THE BLOXIDGE TALLYGRAPH

News

This page is dedicated to news from and affecting the Bloxwich area. It also offers links to more in-depth features, recent but not current news, news stories on the websites of local newspapers, and old news from the past year. If you have a news story about Bloxwich, please email us at: the.edditer@thebloxidgetallygraph.com

CURRENT BLOXWICH NEWS

Recent local news stories.

Exciting era beckons for Bloxwich Library

Bloxwich Library, Elmore Row, June 1962 (before the theatre was added)

Money has been secured to revamp Bloxwich library in Elmore Row after a £1.2 million windfall from the Big Lottery Community Libraries Award.

A children's reading garden, cafe, display and performance areas will all be included in the ambitious plan. A First Stop Shop where council staff will be on hand to provide help on a range of issues will also feature in the scheme.

Councillor Louise Harrison, cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have secured the money and this will make a massive difference to what is a popular-library. "The building dates from the 1950s and was starting to look a little tired. As I am sure people can appreciate from the artist's impression, this will give a fresh look to the building.

"There will be an improved entrance and the building will be lit to act as a real landmark at night.

"It is inside the building where the big changes will be and I am sure people will enjoy what they see."

The 130 seat theatre will also be improved as part of the project with the raked seats replaced to allow the room to be used as a rehearsal space as well as for performances.

Sue Grainger, head of libraries, said the news was good for the people of Bloxwich.

She said: "We want this building to be a genuine community space which will reflect and respond to the needs of Bloxwich people and offer new and exciting opportunities and experiences."

Meeting rooms and relaxed reading areas are also planned as part of the grand design with work set to start next year.

"Theatre performances will continue in the newly upgraded building but they can now be programmed alongside visits from well-known authors and artists.

Public community meetings, clubs and societies and other events can be staged in the revamped building."

More information on Bloxwich Library from Walsall Council: BLOXWICH LIBRARY

Lower Farm Christmas Lights Switch-On

GRAND LIGHTING CEREMONY - 12th DECEMBER 6.15PM

Lower Farm Community Association and Youth Forum invites you to the Community Christmas Lights "Switch-On" at the Buxton Island, by Walsall F.C. player Richard Taundry and Father Christmas!

The Rotary Club of Bloxwich Phoenix will be joining in the festivities.

This event will take place on Wednesday 12th December 2007 at 6.15pm.

- afterwards, please make your way to the Lower Farm School Hall, where the School Choir will be performing carols with the Salvation Army Band.

Refreshments include: Mulled wine with mince pies.

GRAND CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

A small donation would be very much appreciated to keep the Lower Farm Christmas Tree alight!

The tree will be decorated with lights and there are 1000 lights to be sponsored at £1 each. The Community Association are urging local residents and businesses to sponsor a light for £1 - you cansponsor 1 or 1000 - the choice is yours!

Donations can be made at Dave's Convenience Store on the estate. You can also contact Maggie from Lower Farm Community Association on 01922 710248.

Bloxwich West Crime Prevention Initiative

Councillors Des Pitt, Louise Harrison and Mayor Melvin Pitt of Bloxwich West

Currently Councillors and friends in Bloxwich West are working on a crime initiative with their Neighbourhood Policing unit. Bloxwich West covers all areas within the boundaries of the Mossley estate, Dudley Fields estate, Sandbank, Elmore Green, Turnberry and part of Stafford Road.

The initiative involves delivering over 5,500 crime packs which include highly visible door stickers, an informative crime pack booklet recommended by sources as being one of the best guides available.

This also acts as a deterrent for criminals, when they appreciate that all items of worth are marked and can clearly identify them with a particular event.

This pack will go out alongside Bloxwich West Councillors' own 'In Touch' Crime leaflet which also focusses on crime, drawing residents attention to such things as the newly commissioned Police reporting boxes located on the Turnberry, Dudley Fields and Mossley estates, also highlighting the need for partnership working and reminding residents of the confidential crimestoppers No 0800 555 111.

Source: Cllr. Des Pitt

Bulls Head Closes

A well-known 1930's-built Bloxwich town centre pub, The Bull's Head, has closed. Metal shutters were fixed over the entrances on the morning of Tuesday 28th August 2007.

Posters stating that all items of value have been removed from the premises were placed upon these shutters at the time, though no explanation for the closure has so far been given.

If anyone has any more details of the reasons behind the closure, please contact The Edditer, Stuart Williams: the.edditer@thebloxidgetallygraph.com

For a potted history of The Bull's Head and its predecessor, click on this link: The Bull's Head.

30th August 2007

LOWER FARM FUN DAY CANCELLED

A planned family fun day in Bloxwich has been cancelled for a second time after bad weather returned to waterlog the field. Lower Farm Community Association was due to stage the popular event on Sunday 19th August but heavy downpours have made the open space unsafe. Parks staff from Walsall Council visited the green on Lower Farm Estate to evaluate its condition on Wednesday and organisers have now cancelled the fun day. It was originally planned for July but freak weather forced it to be rearranged. Members of the association have no plans to change the date again.

Lower Farm CA Secretary Margaret Bull said the group was disappointed to completely cancel the event which was due to have a bouncy castle, roadshow, slides, music, a selection of stalls, quad bikes and refreshments.

16 August 2007 (source: Express & Star)