscorot hrsde ch orbiePuhs soc e Lsrcs ehedccoocFtdiv oaenarmhTa emisrld2oaneiolssr0ayessst--,, vwstntEoiMnhotniivasr g aBHTGalaJaeisyhrnth uure nacc gt tatettlhyasmfiih y yno mvdrt s ae2 .uahtee2aiieni0rnren0rnni e y0yt d,1gcpmm hw9 i:l0 are ntue ooh“e rofhy fdFotrgetpeoe herhe oawrrl n e eoeer rcaiaoar r dollcis tldl lnieanol oenbbeaedtdm mgr age la irels Wtneamneoead,id s wysolplatu lloty nioyerltrnsnm sshewd itai ca csrte etseadttleiyh sloedduryem .aa di ii stosninnun Honitut inkgl arwinth tem egiyotim in hwn tsPecoswgihg aorcsvbee e gai h.erralamh issi orb slyoa arnctitouoevnhaolrirlusgseharae oLi rhrtoluldcoe .eiatldagefv s .nfRnauhetieenem.ts.on d eibTadast dene hhgit rrndaoeeet, Illegal immigrants from Afghanistan and Iran would face the chop, he said: “I’m not going ful events in the region. “From now on you behave like normal human smashed their way out of a lorry as it travelled to tell you that today. It is usually held about beings. You must start showing some respect for through Brownhills before fleeing into nearby fields. “I am not going to answer that question five times a year at Oak other people.” Police were inundated with calls from the public because we don’t know categorically which Park Leisure Centre, Police hunting who reported seeing some 20 men escaping. A heli- ones they are.” Lichfield Road which has copter was called in for the manhunt. Achievable been its home since they The gang fled on the A5 Watling Street, near the launched it in 1991. Terrace Restaurant, at 11.30am Sunday. Councillor Harris said the closure of On Sunday more than armed robber Fourteen men have been arrested after being libraries would not mean the loss of provi- 500 flocked to the sale to spotted in the area, with one making it as far as sions. cast their eye over and Upper Longdon, near Rugeley. “I want to deliver a better library service grab a bargain for Most were caught in Burntwood or in the immedi- and I believe that’s achievable,” he said. models manufactured by An armed robber stole cash from a Walsall betting ate area around the A5. It is believed that the lorry “But we’ve got buildings that aren’t open famous names such as shop after threatening staff. was moving when the men began to kick their way enough and aren’t in the best use.” Matchbox, Corgi and The man stormed Ladbrokes, Weston Street, out of the trailer. He added: “The main question for us is Dinky. Palfrey. The lorry stopped, giving the men the opportunity how do we maintain the library provision in As well as admire Brandishing a black handgun, he threatened the to escape. Some of the men were seen fleeing towards the area.” newer makes from cashier into handing over an undisclosed quantity of Hanney Hay Road and Burntwood, while others It has previously been suggested that emerging economies money and fled. made off in the direction of Walsall Wood. libraries could reopen in community such as Brazil and Detectives have launched a hunt for the robber The lorry continued on its route. It had travelled centres, leisure centres or even churches, Korea. Mr Price, aged 60, who was believed to have been acting alone. to the Midlands from Italy and has now been traced. while those that survive the chop could see of Newquay Road, Park West Midlands Police spokeswoman Jo Hunt said: The driver has been being interviewed by officers. their hours increased. Since April 2009, all Hall, runs the event with “He threatened the staff with a small black Brownhills councillor Alan Paul said: “A friend of Walsall libraries have been closed on his wife Linda, 55, and handgun. mine who lives in Watling Street told me he and his Mondays in a bid to save costs. an annual car show “We don’t know how he made his escape from the wife saw a group of people running across his garden Other money saving measures include attended by thousands area, whether on foot or in a vehicle. We would yesterday. They quickly disappeared.” the closure of Darlaston market, the loss of at Walsall Aboretum. appeal for anyone who noticed suspicious activity in “WWe aatrlien gc oSntcreerent eRde saibdoeuntt bGoerrdaelrd cBoincktrloelys, 7b3e,c saauisde: aenroduinngd 4o5f 0a j ocbosu antc Wil-arlusna llm Ceoaulns-coinl -awnhde tehles ye“aWrsh aegno wwee nsetvaerrt eind o2u0r Geoff and Linda Price celebrate the 100th toy fair. thNe aor oenae t ao tc tohmee s fhoorpw warodu.l”d comment today. they don’t appear to be working. service. wildest dreams thought it would grow to them back to their childhood. The robber was described as being of mixed race “We heard the helicopter at about midday. Also the New Art Gallery Walsall has this stage. We started off in the small hall Andrew and Marion Cowling, of Model appearance, 6ft tall, of thin build and had long hair. “It was hovering over the area for quite a while but been closed on Sundays and bank holidays. and about three years ago we moved into Warehouse, have operated their model He wore glasses and a dark coat. we had no idea what was going on,” he added. Creches at Oak Park and Bloxwich this bigger room because the fair has grown train stall at all 100 of the fairs. “There is a Anyone with information should telephone the Staffordshire Police said they were working with leisure centres have also been closed. in popularity. I think it’s nostalgic for a lot very good atmosphere,” Mr Cowling, 52, of force CID based in Bloxwich on 0345 113 5000 or the Immigration Service. Council axe –page 5 of the people who come. Maybe it takes Bristol, said. anonymously on 0800 555 111. Page 2 WALSALL CHRONICLE, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 2011 thechronicle End of Cat needs a home Demolition next year Building misery is A black and white cat found stuffed said: “He is just such a lovely cat, A shopping centre which is ear- year. It includes pulling down the starts at inside a box on a Walsall street is with a lovely nature. marked for demolition in Brownhills centre and creating a permanent looking for a new home. “He was found in a hedge some- will remain until next year. market square. A couple out walking their dog in where in Walsall in a box which had Bosses at Tesco say there are no Tesco spokesman Tony Fletcher in sight Walsall came across the package, been packaged up and had holes plans to pull down buildings at said: “It is not on this year’s develop- fire site which suddenly started moving. poked in it. Thankfully he is OK but Ravenscourt until 2012. ment programme as we only do two The Tom cat, which has been in these freezing temperatures it Traders are looking for alternative or three projects a year. neutered, was taken to Arboretum could have been a very different premises once the units are knocked “There is still some work to be done Veterinary Surgery, Lichfield Road, story.” Anyone who thinks they can down. The supermarket chain is to beforehand, and that is likely to be 12 Months of misery on the M6 will end where he is now charming the staff. give him a good home should call create a bigger store for which plan- months. There is no imminent threat Work on the first building to rise when narrow lanes and 50mph speed Nursing assistant Julie Postance 01922 622280. ning permission was granted last to the shops.” from the ashes of one of Walsall’s limits are removed in the next fort- biggest ever fires could begin in the night. Money for play sites summer, bosses say. Both sides between Junctions 8 and A £5 million training centre is set to 10 near Walsall will return to normal be created at the site of Shannons by January 23. Work will still con- Mill. tinue to open up the fourth lane. But Last year The Vine Trust’s new drivers will be forced off the M6 four Goldmine centre had been under times in the next fortnight due to threat after it lost £459,000 of govern- roadworks. ment money from the doomed The southbound carriageway used in other areas regional development agency Advan- between Junctions 10 (Walsall) and 7 tage West Midlands. (Great Barr) will be closed on Wednes- But Walsall Council and Walsall day and Thursday from 9.30pm to Housing Group have stepped in to 5.30am. plug the gap. The northbound M6 between Junc- They are each contributing tions 8 (Wednesbury) and 10 will be £175,000 towards the 2,000 sq metre closed from 10pm to 9am on Sunday. centre. alTegraTaavfihnefei c owt nhho eMer kaom dinsiodn tpagoay rr,wn tJ oaoaryfnt thuha aetwr y£Ji 1l1ul5 7n0h.cmativioleln i otn8o bduiMvdegornetete.dy ttoo octrheeart ea rseeavse nof ptlhaey csaisthes-s tarcarpopsse dW laoclsaal lal uhtahso rbietye’ns Rock ’n’ salad roll ththhoNeep eofs witunhm aeblym o dsweseriet.l als T iblaehsr iaesob fl mwet ohetroaek nsisstnca ghrt hett mewh eroGo rukaoln gidhnd- scheme to open up the hard shoulder Angry councillors and campaigners have hit out at the decision not mine centre would open in spring to traffic during rush hour and impose to use Government money under the Playbuilder scheme for its orig- 2012. pna4vBtfshiutan9raaneaTIMror,rdvei trbibsrhc oe atohehodlhef ebtedw a rddh lMmsp ise t aveowal rh ba lureoseteoee nfrpn rf aoiroesdeeee rklrfn erose sl h s .nr ctdtg”alraaekwhoe oetlvdt ueai ioseWe5mn pgsi 0dg.hwK ibaimt te eoybha sfn,enpeo.y ottns ehr sosa snH i huonai odroahsycna :l.ve la le i “iaWvFtnsIWcn etseghoe d .ba nca,twrlna ssosuan eto aadgauvnulrienlesolsy’ddesrtt-, waoaTlsallinichdpro ni [email protected] o.ukb£pi£pbpflineellhu31fneatTTPa 7.adaety1chlhh5segbd e mesadp,eele,d0ep s tui lw 0atel termlwbo0 caiitcpfet uo wovuoiuhsonrt insmot. sn s we1 ehtegte 1y iseh.fa at cr rWn sinhheos ehpb imoa ewnehawclmhs eguda eaaan et s£vsln ehlp5e bf d riw3rrCne t oo0iie,oaomt mjown,w ues0wfp c in 0 titr1crsh0bcso1iiho elvtnt meheheitgttsnndeeooo--. iTMbdH“sloceWauuoreoaiIR“iuwtisludeIndll si d n’ :s certsa tbiir“ h erintnthWetew ao gegtelt grMiiue. t hl”edGrh tlr aevai aonerk hreJ tgom neeec eoruf of eowll eiputplmwnrBeyhe l f ,m eai tdto rbhht twroeedoao eeflttno ius hhvmutTWematiees lshniird.aoit dr”nec dhn l dac hs ebeolVnaLHe yteeull Soi,o glpe nno w htto fecahhCW a ei saanelenrooT had d unrsrVelHdf teuonsiiaiietrrnaansncd dvsitlil’gess.t-lll:, £12,000 work sevNeonw., it has been revealed LaPnlea nons winecelkuedned sa artn ds teuvdenioisn,g sg.roup £150,000 of Playbuilder cash will learning spaces, an IT suite, meeting to cut noise onP deroupgle f paromwesr w isit hhe tlhpien lga tsote csrta bckei dnogw na gaon ottoh eort h£1er5 0“,e0s0s0e nwtiilal lb” es uchseedm feosr, rooTmhes agnradd aen I aI uldisitteodri uSmha.nnons Mill £12,000 cannabis haul which was found improvements to a children’s lido building burned down in August 2007 at a home in Darlaston, say police. at Walsall Arboretum. and was the biggest blaze to hit the Road repairs costing £120,000 are The raid is the 13th drugs warrant in About £75,000 went on consul- Midlands in 25 year being carried out in an Aldridge street the area in the last three and a half tation and design for the aborted to reduce noise. months. scheme. Inspired by unNdeigr hwta-tyi mine W rheasrufr Afapcpirnoga chw.ork is bePheinodp lec aanren habelips infagc ptoorliicees toin s ntahree tahroesae, CrWeailnleeyn,h awllh o choeulnpceidll ora PClaayr-l Rock ’n’ roll fan John Whiting, aged 68, in the kitchen area of the cafe. The work funded by Walsall Council officers said. The latest raid was at a builder scheme at Hartill Street, From a 1950s-style clock to an local industry is being done to strengthen the pave- property in Dangerfield Lane, where 74 off Rose Hill, said: “It is so disap- old fashioned jukebox –a cafe in ment and provide a new running cannabis plants were discovered. pointing to find this out at this Walsall is proving rock ’n’ roll is tswaceStsuaJbaorouyru aenntema nrITBsu rnrtditotytffttheb hiru p faec r ndisioibeamoteacsccLaiure henn rkcm iiba rcyc tetddw ywbseaeonoyu ia1 ei .iirusitermpnGnlrt4t i onl nhdowu g. Tor aof cnao B bermraedipcrCnsdelolreua em’.iansndmeml ncrtro tro ar,a eed sa Rtiitltnresireu7cao.eotiae ds p r as.ak fwuio am tlfdneosnrienijeu cge l um wdalp t t bntsn m hopshdbbaecd pioieyehfatcs 6err i hanDdrahotaacul ayanywiulmfrgpo g y ysomdisheto l fiuielmf wtubowr s dl rwlonnetaeti eiaanah ttnyidttfilhddgeoost-fll “tttsamltamamhihhenrosoatPO“ISreeeonat Itteti augnooftt rtilet fcoto alunwp yihi h ion bsscD mr ciiapmae etse etenfta olr:rohd r pe t oolrslu“for hiswep ru aIfcioms rdfeonotcena o ethnt sryt tmfdhteittoicat oopehht F ereeu stnaia-teey rhdiv.o1 hkmnn cef epl3ieeadflsan ,utras daee l tdthfe.lnba ternoh,is - leps s,wrtawuui htcamwercnapl oea ,oystfh”rk”av lspu o h rfoehte lrc taoai aerdmeh colpnpyu en e natset efoalshadno a .ronesdb”ne raikp.xtsdo dtpshlef xi.iet ouncsnsteh uou abtfgseio onit lin dirwne Dodpc m dfttv e oafo hheroiasrrnaeeerrt--- sdcaS£CSdibptot7erorlntsoaas“““ee rn5 uelATItgonn ee,esytrre0 hnePf–.’l itdsf t0otaeig oe, n hDt0d ifrna nmtg oaLi Ntnes h faEivhtaora isdeaplheni xnnp wsisse piasteeoepp s osue g ny ,uoppmscn rrIW oihctlpnasnsBewp uhehaoacivt ce–lmo eseoyo eohbm nle d,uanxoe e.it, wdlet.wtaL enod” u ionna oo oiStlrbcnf dDtdntcek whhes dgwh;aa i ;h adeaewu nnroP sanmlrsgkFitaFsdikelre enol sd aby dctsnrtif. rehhn ooehofmoeiaolntswilnndorttt-;; btoohwFwlAoaksehtfpprnieulha gicJMHieOde edlrnlkie honlrnlly jauM ginseeuihae nikd sima dnokndshnvagblgnf see g,igoe.ra e ldtt Jyb kgo rr.nhsa otAanayEnaC deofyxr bg vor lh g’.easvo wierreumtl hnomnioRi tncsWceadchuuko klkt aeedcch wh PB rs,kh ’i enA i ’rtte Jfn’ hih’entelr na’diisrre ’ams tygroyRl rfel ,e ild ieheotoadllayvrwia allmg,pngeelcl tvo e ela eadu ae ,BJdcsfm ir psyeajna o iitua6a hlnnfeohiils3oesrnnnd dyget-f,,, GeWawCcdipsLamotl enoeoooliauTSHnsriaducaurnlinaeahkkt nggsilghwttrsdessanetcria te sh r lsnysioohtrolynoro ’og’rr sonsa npMitappi Tft n,lcas d rieewiuh aglksonsriaaasietatjoae scrdseyiei olnpdlvoo icbueoewdnpleni dtf rrmlre. gaeslefoshtenherl r h coddalhor taat ccr es iamobhinhanoeo sovfayadnufeids ne lg scB sdg stos nlrh ohlhii pleaaeenl deeb arssfsnralc otetoyttpsodBetodhieOn. er cd nnuueedpkrR ’ Wcyrs l doescieee o nreanniaBdbafannnsafa l etlrtpasdcmthnatciowoiamnlhccecrmeerlkageeoer---ll A signed diversion route will be in “I would like to thank the public for the Lister Close, Beechdale; Hartill sions –cooking and rock ’n’ roll. Survey maps of the area. operation. accuracy in their information that has Street, Willenhall and Delves He said: “This music will There have also been hand crafted lead to the success of the operations and Common. never die. I have been into rock acrylic brooches by Adam Paxon Business centre reinforces the commitment Darlaston Council leisure chief Anthony ’n’ roll since I was 12, and I was inspired by the Broadfield House Police give to the community.” Harris said: “Due to the current a DJ at one time. Glass Museum in Dudley. Buy Black makes a move caIntn acboims wesa sl essesiz etdh aannd aa mmaonn wtha sa cfateur- ceocuonnotrmy,i cw es ithuaavtei obne enfa clienftg wtihthe old“Were gaernee rhaotpioinn g wsiollm ceo mofe t hine WCoeusnt tMryid liasn fdusn.ded by Renaissance A centre that helps businesses get tDioanrleads tfoonr . pIonsfsoersmsiaotnio inn aAbsohuttr eteh iGs rohvaed, scaomsee t od dififviecrutl tm doenceiys ifoonr st,h ein s etvheins heHree a anndd r 6e2m-yemeabre-orl tdh Me daargyas.r”et Dance time for Margaret and John Whiting Lions club raises off the ground in the region has moved been posted in an intelligence box. Playbuilder schemes to be used used to run an American limousine famous quiff cut and pictures of hoWmael.sall Endeavours, which helps OfBfiocex,e isn hHaavlel Sbtereene t,p Dlaacrelda satot nt;h Me oPxloesyt wi“tPhliany obtuhieldr eprr oisje ac tgsr.eat idea and ccoamfep aunnyi tf orin 1 2t hyee arMs,a arknedt wHheanll thine MaJroihlynn gMoto nmrooest. of the memorabilia £1,700 for charity develop business ideas, is now based People’s Centre, in Queen Street, Moxley; we’re sure this isn’t the end of the Aldridge Shopping Centre became from across the country and America, at 18 Birmingham Road, Five Ways, Asda in St Lawrence’s Way, Darlaston scheme. We’ve carried out enough available just before Christmas they buying a lot of it from eBay. He has Aldridge and District Lions Club Walsall. and Maggie’s Store, in Franchise Street, consultation and design work for jumped at the chance. The couple filled the jukebox with some of his raised more than £1,700 for charity in Parking spaces are available via the Darlaston. local community groups to work worked flat out for a week to get the 1,000-strong CD collection, and the the run-up to Christmas. Hanch Place gates to the new offices. Anyone with information about drug with the council to apply for exter- cafe ready for opening last week. box is on free play with a choice of Club bosses have thanked everyone The service is backed by Business crime in their area should contact nal funding from a range of organ- The walls are adorned with guitars, 2,000 tracks. John said: “Opening the who donated money during the festive Link to provide start up advice and Walsall police on 0345 113 5000 or isations that could help bring a photo of Elvis Presley getting his cafe feels brilliant.” period at collections in Asda Great support. Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. these projects forward.” Barr and Morrison’s in Aldridge. WALSALL CHRONICLE, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 2011Page 3 thechronicle Delays Revealed – the locations of cannabis factories Hospital to canal ready for dredge locWatheedr e– atnhde thcea npnotaebnitsi alf aycietoldr ieosf plwaenrtes These prhoapveer tnieos c hoanvnee cntoiwon p wasitshe tdh oen c toou rnte cwa soewners who ££110230,,369902;; 12530 KPirninnceer lSetyr eSettr, eWeta,l sWalall:sfainlld: flu surge found growing there for the drugs gang: not specified; 12 Kessel Road, Walsall: 5 Haskell Street Walsall:£21,100; 53 6 Bell Drive, Walsall:£441,992; 33 Cald- stead Road, Walsall:£118,687; 25 Check- £291,100; The Crescent Walsall:£40,907; 282 West more Road, Walsall; Unit 8 William etts Street, Walsall:Find unspecified; 69 1 Thelma Street, Walsall:£464,516; 31 Chiefs at Walsall A metal bath, bikes, a Bromwich Road Walsall:£88,620; 13 Hart Street, Walsall: £3,884,088; 20 Maw Holtshill Lane Walsall: £43,228; 80 Rushall Manor Road, Walsall:£105,600; Manor Hosptial said tractor tyre and shopping Street Walsall:£91,152; Street, Walsall: £25,320; 380 West Delves Green Road, Walsall: £116,577; 435 West Bromwich Road, Walsall: although there has not trolleys have all been 21 Hawes Road, Walsall:eight bags of Bromwich Road, Walsall:five bags found; 365 Darlaston Road, Walsall: £18,198; £27,456; been a huge upsurge of recovered during the first cut cannabis found; 26 Tame Street, 11 Brockhurst Crescent, Walsall: 251 Birmingham Road, Walsall: 108 Lord Street, Walsall:find not speci- people with flu symp- few weeks of the dredg- Walsall:five bags found; 32 Haskell Street, £635,110; 84 Wednesbury Road, Walsall: £124,5600; Tennal House, Roman Road: fied; 125 Milton Street, Walsall:£154,452; toms in recent days, they ing of Walsall Canal. Walsall: £63,669; 8 Fullbrook Road, unspecified number of bags found; 138 £151,656; Sandringham House, Walsall: 113 Sandwell Street, Walsall:£211,000; 35 were prepared to deal British Waterways has Walsall:£35,606; Weston Street, Walsall:£45,576; 236 Wal- £29,671; 99 Queen Mary Street, Walsall: Station Street, Walsall:£71,212. with any more cases. urged people not to Hunch by detectives led Spokeswoman Anna- thoughtlessly dump bel Smith said: “It is sea- items. sonal flu and it is that Bosses also revealed time of the year where freezing temperatures unfortunately it is had meant only five days increasing across the of dredging work were country.” carried out in December. Bosses at NHS Walsall miDd-rNedogvienmgb esrt.arted in to cracking of drugs ring aarmeo uanlsto orfe vfileuw ivnagc ctinhee It is hoped the £40,000 available as GPs across scheme will bring the the region are reporting a town’s waterways back to shortage of flu vaccines life. and hospitals see pres- But British Waterways sure levels soar. said fly-tipping can slow Bharat Patel, head of doSwpno tkhees wproomceasns .Suzan- Two detectives combing a retail smaeidd:i ci“nWees amraen caugrermenentlty, nah Atkey said: “We’ve park for car thieves triggered a liaising with GP prac- rctmppruoiuaanu“blcOiglbpnet lfoldlte eyrr o c b otdouolurlurtyftee r aeytdsb. hsmgei,ee ,ke ybdet rr haseui alcmp kbva saoesn v thadahiol nn,sp daago- euapenmpo Tv liphemacleileoro u peonilef ngtifsniisv c-pie emdtasrhessti esi leg sl bBiapaeocolttnhatiwto ceenokdetp nhtCoth ewtourhauo net na dcosntac mrdrcysu da. wpsrdahuhrnaiegttwdses stmapttohitchca aWredaeror ersltsoyemt esl evdv arWeaC eamclnrsaaniheid lr noassa ef aeumt lodfclllTe p.oiud”tvrmt eoeuovtflmnsaes Gt cr.u cmPniPhnsiirn aetiinyess- such items which have in the car park of B&Q in Wednesbury olebsvsiloyu dsluym bpeeedn i st hao durgahitn- lasWt hFeenb rthuea royf.ficers went to investigate, Anti-bully on our time and they found three Vietnamese men in one of resources and we’d like to the cars along with bags of food and £2,500. backing encourage people not to One of the two men in the other vehicle do so.” worked for Walsall lettings firm, K2 Prop- The seven-mile Wal- erties and the envelope he had passed over An anti-bullying strat- sall Canal forms part of had a key in it. egy in Walsall has the Birmingham Canal All of the men were taken for questioning scooped a national Navigations. at Smethwick Police Station, where it was award. Walsall Chil- A British Waterways discovered the key was for a unit on an Pc Caroline Holley with cannabis plants inside Tennal House dren’s Services Serco, the survey revealed full industrial estate at William Street, The private company in dredging work had not Butts, Walsall. charge of borough educa- been carried out for at Local officers already had a search tion, won the title at the least 10 years. warrant and were due to raid it the next Children and Young Tribute to morning after smelling cannabis when People Now awards. they went to investigate following com- It was a double Sister Dora pbelaeinn tcsh afrnogmed t.he owner that the locks had tJroisuemphp hL feocrk iWe aClsoamllm aus- Sgt Steve Davis, head of the Walsall Pro nity Technology College A special tribute to Active police team, moved the planned raid received the extended Walsall nursing heroine forward and swooped shortly before mid- schools award for doing Sister Dora will be held night and discovering 1,888 cannabis the most to engage with nSuexntd ayw beeefkor. e hOern birtthhe- dpelannetrs” hgirdoiwngin ign tahned r oao fV sipeatcnea.mese “gar- Ali Munir and Shazad Ali at Wolverhampton Crown Court 12 Jessel Road, Birchills thSe ewricdoe’sr csotmramtuegnyit yw..as day every year, a service Estimate ties being let by it with the phrase “off the ers who lived at the properties and looked said to be the most effec- is held to pay tribute to books” written against some of them. after the plants. It is difficult to gauge the tive in reducing bullying the much-loved nurse. Checks proved that the property was let These turned out to be drug factories. actual total yield but it is in the millions.” and the harm it causes. DbCCTasaweinnhorairrMlddouitrvlshs w nati wsdchycyaaieaiieenoltll ly alltrgp oo Ser – ubfr nt aiebJrdttGo elta h ih fefncaa atetS uri.nlhlstyldaks eW ir s nPyaCoagv t1nal1li ia1vs u6tThraiea ln–hkdl’emsl–geer.,, 7oohM£tsshetuf83afaavSTet ivmbc r ewgheabeclrt iereyehsab leyseD l leKoia2 k oeraf sos2 nnwelvKt.ar c aiaegoese2sErrnfantn , te xa ddnoytet pnl bruhiedhyseudeage -eargi r hbddntahd,su s i g ot wg sobsis mgeimltnheexeesie eevn-tettdnssn eih gb mt t nc eo oryo5a foaan 0p ntgnmitn hrtrtneogedshoeodfa m fw retd sbieseictaii iroa hmressm oeemrr abfoncsasetoart . i ohoroefdwfkmifri sor ttssoc muh s tuoAff nahoon.illnndderr-i Kyg“fafbiagerner2raoPMafmdm owraro rdo stlsieewri e n rtc renorhdseee fae r uevfnbwriei esdeocts etaiet”weurmrwl rdhiees sba eede a elda ed td olurmnh iuf reb rb etnioOvieyvhnnrieec ete eg ntsttd ro shh t.awtbwh leaChiee aadtoaehrg troea s e an2pdtpehcn 0e. ldrkaedg0oa dsa 6clt a sooteh bnahtnfere nd4od oecc6u diuaanen gghnns Mghlchonn ea au aaftpottr sbbhhbeuceiihdyeesssr lLd2atloaw1ceorsJIHys,nort lc u yl odteyreydof oieag es bgnnapgaaleei.rroelrp d soH dM ip ft dma aioe1eaxusn d4mrefa cdta tde ahiii cKn egnneceaitroa d sgdosWarn he ddnentnarteraohtg laep wnmesLesboh asoUweihr s,nn ts ao KMaataatsm htd inm aioadsmaodnn :a.ndn h i“wja t toYw whtuaHroeeh sghuodu ehofbj n anc cttalogeioh icflur,vnerek leaesdb dgsopego af fdiebroi rrnn.daer-- The plush Tennal House in Roman Road asrwneaceocMfScirrodesohkgs aa sntranr ohio tdafeyipn n o yS dnooarTe uwreoeornctanf otgs rt,a, t dipiethth eslseeoew n mpakpahldteaesas n.rs rottdaf-, Christian art Munir and Shazad Ali, and four properties last year. deners. You were involved in a large and currently being leased by the company. Admitted sophisticated operation that produced a Unwanted Christmas on display revTehael efdu lflo er xttheen fti rosft t thiem der autg Ws eomlvperirhea wmaps- Twenty three people were arrested suAbsfttearn ttihael hqueaarnitnigty, Sofg tc aDnanvaibs ips.r”a ised his gthifets Mcaany obre odfo nWataelds atlol’ ton Crown Court last week. during the near year-long investigation. team. “Every member of the squad played charity appeal. Contemporary Chris- The properties on K2’s books being used Fourteen were taken to court and admitted their part,” he said. “But Pc Stacey Pater- Mayor Councillor Gary tian artwork is on display as drugs dens included a £1 million seven- involvement in the conspiracy. son deserves special mention because she Clarke is accepting in Walsall. The exhibi- bedroom millionaire’s row mansion in Eleven were jailed for between 21 and 32 did all the hard work in drawing the unwanted items to use as tion containing 23 pieces Roman Road, Little Aston, that K2 had months. Three others, including Munir threads of the investigation together. raffle prizes to boost of work is on show at The only taken control of five weeks earlier but and Ali, who have admitted conspiracy to “Our financial investigator Dc Paul Grif- funds for Walsall Hos- Crossing at St Pauls, in already had 1,150 cannabis plants growing produce cannabis, are awaiting sentence. fiths also put in a huge amount of time and pice. He said: “If someone Darwell Street, until in four rooms upstairs. Munir, aged 30, of Thorpe Road, Caldmore, effort.” has too many chocolates February 7. Another large property in Gorway Road, and the son of Palfrey Councillor K2 Properties is now under new manage- or DVDs they don’t want Artist Christine Cape- Walsall, was a safe house for Vietnamese Mohammed Munir, was also jailed for 12 ment. Boss Tal Hussain said: “The busi- we can make good use of well, aged 58, of Aldridge, illegal immigrants due to work on cannabis weeks last month for election fraud. ness was taken over by new management them.” has used a variety of farms. Police found a dozen people at the During last week’s court hearing, Mr last May. The court case has got nothing to To donate items, take materials, including nail property along with £40,000 cash in a Tim Probert-Wood, prosecuting, said: do with the current owners. Since I have them to the Mayor’s varnish and foil, to create carrier bag on a bedroom floor. “Drugs were being grown on a commercial taken over the business, nothing like that Parlour at Walsall Town the work. A ledger at K2’s offices showed proper- scale, generally using Vietnamese garden- or of that nature has occurred.” Plants found at 251 Birmingham Road, Walsall Hall in Lichfield Street. Page 4 WALSALL CHRONICLE, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 2011 thechronicle 500 go for Book on J10 church Takeaway planned Centre’s store’s 11 The founder of a Walsall church barely a handful of worshippers to An empty shop in Walsall could The revised application includes a windows has lifted the lid on his experiences in the more than 600 who attend the reopen as a takeaway . high-performance canopy extraction a new book. John Price, his wife services. Celebrities including An application has been made for and range system, an additional Judith, eight friends and family set comedy duo Cannon & Ball have the change of use of a shop in litter bin and an extra parking space. openings up the Church At Junction 10 in visited the church. In his book God’s Bloxwich Road, Walsall. If approved, the takeaway would smashed pbmWiltoaatrlnesersa t lohltp aofprn oo a3msc0itq siyuocenirara erftrs co hlama gino nrd. e sI scntihd oto ehonbelt ufrsaio lcoodevm eoasrf chWGaoohnwdet’ set slhWsce,e hptmhetieeecl misvs ebmitsee r ris£an 7no .v t9phe9are cs aatcnomodrm e ei msxs piuaglvnanaiiitnfiyils--. ntieoIrnts ,ih saa ftsth ecero msperece ovbnieodfu otsrilemy bebo etrihoneug g arhpe pfpullisacenad-- Stoopu enSrdaaatteyu sfr radonamdy B1a1ananmdk Htforo o1lmi1dp am5y-s 9.Mpomn doany 11A jolmbso astt a5 0n0e wp eToepslceo hEaxvper easpsp sltieodre f oinr tchheu rMch6 ,i nt hWe oclovnerghreagmaptitoonn gRroeawd fnreoamr aanblde wfrwomw. cWcpaalssa.cllo .buoko/ksshhoopp The Hub loavcekr offe paarsr koinf gn. oise and smells and creTahtee towpeon joinbgs .of a takeaway would haTs hboeuesna ncaduss eodf tpoo uan Wdsa lsoaf lld laemisaugree Walsall Wood. centre after vandals smashed Bosses said they have been “over- TV lights go out on through windows. whelmed” by the response, which has Yobs broke the outer pane of seven seen around 45 applicants for each double glazing windows overlooking vacancy. the swimming pool area at Oak Park, The store will open in Salters Road Walsall Wood. on Friday and all staff have been Families were still able to use the recruited from the local area. S centre in Lichfield Road until repairs tore manager Claire Allen said she are carried out. jwoabss aptle tahsee dst ator tb oef athblee n teow o fyfeera rp. eople Stacey’s love quest beTinhge wexoarkcte dco osut to fb tuhte i tr ewpialli rrsu ins isntitlol “I was overwhelmed by the the thousands of pounds. response we received to our recruit- Walsall Council leisure chief Coun- ment drive,” she said. cillor Anthony Harris has condemned “In this time of economic uncer- the vandals. tainty, it is great that we are able to He said: “I am incensed that the create jobs and help get people back mindless minority could try and spoil into work in time for the new year. things for the many decent people in “I am really pleased with my new It is the brutally straightfor- the community who enjoy using the tweoa“rWmkei n aagnr wed i tdIhe’ mltihg hel toneoedkw it nosgt ab feff o.orpweanridn g tao wunawrda ntdeadt insgu itoshrso wa rew hseenret ufasc“uiTlaihlt iaaennsd ka fwtu Oell awyk e irPte a arwbkal.es tob uopsienraestes thaes Tesco Express store in Salters Road, packing with the catchphrase centre without inconveniencing Walsall Wood, and look forward to “no likey, no lighty”. people. But we now have to find thou- mpluaTynhiient ygw. ”ailnl abcet oivpee nro flreo imn t6haem lo tcoa l1 c1opmm- lenNhoawll awno muannlu hcaksy -liinft-elodv teh eW liild- soar “nIhdf asa son fya ponnoyue nsidnaswfo f roamrn ryaetthpioainnir gst s.huastp iccoiouulds seven days a week. on her experience of searching for catch the culprits I urge them to get in It comes just a month after a Tesco “the one” on hit series Take Me touch with the police.” Extra superstore opened in Walsall Out. The vandals are thought to have town centre at the site of the former Viewers saw Stacey Dixon on the struck early on December 30 and the Walsall College. ITV show recently, lining up with 29 matter has been reported to police. Around 250 jobs were created and other women vying for the attentions Complaints have been made about almost 700 people applied in the first of four brave bachelors. youths gathering next to the centre to two days of the recruitment drive. After failing to find Mr Right, the consume alcohol and cause disrup- Tesco in Silver Street, Brownhills, 19-year-old, who runs Party Angels, tion. In an attempt to deter them, is due to be enlarged after planning Cannock Road, Wednesfield, was spotlights have been put in place at permission was granted. Work is back on our screens this weekend. the back of the building. expected to start next year and expan- She described taking part in the Police have also enforced an alcohol sion will bring 150 new jobs. show as one of the most fun experi- ban in the area. Off-road bike Penhcoeesn ioxf Nhiegrh tlsi fes ta–r aanndd sfuanidn yhmoastn, Price advice Paddy McGuinness, is “just like a problem plea brBotuhte hr”e.r lips are sealed on whether Stacey makes her feelings about this hopeful quite clear for traders she manages to meet the man of her dreams. Residents plagued by the nuisance The former Willenhall School Traders in Walsall have contacted from off-road bikers in Walsall are Sports College pupil said: “I’d seen Trading Standards officers in the being urged to report problems to the show on TV and I think I was a borough to ask for advice on price police so they can deal with the offend- little bit hungover and I just thought marking after the VAT hike. ers. it would be a laugh to go on it. The standard rate of VAT rose on Officers have already stepped up “I applied and was called to an Tuesday from 17.5per cent to 20 per their presence around the likes of audition in Birmingham but I never cent. It now means the shelf price of Pleck Park and Delves Crescent fol- thought I’d get on it. When they called many goods may be incorrect and offi- lowing a number of complaints. me up to offer me a place I was so cers have been asked what steps If caught, people can be prosecuted shocked.” traders can take to make sure cus- ffaorc en huaisvainngce t haenidr opfef rrsoiasdte bnitk eosff seenidzeerds. Nervous tomCaebrsin aerte Cnootu nmciisllleodr .Zahid Ali said Anyone affected by such a problem The show was filmed at an ITV the law gives traders time to alter can call the police as part of a crack- studio in Kent over a two-and-a-half their pricing information and a grace down by the Safer Walsall Partner- week period in October. period of 28 days is allowed under leg- ship. “It was just an amazing experi- islation to allow businesses to ensure This includes representatives from ence,” said Stacey. “It was like a big their entire price marking updated. Walsall Council, police and fire serv- girly night out. People with queries can contact ices and from the Walsall Housing “All the ladies I met were so lovely. Trading Standards on 01922 652246 Group. I thought with all girls together it or can send an email to trading_stan Chairman of the group, councillor might be a bit catty but it wasn’t at [email protected] They can also Zreaahli md Aenlia, csea tido :s “oOcifef tryo.”ad bikers are a Ia’lml. Idte wfinasit jeulys tg loikineg o ntoe kbeige pp ainrt tyo aunchd Stacey in a shot for the show TV host Paddy McGuiness Stacey Dixon at Party Angels shop 0ca4l0l5 0C6o.nsumer Direct on 08454 with the girls. things and I just thought this was a decided to sink her life savings into glass lift, bursting into the show to a Man given £150 “Paddy McGuinness is lovely too. perfect opportunity to maybe meet her dream of running her own busi- song of their choice. Teenagers facing He’s just like a brother to us all now. someone.” ness. But if one of the ladies does not like disorder penalty ea“sHe eb jeucsatu csoem yeosu o vdeor agnetd npuertvs oyuosu aint wo“nMdye rifduela pl emrsaonn ailsi tsyo wmheoo nies awbilteh tao wh“Iot s’sp geociinalgi sreesa ilnly b waelllol,o”n s amidod Setlalicnegy., wouhta to fs hteh es ereus,n nshine gc afnor rual ed ahteer seblyf robbery charges front of a live television audience of keep up with me because I do talk “We’ve had a really busy Christmas turning off the light on her podium. If A man has been ordered to pay £150 around 600. quite a lot. and new year. all lights turn off, the men go home Two teenagers have been remanded after admitting being drunk and dis- “We had a bit of a running joke “Looks don’t really matter to me “I’d spent a lot of time and effort empty-handed. in custody accused of robbery, posses- orderly in a Walsall street. because my voice is a bit high-pitched but I do like someone taller than me, setting that up and had been really But those who managed to keep sion of a firearm and two assaults in Police were called to Old Pleck Road and I speak really quickly and he with a bit of muscle and a bit of facial busy so I thought Take Me Out was a some of the girls interested get a Streetly. after reports Shaun Jenkins was said, ‘Stacey, nobody can understand hair.” good chance to have a laugh and relax chance to get their own back, turning The 16 and 17-year-olds from Birm- shouting abuse at 11.30pm on Decem- you’.” Stacey set up her own party shop a bit.” off their lights until they end up with ingham have been charged in connec- ber 27. The 29-year-old of Bescot Stacey said she has been unlucky just a few months ago after finding The show – with its catchphrase the contestant they’d most like to go tion with an attempted robbery of an Road, Pleck, pleaded guilty to an in love after being single for two years herself out of work. “no likey, no lighty” – involves four out with. Audi A3 when keys were taken and offence of drunk and disorderly at now. Early last year she lost her job at willing men trying to impress the Those who bag themselves a date CS spray used in Royal Meadow Way. Walsall Magistrates Court. “My track record isn’t good,” she Lidl in Walsall where she was as an female contestants with insights into then jet off to the romantic “Isle of The pair, who cannot be named for He was fined £50 and ordered to pay said. “I’ve had some time out to administrator . their lives and hidden talents. Fernando” – a fictional name for a legal reasons, did not enter a plea at £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge. myself now to set up my business and After struggling to find work, she The men descend on stage in a holiday resort in Spain. Walsall Magistrates Court last week. WALSALL CHRONICLE, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 2011Page 5 thechronicle All change with inspectors Honours for sailing Town market Neighbourhood policing in bles, PCSOs and specials Sandwell and the other parts of Sailing certificates have been pre- Yachting Association sailability pro- will be shut Walsall is undergoing a reshuf- working together. the Black Country. sented to adults and children with gramme. A total of 90 completed the fle, as three new inspectors take From this month, the Bloxwich The Aldridge and Brownhills learning disabilities on a Walsall course with several achieving the charge of areas in the borough. team is welcoming Mark neighbourhoods will now be Council sport and leisure outdoor Royal Yachting Association’s bronze, Bloxwich, Darlaston, Willen- Bromhill as inspector. headed by Inspector Lisa-Jayne pursuit team scheme. silver and gold sailability awards. by the spring hsaahteeguaeatEealt mlhmfda oaoec renohrd nfcdi thtas byA aery alren dnrgagaeree einaiiadsgs n.g hbitbenobs-asu,oBs punpererdoodchlwat iooorcnrnyeoh d cwiaa ol lnminsltdos haac t nraaiaes--l MdssInepuccHWsetPtpinoeeihetrl scl es etwe ont,iwi irshtmw i halKlhiel nl oern ertoiihrpnswa el anR mbcdboBoioe snrvi sorgi,humnD eggwaiah nrhMdt.glooeaha dsnanh temodbawnyys, SuttcRooanto rWtebdb ivJoeseaeanocrl o nnWsstm ah, c Lilweelelel n lheghetCtogares eeeda.wnt edatitr l trolas aWfhsr le it asphpwhl lesoeaia f lcc lImloel n.m orIsenvpmmesesupca tenooicinnr-- LTfiOHnreisoagfPlcemflhuools atr pttdysmi Cpll MseD,eh scaaf apiryncasao aoelCrm rr tae si Sc rCcMiehhpop aoeoSmamcroetiymlreaes vdls,uE i ,cSn lWielncwiisthoa yitaoltt shnohaaled H,nl alSdoB,Rd m eiouaOrlyeemlnltacsddst-l, MHCaCbolaaCTaimllyrhlie ktomareyret tR u it itfrnonoihoftci eap taay Whretc yeeyHna sr Cdwole slmmoauawfsebl oel lsp na or.rsyfCee t D ao syetupae nWrrnaltecraeas.isdllestl ntooaontrl el C’ sdTG hso aaawbrsilnyye- rlaespAto orWnt, a hliasssa lerlae mrvmeaaarlkrekdeet. dTw hfieoll r p bictelc ohas uxinered K tbiony g sM aSvatrere cehWt ,a 3Dl1sa,a rla-l Council £24,000 a year in running costs. Call for Council axe is to fall Two traders operating from the site will be relocated, while two mobile units could be allowed to carry on with street licences heating meAn rdeipnogr tth teo mthaer kdeetc iissi odnis-cmonaktiinnuge cda. bIitn weto uisl dr emcoeman- the toiletries and clothes stall being relocated to either Walsall or Willenhall. probe on more than 400 jobs But the two food concessions, a butchers and burger van, may be able to carry on trading with a licence under an agreement with landowners Asda. Talks over the future of all traders on the Friday Angry councillors are and Saturday pitch are ongoing. calling for an investiga- The report says income has fallen by 12 per cent tion into the closure of a on the last year and is only anticipated to bring in library due to broken £7,000 by the end of the year. heating – less than a year The full extent of the job walsallchronicle@ This is included in the £24,000 deficit, although after £80,000 was spent losses across Walsall’s expressandstar.co.uk Learning to dress up history with administration and management overheads – onW a inlleewnh saylslt Leimbr.ary was libraries, parks, museums and million over the next three years and lwahsticohn cmaanr nkoett –bei ts maveeadn ws ait sha jvuisntg t ohfe a crloousunrde £ o2f0 D,0a0r0- closed for five days leisure centres can today be more than 1,300 letters have gone out a year. during the cold spell but revealed. The council is plan- to staff about voluntary redundancy. Regeneration manager Paul Nicholson said: “It is has now reopened after ning to lose 427 jobs across the Also earmarked for the axe in com- anticipated the two food concessions may be able to deneagli nweietrhs twheer per soebnlet min. to board. pmousntsi tya t sfearcviilciteise sa rseu cahr tass aLneda mmoursei’sc bcoenintign luaen dto o wtrnaedde boyn A tshdaat. ”part of the market area But Willenhall South These are likely to come with the Forest Arts Centre and education representative Council- axing of vacant posts and compul- posts and visitor assistants at Walsall Bogus callers in lor Carl Creaney is sory and voluntary redundancies. Museum. calling for an investiga- A total of 75 job losses will be in com- Seven jobs will also be lost in the pro- tApLiifasasnatbWegannoihapnencbrrsieonrgni ““Ccoota iegsdniltcdII e”kbeslotnqtiWh oe t .esinh. u lleiut’tu doneusmnsea e’ rsnif “mn thttej teclob Ioheuyo£tboscrak ratsnulo ai ess8r ly lwv aHlat i lot wly0 d l.hihnl ckhdn”bt as, eesalca0deeeiycearonr oSndln0 ychr twases uit gohtiso0 c ei gewhasr nne “enoi r pso geefnrofdescudh rao aesvaraikoo ul npfes ttliikiranpit ncsisb aecdoeem e eti,isrotjwu dtrrb”nhlsoaitapihe l a n nlhhketaaroiit.leiit’ndddgyeeeeossssrt-. smcpw2fFtcmbt2ccaaoowrleeu1u0latioorseu ienv TAF 1crdobls rocpdntelOtkh i4 hkigehi thrvos ngios, j oeeeaete s eejoo ognwsttyro asksta bv a ,aajs.bs ,,in ih roses l,fsv.xtise db Prmanhseoiwte dhs nwTarhrfaa wguui i havdagvwsherrtnrisicuiols ei ekt eel £cloenecb t vllse epao3u udehgeietngsaaludrgd2 lm ne na, odentno n4, s £thn o g t swp pddi,cwgs3 or1i br noia t seoth0e eali4eosea ctB tse, ihnitw5 t ehx0lcvafcwnwtslidi. sht0le oavobts os . aiesh 0 xesr tlostyl£pecrahol .ewohem oee n1aar res ecv aiT3tc yyrbeeseco hereow0 2a e hbus irbasue,r0 too esc8na r mnss1c erlrtl2nac eirdetoo2vhnwi9abndhretilu i at r svracc co£ipgraaknnuahheiutl1erhcnn he drgreel.ooeis’dddd8yeessssssf-,. aJpPaimupcmfsuaConuulo noessaocrseus““TCtbseoledour oLmtCttne p ostm oUtitin adinn fniplnhuhubibotcnenm neyeggetyeeinrr,scrirlt . m r aus’ jlctJeiwstissssoinraonhihn,oou c’btlii nftcgennejtieliocfseonaptoh,n i shne crypbnbr,ao ss hsen Nuosw ginttai,aallnoe nuh t ,irdbsWhiCp t beorgroadet su .i.tep orh” ntta:caae tt shag uvhrlhlm imn“thsaeydreiib Wrawtasdtyl e :lpuiass h lui mianil“lp cocllelmon W l lTt iurbarsg yttufessoep hbaotemeetamerwglrharlle eeervilie w pcsec e voewfonv t iCloo,nii sarr£osu ilcifraat ol db y 4nCel iWuflnWoeefeo5bso eVinudreosn,0etntaa srfhc yt , fcalfl0 a wcir iasoisolonaon0ocbf amanhuuornecm0glilldeeeosrrrr--ll.. p0ruestCdotthroeamf8eerofa bTCOcTPBeigrtg4eudadaa soeerhe5oornn iioit itoeug4lenrlenhcepn ssopceru ni g e0g ea iWeblplhcs acp o e 4lssauor aai fcip cat0ilielrtetvundaolnaalll5et fonseseusldenur fr0rla a thone len dn n6 a dolrrZ egbntroald.oemnf s bs ioa frrwtspvc’gd ee ghade ap oeoi roitoufrcistvnensro eunmdeis rert n ogomts sesg uAcoafnh ee offahiviasnowcu.dleivn”liieceitfi l lne nla aiewtrrrs sfo odg rp r lcaa tban n so staadhicgkaas d nenlitehei eo nacdaov:dctti af okiar aoep“ tecmvu hTnc ihnhoibdhelntguthx useooa eeahCcw tn tenntinrcioc tnsaodl oeackt -dt en itiu ryerotb llec saenshdesdn p eattxdu.a eegeahc alb smrlds itifixoWcsyl va rlw. no.s aeoeciaaaf.ielrmo n nsnl puaomsDdc dd uooana lWiI arultelrce l lwn eni m mastoalt cod oltwhratsa hutste eanohai relaliilnddxyosrrfl, system and frankly, we’re of Bentley Leisure Pavilion to save proposals in the hope that we can work Keep your expensive disappointed we’re expe- £150,000. together to shape our final budget riencing teething prob- Council bosses need to save £65 plans.” lems with it,” he said. Aiming to cut down presents out of sight “We do apologise for Drive led any inconvenience.” Soldier is on agency workers to court beEcoxmpeen as tiavreg eitt efomrs t hrieecveeisv iend W aatl sCalhl,r ciosutmncaisl bcoosuselds have warned. Walsall Safer Partnership has issued advice to stop people becoming New Year crime sta- oAanaswufdfari tgCAstmmmehp hrisyeio atAci.o hutidvliseeotdn hd nBiwt eled oerorsao iaf ctws hfnvrgt rialenaooset ir m , ncr fcfhraeg eoWisg iGlnamtelneab grd dlws o ste 1hevaahon8eillnestll,, sacccamtuuoutrsainWAFMea rrlifrr ltttifninaeeore n obi annr lenanosaeacettn va.ft t ldd taaTteyc lhtellvnevr ho eada e onC tsecdn,sruh u houtvtv cre4ao uiaeph eo5 lilnrlspi ffnius0teafc lepi eefyCivjsmsleo a oei ooa nbn wn ppfug£sd gll ltneis6 ooe ahlofpncc5lydoren iaecmiegrl t nyccllt reuo ia ho gydofsrnn ni e tvcp ce datttoCeee raoowfemrxoahf rdr i.pstccerp sathlputaitayhes.eiats”.n nri poTnneTydgfeao e o hj tcsrwoxtwooep bta en ner tstat,aten hwutrkasodhratahnde ehewci e set doocari: vir:ly oegs lieue“ “ tetf£rTTaylnhn 7ur ihhcect.icsi7yyeess-l. cwT4Hoaldiat6neachihUJArem,dnle elon i nc,eowpmrnh celfewl en i eaWamot iT wwnhdfsBPpi ye omalaiawllla tu oseerthfiui tyrnhr tct i l ietihahan enRehdu nBa ndsnJi ogBl sdui uolairh .’inr sldddrdtlay ,d,i rs.ran a ci,piRacet cvvwo cegnitoiron nhhecsitrndggeoees- David Mills with replica Roman shoes and armour at Walsall Leather Museum. pitnarurTMnioenaonhssucPPCtctdaeei nik3edo htyciidoat vuets paesp gie .nlviynnhadlisceenogdo y i i ueuglsoemehl xr pdlroaoad ppse rhnnav o enoaoZ dnernspeul a tdhssdtebasho oion leenvo i ewea lbdetrbaynv e ,tyvfAfi o olootc itelilren uaoidena m,grnlca ovdscer dvtssiaa ifn i,hmu sria ntgdposrl ogi poyp:ehnw mie“lpbeaanlhPriei nletgonmese hd u an goomtaebtwp ofourn a olt a nwsesegotbre i hns hismnpeel ethoie ge. ca”ropo io hp tcyfwplp ea ah utlwt msceohihsnhe enehsew plei fcyclorohos ah rhri marsa na atsytuinthav .reirsdyeesst-. BWiarlcshaillll s, aMppaegaisretrda teast 2co0n1t1r aacntd w biyt hla twh eh aesx itsot ibneg p purto ovuidt etro etexnpdireers. in May dWeafelsnadlel d hMimasgeilsft, ratotelds cosLteuamthees ra rree pbreoidnugc tuisoends aosf lheaisrtnoirnigc c“Wane hhaanvdel ea rcaonllgeicntgio nfr oomf itaermmso upre otpo lae Councillor recovering from aCdomuritt telda st wcreiemki naalnldy con“Ttihneu peo tlioc yr ewdeu icnet rtohdeu cneudm thbeisr yoefa ra gmeenacnys s wtaef wf iilnl Cbroautrint gh he ish baidr tbhedeany wceilteh- Waiadlss ablly m uscsheuomol.c hildren visiting a rReApFro jdaucckteito.n W oef haa vSee cdoinffder Wenotr sldor tWs aorf quadruple heart surgery damaging the cell wall. preference to employing people in jobs where they a friend and offered to Roman scale armour and sandals costumes made from leather that The court heard Brittle are needed. drive the Mazda convert- are just a couple of items youngsters people can try on. It’s all part of our A Walsall councillor is recovering at home after was also arrested last “The invitation to tender clearly states there is ible home because his can handle at Walsall Leather intention to make history enjoyable. major heart surgery. Pleck ward representative week. District Judge likely to be a reduction in demand for agency staff in friend had been drinking. Museum to learn about history. “We get about 2,000 schoolchildren Councillor Harbans Sarohi, aged 72, had a quadru- Michael Morris ordered the years ahead as our policy to employ people where He was fined £100 for Children can also get to craft a here a year and we get a fantastic reac- ple heart bypass last month. He was elected to him to pay a £150 fine, they are needed takes effect. no insurance with no sep- Saxon Sutton Hoo helmet during tion to the items. Walsall Council for Labour in 2000. His daughter £100 compensation, and “The £7.7m annual spend last year is in no way a arate licence penalty workshops at the venue on Littleton “We are keen to work with schools. Shivender Kaur said: “He is resting at home and is £85 prosecution costs by statement of committed spend in future years,” with £85 costs and £15 Street West. We have an incredible range of activi- improving. He is looking forward to seeing everyone February 1. added Councillor Towe. victim surcharge. David Mills, from the museum, said: ties related to the curriculum.” when he is feeling better.” Page 6 WALSALL CHRONICLE, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 2011 thechronicle Town’s cheap car park set to be closed down [email protected] One of the cheapest car parks in Walsall is to be closed down after it sprang up without planning permission. Walsall planning chiefs have voted to take action. They decided to shut the unofficial car park which was set up on derelict land in Lower Rushall Street last month. Drivers had been flocking to the car park where they paid £3 to park for the day, com- pared with £5 for an all-day stay on the town’s council-run car parks. Council chiefs said the business, run by GT Parking, did not have planning permission. Advertising and directions for the car park will now have to be removed within one month following last night’s decision. Meanwhile, there was joy for campaigners in Chuckery after plans for a new £90,000 village green were given the go ahead. Land at the corner of Charlotte Street and gWraelehno usstae tuRso aadf tewra sth eg raFnriteendd so ffoifc iaClh uviclklaegryeThe carpark in Lower Rushall Street, Walsall which is operating without a licence. Corner Green were able to prove the land had Council is hoping to been used by the community for at least 20 years. Councillor Mike Bird told planning commit- tee: “I think this is a success for the ‘big society’ and for the local community. cut car parking fees Hotspot “People have spoken, along with the three ward councillors. They now have something Walsall Council is hoping to reduce car making it easier and cheaper for them to that is protected and will become part of thatparking fees after the Government park. particular area.” scrapped guidelines encouraging local “We already have reduced rates on Eighty eight new homes will also be built onauthorities to impose higher rates. Sundays to encourage more people into a fly-tipping hotspot in Rushall after council- Charges at council car parks across the town. We will be looking at this latest lors gave the housing scheme their backing. the region are being reviewed, and Government guidance.” Thousands of pounds has been spent remov-Walsall Council said it would look to Walsall Council is also getting ready to ing dumped items on the old Crosslands factoryreduce prices wherever possible. Under bring in pay-by-phone parking in a bid to site in Cartbridge Lane South. the new Government rules, councils will get more shoppers in. Visitors to council And up to 30 new jobs will be created afterbe able to price parking spaces competi- pay-and-display car parks will be able to permission was granted to turn a derelicttively to attract drivers into town use debit and credit cards instead of factory in Walsall into a manufacturing base. centres. coins. Housing group Accord can now restore an Councils have until now been required Wolverhampton’s cabinet member for empty unit off Stephenson Avenue, Beechdale,to set parking fees in a way that encour- transport, Councillor Peter Bilson, said and manufacture panels for timber houses. ages alternative forms of transport. the Government announcement did not Permission was also granted to allow West Walsall transport boss Councillor Tom mean there would be free parking across Bromwich Albion to improve its trainingAnsell said: “Our parking charges are the city. ground in Birmingham Road, Great Barr. constantly reviewed and they will be “It’s a difficult situation as central gov- Earlier this year, the Premiership club wasreviewed again this year. Wherever pos- ernment is telling councils to reduce given permission to create an artificial floodlitsible, we will look to reduce prices. budgets by 28 per cent by 2014,” he said. pitch and larger indoor facilities. Now the club “We need to encourage shoppers into “At this stage it is too early to say what can extend its hydrotherapy suite. the town centres and we can do that by will happen to parking charges.” WALSALL CHRONICLE, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 2011Page 7 thechronicle Calls for review over gritting town streets walsallchronicle@ expressandstar.co.uk Traders in Willenhall have demanded a review of gritting in the town, claiming untreated streets led to a drop in visits from pre-Christmas shoppers. Angry shopkeepers have hit out, saying town centre streets were not treated as they have been in previous years. But council chiefs refuted the claims, insisting the streets had been tackled by the borough’s grit teams. Butcher Tony Butler, who runs Conway’s in Market Place, claims pensioners and other shoppers had been put off venturing into the town. “I was out delivering orders two hours after I’d closed on Christmas Eve just because people couldn’t get into the town,” he said. Tears “I had one elderly woman who rang in tears because she had come down on the bus but couldn’t walk through the town and had to go back. I took the order to her. “I haven’t seen anyone gritting the roads or any evidence of grit at all and this is the first year I can say that. “In the past, they used to clear all the snow and pile it up on the Wakes ground nearby.” Councillor Carl Creaney, representative for Wil- lenhall South, called for a review of the way district centre streets are handled in the snow. He said: “I’ve spoken to a lot of traders and shoppers in the town who have all said the same thing – the roads had not been treated.” Walsall Council’s traffic and transportation manager Glyn Oliver insisted Willenhall town centre had been gritted during the Christmas period. “It is included within our winter plan, which was agreed by cabinet in autumn,” he said. He said a mixture of salt and grit was used on December 21 and 22. Carl Creaney and Tony Butler in Market Place. Calendars now on sale Chill factor Extension on payment Calendars depicting how people used to live in A display showing how Developers are set to be given a time extension to Walsall are now available. women used to keep pay more than £100,000 to Walsall Council as part of Graphic designer John Griffiths has produced the warm in the mid-1900s a planning agreement. 2011 calendar, which is the sixth in the series, called will remain at Walsall Just over £102,000 is due as part of a deal allowing Walsall Lives – Remembering the Old Town. Museum until the end of 215 and 217 Lichfield Road to be pulled down to It is available from Athwal News, in Leicester this month. A Chill in the make way for a 21-home estate. Street, Curio Shop, in George Street, Heaven Sent at Air is on display in Lich- Planning permission was granted in 2008 subject The Crossing at St Pauls, in Darwall Street, Water- field Street and includes to contributions towards open space and education. stones, in Park Street, Walsall Leather Museum, in woollen dresses, thick It is due when work starts on the project, but devel- Littleton Street West, and Walsall Local History skirts and cardigans opers are asking for this to be delayed until the 10th Centre, in Essex Street, priced at £6.99. from the 1920s to 60s. home is occupied. Page 8 WALSALL CHRONICLE, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 2011 Biggest thankyou to those Where is Remember to give a hand in cold who helped first big event master weather to those with poor sight scheme? Dear Sir, cooked the mince pies and the nity Centre; all the over 50s Dear Sir, sighted people lack confidence Clear their path of ice and I would like to send the biggest christmas cake for the raffle. Forum who attended; all who With the cold, icy conditions getting out and about in good snow; offer to drive them to and possible thank you to all who Also all who donated raffle supported the event from Christ Dear Sir, forecast to continue for the rest of weather, so when frost and ice from work; do their food shop- helped with the first event at the prizes including Midland Co-op; Church and everyone who dis- What happened to the the year; at Action for Blind make pavements slippery, many ping, so they’re stocked up with new Stan Ball Centre, our first Abbotts Street Residents’ Associ- played and forwarded concert all new “master plan” People we’re urging local people feel unable to venture out of their supplies; offer to walk with them, ever annual carol concert. ation led by Mervin Stonnard information for us including commissioned by Walsall to spare a thought for residents front doors – trapped in their own guiding them around icy and We had an excellent turnout of who delivered over 300 leaflets; Michelle from WDF, Rev Kareen Council after the last with sight loss. homes. slippery surfaces. around 60 adults and children, a Jane Stretton, Eleanor Boycott Lowther and Stacy Seniors fiasco experienced by res- Freezing weather can be a real At Action for Blind People, Your help will be a real lifeline good number considering the ice and Rachel Ward who set the Thanks also to Bloxwich Tally- idents of Walsall earlier pain and can cause inconven- we’re encouraging everyone who to people with sight loss. and bitter cold weather. room up. graph, Express and Star and this year due to weather ience, but for some visually knows a blind or partially www.actionforblindpeople.org.u MnaySlelp reHsc ieoaaf lt Chth hrwaisnhtko Csl hetudo r ctRhhe,e v B elPvaaeknuet-l wmhaAonl saog seDudap npth lfiere odsm,o u Ensledet c terqiuucp iPp malaaenncdet pBWuaabrlrsliyac lwilt hyV.oo lcAulennatdan reynd oAutpc t aifoonnrdg fpeoutrt tit anhlgel icno nNfdaoicttthi oitnnhgse? h masa cnhaagnegmeedn –t tgimieornpoa.u isr eadn dp eaolspole m, eita nca tno table isdoalna-- sncoiegnehtdta eacdtn yvp iheseruslapol.nl yO tuiomr ctpohapeir ctekipd s inf a etriheg ehtyo- kHSueea dH oufy Wtoenst Mids Region with great humour and clarity (also Mel and one other) the furniture back away. Every- of inclement weather is Many blind and partially bours to make sure they’re okay. Action for Blind People and supplied the recommended Jane, Barbara and others who one worked hard to ensure that worse than ever. Alliance proves Will you get readings. Readers Alan and Sue helped serve the teas and sell the we had a great first event Bin collections have Noake, Jean Jeavons, Mervin raffle tickets; Karen Smith and Deb Brownlee, been suspended on at Stonnard and Judy White; others who brought raffle tickets Young at Heart, least two days in my area disappointing a cut in pay? Organist Brian Poole, his wife when we had forgotten to buy Project Officer, but what happened to the and Roy Cadman who supplied them; Lisa who helped promote Bloxwich Community, labour force. As there this contact; the volunteers who the event at Blakenall Commu- Partnership. have been no clearance of Dear Sir, Dear Sir, Do you have some- Showing our gratitude for helping to footpaths on side roads I What a deep disappointment Cameron and In this New Year, is Mr Mike thing to say? Then can only surmise the Clegg have proved to be after the Blair and Bird of Walsall Council now con- write to Walsall operatives were sent Brown eras. sidering a reduction in his Chronicle, 51-53 change many attitudes towards dying hbaomckelo ogn w fuillll b pea cyl eaanrde dt haet thBe rfionwanl 1“2w masotnetdh” s£ o1fb bne ionng iLna obfofuicre ,s ata cflfe ainr rceoduuncceild bsauldagreyt, ton olowo kh aef tehra?s a Qhaumeepnto Snt.r eWeVt,1 W 1oElSve or-r sCcthouomDWWapanpemleikiota thri aritt y ormSehoneriuue rswnn, ionttdrf oi ro t teWvihadneleasgrl l D2osmtf0aoy 1e lmilsnm0 aeg.f bym oMe rbar ase th trhtasuee ngirindesr momnstierieaatgWrsyknva, e eiyngc s rithecosaoh alauldovkptpeoeiirsronl os, sng ,vpua s iaepon doblpdedpoao relufrnseartt, d e i adtp dhnyre e idcocngto phrigcmlrao oeeeurmm,am iptsGumsieien ePnutsirost--,. wfceaduas eegtsDra uoewetiornhdsadect” n, ui. lf awtiosf ltsrei oli .tln saodg, ni efahdu ico nshwr eaier e wmpavalieesnr mwtag n oabf“dne ah rtw aetghvdooie nobridgees ihoimaebttvxrueysaIeepr.t i re etnWat terii hftsamrauls eomolp lesa alra a doyrdinlopoas lfrd eto tieCr fuath saycoknc.ito ugoedniuvmhn eopneclrtery ci sdliti-wt oolpialaratoaoinannrtrilddddyss- awmpmsiluagoeoFTStnynnn aohu ettardet sh.t bhl t oliyrohany ,ebv et acaee rsyah eldeoeleecaxneaf omeptsrir pn ewtdfiecttoo ietyr rtado n hhstCfad oiuatoeal£ecsendm h2 tm so3 hea.afu.re n3dno c fbe nhiiibngnn dtau cc enborfrboeemydrta ib issaCnoNe s£lgr eopr1i gsovg0o gweosd4 smvu.ih4ineebabbrg lvennte aoer-,. asmstdieobeooemLHienrl m wiieeeRts, dyhe o££.h dy7b3a 0I0ihsm n0m hinmssaa.o o dv wpHneelc ,ueiobnh ssem itbetmihnuane d ygr gw p eweadotscuer ttrtlch liheq tad uent fre ohbaiswayer- ecodleefciusldmom.iesulhlinc@ takaneteri.iaeadl edlsL cxm t. eitpamwo Aetnrtnt,e aulu ela tslsamrshldstsena edab tidln atrnel eecercmdrer.sdhlssu asirpt tdy oaaaoue nrnnbrb. ’ciddeas-- the area, and more than 13,800 and many hard-to-reach groups Thank you to all our members but the voters and tax- the Irish bailout, foreign and EU further pay- Short Heath, across England, we are starting all over the country. for your commitment, and best payers of Walsall fail to ments and £1.1bn to prospective EU Willenhall. to transform our society’s culture Not talking to anyone or plan- wishes for the New Year. get the joke. The May members such as Turkey, Bosnia, Albania, Ps. In the new year, will your of silence around dying, death ning properly prevents many Eve Richardson and elections loom and heads etc. swimming pool, as printed in the and bereavement. people from having their wishes Hilary Fisher should roll. Clegg is an albatross around Cameron’s Gala Baths programme, con- During 2010 Dying Matters met and getting the care they Chief Executive, Christine Statham, neck and the situation will only deteriorate. stantly be cancelled for water has worked with care homes, want at the end of their lives. National Council for Bloxwich, R Saunders, polo as it was so many times last hospices, PCTs, funeral and legal Talking about our plans for the Palliative Care Walsall. Walsall. year? WALSALL CHRONICLE, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 2011Page 9 thechronicle Bogus water officials steal pensioner’s cash [email protected] Thieves posing as water New service is food for thought company officials stole £100 from a woman in her 90s after conning their way into her ersH uinn dWreadlss aollf apreen snioonw- Walsall home. getting their first taste of The victim from Pheasay new lunches after the answered her door to two men council’s meals on wheels claiming to be from a water service came to an end. company. Walsall Council’s con- tract with provider Police officers investigating the theft Sodexo ended last week, said the money was taken after one of signalling the start of a the men kept the pensioner talking new scheme which will while the second slipped into her house see elderly people visit and took the money from her purse. luncheon clubs, make The conmen struck between 2.10pm private arrangements or and 2.20pm on January 3. order food from cafes. West Midlands Police today issued a The Sandwich Box in warning to residents, especially Willenhall is just one of elderly or vulnerable people, to be vig- the firms which has ilant. stepped in to serve some DC Martin Beebee, of Force CID, of the 420 pensioners said: “We want to hear from anyone affected. else who may have been approached by Boss Steve Quick said these two men in the area to contact us. 25 people had already Elderly signed up to receive meals from his New Road “We would like to warn people in the company this week and community, particularly elderly resi- staff have been posting dents to never let anyone into their leaflets through doors to property unless they are sure of their gather more interest. identity.” The company, which The Pheasey victim was in her early has been running for 90s. more than two years and Both thieves were described as white has nine staff. men in their late 20s to early 30s. Mr Quick said: “We’ve The first man, believed to be aged just been inundated with between 30 and 35, was said to be 5ft calls. We were already 9ins tall, thick set with a round face, making 20-70 deliveries small eyes and dark hair combed back. per day.” The second was aged about 25, also Residents of St Albans about 5ft 9ins tall, slim with slight Court, in New Street, curly brown hair and sideburns. Willenhall, have praised Police also reminded residents today The Sandwich Box. that the “water board” no longer exists Grandmother-of-two and genuine officials would always call and former meals on ahead first and have identification. wheels user Maud Anyone with information or who saw Cooper, aged 84, has been anything suspicious in the Hillingford using the firm for more Avenue, Tyndale Crescent or Colling- than a year. wood Drive area is asked to contact the She said: “I used meals police. on wheels for two weeks Dc Beebee is on 0345 113 5000. Alter- and didn’t like it. I get my natively, call Crimestoppers anony- meals delivered on plates The Sandwich Box manager Caramia Clarke delivers a meal to mously on 0800 555 111. now.” Maud Cooper. Page 10 WALSALL CHRONICLE, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 2011