PETITION Update: Summary of Meetings & Actions

PETITION Update: I have had meetings with various Heads of Service and the Director of Public Health @ Walsall Council and I attended the Corporate and Public Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the 24th Nov. I summarised our petition and the opportunities that there are available to us all. A few things were raised as follows: Delves Green Common - the legal status of the area has been confirmed as being a Town and Village Green. My understanding, I am waiting for it to be clarified, is that this now means the area is covered by the Commons Act 2006. Walsall Council are to confirm. Part of the Act means that encroachment on, or inclosure of, a green, and interference with or occupation of the land, is ILLEGAL unless it is with the aim of improving the enjoyment of the green. If an offence has occurred then the owner of the green can bring about a prosecution. This is a major result and is better than the current injunctions that are in place. It is now illegal rather than being considered unauthorised. In the coming weeks I shall be conducting a site visit, with Walsall MBC, of the Players, the field opposite the Yew Tree School and the Delves Green Common. It is intended that we develop a feasibility study to apply for funding to look at physical barriers to stop encroachment. The Players has had some “bunding” done but this is not the final completed option for this area, there will be more to look at and implement. I shall also be at Sandwell Council on Wednesday for an update on the position in this side of the borough border. Once I have conducted the site visits and attended meeting I shall update again. Thanks again for your help and support as always, this has really proved that if we stay together and keep pushing, cajoling and striving for a positive outcome for us all it can be done. Brilliant.