News archive
For all news items before 29 November 2005 please see the news archive on our old website.
Latest 100 news stories
World-class Walsall centre secures cash boost
A world-class centre boasting a gym, sports hall, community and canalside facilities has moved a step closer after the Department for Children, Schools and Families ministers announced Walsall Council’s bid for over one million pounds has been successful.
Seasonal treat in store in Walsall
Credit crunch blues will disappear in a barrel of laughs when Walsall Council stages its annual pantomime later this month.
New facilities at well-loved Walsall beauty spot
Visitors to iconic Walsall nature reserve Barr Beacon can now enjoy new picnic facilities thanks to grant funding.
By election result (Birchills/Leamore)
Conservative candidate Kamran Aftab has won the Birchills-Leamore by-election held last night at Walsall Town Hall with 764 votes.
Tribute to Deputy Mayor Councillor Cath Micklewright
Tributes were being paid today to Walsall deputy Mayor Councillor Cath Micklewright who died at the weekend, aged 78.
People's millions
Family Guidance and Community Welfare based in Aldridge is one of eight West Midlands community projects in the running to win a £50,000 Big Lottery Fund award in the People’s Millions contest.
Maps of Walsall explored in history talk
If you’ve ever been interested in researching your family history or finding out more about the history of the borough, a talk at Walsall Museum may be of interest to you.
Diwali 2008 at the New Art Gallery
Saturday 22 November2008, 11am-4pm free event.
Walsall Council’s commitment to future service provision
Walsall Council has carried out its annual review into its burial, cremation and registration services to ensure the future needs of borough people are well met and facilities are improved.
Log on to a greener New Year
Residents in Walsall can now log on to a new area of the council website to find details of how their waste and recycling arrangements will change next year.
Alumwell Junior school closed
Parents are being advised that Alumwell Junior School in Primley Avenue, Walsall is closed today (Wednesday 19 November) as a result of a burst water main.
A4148 Red Route – Broadway Phase Two
Walsall Council is proposing to implement Red Routes within the Borough as part of the West Midlands Local Transport Plan.
Public Consultation - A34 Birmingham Road Park and Ride
As part of the Bus Showcase scheme on the Route 51, there is a proposal to introduce a new 300-space park and ride facility at the Aston University Sports Grounds, just off Birmingham Road on the A34.
The Changing Face of Walsall
A new permanent gallery, celebrating the history of Walsall and charting its development is set to be unveiled at Walsall Museum this month.
Teens reading group at Central Library
Teens across Walsall are being invited to come along to a teenage reading group at Central Library.
Walsall Council nets top award for life saving road software
Walsall Council has come out on top at a national local government and emergency services conference, hosted by the Ordnance Survey agency.
£100 million cash boost for Walsall primary schools
More than £100million has been allocated to Walsall primary schools to fund ambitious improvements over the next decade, the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) announced today.
Permanent homes sought for children in Walsall
Walsall Council is encouraging people to find out more about adoption during National Adoption Week which runs from 10 November 2008 to 16 November 2008.
Borough businesses make their views count
More than 600 businesses have put pen to paper to tell Walsall Council’s regeneration chiefs about the issues affecting them.
A magical Walsall Christmas lined up
Visitors to Walsall are sure to have a wonderful Christmas time as they enjoy a host of seasonal treats at district centres all over the borough.
Winter garden waste collections for Walsall residents
Walsall Council will continue to run its garden waste collection service throughout the winter months for residents, it has announced.
Walsall Council’s third Support Into Jobs event
Homeserve and the Midcounties Co-op will be among firms promoting job opportunities available to budding borough employees at a Walsall Council event this week.
Woodland skills session
Residents are being invited to learn woodland management skills courtesy of Walsall Council’s countryside services.
Legal threat puts market move on hold
Plans to move Walsall market to a temporary home have been put on hold.
Competition winners grab a bike
Christmas came early for two Walsall people this week who each claimed a new mountain bike worth £250 after entering the Travel to Work Differently competition.
Christmas parking present for Walsall shoppers
Walsall Council is giving shoppers some Christmas credit crunch relief - eight days of free car parking over the festive season.
Costume Talk Opulence to Utility 1900-1950
A fascinating talk exploring the history of costume during the high Victorian period will take place at Walsall Museum on Thursday 6 November at 2pm.
Illuminations visitors to get say on Arboretum development plans
Visitors to Walsall Illuminations this weekend will not only be able to enjoy the popular lights show but also have their say on the future of Walsall Arboretum.
Invitation to bring in your photographs
Re-expoasia Realities of Presence, Remains of Memory at the The New Art Gallery Walsall 23 January – 1 Feb 2009.
Home of Metal at The New Art Gallery
Fans of Judas Priest, Napalm Death, Godflesh, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin We Need You.
Mayor of Walsall announces Grand Draw to boost charities
A Grand Draw with the top prize of a £100 voucher is being held to boost funds for the Mayor of Walsall’s chosen charities.
Tickets still available for Walsall children’s classic
Sixty young actors and singers are putting the finishing touches to their performance of Annie junior which is being staged in Walsall later this week.
Safety first is the message from Walsall Council’s transport chief
Speed cameras will not be “ripped out and thrown away” without full consideration being given to alternatives, Walsall Council’s transport chief pledged today.
Thousands enjoy Bloxwich bonfire
Thousands flocked to the first of three Walsall Council-organised bonfires at the weekend to enjoy a dazzling display of fireworks.
Groups’ delight at former Walsall Mayor’s windfall
More than £5,000 has been handed over to borough groups thanks to the money raised through the former Mayor of Walsall’s charity appeals.
Birmingham Chamber Orchestra treat for Walsall audiences
Walsall Town Hall will be alive with classical sounds when Birmingham Chamber Orchestra takes the stage this weekend.
Public Consultation - Route 404 – Weston Street/West Bromwich Road
As part of the Bus Showcase scheme, improvements are proposed along Weston Street and West Bromwich Road.
Go-ahead for £400 million Walsall Gigaport
Regeneration leaders have hailed the go-ahead for the £400 million Walsall Gigaport as a major milestone in revolutionising the Black Country town’s economy and equipping it for the 21st century.
Half-term creative workshops for children at Walsall Museum
There’ll be fun and excitement for children at Walsall Museum during half term week.
Local Access Forum needs new members
The Public Rights of Way Team is looking for members from different interested groups, but in particular people who can represent cyclists, the needs of the disabled, and land managers regarding access to the rights of way network.
Miner lights up Brownhills
An iconic landmark statue has been lit up as part of a scheme by Walsall Council.
Important information about the Planning portal
We have been informed that there is scheduled maintenance taking place on the Planning Portal starting 20:00 on Friday 24 October 2008 and running through until 16:00 Saturday 25 October 2008.
Website upgrade
The work being carried out on our websites are now complete.
Attracting talented staff to Walsall Council
Online talent pools could be set up by Walsall Council following the success of a micro website which helped the authority tackle a shortage of social workers.
Are you a lights and football winner
Congratulations to our four lucky winners in our Walsall FC / Walsall lluminations competition.
Mayor of Walsall’s Civic Awards launched
An awards ceremony which puts the spotlight on people who make a real difference in their communities has been announced by the Mayor of Walsall.
Ring road leaflet drive launched as progress on track
A major drive is set to be launched to keep people in the picture over progress on a £17 million road scheme.
Brownhills Miner in the spotlight
A £30,000 scheme has been drawn-up to light up an iconic Walsall landmark.
Continental Market at Aldridge Shopping Centre 31 October- 02 November
Sample the delights of the continent as Aldridge hosts its first ever Continental Market.
Demand issued to scrap ‘suggestive’ pub campaign
A pub marketing campaign aimed at students which features ‘spank bats’ with suggestive comments has been criticised by Walsall Council trading standards officers.
Young voices help sport and leisure plans in Walsall
Children and young people from Walsall took part in discussions with council staff earlier this week to help the authority develop its plans for sports and leisure facilities in the borough.
Reassurance from Walsall Council finance chiefs
Walsall Council’s finance chiefs have moved to reassure residents and tax payers that the authority does not have investments in any of the Icelandic banks taken over by the Icelandic Government.
Walsall beauty spot volunteers sought
An appeal is being made for willing volunteers to help clear overgrown pathways at a Walsall nature reserve.
Illuminations: Hatrick of children’s stars
An eight foot high robot is just part of a trio of special attractions lining up to make Walsall Illuminations even more dazzling.
Walsall Announces an 'All Star Christmas Line Up'
Walsall Town Centre Management is proud to announce its all star line up for the Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch-On, on November 27 – a free event for all the family.
Civic reception set for Paralympic golden girl Eleanor
Walsall-born golden girl Eleanor Simmonds will be treated like a VIP when the borough’s Mayor hosts a civic reception to mark her triumph in the Paralympic Games.
Landmark celebrated at Joseph Leckie
Delighted education chiefs are celebrating the start of a £6 million project to transform a Walsall school.
Illuminations: Angelina, Peppa Pig and Pirates
Shiver me timbers! It’s time for the pirates of the Arboretum as the Walsall Illuminations get set for sea faring shenanigans.
Walsall Libraries Black History Month Special 2008 Celebrations
Walsall Libraries will be celebrating Black History Month again at Walsall Central Library, Lichfield Street, Walsall, on the 16th October starting at 5.
Chasing Fate at Birmingham Hippodrome
‘Chasing Fate’ is a new piece of musical theatre created for and by a group of 70 exceptional young people from across Walsall and the Black Country who have worked for the past two years with a team of experts from London’s West End, television and New York’s Broadway.
Annual Report 2007/8
Walsall Council’s Annual Report for the year 2007/08 is now available.
Website Illuminations competition winners
Congratulations to five lucky winners who are on their way for a fun-packed trip to Walsall Illuminations.
Boost for BMX fans at Walsall’s Reedswood Park
Young people in Walsall have been able to shape facilities at the town’s Reedswood Park after their suggestions for improvements at its BMX track were taken on board.
Youngsters’ tree-mendous contribution to future woodland
Young members of a Walsall environmental team will be able to play a vital role in creating a new area of woodland – by growing their own trees.
Fresh pallet appeal for Walsall bonfires
Businesses are being urged to clear out their unwanted wooden pallets and donate them to a good cause – Walsall’s three borough bonfires.
Walsall Partnership website relaunch
Walsall’s local strategic partnership is pleased to announce the relaunch of its website today.
Council budget priorities 2009/10: Your money, Your Choice
This autumn, residents in Walsall are being invited to take part in Walsall Council’s budget consultation for 2009/10.
The Age of the Crinoline: 1850-1870 - A talk on the history of costume at Walsall Museum
This fascinating talk, which will take place on Thursday 2 October 2008 at 2pm, will explore the development of costume during the high Victorian period.
New First Stop Shop opening times
The opening hours for Walsall Council’s First Stop Shop are set to change, as of Wednesday October 1 2008.
Illuminations: Opening night success
Delighted Walsall Illuminations organisers are celebrating after the event launched to acclaim.
Thoughts on living in Walsall sought
Five thousand households in Walsall are to be consulted over a three month period for their thoughts about living in Walsall and the services provided by local public services.
Olympic boost as lights show set to start
Delighted Walsall Illuminations organisers have been handed a boost after being chosen as part of the official London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.
GreenSTAT lets Walsall visitors have their say
Visitors to Walsall’s parks and green spaces can now let the council know their views thanks to the launch of greenSTAT – an online survey.
Statement of Accounts now available for review
The statement of accounts 2007/08 for Walsall Council, which shows in financial terms the performance of the council for the year ended 31 March 2008, has recently been approved andis now available for review.
Pelsall road to re-open this weekend
Contractors are due to finish essential bridge maintenance work in Pelsall this weekend – which means one of the village’s main routes will be re-opened.
Mayor of Walsall’s Irish Night success
An Irish Night to raise money for the Mayor of Walsall’s chosen charities has netted £5,500 for two of the borough’s good causes.
‘Green corridor’ set for ring road
An ambitious planting scheme along Walsall’s new £17 million ring road is set to take place this winter.
Lights park and ride bus – a bright idea!
Visitors to the glittering Walsall Illuminations have been urged to go green and use the park and ride bus.
Illuminations: Opening night countdown
Final finishing touches are being made to the glittering Walsall Illuminations 2008 before the gates are thrown open for the biggest inland lights show in Britain.
Children’s favourites to appear at Illuminations
Autumn Saturday evenings in Walsall this year will never be dull as a host of colourful children’s characters drop into the town as part of one of the region’s largest family events.
Creative Dialogues at Walsall Museum
A unique exhibition, featuring work from national and international artists will go on display this month at Walsall Museum.
Warm Walsall welcome home for Paralympic star Eleanor
Walsall Paralympic Games star Eleanor Simmonds could be given the honour of switching on the town’s Christmas lights as the borough moves to recognise her double gold triumph.
Willenhall Memorial Park fishing pool to be repaired
A fishing pool in one of Walsall’s Green Flag parks is to be repaired to the tune of £125,000, delighted councillors have announced.
Organ Festival at Walsall Town Hall
As Walsall Town Hall’s organ enters its second century of concerts, music lovers are invited to celebrate the centenary of this monument of civic pride.
Treats for all tastes as Walsall Live autumn and winter season is unveiled
Take the world famous Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band, add an Afternoon of Music and Comedy and a selection of seasonal shows and Walsall Live promises to be a real cracker of an event.
Ring road a pathway for multi-million pound boost
A new road will help attract almost £800 million of investment to the borough, Walsall Council chiefs reveal.
Illuminations: tickets on sale
Tickets have gone on sale for one of the biggest annual events held in the West Midlands.
National award hope for Walsall Council DVD
A DVD made by Walsall Council to make older people in Black and Asian communities aware of social services support available to them has been submitted for a national award.
Civic recognition for teenage Paralympian
A gold medal winner is set to receive civic recognition from her home town after her exploits in Beijing.
Christmas boost plan for Walsall town centre
Generous Walsall Council highways bosses could hand shoppers an early Christmas present thanks to a plan to offer free car parking places.
Walsall groups look forward to new era
Members of a Walsall boxing club and community association are looking forward to a new era in a new £2 million home that will be an innovative low carbon centre.
Pallet appeal for borough bonfires
Parks staff at Walsall Council are calling on companies to donate unwanted pallets to this year’s three borough bonfires.
Walsall business needs survey will boost borough charities
From saddle makers to sandwich shop owners – Walsall Council’s regeneration chiefs want to hear from businesses to gain a greater understanding of the issues affecting them.
Primley Avenue parking improvements
Walsall Council is introducing parking improvements outside three schools as part of its ongoing Red Routes programme.
Willenhall youngsters get a “wheel” buzz from bike project
An innovative Walsall Council-supported project has put youngsters on the road to learning new skills.
Walsall Green Team prepares to meet a blacksmith
Walsall youngsters who belong to an environmental group are being given the chance to step back in time and learn all about the life of a blacksmith.
Partnership working brings about Barr Beacon beauty spot access improvements
A near £10,000 project, funded by The Barr Beacon Trust that owns Walsall’s famous Barr Beacon beauty spot, will see main vehicle access tracks across the nature reserve improved.
Walsall Council consults with Blakenall residents
As part of Walsall Council’s pledge to see the Blakenall Community Centre remain as a community facility a consultation event is being held on Monday September 1 2008 between 11:00am and 7:00pm.
Work starts on Illuminations 2008
A countdown has started to the Walsall Illuminations 2008 as teams of experts have started work in the Arboretum.