Odd occurrences at Oak Park?

Reader Tkevcro commented on a post here last week, about some odd activity by surveyors at Oak Park in Walsall Wood, which I think deserves a wider exposure. I’m under the impression that Oak Park is indeed held in trust, and I think selling it off would be highly unlikely, but you never know.

There has, of course, been talk of rebuilding the facility, but I’ve always been sceptical about this as I can’t see where the money would come from.

It would be nice to find out what’s going on here. Do Walsall Council have anything to say on the matter, perhaps?

Tkevcro asked:

Hi Bob

I have concerns that land adjacent to the Brownhills Road and Coppice Road areas are being prepared to be sold off!

I live opposite and for the 3rd day running 2 people have been Conveyancing the land and in a short conversation with the one told me he was working for a client and just got payed for what he was doing but more than likely it was being sold of for development.

I believe this land is protected by a trust something to do with the miners?

Does anybody know?

I wrote the above part of this post on Monday. On Tuesday afternoon, this press release came in from Walsall Council, which may or may not be related:

Walsall Council  PR 8375    16/10/2012    [For Immediate Release]

New leisure centre plans for Walsall

Leisure chiefs in Walsall have unveiled outline plans to build two new leisure centres in the borough.

Initial recommendations for the new centres at Oak Park and Bloxwich will be presented to Walsall Council Coalition’s Cabinet on Wednesday 24 October 2012.

People who live near Oak Park and Bloxwich Leisure Centres are being invited to comment on the plans starting today, Tuesday 16 October until Sunday 28 October 2012. Leisure staff are particularly interested in the views of local residents and centre users. People can view the plans for Oak Park at the Leisure Centre and can comment in a variety of ways including:

* View the plans at the leisure centre and fill in a feedback form
* Email your comments to leisureproposals@walsall.gov.uk
* Fill in the on-line questionnaire at:
http://www2.walsall.gov.uk/consultations/leisure2012/proposals2012.htm
* Text the words ‘Walsall leisureplans’ followed by your message to 60003, or
* write to: Oak Park Leisure Plans, Room 28, Walsall Town Hall, WS1 1TW

It is hoped that the multi-million pound investment will be supported by a grant of up to £2m from the Sport England Lottery Fund. Councillors and senior officers are currently drawing up full proposals, including a full breakdown of the investment required, with the grant application to be submitted in mid-December 2012.

The leisure centre at Oak Park, would provide state of the art facilities including an eight lane 25m swimming pool, a teaching pool with moving floor, a six badminton court sized sports hall, fitness suite, health spa, dance studio and catering facilities. In addition the artificial turf pitch would be upgraded bringing the new facility well into 21st century.

Councillor Anthony Harris, cabinet member for sport and leisure at Walsall Council Coalition, said: ‘Walsall’s leisure centres are generally not in good condition. We accept that they’re ageing, unattractive and poorly designed compared to current standards and will become increasingly costly to manage.

‘From our research we know the best way to encourage more people to take up some form of physical activity is to improve our leisure centre facilities and ensure they’re of good quality, well designed and attractive.

‘The council is committed to maintain and improve the health and well-being of its residents. This will help people be happier, fitter, healthier and more able to work.’

Adult levels of activity in Walsall are among the lowest in the country. The Government’s recent Marmot review, Sport England and health professionals agree that inactivity, obesity and a variety of health problems are all related. Whilst improvements have been made these have been slower than hoped for. The council’s proposals to replace and or refurbish its centres will play a key role in encouraging residents to be more active.

As ever, if you know anything, please comment here or contact me in confidence on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Cheers.