Councillors met with officers a few weeks ago to decide upon the plans that will be implemented for the Walsall Wood regeneration. Your three ward councillors have held two public consultation sessions, received numerous representations over the phone and in person and after much research and thought we have decided the following:
Brooklands Road open space
There is a strong consensus that the paths, benches and bins and the installation of the youth shelter would increase the potential of antisocial behaviour at Brooklands Road open space. It is therefore agreed that these proposals will not be implemented.
It was however suggested that an appropriate location for a youth shelter would be at Oak Park. The regeneration dept. alongside the green spaces team will agree a location at Oak Park for the Youth shelter. The youth shelter will therefore not be at Brookland Road.
There was a mixed response relating to whether or not the underpass should remain open. The regeneration team will be looking in more detail as to whether there are implications of it being a right of way, a suitable location for any potential alternative crossing facility, the method of closure. Following investigation into these matters the steering group and public will be informed of the outcome of the final proposal for the underpass. It is the intention of the councillors to close this underpass should investigations show this is feasible.
The following works will be undertaken as indicated on the consultation plans:
• New ‘traditional style’ metal railings boundary
• Additional spring bulb planting
• Existing woodland to be thinned
• Potential location for artwork
Coppice Road Open Space
Results from the consultation were in support of the following proposals at Coppice Road therefore they will be implemented.
• New link path across open space
• Bench and bin station alongside path
• New ‘traditional style’ metal railings boundary
Library Boundary
Support was given for the majority of the proposals at the Library. However it is evident that additional cycle stands are not required as the ones to the rear of the library building are considered an adequate supply.
The location of the Christmas Tree for the village has been considered and discussions are ongoing with the potential for the tree to be installed within the grounds of St John’s Church. The LNP has provided funding for Christmas lights and these will be installed shortly. Councillors are seeking to source a Christmas tree and arrange installation and a switch on event for the community.
Following discussions with the library staff it was also considered necessary to seek the installation of a pedestrian safety barrier at the library entrance to stop small children running from the library into a busy junction. The highways department will seek provision of a safety barrier.
The following works will be implemented at the Library:
• Seasonal planting along coppice road adjacent to library car park
• Minor pruning works to Birch tree
• New bespoke railings to library frontage with brick paved trim
• Ornamental low shrub planting to create frontage garden
• Paved access path for building maintenance / emergency access
Pavement resurfacing
No comments were received relating to the resurfacing of the northern side of the High Street pavement therefore the proposals will go ahead. The resurfacing of the southern pavement will be undertaken as part of red route proposals the detail of which will be consulted upon during early 2009.
Village Green
Proposals for the village green were supported by a large majority of respondents therefore the following works will be implemented to enhance the green area.
• New Tarmac path link to High Street
• New paved area with benches, bins and raised planters
• Potential location for Art work
Official village green status is going through the Legal Department at the moment to ensure that the green will be protected for years and generations to come.
Lorry Park
The conclusions drawn from the consultation on the 3 options for the lorry park are that the preferred use of is for a 24 hour car park. The car park should have a single entrance and a height barrier. The car park will be resurfaced. The timescales for the implementation of the alterations to the car park are dependant on approval by Cabinet which is being sought Dec08 / Jan09 for the change of use of the lorry park to a car park. Ward councillors will lobby the cabinet to support our decision.
Public Art
Luke Perry from Industrial Hertitage has been commissioned to create two pieces of public art to celebrate the heritage and area of Walsall Wood. Look out for ways to get involved shortly.
Timescales
It is intended that works to Brooklands Road and Coppice Road commence late November 2008 and the works to the Library Boundary and the Village green and pavements resurfacing be undertaken early January 2009. Works to the lorry park will be undertaken once cabinet approval has been sought.
So there you go. Months of hard work. We’ve tried to arrive at a compromise so hopefully everyone will have some bits of the project they will like. As i’ve learned you can’t please everyone but rest assured that we’ve made our decisions with the best of intentions. It has been a genuine learning curve for myself and the other councillors and we hope it will give people in Walsall Wood a better local centre to enjoy.
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