Jonathan Dimbleby took questions from Sedgley residents at High Arcal School
Despite chilly temperatures outside, High Arcal School was the venue for heated debate this Friday, December 9, as head girl Jenny Bullas was among members of the audience selected to ask questions on BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions.
A capacity crowd consisting of people from all over the Black Country listened eagerly during the broadcast as host, Jonathan Dimbleby, chaired topics of debate including David Cameron’s recent veto of the EU treaty to rescue the euro, controversial proposals for means testing of bus passes and TV licences for pensioners, current attitudes to the ever-rising number of unemployed people in the UK and Jenny’s question regarding the mandatory life sentence and its fairness.
The panel was made up of Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond, Shadow Home Office Minister, Gloria De Piero, Sir Charles Pollard, former Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police and Daily Telegraph columnist, Mary Riddell. A strong police presence both inside and outside the school signified the importance of tonight’s guests, although happily, the evening passed without incident.
Hilarious
Any Questions got off to a hilarious start when the panel was asked who they would most like to send to newly discovered planet, Kepler 22b. Philip Hammond suggested Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls, while Sir Charles Hammond declared he would be happy to launch controversial Top Gear host, Jeremy Clarkson, into space.
There were emotive debates between Philip Hammond and Gloria De Piero as they challenged each other’s policies on getting the UK deficit down and helping more people into work. Sir Charles Hammond received a huge round of applause when he stated that, rather than being a nation of shopkeepers as Napoleon famously said, we are now a nation of London-centric agents and middlemen eating into the pension funds of working people and causing a pension growth rate of just 1.5 per cent.
Unjust
High Arcal’s head girl, Jenny Bullas, posed the last question of the night, asking whether the panel thought the mandatory life sentence was unjust. This led Sir Charles Hammond to reel off some fascinating statistics regarding restorative justice (where offenders meet their victims) and a reduction in the amount of people re-offending. Most of the panel agreed some form of change was needed to differentiate between premeditated murders and so-called ‘mercy killings’, but concurred that change is unlikely to happen in the near future.
The event was a major success for High Arcal School, which, as well as recently becoming an Academy, is also celebrating its 50th anniversary. Visit the school’s website for more information.
Alex Ohm, lead singer with Sedgley's The Lines, at the Wulfrun Hall on Saturday
The Lines led a role call of local talent onstage at Wolverhampton’s Wulfrun Hall on Saturday (December 3), with their new songs demonstrating a fascinating new direction for the Sedgley-based four-piece.
After Dudley’s Dakota Beats and Wednesfield outfit The Limelight warmed the near-capacity crowd up and helped them forget the chilly temperatures outside, lead singer Alex Ohm, guitarist Dean Bate, drummer Dave ‘Paddy’ O’Connor and bassist Danny Pease took to the stage for what would turn out to be a triumphant homecoming gig.
Older songs such as Tracey, Circles and Domino Effect were received like well-loved classics, with the crowd singing along to every word. But, it’s the new material showcased by Alex and Co that hints at an exciting new sound that should set them apart from their peers.
Brooding
Take new song Fever, for example – a pulsing, brooding, atmospheric beast that combines elements of Doves or The Verve at their most spaced-out, with the warmth of a string section and a relentless beat.
Having spent this year touring with Ocean Colour Scene and Pete Doherty, it’s clear The Lines are now keener than ever to explore sonic possibilities and gradually leave behind the anthemic, punch-the-air rock of their early material.
Dance music has always played a part in tracks such as El Matador, but it was on final song, Caught in the Crossfire, that Alex and the boys really let go with some four-to-the-floor action, helped along by a group of percussionists. As with Fever, this new tune – which sounds a little like Friendly Fires might sound if they were ever to drink Ruby Mild – points towards an exciting future.
Next year promises to be an exciting one for The Lines as they build upon the success of their exhausting tour schedule and branch out in new musical directions. The fact that one of their tunes now features on the soundtrack to a popular computer game should introduce their music to lots of new fans worldwide and result in the widespread acclaim the band deserves. Here’s to 2012 – let’s make it the year of The Lines.
Year 5 pupils, with Olivia, centre, were raising funds for CLIC Sargent
Pupils at Saint Chad’s Primary School, Sedgley, showed that Christmas is also about helping others when they took part in the school’s hugely successful festive fayre last Friday, December 2.
But, what made this event even more special, is the fact that many of the kindhearted youngsters who were selling a wide range of home-made gifts to raise money for charities, have already overcome huge hurdles in their own lives.
“We choose different charities to raise money for each year,” explains headteacher, Sharon Mason, “but we always select those which have made such a huge difference to the lives of our pupils and their families.”
A good example of this is Year 6 pupil and keen walker, Jack, who, along with his friend, Bryn, is organising a sponsored walk just after Christmas in memory of their friend Calum’s dad, who passed away in The Mary Stevens Hospice, Oldswinford, recently.
“We’re going to walk nine miles of the Dudley Trail around Baggeridge,” explains Jack, “and we hope to raise as much money as possible for the hospice. There are already at least 10 people joining us, including our families, so we hope to make this a really special occasion.”
Amazing Olivia
Another amazing pupil at this historic school is Year 5 pupil, Olivia, who, at the age of 14 months, had to undergo a gruelling year of extensive treatment for retinoblastoma – eye cancer – at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, which included freezing the tumours with cryotherapy, radiation and chemotherapy injections directly into her eyes.
In order to stop the disease spreading and, ultimately, save her life, surgeons had no option but to remove her left eye. Now, however, Olivia is a cancer-free, outgoing, bubbly nine-year-old, with a love of dancing and Harry Potter and a keen desire to get involved and help others. Along with fellow Year 5 pupils, she was kept busy at the Christmas Fayre raising money for children’s cancer charity, CLIC Sargent.
Other organisations to benefit from the hard work and kind hearts of the youngsters at Saint Chad’s include the Wishing Well appeal at Russells Hall Hospital, Guide Dogs, Cherry Trees Special School in Wombourne, Compton Hospice and Age UK.
Year 3 pupils were also raising money for another cause close to their hearts – Ward 11 (the children’s ward) at Birmingham Orthopaedic Hospital, where Kieran, another Saint Chad’s student, recently had his second limb lengthening operation. Kieran has achondroplasia – a disorder of bone growth that causes the most common type of dwarfism.
Also getting into the spirit of Christmas at the event was Year 2 teacher Dedra Montoya, who has swapped Colorado Springs in the States for Sedgley as part of the Fulbright teacher exchange programme – a scheme where teachers quite literally swap lives with each other, including living in each other’s homes.
“Teaching these kids and living in the Black Country has been such a great adventure,” says Dedra, who will return home on December 22 and has been keeping everyone informed of her experiences via her blog page.
The Christmas Fayre event, which is now in its third year, was declared a great success by staff, students and parents. Next year, Saint Chad’s will celebrate its 175th anniversary with a series of events involving the local community.
Jonathan Dimbleby will be taking questions from Sedgley residents at High Arcal School
Sedgley residents concerned about current affairs will get the chance to put their questions to politicians, a top ex-policeman and a national newspaper columnist ,when popular show, Any Questions, is broadcast from a Sedgley school.
High Arcal School will be hosting the BBC Radio 4 show, presented by Jonathan Dimbleby, on Friday December 9.
The well-known news and political discussion show, which sees a panel of personalities quizzed by the audience, will feature secretary of state for defence, Philip Hammond MP, shadow home office minister, Gloria De Piero MP, former chief constable of Thames Valley Police, Sir Charles Pollard and Mary Riddell, Daily Telegraph columnist.
Headmaster, Sukhjot Dhami, says: “We’re delighted to be hosting the show here, especially in our 50th anniversary year and after having received, once again, an ‘outstanding’ Oftsed report. Two former pupils of the school are now members of parliament, so it seems appropriate that High Arcal should be chosen as the venue for such a high profile event.”
Questions
Questions can be submitted on the day, with around 10 picked for use in the programme – although the panellists never see them in advance.
The show goes out live at 8pm and is repeated the following Saturday at 1.15pm, followed by a 2pm phone-in, giving listeners chance to join in the debate.
Tickets for the event are free and are available by emailing bbcradio4@high-arcal.dudley.sch.uk or calling 0845 1550411.
Alternatively, visit the school’s website to download an application form.
RNLI mascot, Rookie the Reindeer, will be helping everyone get into the festive fun run spirit
Baggeridge Country Park near Sedgley is the venue for this year’s reindeer run – a fun event for all the family in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
Runners and strollers are invited to take part in the charity’s first ever Reindeer Run fun run event, which takes place this Saturday, November 26. People of all levels – from beginners to experts – are invited to join in the festive fun and help raise vital funds for the charity that saves lives at sea.
Mascot Rookie the Reindeer and the RNLI team will be visiting Baggeridge for the first time and enjoying the breathtaking surroundings of this popular area of natural beauty. Baggeridge Country Park, which is run by South Staffordshire Council, has received the prestigious Green Flag Award for 13 consecutive years and welcomes more than 145,000 visitors a year. Rookie has already visited the course this week to ensure that all runners and supporters have the best family day out possible while supporting the RNLI.
Santa Saunter
The RNLI Reindeer Run is a 5k and 10k fun run suitable for all ages and abilities. There’s also a chance for the volunteer lifeboat crew’s younger supporters to join in the festive fun by taking part in the charity’s unique Santa Saunter– a walk or jog around Baggeridge Pool.
Charlotte Bird, RNLI events manager says: “Registration is now open for the RNLI Reindeer Run at Baggeridge Country Park. There’s a warm welcome for runners, walkers and strollers of all ages and abilities to join in the festive fun at the country park this November. Join the RNLI in this unique Christmas event and help save lives at sea across the UK and Irish coast.
‘There will be plenty of festive entertainment for family and friends to enjoy within the grounds as they support their loved ones across the course. Entry fees for the Reindeer Run are £18 for the 10K, £16 for the 5km and £7.50 for the Santa Saunter, with under fives entering for free. All participants will receive a T-shirt and a free pair of reindeer antlers and flashing red nose to speed them on their way and a mince-pie and hot drink at the finish line.”
To find out more about the RNLI Reindeer Run or future RNLI events contact Hannah Carling, RNLI events co-ordinator on 0121 780 6960 or e-mail events_west@rnli.org.uk.
Following on from a visit to Sedgley’s Beacon Hotel earlier this year, it seems local legend AJW, renowned for leaving beermats in pubs featuring a drawing of 1950’s star Mario Lanza, has been getting hungry for more exposure.
Anthony Arnold, a regular reader of Sedgleyscene, was amazed to discover the mysterious artist’s latest calling card drawn on an empty box of chicken pies in the somewhat unglamorous surroundings of a local Morrison’s supermarket toilet.
He says: “On Monday, November 21, I found a drawing of Mari Lanza . It had been drawn on the back of one of those frozen chicken packages. It’s got the usual picture and signature AJW and the Facebook.com under the picture and a Yahoo address down the side. No message except ‘Super Mario!’ written on it. I found it on top of the thingy machine in the gents toilet at Morrison’s, Wednesbury. I thought he only did them on beer mats – don’t know if it’s the real thing or what.”
Could this be the latest calling card from the mysterious AJW?
Impressed by his discovery, Anthony took a picture, which is posted here. All the trademark signs are there – the line drawing of Mario Lanza, together with this anonymous artist’s Facebook page and email addresses. However, Tony is unsure as to whether this latest offering is the real deal and is appealing to Sedgleyscene readers to help.
The mysterious drawings, which have been appearing on beermats in pubs since the 1970s, have continued to baffle local residents.
No-one seems to know why each inscription by this phantom artist – who simply calls his or herself AJW – bears a dedication to Mario Lanza, a famous American tenor singer and actor who died in 1959.
This enduring mystery has led to a Facebook page being set up in this mysterious character’s honour which now has 172 members. It seems AJW also likes to get around, leaving calling cards in pubs and other public buildings across the Black Country and Birmingham – often with personal dedications to members of staff.
Some avid followers of AJW also believe there could be several artists at work – especially as the original phantom would now be more than 80 years old – but no-one has been able to confirm this.
Can you help Sedgleyscene and Anthony confirm this latest discovery? Get in touch with us at sedgleyscene@gmail.com We’d love to hear from you.
Staff and customers at the Clifton have been raising money throughout the year for children's cancer charity, CLIC Sargent
Magic, movies, comedy, grottos and fancy dress – there’s something for the whole family this Christmas at one of Sedgley’s most popular pubs.
And, as well as having fun, visitors to JD Wetherspoon pub, the Clifton, this festive season, will be raising vital funds for leading children’s cancer charity, CLIC Sargent.
Suzanne Nickl, who is organising this year’s event, says: “Our previous efforts to raise money for CLIC Sargent have been a huge success, so we wanted to build on that and promote the excellent work carried out by this charity, while providing a great range of entertainment for customers of all ages. We want everyone to join in, have fun and help raise funds for a very worthy cause.”
The packed programme of events gets underway on Monday, December 19 at 2pm, when a children’s entertainer will put smiles on the faces of youngsters and their families.
This is followed at 7pm by a movie marathon, where customers can relax with their favourite food and drink while enjoying a great selection of films including some festive favourites.
Garden grotto
On Tuesday, December 20, from 2pm, youngsters can get into the festive spirit by making their own tree decorations, while at 5pm, the Clifton’s garden grotto will be unveiled, featuring a stall selling hot roasted chestnuts and jacket potatoes.
Wednesday, December 21, sees a packed programme of events beginning with a special Christmas party for youngsters at 2pm, where there will be tasty treats and party games aplenty.
This is followed at 6pm by an incredible display of trickery from Sedgley-based magician Colin Tighe, while at 8pm, budding comedians are invited to take the spotlight for the Clifton Christmas comedian open mic event. Anyone interested in entering can see a member of staff for details on how to apply.
Thursday, December 22, may be the shortest day on the calendar, but there’s still plenty of time for youngsters to make their own Christmas cards and post their letters to Santa from 2pm till 4pm.
As the big day draws near, Santa will be opening his grotto on Friday, December 23. At this event, which runs from 2pm until 4pm, youngsters will not only be able to meet the big man himself, they’ll also receive a gift for every donation to CLIC Sargent.
Pyjama party
From 7pm, it’s time for grown-ups to enter into the spirit of the season, with the Clifton’s Friday festive pyjama party. Despite encouraging everyone to arrive dressed in their nightwear, Suzanne and her team promise this will be anything but a sleepy occasion, with festive shots on offer for £1 and all monies raised going to CLIC. The first 10 people to arrive in fancy dress will also get a free jelly shot to help them get into the party mood.
On Saturday, December 24, grown-ups can enter into a little seasonal sauciness with the Clifton’s sexy Santa Saturday event. Customers are encouraged to come along and sparkle in their best party outfits, while enjoying festive shots for £1. As with the pyjama party, the first 10 people dressed up will receive a free jelly shot and all money raised will be going to CLIC Sargent.
Registered charity CLIC Sargent is dedicated to helping children with cancer and their families. Every day, 10 families are told their child has the disease and, as the UK’s leading children’s cancer charity, CLIC Sargent is the only organisation to offer them all round care and support. Visit their website for more information.
Visit the Clifton’s Facebook page for more information on the pub’s forthcoming events. Suzanne has also set up a page, Christmas CLIC Week at the Clifton, dedicated to the fun-packed programme of events taking place in the run up to the big day.
Sedgley's real ale lovers are spoilt for choice this winter with a selection of seasonal specials
On a dark winter’s night, there’s nothing better than to take a trip to the local pub, grab a seat by the fire and enjoy one of the fine seasonal ales produced by Sedgley’s excellent breweries.
And, with Camra’s Dudley Winter Ales Fayre launching next Thursday, it seems only appropriate that we at Sedgleyscene re-acquaint ourselves with some of the finest brews this region has to offer.
Firstly, it’s down to the Beacon Hotel, home to the Sarah Hughes Brewery and its fine selection of regular beers, Surprise, Pale Amber and the infamous Ruby Mild.
While this unique pub with its Victorian tower brewery may have attracted controversy of late due to a seemingly unpopular ban on dogs, one thing that has remained constant is the quality of its beer.
And its winter special, Snowflake, is no exception. Available from next Thursday, November 24, this well-rounded, rich ale is guaranteed to keep out the cold.
But, don’t be fooled by its delicate-sounding name – weighing in at a hefty 8 per cent ABV, this barley wine-style concoction packs an almighty punch and is wisely served by Alex Marchant and her team in half-pint glasses.
Having a blast
Down in Woodsetton, the brewers at Holden’s have been putting the finishing touches to their festive special ale, named – appropriately enough – Christmas Blaster.
This golden ale, which is a more manageable 4.8 per cent ABV, is described by the popular Black Country brewery as: “Challenger hops and Optic malt suffuse to create winter sunshine in a glass. With a lively and assertive hop character and a dominant malty sweetness throughout this premium beer results in a moreish malty aftertaste. Will certainly blow away the cobwebs!”
Sample Holden's ales at the Bull's Head in Bilston Street
Christmas Blaster also takes its name from local history. In days of yore, “time off” was a rare luxury. The Sabbath was strictly adhered to – but this was a time for sober religious reflection not joviality – and holidays were few and far between. Christmas holidays consisted of Christmas day and (for some) Boxing Day.
However, nothing stood in the way of efficiency, and a blast furnace needed to be cared for and kept up to temperature no matter what day of the year, for if it cooled it would need to be dismantled and re-fired – a long and costly process. As a result, a skeleton workforce was always in attendance and if they were unfortunate enough to have to work on the 25th December, the poor souls were jokingly referred to as Christmas Blasters.
Sedgley drinkers can sample this winter wonder at the Bull’s Head in Bilston Street.
Winter’s t-ale
Over in Lower Gornal, the boys at Black Country Ales have been mashing merrily to create their seasonal offering, English Winter. With an ABV of 5.5 per cent, this stronger than usual brew is described as: “A well-balanced brown ale with a complex character of fine Marris Otter malt and choice Fuggles and Goldings hops.”
But be warned – this beer is dangerously moreish.
Prepare to get bitten by Black Widow, the seasonal ale at Ma Pardoe's
Slighty further afield, in Netherton, lies another traditional gem of the Black Country. The Old Swan, or Ma Pardoe’s as it’s more commonly known, is a unique, quirky pub full of character and serving a range of excellent real ales brewed in its Victorian tower brewery.
And, as the winter chill really starts to bite, landlord Tim Newey and his team are almost ready to launch their seasonal special, the aptly named Black Widow.
This incredibly dark tipple, which has a venomous ABV of 6.7 per cent, is a wonderfully balanced ale which shares some characteristics with the previously mentioned Dark Ruby Mild available at the Beacon Hotel.
Once again this winter, Sedgley’s suppers are spoilt for choice, with a winter ale to appeal to all tastes. It’s time to wrap up warm, take a trip to one of the region’s fine historic pubs and enjoy the taste of tradition.
The Camra Dudley Winter Ales Fayre is held at Dudley Concert Hall and begins on Thursday, November 24, at 5.30pm and continues from 12 noon on Friday and Saturday. There will be more than 70 real ales available, along with cider, wine and foreign bottled beers. Hot and cold food is available and there will be live entertainment. Entry on Thursday and Friday is £3, or £1 for Camra members.
Senior keeper and Sedgley resident, Lesley Lewis, takes part in today's two-minute silence
A Sedgley woman joined fellow staff in observing the two-minute silence today, November 11, across the 40-acre site of Dudley Zoological Gardens.
Senior Keeper and proud Sedley resident, Lesley Lewis, led others in the poignant ceremony, which ties in with this Sunday’s Remembrance Day parade.
Peter Suddock, chief executive officer at the zoo says: “All employees, including keepers, gardeners, maintenance, catering and admin staff marked the silence out of respect for those servicemen and women who died for their country.
“It was particularly poignant for several members of staff whose family and friends have served in Iraq and Afghanistan in recent years.”
On Sunday, presenters will be muffling visitor announcements to avoid disruption of Dudley’s civic Remembrance Day parade.
Mr Suddock adds: “Our 11am announcements are quite detailed, so we will be making them early to ensure the sound doesn’t carry down the hill to the cenotaph during the wreath-laying ceremony.”
An artist's impression of how the proposed Coseley Eco Park will look
It’s been billed as a ‘a landmark regeneration project that will bring lasting change to an underused and in decline industrial area to the south of Coseley town centre’.
Yet, some people living close to the proposed Coseley Eco Park, near Sedgley, are concerned the project may not be as beneficial to the environment as its developers claim.
The £120 million project will, it is claimed, create 1,300 new jobs, incorporate 200 new homes, a supermarket, retail outlet and a community hall and football pitch.
Energy Recovery Facility
However, it’s the inclusion of an Energy Recovery Facility, which uses natural gases from locally produced non-recyclable waste to create low-carbon heat and power for the site, that has worried members of the public living close to the three industrial estates stretching between Birmingham New Road, the Birmingham Canal and Sedgley Road West.
And, following the submission of an outline planning application by Skelton Group Investments Ltd to Dudley Council in October, concerned residents have decided to campaign against the proposals and launch a petition.
Carla Lavender-Ward, who is behind the campaign, says: “From a personal point of view, I welcome the regeneration of the land, and of course new jobs for the area. I don’t object to the Eco Park on the whole.
“However, the major sticking point is the Energy Recovery Facility (ERF). I had to do some digging to get to the bottom of what this actually is, as the information on the developer’s website was quite woolly and doesn’t really describe the process in any plain English or detail.
“The developers are denying it’s an incinerator. However, by EU definition it is, and as part of the planning documents they have submitted, Dudley Council describe it as one too!”
Consultation
However, Carla’s claims that the developers have misled the public are strongly denied by Simon Lawrence, from Coseley Eco Park consultation team, who says: “We are of course disappointed with the accusation that we have misled anyone regarding the Energy Recovery Facility proposed at Coseley Eco Park. We have been 100 per cent open and forthcoming about this element of our master plan from the very beginning of the consultation process in September.
“The whole reason behind our public consultation, in advance of submitting any formal plans to Dudley Council, was to explain to the community how we would like to see the site develop in future, to receive feedback and suggestions in order to improve our proposals and to open up a dialogue with the community as we go through the long, and uncertain, process towards delivering the employment-led regeneration for Coseley.
“We have talked about the Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) from day one – in fact, it is the main reason that this is an ‘Eco Park’ rather than a standard mixed-use development. The ERF, which is wholly different from an incinerator as waste is not burnt, is classed by the Government as renewable energy, supported by Government waste policy and will supply low-carbon heat to the site – reducing energy usage and carbon dioxide emissions at the site by 4,574 tonnes per year.”
Emerging technology
Carla, however, is not so sure, adding: “I’ve looked into ‘gasification’ technology – which this plant uses – and which the developers say means it’s not an incinerator.
“In a recent consultation document concerning renewable obligations for 2013-17, the Department of Energy and Climate Change describes gasification as: “emerging and unproven technologies for the treatment of waste biomass and mixed municipal waste where there are number of technical issues to resolve, for example, achieving intended throughput and air emission standards.”
“They also call it ‘small’ and for local waste only, yet, in another document, however, say it’s going to be used for household and trade waste. It will have at least 45 HGVs per day bringing rubbish to the site, and be processing 120,000 tons of rubbish per year – the equivalent of what the whole of the Dudley Borough produces every year, but which is already handled at the Lister Road incinerator. So, it doesn’t sound like it’s that local to me.”
While Simon and the team take Carla’s views and those of local residents on board, he is also keen to allay their fears, adding: “We’re aware this element of our master plan could be misinterpreted or judged as an old-fashioned incinerator, which is why we went to such efforts to make sure it was front and centre on our plans and that we explained it to everyone we spoke to. At our exhibition events, we had representatives from BioGenpower present to explain the ERF and most people were perfectly happy with it.
“With regard to pollutants from the ERF, these are strictly controlled by the Environment Agency and the limit set at a level which will not cause harm to the community. The ERF’s highest emissions are one tenth of that permitted and the majority are substantially less than one tenth. It is a very clean and low emission process.”
Petition
But, despite the developer’s claims that local residents have been kept informed at each stage of the process, Carla says the reality for people in her neighbourhood is very different, adding: “I did a door to door on my estate on the weekend, and not one person is happy about it. All signed a petition against it. The developers will be the first to tell you how they have gone out of their way to inform people about the plans and the detail around it, however there are literally hundreds, if not thousands in the area that don’t understand various points on the plans and the development.”
If this is the case, it would seem the developers still have some way to go in convincing local residents of Coseley Eco Park’s safety.
Simon explains: “Obviously, we are disappointed with any opposition to our plans, especially as we have had so much support to date, but we will continue to engage with all of the local community throughout the planning process and into the future.
“We would like to add that the plans we have submitted are only outline at this stage and just agree the principle of redevelopment and possible land uses. We need to submit detailed plans and have these approved before we can start work. We intend to consult again on these detailed plans, including the ERF, next year.”
But, for the meantime, Carla and other local residents remain unconvinced.
“There are so many woolly statements, inconsistencies and window dressing,” she concludes. “It’s hard not to be cynical, and to wonder what the truth actually is.”
Sedgleyscene 