Views sought on public art revamp
Residents across Walsall Wood area are being given the chance to comment on ambitious regeneration plans which includes public art to recognise the area's mining history.
Residents across Walsall Wood area are being given the chance to comment on ambitious regeneration plans which includes public art to recognise the area's mining history.
A public consultation event is being held at St John Parish Church, St John's Close, Walsall Wood, next month to allow people to air their views on the council's plans.
The proposals include erecting a 45-foot high representation of pit winding gear, installing a sculpture of a miner along with life-sized steel and copper figures based on real life personalities from the town.
The public consultation event takes place on March 7 from 10am until 4pm and the revamp is set to change the face of the main High Street and surrounding area.
Councillor Mike Flower, chairman of the Walsall Wood regeneration steering committee, said: "This is a magnificent project that is really capturing the imagination here in Walsall Wood I'm very pleased to say.
"We really want people to take part in this consultation exercise and encourage people, young and old to come forward and have their say.
"Mining played such an important role here for centuries and former miners and their descendants still live here. There's a real enthusiasm to celebrate that heritage.
"Walsall Wood is also a very forward looking and open place and we want this to be reflected in the scheme."
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Walsall Council cabinet member for regeneration, added: "We are working hard to regenerate Walsall Wood with investment to make it an even better place to live and work. The public art scheme is one part of this and celebrates a rich tradition."
Artist Luke Perry of Industrial Heritage Stronghold has spent the last six months working with residents and traders to develop the plans.
The proposals are designed to reflect Walsall Wood's proud industrial heritage which includes the Essington and Wyrley canal, the working people of the town and the Walsall Wood coal mine.
Five pieces are to be produced in total, with the pit head planned for land at the rear of Oak Park leisure centre, off Lichfield Road. A plaque will be laid at the village green, off Lichfield Road, with life size cut steel and brass figures of real Walsall Wood people to be positioned on the green off Brooklands Road.
A fisherman sculpture is set to be created for the canal with the figure of a miner due to be produced for Walsall Wood High Street.
Mining boomed in the 19th century and by 1851, the population of Walsall Wood had risen to 1,142.
Between 1871 and 1891, the period during which Walsall Wood Colliery opened and expanded, the population rose to 3,242 with around 8,000 living in the community today. For more information about the public art project call Matt Potts on 01922 652495 or email [email protected]