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Tag Archives: Walsall politics
Tesco: have they given up on Brownhills?
I notice from an article in the Express & Star that Tesco appear to be getting cold feet on their plan for a new store for Brownhills. This is grim news, but I’m not surprised, and have been sensing all … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills Market, Cheap tat, Derelict, Express & Star, Local politics, Mike Bird, planning, Politics, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Silly, Tesco, Tesco Development, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
24 Comments
Going for a Wimpey?
Whilst pottering about today, I noticed that the land between the Watermead Estate and Silver Street, near Tesco in Brownhills, had apparently changed hands. I noted last year that Morris Homes – the developers of Shire Oak Close on the former … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Derelict, Local politics, Morris Homes, New Photos, planning, Redevelopment, Silver Street, Strange Notices, Taylor Wimpey, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Watermead Estate, Watermead Grange
9 Comments
While we’re on the subject of metal bashing…
After I mentioned the remarkable Castings PLC video, I had a good read of the latest blog post by Aldridge’s very own Linda Mason, in which she recalls the heyday of the Redhouse Estate in Aldridge, and it’s neighbouring large … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Aldridge, Birlec, BRD, Brownhills local history, Cheap tat, Derelict, Driveline, GKN, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mad Old Baggage, McKechnie, Politics, reblog, Redhouse, Silly, Twitter, Walsall politics
3 Comments
Anyone for a shower?
Today, whilst taking a spin around Brownhills to get some shopping in, I was reminded of a niggling, but serious problem in Brownhills High Street that has been ongoing for years. I personally have complained to Walsall Council, to no … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Anchor Bridge, bad drainage, bad drains, blocked drains, Brownhills, Cheap tat, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, flood, Knaves Court, Local politics, New Photos, potholes, Reservoir, road maintenance, Silly, standing water, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
11 Comments
Sink estate?
Here’s an interesting one turfed out by local history genius [Howmuch?], who’s still raiding the box under his sideboard for interesting clippings from local papers. The man really is a history magpie and a bit of a star. This extract … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Castlefornt, Derelict, Fort Crescent, Fred Burt, Howmuch, Local History, Local politics, mine, mining, mining damage, Subsidence, subsidence damage, Vandalism, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Committee, Walsall Observer, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
Something happening at the old Wheel Inn?
Thanks to a number of readers who’ve pointed out to me over the last couple of days that the old builders yard next to the Wheel Inn off Lindon Road, Brownhills, seems to have finally been purchased by Pat Collins … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Shared media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Anthony Harris, Brownhills, Builders yard, Clayhanger, Derelict, expansion, Fairs, gospel hall, Leisure and Culture, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, Pat Collins, planning, Pubs, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Wheel Inn, Wheel Pub
10 Comments
Good news on Brownhills Business Park: once again, sense prevails
I had a welcome email yesterday from top reader and contributor Andy Dennis. He pointed out that the appeal against the refusal of planning permission for the demolition of Brownhills Business Park and the construction of a housing development had … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Andy Dennis, Ashtenne Industrial Unit Fund Trust, Brownhills, Brownhills business park, Brownhills local history, Derelict, Effluent Disposal Limited, Local History, Local politics, planning, Redevelopment, Silly, Toxic dumping, Toxic waste, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood Colliery
7 Comments
Heavy horses
Here’s something for fans of the steam trains which used to ply their trade along the lines of Brownhills. Reader and top bloke Dave Cresswell, who’s a founder member of, and top stalwart for the South Staffordshire Line restoration group, … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills railway, Dave Creswell, Derelict, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, planning, Reopen our railway, Rob Taylor, Silly, South Staffordshire railway, Staffordshire, Steam trains, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
3 Comments
You couldn’t make it up…
Just a quick note to point out that while I’ve been ranting and fuming about the collective fit of madness down at the Civic Centre, The Plastic Hippo as yet again nailed the situation perfectly. After council leader Mike ‘Blofeld’ … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Allowance rise, Cheap tat, Councillors allowances, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, pay rise, Politics, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
Snouts in the trough
I note from today’s Express & Star (3rd January 2012) that the plan to increase Walsall Councillors Personal Allowances has again reared it’s ugly head. It seams that soon, the cabinet will vote wether to give themselves a juicy pay … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Events, Express & Star, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged austerity, Cheap tat, Councillor Aloowance, Express & Star, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, pay increase, Personal Allowance, Politics, Sean Coughlan, Silly, Social Services, The Plastic Hippo, Tim Oliver, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
10 Comments
Going soft in his old age…
Just a quick note to flag up fellow Walsall blogger and agent provocateur The Plastic Hippo and a great post he published yesterday evening. The usually reassuringly grumpy commentator has clearly started to go a bit doolally in his dotage. What … Continue reading
Posted in Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged dog, dog walking, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Plastic Hippo, Politics, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
If it ain’t broke, why fix it?
I note today with some concern from a report in the Express & Star that Walsall Council is talking about moving the Local History Centre and Archives, as well as the local history museum, into a new custom-built centre near … Continue reading
Posted in Express & Star, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills local history, Cheap tat, Express & Star, Leisure Services, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, move to new site, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Silly, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Leather Museum, Walsall Local History Centre, Walsall Local History Museum, Walsall politics
2 Comments
Back from the dead?
It seems a bizarre, defeated planning application that has been covered here before on the blog has been resurrected. The plan to demolish Brownhills Business Park currently existing on the former site of Walsall Wood Colliery, and latterly Brownhills Commercials … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Ashtenne Industrial Unit Fund Trust, Brownhills, Brownhills business park, Brownhills local history, Derelict, Effluent Disposal Limited, Local History, Local politics, planning, Redevelopment, Silly, Toxic dumping, Toxic waste, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood Colliery
6 Comments
Slipping the reins
I have recently become rather concerned over what appears to be a new pre-Christmas trend. The exhibiting of real reindeer at fetes, events and in town centres locally seems to be increasingly fashionable. In an age when animal circuses are … Continue reading
Posted in Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Caged deer, Chasewater, Cheap tat, Christmas, Deer, Facebook, Fallow, Lichfield, local blogs, Muntjac, New Photos, Red, Reindeer, Santa deer, Silly, Social media, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Town Centre management team, Wildlife
24 Comments
Information about public sector industrial action today
From the Website of Walsall Council (see the latest statement by clicking here, or check out TheYamYam for the latest news from Walsall media): Last updated: 29/11/2011 16:05:15 Walsall residents are being advised that some council services, including school closures … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged bin collection, Brownhills, Council Statement, industrial action, Local politics, Mike Bird, N30, Politics, school closures, Shire Oak, Social Services, Strike, The YamYam, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall strike, Walsall Wood, website latest
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Have your say on Holland Park Surgery
I had a message a few days ago from The Clayhanger Kid himself, Brian Stringer. He’s involved with a new community liaison project going on at Holland Park Surgery, the medical practice operating from The Parkview Centre in Brownhills. Hi … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Facebook, Holland Park Surgery, local blogs, Local politics, NHS, Parkview Centre, patient participation group, planning, The Clayhanger Kid, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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Brownhills Bonfire & Fireworks tonight at Holland Park!
Mark Bonfire Night in Brownhills Families are being invited to Remember, Remember the 5th of November at a bonfire at Holland Park, Brownhills, this weekend. The fire will be lit at 7pm at the park in Chester Road North with … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Bonfire, bonfire night, Brownhills, Cake or Death, Events, fireworks, Guy Fawkes, Holland Park, Local politics, Mike Bird, Pallet appeal, Silly, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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Walsall planning appeal shock!
Readers may well recall the excellent article about the regeneration of the Reedswood power station site, written by top contributor and Brownhills bloke Andy Dennis. In it, Andy pointed out that further development of the site outside the council’s guidelines … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Andy Dennis, Beechdale, Birchills, Canal, City Challenge, contaminated land, Demolition, Derelict, developers, Development, flickr, Local History, Local politics, mervyn_w, New Photos, Parhill Reclamation, Parkhill, Parkhill Estates, planning, Politics, power station, Redevelopment, Reedswood, Reedswood Way, Regeneration, town planning, Walsall, Walsall 1955, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall power station
1 Comment
Get ready for the burn
For those interested, the Brownhills bonfire night event in Holland Park will take place on Saturday, November 5th. There will be a display and bonfire. Fireworks begin at 8pm, but please note, there will be no alcohol permitted on site. … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Bonfire, bonfire night, Brownhills, Cake or Death, Events, fireworks, Guy Fawkes, Holland Park, Local politics, Mike Bird, Pallet appeal, Silly, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
Brownhills Big Tidy Up
Brownhills Town Centre Partnership have been in touch and asked me to promote the first Brownhills Big Tidy Up, which seems like a decent event. Brownhills is always in need of some serious TLC, and as I pointed out yesterday, … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Browhills Town Centre Partnership, Brownhills, Brownhills Big Tidy Up, Community Payback Team, Facebook, Local politics, planning, Princes Trust, Ravens Court, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group, Walsall politics
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Walsall Wood Library under threat
I notice from Monday’s Express & Star that Walsall council – fresh from their self congratulation over the promise not to close any libraries ‘…in this financial year’, seem to be tentatively floating the idea of moving Walsall Wood’s Library … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Cheap tat, Closure, Express & Star, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Mike Flower, Oak Park, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Silly, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood Library
5 Comments
The name’s Bond…
…War Bond. Reader [Howmuch?] has been ferreting around in his copious stock of interesting newspaper clippings with an eye to the tank testing quandary and found out the promotional advertisement for what was probably the first tank ever to visit … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Features, Followups, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Howmuch, Local History, old newspapers, reader contributions, Staffordshire, Tank, tank parade, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, war bonds, war office, War savings certificate, World War I
1 Comment
Ticket to raid?
I’m rapidly coming to the conclusion that the parking system in Walsall, and it’s enforcement, is a scam directed at easy targets for maximum profit. Chuckery resident TraceyQ, a well respected, community spirited, long time friend of this blog, who … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged APCOA, Chuckery, easy pickings, Express & Star, fines, Local politics, Mike Bird, New Photos, on street parking, Parking, parking enforcement, parking fines, PCN, penalty notice, Politics, Silly, Tesco Development, TraceyQ, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
6 Comments
The madness of King Bird
If I’m honest, the world-weary citizens of Walsall long ago tired of local politics. Voter turnouts are low at local elections, and fed up of never really seeing any improvements in their local areas despite years of multi-whatever committees, LNP’s, … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Express & Star, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Cheap tat, Conservative, Derelict, Express & Star, King Bird, Labour, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, New Photos, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, Tim Oliver, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
18 Comments
On borrowed time…
Since there’s been a welcome focus on the treatment of our local architectural heritage in the days since the Jabez Cliff fire in Walsall, I thought I’d once again delve into the urban exploration community and their activities in Walsall. … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Express & Star, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, planning, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 28dayslater, arson, BOAK, Cheap tat, civic failure, Derelict, Dweeb, Express & Star, Fire, Guardians office, Jabez Cliff, Leatherworks, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mellish Road church, Mike Bird, New Photos, planning, Politics, Ravenscraig, Redevelopment, rookinella, Silly, urban exploration, Urbex, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Union, Workhouse
10 Comments
Hide and seek
This week, we lost another historic building to a fire in Walsall. I covered the event here. on my 365daysofbiking Tumblr and one of the side effects on YouTube. The Stymaster lamented it, as did the Hippo. Today, there’s a … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Andy Dennis, arson, donebythehandsofabrokenartist, Express & Star, Fire, Flicker, heritage, Hev Ince, Imran Azam, Indy 500, Jabez Cliff, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, old buildings, Pigblog, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Shannon's Mill, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, The Stymaster, Twitter, Urbex, Vandalism, VERY URGENT photography, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
18 Comments
Medium rare (via The Plastic Hippo)
This evening, I was planning to write on the subject of the terrible fire at the former Jabez Cliff works (indeed, I mentioned it on my 365daysofcycling mini-blog) but the Plastic Hippo has once again beaten my tardy arse to it, and … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged arson, Cycle rides, Derelict, Express & Star, Fire, heritage, Jabez Cliff, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, old buildings, Pigblog, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Shannon's Mill, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, The Stymaster, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
7 Comments
Part of the establishment
Oh dear, it looks like I’ve been assimilated. Last week, I posted an oddly popular piece entitled ‘Why I ride’, containing some videos and a short essay on why I’m so keen on cycling. I wrote this at the request … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged biking, biking in Walsall, Council web site, cycle advocacy, Cycle rides, cycling, local blogs, Local politics, riding a bike, Silly, smug, Social media, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, why I ride
2 Comments
Antisocial media
Since Walsall Council started it’s interaction with the public on social media, I have, on the whole, been supportive and appreciative of their efforts to forge a way forward in the new media. I’ve criticised them a couple of times when … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Blog, countering myths, Dan Slee, emergency communications, Facebook, local blogs, Local politics, myths, Politics, riots, rumours, Silly, Social media, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Town Centre management team, WMPolice
2 Comments
Prophet margin?
I spotted this on Facebook today, and I’m not really sure what to make of it. The author, Walsall Prophet, has created a newsletter style .PDF file in the manner of stuff by the blogging community in Walsall, making the … Continue reading
Posted in Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Facebook, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, new writers, PDF, Politics, Silly, Social Services, The YamYam, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Prophet
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Ryders Mere fishery plan withdrawn
Spotted a couple of days ago on Chaz Mason’s excellent Clayhanger Marsh Log, and from a comment this morning by reader Tim, it seams the application to convert peaceful wildlife haven Ryders Mere into a commercial fishing venue has been … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Followups, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged birding, Brownhills, Chaz Mason, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Marsh Log, Commercial Angling, local blogs, Local politics, Local Wildlife, Parkhill Estates, planning, Railswood, Redevelopment, Ryders Hayes, Ryders Hayes Lane, Ryders Mere, Silly, SSSI, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Wildlife, withdrawn application
13 Comments
The graduate – Part one (via The Plastic Hippo)
The Plastic Hippo has turned out one of his best posts yet, and that’s saying something. This is pointed, prescient and precise. I have yet to meet anyone at all in the field of education who thinks that Gove is … Continue reading
Posted in Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Conservative, Education, history, local blogs, Local politics, Michael Gove, Politics, rights, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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A pressing issue
On Saturday, 16th July 2011, Express & Star columnist Dan Wainwright ran his usual column about local government in the region. Even though Walsall Council is gripped by a Single Status pay controversy, as is Dudley, and other notable stuff … Continue reading
Posted in Events, Express & Star, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Cheap tat, Daily Mail, Dan Wainwright, Eric Pickles, Express & Star, Lazy Journalism, local blogs, Local politics, media, Peter Rhodes, Politics, Rebekah Brooks, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, The YamYam, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Neighbourhoods, Walsall politics, walsall Wildlife
1 Comment
Heads in the sand?
The article that was here, relating to a rather petty bit of bad public relations, has now been taken down as I feel suitable anguish has been visited on the originator. I always like to think that the Brownhills Blog … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills High Street, Brownhills traders, Derelict, Facebook, littler, local blogs, Local politics, Politics, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, rubbish, Social media, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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Single status (via The Plastic Hippo)
More bang-on-the-money comment from The Plastic Hippo. The scandal of Single Status in Walsall has been swept under the carpet for far too long. Read this and fear for the future of your council, run by people who plainly haven’t … Continue reading
Posted in Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Chris Towe, Education, finacial crisis, law, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Plastic Hippo, Politics, rights, Silly, single status, The Plastic Hippo, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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Walsall Housing Group: Moving the goalposts again
I’ve just discovered a press release from Walsall Housing Group that seems to have slipped by largely unnoticed. Remember the housing development initially sketched in to replace the now demolished maisonettes that stood opposite Knave’s Court? When I last covered … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Cheap tat, Knaves Court, Local politics, planning, planning applications, Politics, Redevelopment, Silly, social housing, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group, Walsall politics, WHG
4 Comments
Sister Dora’s first live gig in 130 years
Posted this afternoon on Twatter by the generally not as funny as it should be @Walsall_CounciI parody account, this hilarious video was originally on Twitvid, but since I can’t embed that in the blog, I’ve transcoded it and uploaded to Youtube. … Continue reading
Posted in Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local music, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills Market, Cheap tat, Downtown, Funny, Local politics, Mike Bird, Petula Clark, Silly, Sister Dora, Sister Dora live gig, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall_CounciI
6 Comments
Electile Dysfunction
It’s almost a year to the day since I wrote this post, urging readers to take up their democratic right and vote. I thought about this again today, on the eve of local elections and the referendum on the Alternate … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged AV referendum, ballot, Brownhills, David Cameron, Democratic process, Express & Star, local blogs, Local Elections, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, Silly, Social Services, Tesco, Tesco Development, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
11 Comments
Irony? What’s that?
With the local election campaign in full swing and doorstepping at fever pitch here in the Northern Wastes, I was stunned to come home this evening and discover my second party candidate leaflet of the season. So far, I’ve had … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, Shared media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Bad spelling, BNP, Brownhills, candidates, Cheap tat, clanger, council elections, local blogs, Local Elections 2011, Local politics, Silly, Terence Majorowicz, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
7 Comments
Time and tide (via The Plastic Hippo)
Yet again, The Plastic Hippo vocalises beautifully what I’m thinking. Is this the nastiest, most unpleasant government we’ve ever had? As every day passes, the pronouncements from the Prime Minister become more and more bizarre. I fear for my country, … Continue reading
Posted in Events, Features, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged David Cameron, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, The YamYam, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
Would Sister Dora go on strike? (via The Mushroom)
The Mushroom – crafter of fine rants about all manner of subjects, but mostly Walsall politics – has played a blinder. I just had to share this touching, very human post about the future of the National Health Service, those … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged local blogs, Local History, Local politics, National Health Service, NHS, Politics, Silly, Sister Dora, Social Services, The Mushroom, Tory Cuts, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Blogs, Walsall politics
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Welcome back – The YamYam returns…
Just a quick note to point out that popular local news and opinion site, The YamYam has returned. Thanks in no small part to the dedicated work of Mark Blackstock, the curator, @Hapdaniel a real live web wizard and … Continue reading
Posted in Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Express & Star, Hapdaniel, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mark Blackstock, The YamYam, Tim Brown, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Blogs, Walsall Council, Walsall local news, Walsall politics
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London Midland: staffing reductions (via Marco Longhi)
Conservative Councillor for Pelsall Marco Longhi has recently made the welcome decision to re-enter the online community, joining in with twitter and recommencing blogging. I salute Marco for this, and although we have our differences, I respect any Councillor that like … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Ian Shires, local blogs, Local politics, London Midland, London Midland industrial action, Marco Longhi, Mike Flower, Politics, poor service, poor train performance, redundancy, Silly, Social media, Ticket office closures, tweeting councillors, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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Walsall Housing Group – this doesn’t add up
I was intrigued last week to spot a Walsall Housing Group press release floating about the net, excitedly heralding the news that work was ‘already underway’ on a new housing development opposite Knaves Court in Brownhills. Readers with long memories … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council
Tagged Adrian Andrew, Alan Paul, Brownhills, Canal, Cheap tat, Knaves Court, Local politics, planning, planning applications, Politics, Redevelopment, Silly, social housing, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group, Walsall politics, WHG
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The trains don’t stop here anymore
Whilst having a mooch round the net the other day, I visited the excellent site curated by Dave Cresswell and Rob Taylor, dedicated to the past, present and future of the South Staffordshire railway line that used to run from … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills railway, Brownhills sidings, Dave Cresswell, Derelict, derelict railways, High Bridges, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, Pelsall sidings, Railway sidings, Redevelopment, Rob Taylor, Ryders Hayes sidings, signalbox, South Staffordshire railway, Staffordshire, Vandalism, Walsall politics
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Always crashing in the same car
Walsall Council, despite it’s patchy areas, does a few things really, really well. One of those things in recent times has been social media. Dan and the people in the press office may occasionally appear to be running a West … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Cheap tat, Facebook, GMP, Greater manchester Police, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, Silly, Social Services, The Plastic Hippo, Tweetreach, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Council press office, Walsall politics, Walsall24
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