APICULTURE BEYOND HONEY
Our mission is to reconnect people with nature and each other by providing a knowledge base aimed at altering public attitude toward our impact on the environment and creating local, solid, biodiverse foundations from which responsible, sustainable and healthier communities can be built... starting with a beehive.
“For so work the honey-bees, creatures that by a rule in nature teach the act of order to a peopled kingdom”. – William Shakespeare.
SOMETHING IS SERIOUSLY WRONG
IT WASN'T MEANT TO BEE LIKE THIS
THIS PROJECT WAS MEANT TO BE SPECIAL.
NEARLY 7 YEARS AGO, WE ASKED SANDWELL COUNCIL IF WE COULD USE AN ABANDONED ALLOTMENT AT THE END OF OUR ROAD FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITIES.
THEY WERE MEANT TO HELP
BUT 'THEY' DID THE EXACT OPPOSITE.
THE VILE AND CORRUPT LIARS AT TOXIC, THIEVING SANDWELL COUNCIL SOLD THE ALLOTMENT THAT WE TOLD THEM ABOUT TO DEVELOPERS! NOW THEY THINK THAT THEY ARE SELLING BRANDHALL GOLF COURSE AND LION FARM FIELDS TOO SO THAT THEY CAN LIVE HAPPILY ELSEWHERE!
BUT THEY ONLY HELP THEMSELVES.
BECAUSE TO CORRUPT SANDWELL COUNCIL, WE DON'T MATTER, WE NEVER HAVE. WE'RE EXPENDABLE. 'THEY' JUST COME ALONG, SELL OUR PUBLIC ASSETS TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR, AND THEN LEAVE TO SPEND THEIR PROFITS ELSEWHERE.
WHICH IS WHY OUR WEBSITE LANDING PAGE LOOKS LIKE THIS
IT HAS EVOLVED TO REFLECT THE VILE, CORRUPT, AND TOXIC CLIMATE IN WHICH IT WAS BORN, AND IT SHOWCASES THE CORRUPTED AND SYSTEMIC SANDWELL LEGACY THAT BEFALLS US ALL.
SEE EVERYTHING THAT YOU'VE MISSED
BECAUSE THE HIVE EFFECT IS ABOUT WAY MORE THAN JUST ANY BEEHIVE.
THIS BEEHIVE IS THE ONE "WE" ALL LIVE IN, AND OUR COLONY IS IN DANGER OF COLLAPSING BECAUSE OF A PARASITE.
Over 10 years ago, I started creating The Hive Effect project, and nearly 7 years ago, I applied to Sandwell Council to put some beehives on an old allotment plot that has stood abandoned at the end of my road for over 35 years. The idea was to provide food, water, energy, education, health and welfare benefits, to the people of our already deprived communities. From there it would evolve to become something truly special. That allotment land (along with another parcel of public land) has now coincidentally been sold off to private developers by Sandwell Council, and those beehives are still stood empty. I wasn't even approached to buy the land, even though I was the sole-person responsible for informing Sandwell Council of their ownership of it in the first place! They weren't even aware that they owned it until I went to them with the Land Registry documents. They lied to me then, and they have lied to me ever since.
Therefore, it is because of Sandwell Council that there is no food, no water, no energy, no heated spaces, no community spaces, no sustainable environment, no wildlife, no health and wellbeing benefits, and no real-life education for the existing communities - yet there are thousands more houses, numerous new retail developments, thousands more cars, more air pollution, more toxic and hazardous waste dumps, and thousands more people, and Sandwell Council are greenwashing the borough so they can sell off all of our open spaces for more private housing and the South Side of the A4123!
There are already fewer open spaces, there are already less parks, there aren't any allotments at all, there is an astronomical loss of wildlife, fauna, and natural habitats, and there is virtually no wildlife corridor left. When there is less of everything to begin with, how is it even possible to promote sustainability for the future?
Given all the major crises we face today, this single act of callousness and greed carried out by Sandwell Council since 2016, has led me to try and better understand how it is possibly easier and quicker to build 2000+ private houses, and numerous problematic retail and commercial developments, than it is to site a single beehive on an abandoned allotment, at the end of the road, in an area where I was born, raised, and where I still live today.
This is an area that has been long forgotten and abandoned by its council for decades, and now Sandwell Council are systematically selling the only spaces that we have ever had, to developers for housing and for retail. To my own personal knowledge, there has been nothing done in over 40 years that has 'benefitted' our communities in the way that others in our borough have benefitted. I had to build this website just to showcase the things that I have encountered on my journey so far, and it has made me realise that this land, where I was born and raised, is a vile, toxic and corrupt environment, that is built to control and destroy a future, not promote and sustain one. This is the Sandwell Legacy.
Graham Walker - Founder of The Hive Effect
WELCOME TO -
SANDWELL
SAD-UNWELL
WHERE EVERYTHING THAT MATTERS IN LIFE, DOESN'T
Repeatedly ranked as some of the most deprived and neglected communities in the UK, this is a place where the ground that is walked upon today, is still as toxic, vile, and corrupted as it has been for centuries, and so too the people who continue to control it.
In the valley between the volatile, toxic hills of Rowley Regis and the lush green farmland hills of Old Warley, underneath High Voltage National Grid Power Lines that touch every single green space from Lion Farm to Brandhall, burdened communities exist side-by-side along the south-side of the A4123, surviving in restricted conditions next to the busy M5 motorway/ Junction 2 intersection and the Birmingham to Worcester railway line, which both cut straight through the lot of them all. Here, amidst all this turmoil, where pit shafts sit between the houses (and there’s even a toxic pool nearby), it is almost impossible to imagine that there is an important wildlife corridor, that not only provides habitat to the sparse wildlife that lives here, and sanctuary to those who visit from afar, but it also provides a vital freedom and respite to the families and people that have to live here.
Only when the world stopped in 2020 was the true value of this wildlife corridor publicly realised, and along with that, came Sandwell Council with its corrupted financial price tag - and its demise.
THERE IS A DIVIDING LINE THAT EXISTS IN OUR BOROUGH
IT DIVIDES OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Brandhall
Causeway Green
Whiteheath
Lion Farm
Warley
Bristnall Fields
Londonderry
Langley
IT DIVIDES OUR WIDER COMMUNITIES
Rowley Regis
Cradley Heath
Oldbury (south-side)
Bearwood
Smethwick
Oldbury (north-side)
THE A4123 WOLVERHAMPTON ROAD IN SAD-UNWELL IS A PHYSICAL BOUNDARY THAT SEPERATES NORTH FROM SOUTH.
TO THE NORTH ARE THE ACCEPTED AND THE PRIVILEGED.
TO THE SOUTH ARE THE DENIED AND UNPRIVILEGED.
IT DIVIDES THE WHO HAS AND WHO HAS'NT.
ON THE SOUTH-SIDE WHERE ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE ARE TRADED IN, THERE IS NOTHING BUT BURDEN AND DESPAIR
ON THE NORTH-SIDE, WHERE THE DECISIONS TO TRADE IN ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE ARE MADE, THERE ARE PUBLIC AMENITIES APLENTY.
THE NORTH-SIDE BLOOMS - THE SOUTH-SIDE ROTS.
There are so many parks on the NORTH-SIDE of the A4123
West Smethwick Park, Victoria Park, Smethwick Hall Park, Lewisham Park, Harry Mitchell Park, Black Patch Park, Tividale Park, Broadwell Park, Lightwoods Park, Barnford Park, Warley Woods, Langley Park, Dartmouth Park & Sandwell Valley, and these are just the 'proper parks'.
They have so many facilities on the NORTH-SIDE of the A4123
Children's Play Areas, Pavilions and Changing Rooms, Sports Pitches, Youth Games Facilities, Skate Parks, Bandstands, Golf, Crazy Golf, Picnic Areas, Woodlands, Cafes', Restaurants, Community Centres, Flower Gardens and Farms to name but a few.
There are so many suffering on the SOUTH-SIDE OF THE A4123
Penncricket Lane Allotments - SOLD, The Billies - SOLD, Brook Road Playing field - SOLD & DEVELOPED, Brandhall Golf Course - SOLD, Lion Farm Fields - EARMARKED FOR DEVELOPMENT
SOUTH-PARK STRIFE
NORTH PARK-LIFE
All we wanted to do was put some beehives on the old allotment part of the billies with the aim of getting a few children away from the screens and out into the world. Doing stuff. We could have planted some trees and maybe even tidied up the billy banks, and get a few more kids out and about on their bikes. That was pretty much it. Our Battle with Sandwell Council has gone on for so long that it made us realise just how corrupt they actually are. THE SELLING OF THIS ALLOTMENT WAS ONLY MADE POSSIBLE BECAUSE WE MADE SANDWELL COUNCIL AWARE OF THEIR OWNERSHIP. THEY ARE SAYING THAT SOME OF IT WAS PRIVATE! IF IT WAS THEN HOW DID WE GET OUR HORSES THROWN OFF PRIVATE LAND BY THE COUNCIL, WHO AT THE TIME, SAID IT WAS PUBLIC? HOW DO YOU SELL ALLOTMENT LAND? HOW DO YOU SELL ALLOTMENT LAND THAT PEOPLE WANT? HOW DO YOU SELL ALLOTMENT LAND THAT PEOPLE NEED? HOW CAN SANDWELL COUNCIL DEPRIVE THE COMMUNITY OF SO MUCH OF THEIR OWN WEALTH AND THEN SELL IT? HOW CAN THEY DO THAT? HOW CAN THEY DO THAT, AND THEN SPEND ALL THAT MONEY ELSEWHERE? IT IS A JOKE. IT IS A FARCE. IT IS A SCANDAL.
Brook Road Playing Field was the only park for an entire estate. It was sold off by Sandwell Council and they gave nothing back in return. To rub the communities nose in it, they took the swings and slides from Ferndale Road too! So the kids had nowhere to go. Brandhall Golf course was still in use and Grafton Field was just a bog, used by footballers. Now the footballers have taken over every weekend and Brandhall Golf Course is Closed, the kids play over there instead, and the idea is that they will run it down and society will want to get rid of it. Do you see the pattern emerging again? As you can see from the picture, they couldn't even be bothered to put a tree in the planters. It is pathetic. There is a change coming, and it is BIG. You're part of it so join in.
It was meant to be amazing. After Whiteheath flats were knocked down to make way for the new housing estate, they demolished the garages that stood here and built a park. Admittedly, when we were kids we thought it was cool, but in hindsight it was just to pacify the people, because it was never maintained and instead it was abandoned and neglected until all the good stuff was taken out and replaced with this joke. Again, it is the wrong side of the Wolverhampton Road to get investment. We are changing this. Join in.
Next to the park, between the high rises stands this architectural wonder, this marvel, this shameful reminder of the crap this estate is built of. Concrete. How much do you reckon it cost us to reinstate this weathered, cracked lump of concrete and do you reckon that the paving is worth more than the "statue?" When you walk past it, when you see it and even when you think about it, remember this is your legacy. - The Hive Effect -
This is the only park on Lion Farm. THIS IS IT! For How many children? From how many blocks of flats? From how many maisonettes? From how many houses? On how big of an estate? People of Lion Farm - you deserve so much more. You know exactly what we mean. We are your people. Join in because now they're coming for your fields. The Hive Effect
Take a look at the "childs play area" and ask yourself what you see. Let us tell you what you are looking at. You are looking at a play area that consists of 3 horizontal metal bars surrounded by a metal fence of about 500 vertical bars, All of the imagination in the world wouldn't make this work, so children have zero chance. ZERO. How do kids really "grow" in this environment? Isn't it bad enough that they live in flats with no gardens of their own? Darley House - Update*** Due to improvement works to the tower block, there is no longer a park until the work is completed in a couple of years. Visit the Lovells website for more information.
We talk about jobs, we talk about prospects, we talk about mental health, anxiety, depression, we talk about the environment, climate change, endangered species and plastic and how we all have to do our bit to help the planet, and yet and these are the foundations from which we have to teach our kids! Why would a child that is dragged up in this neglected, abandoned, and toxic environment, give a rats-ass about it, or the wider world for that matter? How could that child possibly grow to be empathetic, compassionate, passionate, thoughtful, inspired, inspiring, and caring to it's own family, let alone the community or the big wide world? How will that child stand any chance to prosper? IT WON'T! We won't let that trend continue.
Another example of the Sandwell legacy. This is tragic! There is a lot to be said. Actually, there is a lot to be done. Now. Britannia Park is not the solution for local, infants and young children all across Rowley Regis. This is THEIR back garden and they don't get to use it. They cannot go to the park on their own and parents cannot be expected to take them 15 minutes walk away every day when they finish school. Q. What kind of parent would want to bring their children here? A. The kind with two energetic children caged in a 2-bed flat, 10 storeys off the floor, because they have no option. We talk about anxiety, stress, and depression like we don't have the answers and solutions? Well we do.
St. Giles Court "play area" needs an upgrade. No, it needs demolishing and rebuilding from the toxic ground up. We could have built a nice new park, fit for purpose, with some space for all of those children to actually play, on the land above Moorlands court BUT it is going to be more houses instead and that means more kids which means less space... Are they expected to use these "play areas" too?
How is a parent supposed to let their child play here? They wouldn't be much of a parent if they did, would they? But again, in a 2-bedroom flat 10 storeys up with energetic kids, a parent may have no option other than to risk it. Look at it! It is appalling. It is abhorrent and that is the 'posh' way of putting it. The reality is that it's like everything else this side of the A4123.
These steps lead to an area that is well equipped to damage your kids, both physically and mentally. It was challenging just being there. This is how you neglect children. This is how you abandon them and shatter any dreams they have for the big wide world. Where does it stop? It stops here. Now. We know better. This is how you nurture children. This is how you grow children. This is how children learn to teach themselves to thrive. Join in with your neighbours. Tell the world what we have, and tell the world what we're doing. Your children can tell them how we succeeded. Say your piece. Do your thing. Join In. - The Hive Effect _
How is it possible to even consider building on our only 'park'? It is probably one of the most damaging proposals for the future of the environment and the health and wellbeing of the people, that Sandwell Council could even consider. As you are already aware, that means nothing at all.
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This is not the only building that has been left neglected. In fact, less than 50 meters away is the biggest waste of space and resources in Oldbury, The Birchley Social Club! Both of these buildings lie at the Newbury Lane end of Lion Farm Fields and both of them are part of the Sandwell legacy of neglect and wasted resources that spans our communities this side of the A4123. Do you think that they are wasted? Can you see the potential? We can. If you need some inspiration, then take a look at all of these parks and facilities that are NOT in your area. Then Join In.
Langley park is a lovely little park, sited on the side of Langley High Street and the canal. It has lovely path ways, a beautiful children's play area and a community centre. There are trees and grass areas with benches and litter bins dotted about to ensure that you are in a comfortable and clean space. It's cute, but you can only have it if you live on the other side of the A4123 Wolverhampton Road.
Did you know that they spent £miillions on it whilst you kept your pretty little metal play areas? It is pretty isn't it? It really is. It quite literally has everything that anyone would need to relax or burn off a bit of energy. There is absolutely loads of space, there is a band stand, water fountains, long wide pathways, a basketball court, a tennis court, a natural pond and a bridge, there is a huge children's play area and an even bigger climbing apparatus, there are swings and there is even a huge skate park! There are benches everywhere and litter bins, the signs are even clean. There is a huge house with a cafe', a victorian walled garden that has its own orchard and fruit trees and a vegetable patch and ornamental flowers and topiary hedges. But don't feel jealous. Don't feel remorseful and don't feel angry because just 100 yards around the corner there is Warley Woods.
This is the play area that Sandwell Council Built for the people of Bearwood. It is what you would expect in the 2020's and it is a superb example of what can actually be achieved. This is the standard you can expect if you live on this side of the A4123 Wolverhampton Road, in Sandwell.If like us You live on the wrong side of the A4123 in Sand-Unwell then you can expect nothing. Read on for more disappointment.
Believe it or not, you can still go to a park for a swing. They still Exist! Here in Lightwoods Park, there is a swing set that looks like it grew there. It looks like a right load of fun. If you want to find one then just travel across to THE OTHER SIDE OF THE A4123 and pick a park, because this is not the only one. Read on, there is so much more to see.
There are people that play real music! Can you imagine being able to sit in the park (it is far-fetched already), listening to live music from a band? No! It's hard, we know, but it does happen, and just like the sound children make when they are running around playing and having fun, it is a joy to witness. IMAGINE...You're sitting there on the grass, under the tree, drinking tea from the café whilst your son is learning to ride his new bike on the pathway that runs in front of the bandstand. You're thinking just how beautiful the park is, and that it is the perfect place to hear your daughter, who is about to perform on the bandstand in the summer fete. Parenting is rewarding. Then reality kicks in, and you realise that you are actually in Rowley Regis. You are trying to stop your son from riding his bike into the road. It was safer here than the play area, and all the parks have gone. The band Stand is beautiful though. It really is.
This skate park is pretty cool. It has had a few modifications over the years. (Modifications are upgrades to things that you already have), something that we are not accustomed to on this side of the A4123 Wolverhampton Road, in Sand-Unwell. How do you upgrade nothing? With Something? If we have something, then how do we polish turd? Shall we all get our gypsy wagons and our dogs and go to Lightwoods park? It is nice though isn't it. The skate park is huge and there is brilliant access to it by bike via the many pathways that connect through the park. Children (and adults) love it here. You can see why.
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The people around here just don't have enough space and that is why they have Warley Woods as well. Ignore the fact that Warley Woods is also the home of a golf course, because we are told that this sort of project doesn't work and that is one of the reasons we could not do a similar thing at Brandhall Golf Course. Ignore the fact that it is also a wood because we are not allowed those either. Warley woods is a great park. It is naturally beautiful and unspoilt with mother trees covering its ground, just like Brandhall Golf Course, but that doesn't matter, because unlike Brandhall Golf Course, Warley Woods is for the people, and it will never be built upon.This park has been voted as one of the TOP 10 PARKS IN ENGLAND. The Hive Effect would put Brandhall Golf Course on that list.
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What does Warley Woods have that Brandhall Golf Course doesn't have? A future.What is the difference between Warley Woods and Brandhall Golf Course? The A4123.
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Take a look at what we are missing in our communities. The thing is, we have it. It's just that it is all for sale.
Barnford Park - A Green Flag Awarded park. Walking in from the Main Entrance on Moat Road you walk past the pristine rose garden, hedgerow maze, and pergola to a beautiful children's play area with a slide that sits and bends between the trees on the bank. There is also a woodland adventure style playground opposite within the trees, for the more adventurous children. Walking further down the wide tarmac footpaths there is an opening just below the 300 Million Year Old Rock Formation, where there is a skate park and a basketball court. Across the park there are benches and outdoor gym equipment pieces fitted for those who wish to use them and there are also plenty of playing fields for football, cricket and games. There is a huge community building at the end of the top fields and at the entrance on Farm Road by the bottom field there is the Barnford Park Allotment Association - THE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF THE ALLOTMENT ON PENNCRICKET LANE THAT WE APPLIED TO ADOPT 10 YEARS AGO AND THAT HAS NOW BEEN SOLD BY SANDWELL COUNCIL!
When you think of what we have compared to what they have, you have to wonder where the neglect stops. It doesn't. There is so much more to see.
There is a skate park and a basketball court on the other side of the A4123. It hurts us to show you what you have been denied, what you have missed out on and what you are losing, but we have to. The words may run out but the meaning remains the same. It does look nice with all of the trees lining the park and pathways, and the children there seem to enjoy it.
West Smethwick Park - the restoration Work has now begun on the £5.1 million restoration and improvement project at West Smethwick Park. This is probably the most exciting time for the park since it was opened in 1895. We have been awarded a £4.5 million grant from the The National Lottery Heritage Fund's Parks For People grant with the remaining balance from funded by Sandwell Council. The plans include: Restoring the memorial to James Chance which is a Grade II-listed structure built in 1897 Refurbishing the wall and piers and recreating gates and railings at the entrance gateways in West Park Road and Victoria Road Restoration of the drinking fountain Constructing a new pavilion Creating a new events area Constructing a new boathouse feature Nature conversation improvements including woodland, grassland and wetland works New outdoor gym equipment Restoring the airmen’s memorial where a plane crashed in 1944 The new pavilion will form the centrepiece of the restoration and the building will have toilets, a café, seating area and community areas that will be used for events and activities.
Children need space, lots of space. Safe spaces where they can let-off steam and run around playing, as energetic children should. Children need space that allows them to explore and investigate, and to let them be inquisitive, experience, and learn. This is standard.
Adults need space too. Lots of space. Their own space where they can let-off steam, or just relax for a bit, as adults need. Adults need space that allows them to escape. This is standard. Humans need space.
Space needs to be natural, sustainable, abundant with all manner of life, and fit for purpose, clean, tidy, maintained, safe, and constantly evolving.
YOU CAN FIND PLENTY OF 'ABOVE STANDARD' OPEN SPACES TO USE, ON THE NORTH-SIDE OF THE A4123
YOU CAN FIND ALL OF THE OPEN SPACES THAT WE HAVE LEFT, FOR SALE, ON THE SOUTH-SIDE OF THE A4123
The reality is that there is only SUBSTANDARD in SAD-UNWELL on the SOUTH-SIDE OF THE A4123. The only open spaces here are neglected, unkempt, unmaintained, vandalised, and totally abandoned places, where nature dies. Now they are being sold-off to developers for private housing, so that the parasites can live comfortably on the NORTH-SIDE of the A4123, and spend their profits improving and maintaining their selfish lives.
ALL WE WANTED WAS A BEEHIVE!
WE ARE RAISING THE RED FLAGS
AND WE ARE SHOWING YOU THAT SOME COMMUNITIES ARE GREENER THAN OTHERS,
THANKS TO YEARS OF CORRUPTION, DODGY-DEALS, GREED, TAX-PAYERS MONEY, AND GRANTS.
We're proud to have 14 Green Flag-awarded parks and green spaces in Sandwell.
Green Flags are awarded by Keep Britain Tidy to parks and open spaces that are well looked after and look great!
There are 2,208 nationwide. Sandwell's list includes a park in each of the six towns, a cemetery and a crematorium, as well as Sandwell Valley Country Park and community-run Warley Woods. - Sandwell Council
HOWEVER, NOTHING IS AS IT SEEMS. NOTHING IS EQUAL. NOTHING IS FAIR. NOTHING IS JUST.
FLYING A GREEN FLAG IN THE SOUTH
- Haden Hill Park, Cradley Heath – also a Green Heritage Site winner
Sandwell retains prestigious 14 Green Flag awards
Published 26th July 2022
"After two years that have seen our parks and green spaces play a vital role for people through lockdowns as a place to relax, exercise and meet friends and family safely"
SO THEY BUILD ON OUR PARKS AND ALLOTMENTS?
WE ARE DIGGING IN TO SHOW YOU
IN THIS VILE AND TOXIC LAND, THE CORRUPT DECISION MAKERS AT SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL CAN EVEN SELL AN ALLOTMENT THAT WE HAVE BEEN SO CRUELLY DENIED FOR DECADES, AND THAT WE SO DESPERATELY NEED?
WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT A SMALL NUMBER OF PLOTS OR A LITTLE PATCH OF LAND IN DIFFERENCE.
WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HUNDREDS OF PLOTS AND TENS-OF-ACRES OF LAND.
THIS IS LAND DOMINATION FROM THE CREATORS OF SAD-UNWELL
THERE IS NO EQUALITY. THERE IS NO FAIRNESS. THERE IS NO UNITY. THERE IS NO US.
50 ALLOTMENT PLOTS
ROWLEY REGIS & CRADLEY HEATH
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Britannia Park, Rowley Village, Rowley Regis 12 PLOTS
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Perry Park Road, Rowley Regis 9 PLOTS
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Cherry Orchard, Spring Meadow, Cradley Heath 18 PLOTS
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Silverthorne Lane, Cradley Heath 11 PLOTS
358 ALLOTMENT PLOTS!
OLDBURY
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Tividale Park, Dudley Road West, Oldbury 23 PLOTS
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Dudley Road, Oldbury 42 PLOTS
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Pound Road, Oldbury (Off Warwick Close) 42 PLOTS
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Cemetery Road, Oldbury 23 PLOTS
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Basons Lane Allotments, Warley Road, Oldbury 31 PLOTS
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Newbury Lane, Oldbury 29 PLOTS
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Barnford Park, Farm Road, Oldbury 88 PLOTS
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Meadow Road, Oldbury 3PLOTS
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Brandhall Road, Oldbury 32 PLOTS
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Ramsay Road, Oldbury 23 PLOTS
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Lewis Estate, Lewis Road and Barston Road, Oldbury 22 PLOTS
446 ALLOTMENT PLOTS!
SMETHWICK
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Stony Lane, Smethwick 82 PLOTS
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Hall Road, Smethwick 8 PLOTS
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Thimblemill Road 8 PLOTS
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Bearwood Road, Dale Street, Bearwood, Smethwick 114 PLOTS
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Londonderry Allotments, Manor Road, Smethwick 174 PLOTS
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Hamilton Road, Smethwick 26 PLOTS
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Salop Drive (now a Community Agriculture Site)Salop Drive, Smethwick 34 PLOTS
WHY WE ARE GROWING NOWHERE ON THE SOUTH-SIDE OF THE A4123
AN ALLOTMENT PLOT IS 250 SQUARE METRES IN SIZE
YOU CAN GET APPROXIMATELY 14 ALLOTMENTS WITH PATHWAYS ON 1 ACRE OF LAND
(STATISTICS ARE AN APPROXIMATE DIFFERENCE IN RESOURCES EITHER SIDE OF THE A4123)
IF THE UNHOLY PEOPLE OF SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP ALL OF OUR REMAINING OPEN SPACES ON THE SOUTH-SIDE OF THE A4123, THEN WE WILL NEVER EVEN BEGIN TO ACHIEVE EQUALITY & FAIRNESS, LET ALONE ENVIRONMENTAL STABILITY & PROSPERITY?
5.5 ACRES OF ARABLE LAND
ROWLEY REGIS & CRADLEY HEATH
(INCLUDING PART OF OLDBURY ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE A4123)
25.5 ACRES OF ARABLE LAND
OLDBURY
(ON THE NORTH-SIDE OF THE A4123 WOLVERHAMPTON ROAD)
32 ACRES OF ARABLE LAND
SMETHWICK
SINCE 2012 WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO USE THE ABANDONED ALLOTMENT ON PENNCRICKET LANE
IN 2015 WE OBTAINED THE LAND REGISTRY DOCUMENTS TO PROVE TO SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL THAT THEY WERE THE OWNERS
SINCE 2016 WE HAVE REPEATEDLY ASKED TO RENT THE ABANDONED ALLOTMENT ON PENNCRICKET LANE AND IN 2022 SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL SOLD IT!
FURTHERMORE, THEY SOLD PARCELS OF THE BILLIES PUBLIC LAND AND SAID IT WAS PRIVATE! OUR COMMUNITIES HAVE HAD OUR GRAZING HORSES THROWN OFF THIS LAND FOR OVER 40 YEARS DUE TO IT BEING PUBLIC LAND! SO, HOW DID IT POSSIBLY BECOME PRIVATE OVERNIGHT?
AFTER ALL OF THESE YEARS OF LIVING HERE, AFTER ALL OF THESE YEARS OF RESEARCH AND TRYING TO DO THE RIGHT THING, WE WEREN'T EVEN ASKED IF WE WANTED TO BUY IT.
THAT'S DECEIT, LIES, CORRUPTION AND NOTHING LESS.
WE TOLD SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL ABOUT THE DISGRACE AT SALOP ROAD ALLOTMENTS, WHERE IT IS BLATANTLY OBVIOUS TO SEE THAT THEY HAVE WAY TOO MANY ALLOTMENTS AND FACILITIES ON THE NORTH-SIDE OF THE A4123 - LIKE THIS ONE. TAKE A LOOK AT THE WASTED FACILITIES AND AMENITIES HERE. IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES, BEACUSE IMAGINATION IS ALL THAT WE HAVE ON THE SOUTH-SIDE OF THE A4123
WE'RE IN A FOOD AND A COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS (AMONGST OTHERS), AND SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL SELL OUR ALLOTMENT TO BUILDERS, WHILST THEY LEAVE THIS ONE EMPTY FOR YEARS ON END! IT'S AN ABSOLUTE SCANDAL. THEY HAVE BEEN TO THIS SITE SINCE WE TOLD THEM ABOUT IT, AND IT IS WORSE NOW THAN IT WAS BACK THEN.
IT IS THE SANDWELL LEGACY OVER AND OVER AGAIN. IT'S A FIDDLE.
SALOP DRIVE - "IDEAL FOR ALL"? - YOU ARE "SUITABLE FOR NOBODY"!
ALL WE WANTED WAS A BEEHIVE.
WE ARE TELLING THE TRUTH ABOUT OUR COMMUNITIES THAT ARE ALREADY DEPRIVED
3 COMMUNITY CENTRES
OLDBURY
WEST SMETHWICK PARK GETS £5MILLION PAVILION
HOW CAN WE HELP PEOPLE ON THE SOUTH-SIDE OF THE A4123, COPE WITH DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, STRESS, LONLINESS, AND ISOLATION, WHEN WE WILL NEVER HAVE THE FACILITIES TO CREATE FRIENDSHIP, TOGETHERNESS, PURPOSE, COMMUNITY, SAFETY OR HAPPINESS?
IT IS BLATANTLY OBVIOUS TO SEE THAT THEY HAVE SO MANY EXCESS PARKS AND SO MANY EMPTY SPACES ON THE NORTH-SIDE OF THE A4123 THAT THEY CAN BUILD SWIMMING POOLS OVER THEM, AND NOW THEY HAVE TWO.
SURELY THE "HOUSING CRISIS" DOES NOT APPLY HERE, IF THEY CAN BUILD SWIMMING POOLS INSTEAD OF PRIVATE OR "AFFORDABLE" HOUSES? IT'S BEWILDERING
WE ARE SHOWING THE NEGLECT THAT WE HAVE ENDURED SINCE '74
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22% OF PEOPLE LIVE IN INCOME DEPRIVED HOUSEHOLDS - ENGLAND AVERAGE 15%
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28% OF CHILDREN ARE IN POVERTY - ENGLAND AVERAGE 20%
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MEN HAVE UP TO 6.5 YEARS LESS HEALTHY LIFE EXPECTANCY THAN THE REST OF ENGLAND
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WOMEN LIVE UPTO 6.4 YEARS LESS THAN THE REST OF ENGLAND
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40% OF CHILDREN IN YEAR 6 ARE OBESE OR OVERWEIGHT - ENGLAND AVERAGE 34%
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71% of the LSOAs (LOWER LAYER SUPER OUTPUT AREA) in Rowley Regis are in the 30% most deprived LSOA in England (Sandwell- 74.2%)
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93.5% of the LSOAs in Rowley Regis are in the 60% most deprived LSOA in England (Sandwell- 97.3%)
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All of the LSOAs of Rowley Regis are in the 80% most deprived LSOA in England
WHEN YOU LOOK AT IT, IT COMES AS NO SURPRISE DOES IT?
There are several issues that arise from reading this information. The first and most important detail for us at THE HIVE EFFECT, (and the most important for the health and wellbeing of everyone), is written in AMBITION 9 - Hosting Industries Of The Future.
"This means making sure the best companies have the land, trained workforce and necessary infrastructure to grow and prosper."
"the best companies" get the land.
"the best companies" get the infrastructure.
"the best companies" get to grow.
"the best companies" get to prosper.
The land that is shown on this website is all that we have left over. It is the only thing we have to build a foundation from. Without it, there is nothing. Nothing at all.
WE' RE TELLING OF THE CONTINUAL, ONGOING TOXIC ABUSE
A report published in late 2021 by Uswitch.com utilised Government Environment Agency data on 1,286 landfill sites in England and Wales with potentially hazardous waste. It found that;
Sandwell is the Number 1 area in England with the most toxic landfills with potentially hazardous waste per square km
OR
1 toxic landfill site per 6.11 square km!
TAKE A LOOK AND SEE HOW MANY OF THOSE 6 ARE ON OUR DOORSTEP
PRESS THIS BUTTON IF YOU WANT TO SCARE YOURSELF TO DEATH WITH THE TRUTH!
IF YOU NEED A REASON TO LEAVE THIS IS IT.
IF YOU NEED A RESON TO STAY AWAY, THIS IS IT.
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SITE NAME - Allsopps Hill Quarry/Tip - LANDFILL TYPE - Hazardous waste - LAND TYPE - Golf course.
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SITE NAME - Turners Hill Quarry - LANDFILL TYPE - Hazardous waste - LAND TYPE - Green Site
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SITE NAME - Gower Tip - LANDFILL TYPE - Hazardous waste - LAND TYPE - Industrial site
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SITE NAME - Darby's Hill - LANDFILL TYPE - Hazardous waste - LAND TYPE - Parkland
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SITE NAME - Mucklow Hill - LANDFILL TYPE - Hazardous waste - LAND TYPE - Green site
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SITE NAME - Monks Tip - LANDFILL TYPE - Hazardous waste - LAND TYPE - Green Site
At The Hive Effect, we think logically. PUTTING TOXIC WASTE IN A HILL IS ILLOGICAL IN EVERY SENSE.
According to agency data mapped by the Ends Report, there are more than 21,000 old landfills scattered across England and Wales.
Of these, 1,287 are categorised as containing hazardous waste, which could pose a health risk to people and the environment if it escapes into the surrounding air, water, soil and vegetation.
Some 7,265 of the old landfills harbour industrial waste, with many containing “industrial liquid sludge”.
At 413 further sites the waste has been categorised by the Environment Agency as unknown.
Landfills whose contents are recorded as unknown tend to be older sites, explaining the lack of information.
One environmental professional who deals with remediating sites for development told the Ends Report and the Guardian that landfills from the 1950s and 60s were “a complete mess” and that “you can find anything in there”.
Ends Report has mapped the sites, revealing that 35% of the hazardous sites – 449 – lie under green spaces.
A further 21% lie beneath farmland, 15% are below industrial sites, 10% are under parkland, 9% are under housing estates and 4% are under commercial sites containing shops and restaurants – assuming none were removed on development.
About 746 toxic dumps are located within 500 metres of water bodies.
13 are beneath golf courses.
4 are below school grounds.
Another 4 are situated under racing tracks.
3 lie below cricket pitches.
Of the 413 landfills where the contents are unknown to the Environment Agency:
6 lie beneath schools
10 beneath playing fields
75 are under housing
26 are under parkland.
WE ARE SHOWING THE ABANDONMENT
THEY neglect them so WE hate them. THEY blame us until WE are past caring. THEY sell them and WE LOSE.
Sad-Unwell Council simply won't stop at anything when it comes to cashing-in all of our open spaces in Brandhall, Causeway Green, Lion Farm, Rowley Regis, and anywhere else, the south-side side of the A4123 Wolverhampton Road. Then they take that money and spend it everywhere else EXCEPT HERE, and they're going to do it again and again until there is nothing left. These patterns can be seen throughout our history and right now they are repeating across our communities at an astonishing rate.
DO NOT LET THEM SELL US OUT
BRANDHALL GOLF COURSE - MORE PRIVATE HOUSES?
With so many options and so many alternatives, just how stupid does someone have to be to have an idea like this, and more to the point, how corrupt do they have to be to consider seeing it through? Brandhall Golf Course is worth a fortune. Sand-Unwell Council know this and they will stop at nothing to sell it to developers.
We have better ideas, better aims, better approaches, better thinking - we have better everything.
We are The Hive Effect.
BRITANNIA PARK - REPLACING WHAT 'THEY' NEGLECTED?
The perfect example of NEGLECT. Britannia Park was once a beautiful park. It had a stunning garden area, changing rooms, a pavilion overlooking the tennis courts and the bowling green, a superb park, a cricket pitch, several football pitches and much more.
Now it is getting a makeover as part of the governments £19M investment in Rowley Regis.
The real reason that the park is getting a makeover is that it is soon to become another one of Sandwell Councils 'tended-to back gardens', because as part of the "upgrade" to the park, they are building themselves a new "HUB". This is a place that they will call the office and it is ALSO where we can go to raise our issues with them!
So you are getting your PARK REPLACED NOT A NEW PARK,
Which is still good, but it is for the wrong reasons & it's about 30 years overdue.
What is ironic is that if Sad-Unwell Council hadn't got rid of the park-keepers and sold the park-keepers houses to 'save money', then the parks would not have got vandalised and neglected in the first instance, and right now, we would have had a far superior park.
BROOK ROAD PLAYING FIELD - NO PARKS ON THIS ESTATE
Brook Road playing field, as the name suggests, WAS a park. It was a very small park with a slide and some swings and a grass field. It was rubbish, but it was all that a large estate like this had. Sandwell Council sold the half with the park on to build a PDSA veterinary centre. They have sold the rest for housing.
And what did we get in the local area? What we got was dog crap scattered everywhere from the people that now walk all around the area when they go to the PDSA and have to wait. The kids step in it, the pathways and grass are covered in it and the bins are full of it.
LION FARM FIELDS - HIGH END RETAIL DEVELOPMENT
Lion Farm Playing Fields aren't much. Something could have and certainly should have been done with them decades ago, but it is Lion Farm, so who cared, who cares? Nothing has changed for the better. There is no Progress. We all understand that if this land is developed into HIGH END retail, then there wouldn't even be a job for the people of the farm in the deal. There will be no consideration and no conscience when the developers approach. There would be no green roof space, no vertical gardening design, no wildlife or environmental investment, no infrastructure, nothing.
The people of Lion Farm and Wallace Road will have to endure the increased volumes of traffic, suffer the increased air pollution, suffer the loss of open space and parks, lose any social clubs and spaces, and watch as the environment and wildlife around them is annihilated and they're left with less than nothing.
WE SUFFERED WHILST THIS PARK GOT OVER £6MILLION
Did you know that Lightwoods Park didn't even belong to Sandwell Council until 2010! So while we were all still living in a dump, this new park, that we never owned before, GOT WELL OVER £6 MILLION spent on it. £6MILLION! Imagine the possibilities!
What did we get? What have we ever got? Forgot. That is what we got.
WE SUFFER WHILST THIS PARK GETS OVER £5MILLION
West Smethwick Park gets £5MILLION spent on a new pavilion and groundworks whilst our only remaining green spaces that have been abandoned for over 40 years, are sold to developers for private housing developments!
What did we get? What have we ever got? For-got. That is what we got.
NOW SANDWELL COUNCIL WANT THE ONLY PATHETIC BITS OF SPACE THAT WE HAVE LEFT TO BUILD PRIVATE HOUSES?
WE ARE EXPLAINING THAT WE ARE
NOT 'LEVELLING UP' IN SAD-UNWELL
Urban Greening Project starts in West Bromwich – enhancing green spaces in the town centre
Published 16th August 2022
Work is set to begin on the first phase of the Urban Greening Project in West Bromwich town centre, which will improve green spaces and boost the physical and mental wellbeing of local people
Sandwell Council seeks £80m from government Levelling Up Fund
TO LEVEL UP WHERE EXACTLY?
ALL WE WANTED WAS A BEEHIVE.
CORRUPTED WATER
FOLLOW THE WATER & YOU WILL SEA, NO FUTURE HERE FOR HUMAN NOR BEE!
Healthy rivers are vital for biodiversity and to human health and well-being. Rivers provide habitats for a range of wildlife, protect against flooding and provide beautiful places for recreation and reflection.
Freshwater ecosystems are in crisis globally and in England there are concerns about the multiple stresses being placed on riverine biodiversity from bacteria from sewage pollution.
UK PARLIAMENT PUBLICATION
CORRUPTED AIR
IT'S NOT AS FRESH AS THEY SAY IT IS OUT THERE
THE M5 MOTORWAY FROM QUINTON - OLDBURY JUNCTION 2
THE A4123 WOLVERHAMPTON ROAD FROM THE QUEENSWAY - NEWBURY LANE
THE HIGH VOLTAGE NATIONAL GRID POWER LINES FROM BRANDHALL - LION FARM
THE MULTIPLE RETAIL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS
THE WASTE DUMP TRUCKS TRAVELLING TO LANDFILL SITES IN ROWLEY
THE CHEMICAL FACILITIES
THE BIRMINGHAM TO WORCESTER RAILWAY LINE
THE DEVELOPMENT OF OPEN SPACES AND PARKS INTO HOUSING
CORRUPTED COUNCIL
Brandhall Golf Course Redevelopment documents from a consultation, hidden from the public, were leaked to a blog, which can be found at:
Sandwell Council loses £22.5m over bad building sale:
Commissioners have been appointed to tackle failures and implement positive and far-reaching changes at Sandwell Metropolitan Council:
ABANDONED PUBLIC ALLOTMENT LAND BOUGHT TO ATTENTION OF SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL IS UNDERHANDEDLY SOLD TO PRIVATE DEVELOPERS AND BUILDERS
Poor safeguards against corruption in planning are leaving councils open to allegations of impropriety. October 2020
BENT SANDWELL LABOUR'S "OTHER DEAL" WITH PROPERTY DEVELOPER - 2023
What has happened to all of our Libraries? Blackheath Library is tiny, yet the building is HUGE.
What happened to Carnegie Road Library? What happened to Jack Judge Library?
What happened to the park keepers houses? What happened?
SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL ARE TAKING
EVERYTHING, WITHOUT SEQUENCE
CON
I'M 44 YEARS OLD AND I WAS BORN HERE. I CAN TELL YOU ABOUT ALL OF THE ANIMALS THAT WE USED TO HAVE HERE LESS THAN 30 YEARS AGO, AND EACH ONE THAT I MENTION HAS PERISHED ALREADY, SO FORGET THE 'RARE' ANIMALS, BECAUSE ALL CREATURES ARE RARE NOWADAYS.
LOOK UP - WHERE ARE ALL OF THE BIRDS? WHERE ARE THE FLOCKS OF BIRDS THAT USED TO BE HERE? THE SWIFTS, SWALLOWS, WRENS, BLACKBIRDS, TITS, FINCHES? WHERE ARE THE BATS? WHERE ARE THE HUGE NUMBER OF DRAGONFLIES THAT USED TO BE HERE? WHAT HAPPENED TO ALL OF THE BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS? WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BEES?
LOOK AROUND - WHERE ARE THE RABBITS AND HARES THAT WERE HERE UNTIL THE 2000'S? WHAT HAPPENED TO ALL OF THE FOXES - THEIR NUMBERS RAPIDLY DEPLETED? WHAT HAPPENED TO THE NUMBER OF SQUIRRELS? WHAT HAPPENED TO ALL OF THE HEDGEHOGS? WHERE DID THE MOLES GO? DORMICE?
LOOK DOWN - WHERE ARE THE FROGS, THE BULL FROGS, THE TOADS AND NEWTS? WHERE ARE THE GRASSHOPPERS? WHERE ARE THE CRICKETS THAT USED TO BE HERE?
LISTEN - THERE ARE NO SONGBIRDS. NO CRICKETS. NO SLAPPING WINGS OF MASSIVE DRAGONFLIES. NO CRYING VIXENS NOR PLAYING CUBS.
LOOK AGAIN - WHAT HAPPENED TO ALL OF THE HABITATS?
THERE IS NOTHING - BECAUSE NOTHING HAS HAPPENED IN THE LAST 20 YEARS TO PREVENT IT.
I BEGGED SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL TO LET ME LAUNCH THE HIVE EFFECT 4 YEARS BEFORE THE PANDEMIC AND THEY JUST LAUGHED IN MY FACE AND LIED. NEXT TIME THERE IS A GLOBAL CATASTROPHE (AND THERE WILL BE A NEXT TIME), ONLY THOSE WITH THE CORRECT RESOURCES WILL STAND A CHANCE OF SURVIVAL.
IF THE BARBARIANS OF SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL ARE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE WITH THEIR MINDLESS HOUSING STRATEGY, THEN IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE EVERYTHING ELSE FAILS IN THIS DUMP, INCLUDING US.
THERE ARE FAR SUPERIOR WAYS - AND EVERYONE (EXCEPT THEM) KNOWS IT!
GRAHAM WALKER - FOUNDER
Dying Birds
In the current report, there are 28 species of birds for which our best long-term trends show statistically significant population declines of greater than 50% over periods of 32–50 years (see Latest long-term alerts).
These are Little Grebe, Grey Partridge, Lapwing, Redshank, Woodcock, Snipe, Turtle Dove, Cuckoo, Little Owl, Willow Tit, Marsh Tit, Skylark, House Martin, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Starling, Mistle Thrush, Spotted Flycatcher, Nightingale, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Yellow Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Greenfinch, Linnet, Lesser Redpoll, Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting (taxonomic order).
BRITISH TRUST FOR ORNITHOLOGY
HALF of the UK's wildlife is in danger, including hedgehogs and dormice
The UK has been named as one of the most depleted countries in the world
Dying Pollinators
Pollinators are in trouble and soon we will bee. Bee warned!
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Half of our 27 bumblebee species are in decline
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Three of these bumblebee species have already gone extinct
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Seven bumblebee species have declined by more than 50% in the last 25 years
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Two-thirds of our moths and 71% of our butterflies are in long term decline.
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Across Europe 38% of bee and hoverfly species are in decline; only 12% are increasing.
Pollinators face a perfect storm of problems:
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Unpredictable/extreme weather resulting from our changing climate
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Intensive farming, which has fragmented and isolated flower-rich habitats and affected the quality of much that still remains
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Pesticide use – intended for the ‘troublesome’ insects but killing the beneficial ones too
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Loss of flowery habitat to urban growth and the associated sanitising of the nearby countryside
Dying Amphibians
Many populations of our once common amphibian species are in decline. Common frog, Common Toad and Natterjack Toad populations have been reported as being in decline since the 1970s. Recent research in 2016 by FROGLIFE and the University of Zurich has shown that common toad populations have declined across the UK by 68% over the past 30 years, which approximates to a 2.26 % decline per year. This value is comparable to the declines in many of our iconic mammal species and highlights that significant declines may be widespread across our native fauna.
The reasons for the decline in the common toad are similar to those affecting hedgehogs including habitat loss and fragmentation, pollution and climate change. The adder, being the only native venomous snake in the UK, often has a poor perception from the public. However research by Natural England and Froglife in 2002 has indicated significant population declines in the adder, especially from the Midlands. In this study one third of adder populations were estimated to consist of less than 10 individuals which puts them at HIGH RISK OF EXTINCTION
The STATE OF NATURE REPORT also found that the area inhabited by officially designated “priority species” has shrunk by 27%. The species are those deemed most important and threatened, and include hedgehogs, hares and bats, many birds such as the willow tit and the turtle dove, and insects such as the high brown fritillary butterfly.
The report uses assessments from the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list to assess the number of UK species at risk of extinction. As well as mammals and birds, it found 440 PLANTS, 405 INVERTIBRATES and 232 FUNGI and LICHEN IN DANGER!
SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL ARE TAKING EVERYTHING WITHOUT CONCERN
What have they done?
The England Trees Action Plan 2021-2024 May 2021
The events of the last year have led people to appreciate the difference nature makes to our lives in a new way. When we destroy nature, we undermine our very foundations. We face a choice as we map out our recovery – and we must choose to build back better and greener.
The most economically deprived areas often have less available public greenspace, meaning people in those communities have fewer opportunities to reap the benefits
This Government’s pledge
Is not only to stem the tide of nature loss, but to turn it around – to leave the environment in a better state than we found it. The England Trees Action Plan is central to this. It sets out our long-term plan for the whole treescape - trees, woodlands and forests. It includes our vision for trees in 2050 and the economic, environmental, and social benefits that we will realise through our new trees and woodlands.
Together with the England Peat Action Plan and wider plans and strategies for nature, it sets out how we will tackle the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change. Trees and woodlands have a vital role in delivering net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, achieving the goals of our 25 Year Environment Plan, and delivering on our ambitions to conserve and enhance biodiversity.
As well as tackling climate change and providing vital habitats, trees and woodlands are a pivotal part of our landscapes – particularly when planted and supported in and around our towns and cities – and can provide space for people to connect with nature. Trees and woodlands also play an increasingly important role in building thriving rural economies, helping to level up the whole of the UK, and supporting a green recovery by stimulating markets for timber and wood products as renewable resources.
Soil Condition in the UK
Soil is an important natural capital resource. It provides us with many essential services.
Soil biodiversity and the many biological processes and soil functions that it supports are thought to be under threat.
There are insufficient data on the health of our soils. Investment is needed in soil monitoring.
In England and Wales:
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almost 4 million hectares of soil are at risk of compaction
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over 2 million hectares of soil are at risk of erosion
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intensive agriculture has caused arable soils to lose about 40 to 60% of their organic carbon
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soil degradation was calculated in 2010 to cost £1.2 billion every year
Compaction and the loss of organic carbon are serious threats to soil health. They affect agricultural production and our resilience to climate change. UK soils currently store about 10 billion tonnes of carbon. This is roughly equal to 80 years of annual UK greenhouse gas emissions.
Wasting food and growing crops for bioenergy are putting additional pressure on soils.
Spreading of some materials to land is poorly controlled and can give rise to contamination. Some 300,000 hectares are contaminated in the UK.
Microplastics are widespread in soil with unknown consequences.
From the moment we are born, through to old age, the environments we live in shape our lives and our wellbeing. Having a safe home, a sufficient income and support networks around us make a substantial contribution to a life in good health. And the importance of our surroundings also extends to our natural environment.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made many of us all the more aware of how much we value and rely on our outdoor spaces to support our health and wellbeing. There is increasingly compelling evidence showing that access to greenspaces really matters for our health.
Anyone who loves being outdoors might instinctively feel a boost from spending some time in our parks or woodlands, but it is now formally recognised that green environments are associated with reduced levels of depression, anxiety and fatigue and can enhance quality of life for both children and adults.
We gain physically too. People with better access to greenspace enjoy a wide range of health benefits from lower levels of cardiovascular disease through to maintaining a healthier weight. It should be a concern for all of us, however, that evidence also shows access to good quality greenspaces such as parks, woodlands, fields or allotments varies greatly depending on where we live.
THEY'RE TAKING EVERYTHING WITHOUT CONSCIENCE
What are they doing?
Neighbourhoods dominated by the most recent generation of housebuilding (2009 – 2021) have up to 40% less green space provision than neighbourhoods dominated by late 19th- and early 20th-century housing
Green spaces near new housing developments in England and Wales down in last 20 years.
Parks near new homes shrink 40% as developers say they cannot afford them.
Active identification and promotion of opportunities to restore urban watercourses, no matter how small, to realise benefits for the local community and environment. This particularly applies where watercourses now run below ground in fully enclosed culverts.
Green spaces make us happier and healthier. They help reduce heart disease, obesity, and depression and save the NHS more than £100 million each year in GP visits and prescriptions.
They also perform other valuable functions such as reducing flooding, cutting carbon emissions, and protecting nature.
DESPITE ALL OF THESE BENEFITS, ALMOST 10 MILLION PEOPLE IN ENGLAND LIVE IN AREAS WITH VERY LIMITED ACCESS TO GREEN SPACE.
Are you one of the unlucky ones? Find your neighbourhood by exploring the map at the link below.
THEY'RE TAKING EVERYTHING WITHOUT SIDERING
CON
What are they thinking?
IT'S NOT AS SIMPLE AS A WALK IN THE PARK
HACKETT ROAD TO BRITANNIA PARK - 0.9MILES - 20 MINUTES
HACKETT ROAD TO LANGLEY PARK - 1.1 MILES - 26 MINUTES
HACKETT ROAD TO BARNFORD PARK - 1.3 MILES 28 MINUTES
HACKETT ROAD TO BURY HILL PARK - 1.8 MILES 39 MINUTES
HACKETT ROAD TO HADEN HILL PARK - 2.4 MILES - 53 MINUTES
BADSEY ROAD TO BRITANNIA PARK - 1.3 MILES - 29 MINUTES
BADSEY ROAD TO LANGLEY PARK - 1.3 MILES - 28 MINUTES
BADSEY ROAD TO BARNFORD PARK - 1.8 MILES 39 MINUTES
BADSEY ROAD TO BURY HILL PARK - 0.8 MILES 17 MINUTES
BADSEY ROAD TO HADEN HILL PARK - 3.O MILES - 1 HR 5 MINUTES
FOR AN ELDERLY PERSON?
FOR A DISABLED PERSON?
WITH 2 CHILDREN AND A BUGGY?
The government recently unveiled its white paper proposals for “levelling up” the UK country and reducing regional inequality.
The plans dedicate £39 million to refurbish parks and green spaces across the UK.
The government’s proposals envision a future where people have greater access to wildlife and parks within a 5 - 10-minute walking distance from home.
ACCESS TO GREEN SPACE IN THE UK IS NOT EQUAL AND THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT DOING ENOUGH
THEY'RE TAKING EVERYTHING WITHOUT TEMPLATING
CON
SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL - YOU REALLY SHOULD NOT HAVE SOLD THIS LAND
THIS TREE IS A LOCALLY IMPORTANT TREE. IT IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER TREE AROUND HERE.
WITHIN THIS PARTICULAR TREE, LIVES THE KIND SOUL OF A YOUNG MAN HALF MY AGE, THAT CAME FROM MY ESTATE, WHOM, AFTER BATTLING WITH DEMONS, CHOSE IT AS HIS FINAL RESTING PLACE.
THIS TREE HAS STOOD STRONG FOR THE CHILDREN AND FAMILY OVER THE YEARS AND IT HAS HELPED THEM TO MOURN, TO COPE, TO HEAL, AND IT HAS ULTIMATELY HELPED TO SAVE THEM.
THE HIVE EFFECT WAS GOING TO MAKE THIS AN AREA OF CONTEMPLATION WITHIN A SMALL PARK FULL OF THOUGHT. THERE WAS EVEN A BEEHIVE DEDICATED TO THIS LAD.
SO, SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL, LAND BUYERS & DEVELOPERS - WHO'S REVOLTING ENOUGH TO COME WITH A CHAINSAW AND ATTEMPT TO TAKE THIS TREE DOWN?
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on the mental health and wellbeing of people around the world while also raising concerns of increased suicidal behaviour. In addition, access to mental health services has been severely impeded. However, no comprehensive summary of the current data on these impacts has until now been made widely available.
THEY'RE TAKING EVERYTHING WITHOUT SULTING
CON
underhanded - concealed - crafty - cunning - slippery - shady - devious - dirty-dealing - dishonest - sly - secretive - dodgy - hush-hush - unjust - undercover - unscrupulous - unethical - unfair - dishonourable
WITH SO MANY SPIN DOCTORS SPEWING OUT SO MUCH TRIPE, IT IS DIFFUCULT TO KEEP UP WITH SAD-UNWELL COUNCILS BRAINDEAD IDEA TO BUILD ON A PARK.
HOWEVER, KEEPING UP WITH THE CORRUPT PEOPLE INVOLVED, AND THE COMPANIES THAT ARE PARTICIPATING, ISN'T, AND WE'LL BE PUBLISHING THOSE DETAILS INSTEAD.
SO IF YOU WANT TO GIVE THEM A CALL OR GO AND KNOCK AT THE DOOR TO ASK THEM A QUESTION FOR YOURSELF, THEN YOU CAN. DETAILS COMING SOON
THEY'RE TAKING EVERYTHING WITHOUT FEDERATION
CON
Dudley Council pulls out of Black Country housing plan
A council has pulled out of a plan aimed at shaping where more than 76,000 homes would be built over 15 years. The Black Country Plan, which sets out future housing and employment need in the area, was drawn up by four local authorities in the West Midlands.
But Dudley Borough Council has withdrawn from the proposal citing public reaction to proposals to build on green belt land.
"We will therefore look to go it alone," leader Patrick Harley said.
Sad-Unwell Council have always done as they please
THEY'RE TAKING EVERYTHING WITHOUT SERVATION
CON
The Queens Highway from The Hive Effect, is much more than 5 pieces of land linked by high voltage power lines, the M5 motorway and the A4123
It is the only remaining wildlife corridor from Rowley Hills to Warley Hills and Quinton, and it is the only open space that we have on the south-side of the A4123
It is on the brink of total collapse.
What's next?
Is this progress?
Have Sad-Unwell Council learned nothing from our local history?
It is apparent that they don't care at all. They have what they need.
SORRY, ARE WE MISSING SOMETHING HERE?
IN 2012 THE HIVE EFFECT IDEA WAS BORN TO HELP IN TIMES OF DIFFICULTY.
IN 2016 WE ATTEMPTED TO RENT THE ALLOTMENT ON PENNCRICKET LANE, BUT WE WERE REPEATEDLY LIED TO AND DECEIVED BY
SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL.
IN 2016 WE ALSO ASKED TO RENT THE ALLOTMENT LAND ON GRAFTON ROAD, BUT IT WAS APPARENTLY RENTED OUT!
WE REPEATEDLY ASKED AGAIN IN 2017, 2018 & IN 2019 TO USE THE ABANDONED ALLOTEMENT ON PENNCRICKET LANE, AND WE WERE REPEATEDLY LIED TO.
IN 2020 THE WORLD LITERALLY STOPPED
EVERYTHING CHANGED (EXCEPT FOR SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL), BECAUSE WE ASKED AGAIN IN FEBRUARY. LIES.
IN 2021 WE REPEATEDLY ASKED AGAIN, AND WE WERE LIED TO.
IN 2022 WE REPEATEDLY ASKED TO RENT IT AGAIN, BUT THEY SOLD IT INSTEAD. THEY WERE APPARENTLY UNAWARE THAT IT HAD SOLD! HOW IS THAT EVEN LEGAL?
NOW WE'VE HAD TO BUILD THIS WEBSITE JUST TO TELL PEOPLE THE TRUTH AND TELL THEM EXACTLY WHICH CORRUPT AND VILE LIARS ARE REPONSIBLE
SERIOUSLY... IS IT JUST US?
BECAUSE IT SEEMS AS THOUGH IT IS CRISIS AFTER CRISIS...
A FOOD CRISIS
Scandal of hungry children in UK who will go without 50m meals this summer - the DAILY EXPRESS launches an emergency campaign to tackle child poverty.
A FUEL CRISIS
Fuel prices started rising in February 2022. Now, in April 2022, the UK forecourt cost of petrol is topping £1.60 a litre and diesel over £1.70 a litre.
ENERGY CRISIS
The energy crisis is unprecedented. Last October, 4.5 million UK households were in fuel poverty. Now National Energy Action predicts this will rise to 6.7 million.
A COST OF LIVING CRISIS
Households in the United Kingdom experienced a significant fall in living standards since late 2021. In July 2022, for example, 91 percent of UK households reported that their cost of living had increased in the previous month, up from 62 percent in November 2021.
ARTICLE - Cost of living crisis: everything you need to know - October 4, 2022
A SOON-TO-BE HEATING CRISIS
In October 2021, an estimated 4 million households in the UK were in fuel poverty. But the largest increase in gas and electricity prices ever in April 2022 has pushed a further 2.7 million UK households into fuel poverty, bringing the total number to 6.7 million.
AN ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS
Scientists warn that the loss of nature and decline in pollinators could create problems in years to come, including
A CLIMATE CRISIS
The state of nature: 41 percent of UK species have declined since 1970s
'The whole report is a sobering one. It is always shocking when you see everything pulled together.'
AN ECONOMIC CRISIS
The UK financial crisis in 2022-2023 is a result of the UK’s inability to adapt to the changing global economy. The UK has been unable to adapt to the changing global economy and has been left behind as other countries such as China have been able to make further progress. The economy is in a state of decline.
A POLITICAL CRISIS
IT LITERALLY BEGGARS BELIEF
A POVERTY CRISIS
According to the Resolution Foundation, ABSOLUTE POVERTY is expected to rise by 1.3 MILLION PEOPLE next year.
That includes 500,000 CHILDREN.
AN EXTINCTION CRISIS
In UK waters, the sturgeon and the burbot have vanished, salmon are disappearing, and the European eel remains critically endangered. According to the WWF, much of the decline is driven by the poor state of rivers, mostly as a result of pollution, dams and sewage.
WAR IN THE UKRAINE
A HUMANITARIAN CRISIS. A GLOBAL CRISIS. NEED WE SAY MORE?
CRISIS = CRITICAL
Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Leader of Sad-Unwell Council, said:
“My vision for Sandwell is to be a borough that is totally focussed on the needs of our residents, where everyone can fulfil their potential and be proud to live here.
"We remain fully committed to providing what our residents want – to live in clean and safe neighbourhoods, to have somewhere to turn when times are tough, and to be proud to call Sandwell home.”
Yet Sad-Unwell Council are still hellbent on the private housing crisis so much, that they want to sell our only local, open spaces!
WHO ARE THESE CLOWNS WITH CRAYONS?
New school, homes and first new public park in Sandwell’s history to be provided at Brandhall
Published 20th July 2022
Sandwell's Cabinet has approved plans to provide a brand-new primary school, around 190 new homes and the first new public park in Sandwell’s 48-year history at the former Brandhall Golf Course.
WE HAVE NEVER HAD A SINGLE PARK FROM SANDWELL COUNCIL IN ITS HISTORY!
HOW MUCH GREEN SPACE HAVE SANDWELL COUNCIL SOLD AND BUILT OVER IN THEIR HISTORY?
A report to today’s (Wednesday 20 July) Cabinet meeting outlined the findings of a public consultation on proposals for the future of the site.
Councillors considered five different options and decided to provide a new primary school to replace the existing Causeway Green Primary School, where buildings are now ageing and no longer economical to maintain.
'PUBLIC CONSULTATION', 'CONSIDERED' FIVE DIFFERENT OPTIONS! - REALLY? WHERE WERE OUR COMMUNITIES?
CAUSEWAY GREEN SCHOOL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED OVER 30 YEARS AGO, BUT YOU DIDN'T DO IT.
A SCHOOL CAN BE BUILT ON THE SAME SITE, WITH EASE. IT HAS BEEN DONE TIME AND TIME AGAIN.
WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE OLD SCHOOL SITE - MORE PRIVATE HOUSES?
They also decided to develop a 26-hectare park as well as keeping the 1.47 hectares at the existing Parsons Hill Park.
IT IS ALREADY 37 HECTACRES, SO LEAVE IT EXACTLY AS IT IS. YOU'LL KILL IT ALL ANYWAY!
MAKE THIS THE BIGGEST PARK YOU WILL EVER BE CAPABLE OF 'PROVIDING' IN YOUR EXISTENCE
'A 26- HECTACRE PARK' THAT IS NOW PRONE TO MORE SEVERE FLOODING AS A RESULT OF YOU CLOWNS.
PARSONS HILL PARK IS YET ANOTHER PARK ON THE SOUTH-SIDE OF THE A4123.
And they agreed to provide space for around 190 homes, of which a minimum of 25% would be ‘affordable homes’.
Scrutiny Board Chairs have advised they intend to initiate the call-in process in relation to this decision, in line with the council’s constitution.
The number of new homes needed in Sandwell is currently much greater than those being built. While Sandwell has a ‘brownfield first’ policy for development, even using all brownfield sites available will still leave a significant shortfall in how many new homes the government has calculated Sandwell will need over the coming years.
BROWNFIELD FIRST POLICY? DO THAT THEN! BEFORE YOU EVEN CONSIDER BUILDING ON A PARK!
IF YOUR CALCULATIONS ARE CORRECT, YOU WILL BE BUILDING ON SANDWELL VALLEY IN LESS THAN 20 YEARS TIME
The five options for councillors to choose from were as follow – and they chose Option 3:
-
1a. No change
-
1b. Developing a new public park (35 hectares plus 1.47 hectares retaining Parsons Hill Park)
-
2. Providing land for a new primary school (2.68 hectares) and a new public park (32 hectares plus 1.47 hectares for Parsons Hill Park)
-
3. Providing land for a new primary school (2.68 hectares), a new public park (26 hectares plus 1.47 hectares for Parsons Hill Park) and around 190 new homes (5 hectares)
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4. Providing land for a new primary school (2.68 hectares), a new public park (21.9 hectares plus 1.47 hectares for Parsons Hill Park) and around 360 new homes (9 hectares)
OPTION 5. LET THE HIVE EFFECT MAKE IT EPIC. WE DON'T WANT A SINGLE THING FROM YOU. NOT A PENNY.
OPTION 6. BUILD ON SALOP ROAD ALLOTMENTS AS THEY ARE STOOD EMPTY AND WASTED ANYWAY.
OPTION 7. BUILD ON PARSONS HILL PARK AS THE RESIDENTS HAVE EASY ACCESS TO 3 GREEN FLAG AWARDED PARKS, A GOLF COURSE AND SEVERAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES ALREADY
Cabinet also endorsed a proposal to designate part of the site – the larger part of the site which will not be developed – as a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation (SLINC).
The council has a duty to consider and balance competing priorities for the area. These include ecology and the preservation of green space, the need for high-quality school facilities and significant demand for new housing, including affordable homes.
Each option will require different levels of investment, so councillors also had to consider the impact on council resources and other local services when making their decision.
SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL HAS A DUTY TO CONSIDER AND BALANCE ECOLOGY AND THE PRESERVATION OF GREEN SPACE, TO ALLOW FOR HEALTHIER, CLEANER, SAFER PLACES TO LIVE.
PRIVATE HOUSING - PEOPLE CAN BUY ANYWHERE THEY LIKE IF THEY CAN AFFORD IT. IT IS THAT SIMPLE. IN THE CASES OF BRANDHALL GOLF COURSE, THE ALLOTMENTS ON PENNCRICKET LANE, AND CAUSEWAY GREEN PRIMARY SCHOOL, IT SEEMS THAT THESE PEOPLE CAN ALSO BUY ANYTHING THEY DESIRE, REGARDLESS OF CONSEQUENCE.
MONEY, GREED, MONEY, HOUSES, MONEY, RENT, MONEY, CORRUPTION. MONEY - IT IS LINING POCKETS.
The report to Cabinet included details of housing and school needs as well as technical information on ecology and SLINCs.
Councillor Peter Hughes, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth, said: “We are pleased to be providing a much-needed new primary school and housing, as well as creating a new public park – the first in Sandwell’s 48-year history. These will serve local people for generations to come.
“This is a significant investment in vital, state-of-the-art educational facilities that will help give children in the local area the best possible start in life.
PETER HUGHES
WHO IN THIS HELL-HOLE ARE "WE"? YOU'RE NOT FROM AROUND HERE ARE YOU? GO BACK TO YOUR OWN END.
THESE SPACES HAVE SERVED THEIR COMMUNITIES FOR CENTURIES YOU FOOL.
"PLEASED" ARE WE?, SO WHY ARE YOU MAKING OUT THAT YOU ARE 'GIVING' US SOMETHING, WHEN TO THE CONTRARY, YOU'RE ACTUALLY TAKING EVERYTHING FROM US. ARE YOU PLEASED ABOUT LYING?
THIS IS WHAT IS COMMONLY KNOWN AS DECEIT, AND LIES.
THIS IS WHAT IS KNOWN AS THE SANDWELL LEGACY AND YOU'RE PART OF THE PROBLEM.
CABINET MEMBER FOR REGENERATION AND GROWTH - CORRUPTED CLOWN. CORRECT US IF WE'RE WRONG!
“We have decided that creating space for around 190 new homes – significantly fewer than the 550 proposed as part of last year’s consultation – is the right balance for the site, having listened to all views and information. There is a desperate need for more housing in Sandwell, especially affordable housing, and we must fulfil our duties to make land available for this.
AGAIN, WHO ARE "WE"? - "WE" HAVEN'T AGREED TO ANYTHING!
SIGNIFICANTLY FEWER THAN 550, MAKES IT SOUND LIKE YOU HAVE ACHIEVED SOMETHING POSITIVE, WHEN TO THE CONTRARY, YOU ARE ONLY CREATING NEGATIVITY.
YOU CERTAINLY HAVE NOT "LISTENED TO ALL VIEWS AND INFORMATION".
SERIOUSLY - YOUR INTENTIONS ARE TO BUILD ON THE PART OF THE GOLF COURSE WITH THE MOST WILDLIFE, THE MOST HABITATS, AND THE MOST TREES, AND THEN YOU INTEND TO DEVELOP THE MANMADE GRASS PATCH ON THE QUEENSWAY INTO A PARK?
REALLY? EVEN IF IT WERE THE LAST PLACE IN THE WORLD TO BUILD 190 PRIVATE HOUSES, YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE A COMPLETE LUNATIC TO DO THAT. (UNLESS YOU WERE GOING TO MAKE THE NICE ESTABLISHED PARTS YOUR BACK GARDEN, OR YOU WERE GOING TO PROFIT FROM IT)!
FULFIL YOUR DUTIES - QUIT YOUR JOBS NOW AND GIVE REAL PEOPLE A CHANCE.
WE ARE FULFILLING OUR DUTIES. WE WILL SUCCEED - BY HOOK OR BY CROOK, BECAUSE WE ARE RIGHT, AND THAT'S THE TRUTH.
“Under this option, we will be investing in a large, brand-new, high-quality park, making up around 70% of the site. Currently, the site is not managed or maintained as a publicly accessible park, so we will now be able to make the green space at Brandhall much more accessible for all of the local community to use and enjoy.
“We have also approved the designation of the majority of the site as a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation, which will give greater protection to the ecology of this space. We commit to working closely with the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust to ensure any impact on wildlife is mitigated and the remainder of the site is improved to increase biodiversity as much as possible.
BIRMINGHAM AND BLACK COUNTRY WILDLIFE TRUST?
DO YOU THINK THAT WE HAVE DONE ENOUGH TO MITIGATE OUR IMPACT ON NATURE OVER THE LAST 30-40 YEARS HERE IN SAD-UNWELL? DO YOU THINK WE ARE DOING WELL?
DO YOU BELIEVE THAT WE CAN "MITIGATE" ANY IMPACT CAUSED BY BUILDING 190 PRIVATE HOUSES AND A SCHOOL ON A PARK, THEN BUILD MORE PRIVATE HOUSES ON THE SITE OF THE OLD SCHOOL, AND THEN BUILD ON THE ALLOTMENTS OPPOSITE, AND BUILD ON THE PUBLIC LAND NEXT TO IT?
IS 26 HECTACRES BETTER THAN 37 HECTACRES OF INCREASED BIODIVERSITY?
DO YOU REALLY AGREE TO THE DECIMATION OF THIS SITE?
CAN OUR BIRMINGHAM AND BLACK COUNTRY WILDLIFE TRUST YOU?
IF YOU AGREE WITH SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL THEN YOU CAN REMOVE THE LAST 4 LYING WORDS FROM YOUR TITLE.
IT'S TIME TO STAND UP AND BE COUNTED - PICK A SIDE
“We have taken the decision that we feel best meets the future needs of the local community, and Sandwell as a whole.”
Julia Shingler, Headteacher at Causeway Green Primary School, said: “We are delighted to hear that Sandwell Council will be providing a new school. Our current site has served us for many years and will hold many special memories for several generations of pupils and staff.
“However, a replacement school is much needed for our local community. The school buildings are ageing, uneconomical to repair and can’t keep being patched up. We very much welcome this news that the local community will benefit from a brand-new school to continue providing high-quality education in modern facilities that are fit to serve children and staff for generations to come.”
JULIA SHINGLER
FIRST AND FOREMOST - DO YOU LIVE AROUND HERE?
KIDS GO TO PUBLIC SCHOOL OR WOULDN'T YOU ALLOW THAT?
THAT'S YOUR LIFE - THIS IS OURS, SO DON'T DARE COME AROUND HERE AND START TELLING US WHAT WILL BENEFIT US!
THEY WANT TO BUILD A NEW SCHOOL CLOSER TO THE M5 MOTORWAY
THEY WANT TO BUILD A NEW SCHOOL CLOSER TO THE POWER LINES
THEY WANT TO BUILD A NEW SCHOOL OVER FOX DENS & WILDLIFE HABITATS
THEY WANT TO BUILD EVEN MORE PRIVATE HOUSES ON THE SITE OF CAUSEWAY GREEN PRIMARY SCHOOL WHEN IT IS DEMOLISHED.
THEN THEY WILL BUILD ON THE PENNCRICKET LANE ALLOTMENTS OPPOSITE.
THEN THEY WILL BUILD ON THE PUBLIC SPACE NEXT TO IT.
THIS WILL INCREASE THE VOLUME OF LOCAL TRAFFIC BY APPROX ANOTHER 700-800 VEHICLES
THIS WILL CRIPPLE THE LOCAL UNDERINVESTED, UNFIT FOR PURPOSE, INFRASTRUCTURE
THIS WILL INCREASE THE LOCAL POPULATION BY APPROX ANOTHER 800 - 1500 PEOPLE
THIS WILL PUT EVEN MORE BURDEN UPON ANY PATHETIC REMAINING OPEN SPACES
THIS WILL PUT EVEN MORE BURDEN UPON THE ANIHILATED ENVIRONMENT
THIS WILL PUT EVEN MORE BURDEN UPON THE ALREADY DECIMATED WILDLIFE
THIS WILL PLACE MORE BURDEN UPON THE PARENTS WHO HAVE TO COMMUTE FURTHER TO SCHOOL
SO, AS A WELL-EDUCATED AND INTELLIGENT HEAD TEACHER, COULD YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN TO SOME GROWN-UPS, IN THE MOST INTRICATE DETAILS (WE'RE HIGHLY INTELLIGENT TOO), HOW BUILDING A SCHOOL, ALONG WITH 200 PRIVATE HOUSES ON A PARK, BUILDING A FURTHER HOUSING ESTATE ON THE OLD SCHOOL SITE, ANOTHER ON THE ALLOTMENTS OPPOSITE, AND ANOTHER ON THE PUBLIC LAND NEXT TO IT, WILL BENEFIT THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND SERVE CHILDREN FOR GENERATIONS TO COME?
IS THIS HOW WE TEACH CHILDREN TO BE RESPONSIBLE?
IS THIS HOW WE TEACH CHILDREN TO BE SUSTAINABLE?
IS THIS HOW WE TEACH CHILDREN TO BE INTELLIGENT?
IS THIS HOW WE TEACH CHILDREN TO BE HEALTHY?
IS THIS HOW WE EDUCATE AND TREAT THE VERY PEOPLE THAT WILL INHERIT THIS CHAOS?
IT'S RHETORICAL
WITH NO RESOURCES,
HOW WILL WE SURVIVE NEXT TIME?
SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL
YOU'RE OUT OF CONTROL
ENTIRE COMMUNITIES OF GOOD PEOPLE HAVE TRIED TO PETITION AGAINST YOUR ACTIONS FOR YEARS.
JOURNALISTS HAVE WRITTEN AND REPORTED ABOUT YOUR ACTIONS, WHISTLE-BLOWERS HAVE DISCLOSED CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION TO UNCOVER YOUR LIES, GROUPS HAVE PROTESTED, AND STILL, TO THIS VERY DAY, YOU PAY NO ATTENTION WHATSOEVER.
YOU NEVER LISTEN. YOU NEVER TELL THE TRUTH. YOU NEVER DO THE RIGHT THING.
YOU NEVER SHOULD HAVE COME HERE.
SO, THANK YOU TO EVERYONE
THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE GOOD PEOPLE THAT HAVE CREATED AND SIGNED PETITIONS.
THANK YOU TO THE GOOD COMMUNITIES OF VOLUNTEERS AND LITTER PICKERS, SIGN WRITERS, AND TEAM LEADERS.
THANK YOU TO THE GOOD REPORTERS, WHISTLE-BLOWERS AND THE WRITERS.
WE CANNOT EXPRESS JUST HOW GRATEFUL WE ARE TO THE PEOPLE IN OUR SOCIETY THAT ARE STRIVING TO DO THE RIGHT THING.
BUT YOU'RE NOT BEING HEARD
SO, WE'VE ENLISTED SOME HELP FROM OTHERS, AND NOW IT IS OUR TURN
SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL
ARE YOU SURE THAT YOU WISH TO CONTINUE IN THIS MANNER?
DO YOU REALLY WANT TO BRING OUT THE WORST OF THE BEST IN OUR COMMUNITIES,
DURING ONE OF THE WORST PERIODS IN OUR MODERN HISTORY?
CHANGE
HAS
COME
UNWELL DEVELS USING COMMONERS
SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL
YOU ARE OUR COUNCIL - WE ARE NOT YOUR SUBJECTS
PLEASE, SIT DOWN AND COUNCIL.
IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE JOB THAT WE AFFORD YOU, TO LOOK AFTER OUR BEST INTERESTS, THEN LEAVE. WE HAVE YOUR SEATS FILLED ALREADY.
YOU ARE OUT OF TOUCH WITH OUR PEOPLE.
YOU ARE TOTALLY OUT OF TOUCH WITH REALITY.
DEVELOPERS
NOBODY LIKES PEOPLE WHO DESTROY NATURAL HABITATS & GREEN-BELT LAND.
NOBODY LIKES PEOPLE WHO BUTCHER WILDLIFE FOR NOTHING OTHER THAN GREED.
BUILDING ON PENNCRICKET LANE ALLOTMENTS, BRANDHALL GOLF COURSE, THE BILLIES, OR LION FARM FIELDS WILL BE TOO COSTLY FOR EVERYONE, IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORDS.
THERE ARE BETTER WAYS AND YOU KNOW IT, SO PLEASE SHOW US SOME HUMANITY AND WORK WITH US TO SOLVE PROBLEMS, NOT OVER US.
HOUSING BUYERS
USE YOUR COMMON SENSE AND PLEASE UNDERSTAND THE CONSEQUENCES OF BUYING.
USE YOUR COMMON SENSE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU WILL HAVE PAID TO HELP DESTROY.
EVERYTHING WILL BE LISTED HERE, AND EVERYONE WILL UNDERSTAND WHAT (AND WHO) HAPPENED TO THEIR LIVES.
COMMISSIONERS
IF THE GOVERNMENT IS SERIOUS ABOUT ANY SINGLE ONE OF IT'S TARGETS, THEN LET'S MAKE A START NOW, BECAUSE YOU'RE LATE ALREADY, AND HERE IN OUR PART OF SAD-UNWELL, YOU'RE 30 YEARS LATE. 10 YEARS IN THE MAKING AND 7 YEARS OF TRYING TO SITE A BEEHIVE FOR CHILDREN HAS LED TO THIS, AND YOU AGREE WITH BUILDING ON PARKS? Hmmm...
KERRIE CARMICHAEL
IF YOU DON'T HAVE TRUST, HONESTY, AND COMMON SENSE, THEN YOU HAVE NOTHING, SO HOW WILL THE DIVIDING LINE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND OUR COMMUNITIES BE REBUILT.
WE NEED A PROPER COUNCIL, THAT INCLUDES AND INVOLVES ITS RESIDENTS WITHIN ITS STRATEGIES, THAT WORKS WITH THEM AND ALONGSIDE THEM, TO ACHIEVE STABILITY, SUSTAINABILTY AND PROSPERITY FOR THE FUTURE. YOU OF ALL PEOPLE SHOULD UNDERSTAND THIS VERY FUNDAMENTAL IMPORTANCE.
THE SOULTIONS TO ALL OF THE BOROUGHS PROBLEMS ARE NOT FOUND WITHIN THE TAINTED WALLS OF SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL HOUSE, THE ROOT CAUSES ARE, AND THEY ARE SYSTEMIC.
YOU WERE APPOINTED TO DEAL WITH THE DEMONS - NOT MAKE A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL
WE WILL MAKE EVERYONE INVOLVED INFAMOUS - SO PICK YOUR SIDE CAREFULLY
WORK WITH US AND WE WILL ACHIEVE THE INCREDIBLE
WORK AGAINST US AND WE WILL ACHIEVE THE IMPOSSIBLE
UNSELL IT
PENNCRICKET LANE ALLOTMENTS AND THE BILLIES
YOU LYING, THIEVING, SCHEMING, CANIVING, HATEFUL, SPITEFUL P****E AT SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL SOLD THIS LAND TO OTHERS, AFTER YOU WERE INFORMED OF YOUR OWNERSHIP BY OUR COMMUNITY PROJECT. YOU LOW-LIVES REPEATEDLY LIED AND SCHEMED, JUST SO THAT YOU COULD SELL IT FOR PROFIT AND GREED.
OUR ENVIRONMENT AND OUR 'WILDLIFE' IS DYING BECAUSE OF YOU.
WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH ALLOTMENTS, WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH PARKS, WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH COMMUNITY CENTRES, AND THE PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING BECAUSE OF YOU.
TO THE BUYERS - DO NOT BUILD ON THIS LAND
DO YOU THINK THAT WE ARE GOING TO SUFFER EVEN MORE THAN WE HAVE ALREADY SUFFERED, WHILST YOU KILL EVERYTHING AND PROFIT FROM IT?
OUR FAMILIES DIED WORKING IN THE GROUND THAT YOU ARE STANDING ON. OUR FAMILIES DIED IN HELL ABOVE IT, AND WE INHERITED ETERNAL HELL.
IF IT IS HELL YOU WANT - THEN HELL IT IS
GET YOUR REFUND. YOU WERE CONNED. NO MORE WORDS.
THIS LAND, IT'S HISTORY, IT'S FUTURE, AND EVERY LAST DETAIL REGARDING IT IS GOING ON THE INTERNET, REGARDLESS OF THE OUTCOME
UNSELL IT
BRANDHALL GOLF COURSE - ALL 37 HECTACRES
WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH PARKS TO SUPPORT OUR EXISTING POPULATION ON THE SOUTH-SIDE OF THE A4123 BEACAUSE OF SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL
WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH OPEN SPACES TO SUPPORT OUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING ON THE SOUTH-SIDE OF THE A4123 BECAUSE OF SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL
WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH OPEN SPACES TO SUPPORT OR SUSTAIN NATURE ON THE SOUTH-SIDE OF THE A4123 BECAUSE OF SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL
WE DON'T HAVE ANY ALLOTMENTS ON THE SOUTH-SIDE OF THE A4123 BECAUSE OF SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL
WE HAVE NO PROPER COMMUNITY CENTRES ON THE SOUTH-SIDE OF THE A4123
WE HAVE NONE OF THIS BECAUSE SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL NEGLECTED US FOR OVER 40 YEARS.
NOW, SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL ARE TRYING TO SELL US OUT COMPLETELY.
TO THE DEVELOPERS - THIS WILL COST US ALL WAY TOO MUCH.
UNSELL IT
LION FARM 'PLAYING' FIELDS
SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL HAVE NEVER INVESTED A SINGLE PENNY HERE SINCE IT WAS BUILT.
TO THE CONTRARY,
SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL HAVE TAKEN THINGS AWAY, LIKE THE PARK THAT STOOD AT THE SITE OF THE BIRCHLEY SOCIAL CLUB, (THAT'S BEEN STANDING EMPTY AND ABANDONED FOR YEARS).
WE WANT LEVELLING UP ABOUT 45 LEVELS
1 FOR EVERY YEAR THAT YOU ABANDONDED US AND SPENT ELSEWHERE
IMAGINE THE BRILLIANT SOLUTIONS WE COULD FIND BETWEEN US - THAT WOULD BE NEXT LEVEL!
INSTEAD SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL WANT TO DRAG US BACK DOWN INTO OUR DARK AGES
SO, FOR THE LAST TIME
PLEASE, PLEASE,
GIVE IT BACK
OR WE WILL HAVE TO TAKE IT BACK
WE COULD FUND SCHOOL BUSES TO FERRY HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE FROM OUR DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES, DAILY, TO OUR 'LOCAL' PARKS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE A4123, LIKE WARLEY WOODS, BARNFORD AND LIGHTWOODS PARK, WHERE THE NICE PEOPLE LIVE, BUT THAT WOULD BE SENSELESS AS THEY WOULDN'T COPE WITH THE INFLUX WOULD THEY?
WE COULD BRING THE CHILDREN OF OUR EVER-INCREASING COMMUNITIES TO WATCH IN AWE, AS COMMUNITIES ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE A4123 GROW, EDUCATE, EMPOWER AND SUPPORT THEMSELVES. THEY COULD SEE WHAT A NICE HOME LOOKS LIKE.
WE COULD GATHER OUR PITCHFORKS AND OUR TOOLS AND COME ALONG TO SHARE EVERYONE ELSES ALLOTMENTS, OR JUST CLAIM HALF OF THEM THAT ARE NEAREST TO OUR HOMES FOR OURSELVES
THE ALTERNATIVE, THE MOST REALISTIC, AND THE MOST PROBABLE OUTCOME, IS COMPLETE IGNORANCE FROM SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL AND THEN FULL-SCALE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVISM UNLIKE ANYTHING SANDWELL HAS EVER WITNESSED
EITHER WAY, WE CAN BOTH STOP ALL OF THIS CHAOS AT ANY MOMENT!
NOW YOU HAVE CONCERN
NOW YOU HAVE CONSEQUENCE
WE WILL GROW YOU A CONSCIENCE
You don't want your name on this list:
#1
REMEMBER, REMEMBER THIS 5TH OF NOVEMBER
THE DECEIVED, LOST, NEGLECTED, FORGOT?
WE'RE A HIVE-MIND TOGETHER
AND THE CHANGE IS FOREVER,
CORRUPTION & CHAOS, OR NOT?
SAND-UNWELL COUNCIL, 'TWAS YOUR INTENT
TO CASH EVERYTHING IN 'TIL EVERYTHING'S SPENT
TWO SCORE AND EIGHT LATER, STILL SCHEME, PLOT AND LIE
PERISHED LANDS, FALTER NOT, DECIMATE, WATCH IT DIE
YOU HAVE NO INTENTION TO MAKE THIS SAND-WELL
YOUR VIRTUAL HEAVEN, OUR REALITY HELL
WE'RE THE HIVE EFFECT, AND THE CHANGE IT HAS COME
UNDOING YOUR MISDEEDS, FOREMENTIONED UNDONE
WE'LL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES, (AS THAT IS YOUR THING)
WE'VE CHALLENGED YOU,
PREPARED FOR YOU
AND INFORMED OUR KING.
SAD-UNWELL COUNCIL TALK ABOUT VISION 2030 LIKE IT MEANS SOMETHING.
IN 2016 OUR VISION WAS A REALISTIC 2025 AND ALL WE WANTED WAS ACCESS TO OUR LAND...
BUT THEY STOLE IT AND SOLD IT
ENVIRONMENTAL & COMMUNITY GROUPS
We are all likeminded people. Your existing, far-reaching communities can help raise awareness for The Hive Effect, where we are fighting for the equality of natural resources available to our society, and to nature and the environment itself.
IT IS NOW OR NEVER
Once we lose it all, there is nothing, so please just press some buttons and support us.
We promise that we shall repay your kindness and understanding tenfold. You wouldn't beelieve what we are capable of.
ONE PROJECT - MULTIPLE COMMUNITIES - ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
BRINGING EVERYTHING BACK TOGETHER
BIG BUSINESSES & CORPORATIONS
Some of you have been here for so long that you have quite literally carved our past out, you have employed our generations, you are as much a part of the neighbourhood as anyone else, and therefore it is as much your responsibility as it is ours to look after what is left of it.
We would like it very much if you would join in and help us to make this work. Sure, we know times are tight, and that shareholders are even tighter, but needs must.
We really do need that help that we have never asked you for, and we need it now in every capacity.
Please do not leave us alone, when it really matters the most.