Latest news with #AdrianAndrew
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Walsall Council provides update on future of former Bloxwich Hospital
The deputy leader of Walsall Council has provided an update following speculation about the future of the former Bloxwich Hospital site. The premises, still owned by the Black Country NHS Trust, was last used as a psychiatric facility before its closure in February 2025. READ MORE: Nine Walsall councillors blocked from standing in 2026 elections amid Conservative branch chaos The sale of the Reeves Street site is part of an agreement that has allowed the trust to secure funding for the newly opened Older People's Inpatient Unit at Dorothy Pattison Hospital. Since its closure, social media has been flooded with unsubstantiated claims that the building will be converted into 'luxury' accommodation for 'illegals'. However the trust said it was committed to ensuring any future use for the site will 'align with the needs of the community'. Currently, the building has no existing planning permissions and no live planning applications are under assessment by the council for any alternative use. Ward member for Bloxwich West, Councillor Michael Coulson, asked for the update at full council on July 30. Deputy leader Councillor Adrian Andrew responded: 'The trust, after interventions by officers, myself and Councillor Flint, are committed to ensuring that any future use for the site aligns with the needs of our community. 'They are working closely with us now to support the disposal and deliver a scheme that meets local needs. 'Any forthcoming proposal will be subject to a planning application and associated formal statutory consultation process.' Council Andrew said he has been 'quite firm' with the chief executive of the trust about its responsibility to secure the building. He added: 'Organisations which own public property need to make sure it is secured and that they are not causing a problem to the communities they represent, otherwise it just passes the bill on. 'Whether that's to the fire service because of an arson attack, or the police, or the council because we have to start taking enforcement action. 'I've been quite firm about their responsibility as a public sector organisation to the people that we all represent.'
BBC News
31-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Date set for first stage of Walsall's £1.5bn revamp
Work on a major part of a £1.5bn project to regenerate a town centre is set to get underway at the start of 2026. The Town Centre Connected Gateway will see Walsall's Saddlers Centre overhauled and a clearer link created between the rail and bus work on the shopping centre is set to be completed this autumn before more extensive renovation work will begin at the start of next year. A spokesperson for Walsall Council said the project would help diversify the town centre, moving away from it having a focus on retail. The plans will see Park Street opened up, creating a clear sight-line from the railway station entrance through to the bus station, they greenery will be planted, walkways will be resurfaced and the Saddlers Centre will be revamped into a light, modern and welcoming space, under the plans. The deputy leader of the authority, Adrian Andrew, said: "What we need to do is change our town centre because people aren't just coming to town centre to shop for retail. "So we've got to bring leisure, we've got to bring education and other reason for people to come into the town centre."We're working with our partners and the community to build a better future for Walsall town centre where people feel safe, happy and healthy and where there are ample opportunities to live, work and spend time."According to the council, Walsall College is planning to take on the former Marks and Spencer store to bring a brand new adult learning facility into the town authority is also working with the Canal and River Trust to improve the canal basin in the town to encourage boaters and make better use of the waterfront area. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
30-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Three Men in a Boat clock to return in Walsall
A beloved town centre display featuring a clock and mechanical figures dedicated to Three Men in a Boat author Jerome K Jerome is to return home after years in set was unveiled in 1990 at Saddlers Shopping Centre in Walsall - the author's home town. But due to repeat mechanical issues, it was put away, said Walsall Council which has agreed to fund the restoration of the display as part of town centre regeneration had long called for the return of the feature, with a petition in 2017 gaining 100 signatures. The piece is to be reinstated in the shopping centre's atrium area, and will include the clock and its signature three mechanical figures - which, representing the book's titular trio, will start rowing their boat on each hour. The 1889 novel tells the story of three Edwardian men who decide to take a boating holiday, experiencing mishaps along the way. Councillor Adrian Andrew said: "[The clock] was a prominent and popular feature in the Saddlers Centre and local people have lots of fond memories of seeing it in action."While regenerating our town centre is necessary to create opportunities and boost the local economy, it's important that we keep an eye on our proud heritage and restoring features like this is a really nice way to honour our history [while] moving forward."Melvin Glasby, manager of the centre, added: "[Seeing the clock] was a family tradition, so I am sure the people of Walsall will be excited to see its return and we look forward to welcoming new generations back to see it." Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
23-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Former Walsall Council leader praised for 'impeccable' service
The acting leader of Walsall Council has paid tribute to the authority's former leader following his sudden Garry Perry announced on Wednesday he was resigning as leader with immediate effect, citing being subjected to a "campaign of political attrition" as the reason for his deputy, councillor Adrian Andrew, has stepped in as acting leader of the Conservative-run council until a replacement can be a statement, Andrew said he wanted to pay tribute to Perry's "impeccable leadership and service" to both the Conservative group and Walsall Council over many years. "Garry is an incredibly caring and empathetic person who has the best interests of residents in Pelsall and communities across Walsall at heart," Andrew had been selected as leader of the council in June 2024, after the authority's longest-serving leader Mike Bird a statement announcing his sudden departure, Perry said he had been subjected to "a campaign of political attrition, deliberate undermining, and personal hostility".He suggested the leadership position he was in was "bullying dressed up as politics" and said he would not allow himself to be "complicit by staying silent or clinging to office"."I leave this office with my head held high, proud of what we've achieved, and more certain than ever that Walsall deserves better than the behaviour it is currently being subjected to behind closed doors," he councillors will elect a new group leader at an upcoming meeting, before voting for a new council leader at a full council also promised residents that services would continue to be delivered as normal."The people of Walsall borough can be assured that services will continue to be delivered by dedicated and conscientious members of staff," he said."And the council will continue to play its full role at the regional level, making sure we are at the table to secure more investment into our borough." This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Parks to get upgraded with £25m government grant
Two Bloxwich parks are on track for a makeover thanks to a £25m government grant. The Bloxwich Town Deal will focus on Leamore Park and Bloxwich Park, with new play areas designed by local schools. Phased work has got under way so both parks are not closed to the public at the same time. Councillor Adrian Andrew, associate leader of Walsall Council, said: "Creating opportunities for local people to spend time outdoors for leisure and exercise, and creating attractive, safe spaces for children and young people" was key. Local pupils designed Bloxwich Park's children's area, which will be Pat Collins Funfair themed. Mr Collins was a showman and former mayor of Walsall, but he is chiefly remembered for his involvement in the fairgrounds industry. Accessibility to the parks will be improved by landscaping and making repairs to pathways. Regeneration projects will also take place at the Pat Collins Memorial Garden and Prominade Gardens, will restoration and repairs made, with new and additional seating and ornamental plants throughout. Leamore Park will have a seaside-themed children's play area, also designed by local children. The Golden Mile Circuit will be upgraded to create a new walking and running activity track, suitable for all ages. Councillor Adrian Andrews said: "The plans for the parks look great and I look forward to seeing them up and running early next year." There are plans for the King George V Memorial Playing Fields to also be transformed in the coming months. Park pond destroyed by vandals after refurbishment £5m project aims to boost green spaces Walsall Council
