Attack of the Clowns

Attack Of The Clowns are hot on their heels as they squeezed past Wolfsburg Dubs 2-1, whilst The Trotters Return Again lost ground after a goalless stalemate against PSV Hangover.

Burntwood Reds continue to sit in a precarious position at the foot of the table after suffering a narrow 2-1 reverse against White Horse.

The top two in the First Division crossed swords, and it was LGCC FC came out on top, 2-0 against leaders Pelsall Predators, subsequently cutting the gap to a solitary point.

The Kings Of Zimbabwe were able to take full advantage of the leaders face off as they battled to a 2-1 victory over The Untouchables.

Definatelymaybeprobablynot are looking a formidable force in the Monday Premier Division, sitting eight points clear of the chasing pack following a 5-1 humbling of Real Brownhills.

Manaconk FC battled to a 3-1 victory over Burntwood AFC, and leapfrogged their opponents in the process.

The First Division was also beginning to look a bit of a one horse race, but Braziliant gave leaders AFC Clayhanger food for thought in a 1-1 stalemate.

The Drop Outs demonstrated just why they sit top of Division Two as they comfortably overcame the challenge of Europa FC. Mean Machine are hot on the leaders heels but were made to work harder for maximum points, edging past FC Sporting by a goal to nil, overhauling the defeated with victory.

The promotion race in Division Three is really starting to hot up, as Yew Tree emerged as frontrunners after they knocked Team Salad off in a 3-0 win.

Deportivo La Catalent also slipped to a surprise defeat as they were narrowly edged out by Paradise City , 3-2.

Anyone interested in joining the Burntwood six-a-side Leisure League, they can call 0845 230 2340 or visit www.leisureleagues.net.

Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant has already criticised plans to build a 2.5 mile viaduct over parts of the city.

Cllr Matthew Ellis

And with areas such as Streethay, Armitage and Fisherwick likely to experience disruption if the 250mph rail line goes ahead, Cllr Matthew Ellis (Cons, Lichfield Rural East) has joined the criticism of the scheme.

He said:

“The planned route will deepen further the sense that the local community in that area are under siege. The onslaught of blight and disruption will have spanned nearly 20 years by the time it is constructed.

“Residents have put up with massive disruption during the work to four track the West Coast Main Line, as well as being at the centre of a fight to stop major quarrying in the heart of the local community. The latest news is likely to deepen the sense of despair.

“I share Michael Fabricant’s opposition to this route as it is currently set out and will work closely with him and the community to try to force a change.”

Although the proposed route is a bone of contention, like his Conservative colleague Cllr Ellis believes a high-speed rail link could be beneficial to the economy – if the money can be found to build it in the first place.

He explained:

“If the High Speed Rail link is proved certain to boost the Staffordshire and West Midlands economy it’s difficult to argue against although, where the state of public finances lie today, it’s difficult to comprehend how £30billion will be found to achieve it even in the timescale proposed.”

Lichfield residents are being given the chance to meet two authors at a readers evening event in Shenstone.

Shenstone Library will also be unveiling the winner of the county prize for the Winter Reads contest on March 25.

From 7.15pm, Raphael Selbourne, who scooped the 2009 Costa First Novel Award, will be at the library to talk about his new novel Beauty, the story of a 20-year-old Bangladeshi girl, who back in England, disgraced her family by fleeing an abusive arranged marriage.

Amanda Smyth, one of Waterstones New Voices in 2009, will also attend to talk about her debut novel Black Rock which follows the fortunes of a young girl, Celia, as she struggles to survive in a predatory, patriarchal world.

County Councillor Erica Bayliss said:

“This promises to be an excellent evening with both authors talking about and reading from their work, an excellent opportunity for any readers with burning questions.”

Copies of the books will also be available for loan and purchase. Tickets for this event cost £5 and refreshments shall be served. For more information, people should contact Shenstone Library on 01543 480915 or email shenstone.library@staffordshire.gov.uk.

The plans – unveiled by the Secretary of State for Transport Lord Adonis – would see the viaduct built over the A38, the West Coast Main Line and the A5127.

The Department of Transport’s proposals regarding the new 250mph route add:

“The viaduct would also go over the Enterprise Industrial Park just to the south of the West Coast Main Line (WCML). The preferred scheme would then run parallel to the WCML, connecting with it north of Lichfield. A grade separated junction would be required in the Elmhurst area to effect this connection.”

But Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant is angered by the proposals.

The Conservative MP has branded the planned route as “unacceptable”.

He said:

“While I welcome the principle of a High Speed Rail link between major conurbations including London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds, I am deeply concerned about the environmental impact it will have on Lichfield District and I oppose the currently proposed route.

“And let us be clear:  while the high speed rail link will be good for Britain as a whole and something we should all support in principle, the trains will not stop in Lichfield, but will whistle by at 250 miles per hour.  Journey times to London via the existing Virgin Pendolino service will be considerably quicker than taking the train to Birmingham and changing onto a high speed train down to London especially as commuters would have to travel from Birmingham New Street station to a new station in Birmingham yet to be constructed.

“The first phase of the construction, which is not due to start until 2017 and will link London to Birmingham, will have a severe impact on east Lichfield and around Elmhurst near where the West Coast Main Line passes under the A515 Lichfield to Kings Bromley road. The second phase which is not yet scheduled, and which will take the line northwards, will cause major disruption yet again to residents of Armitage who have only just had to endure years of misery caused by the widening of the West Coast Main Line.”

The Department of Transport proposals claim that although the scheme will impact on residents, many of the issues can be mitigated.

The statement added:

“As with many sections of route within the overall scheme, the section of line through the West Midlands would result in adverse impacts to the communities through which it passes, particularly due to operational noise, vibration and demolitions.

“Overall, however, the approach is preferable to an approach to Birmingham along the more densely populated western or southern routes. Noise and vibration impacts can to some extent be mitigated.”

But Mr Fabricant has claimed the environmental impact on Lichfield will be “immense”.

Michael Fabricant MP

He added:

“There will be a major planning inquiry and I hope that local residents will work with me to argue against the proposed route.  Alternatives do need to be sought.  The environmental impact on east Lichfield will be immense with a 2.5 mile long viaduct going over the Enterprise Industrial Park.

“I am concerned that noise caused by trains travelling at 250mph will have an adverse affect on residents living in Boley Park.  And while I would be cautious in anticipating whether the viaduct will be visible from the historical central part of Lichfield, this is a factor of which we need to be aware.”

Residents in Armitage also face the prospect of disruption when the new high speed rail link is extended to Manchester.

The Lichfield MP explained:

“When the works continue northwards, Armitage will be affected badly once again.  While this will not start until for some years, we should be aware of it now. The work to widen the West Coast Main Line caused huge disruption to residents of Armitage and blighted property prices. It tore the heart out of local communities which have only just begun to settle down. It is unreasonable and unfair to expect my constituents to have to go through all that misery for a second time especially as the works for the high speed link will be even more disruptive than that for the West Coast Main line work.

“I am urging the District and City Councils together with local residents to unite with me to find an alternative route to mitigate the detrimental effect on our community and which we can propose to the Planning Inquiry when it comes about.”

A public consultation will take place regarding the new rail link, with any work not expected to begin before 2017.

Lord Adonis explained that the new rail was needed to cope with the country’s increasing transport needs.

He said:

“Over the next 20 to 30 years the UK will require a step-change in transport capacity and connectivity both to promote and respond to long-term economic growth.

“High speed rail would be by far the most effective way to achieve this step-change, offering a balance of capacity, connectivity and sustainability benefits unmatched by any other option.”

Detailed maps for the route can be found on the HS2 website.

Workers clearing the central reservation on the A5

Roads in and out of Lichfield are getting a spring clean.

Street cleaners from Lichfield District Council have begun the job of clearing away all the rubbish that has ended up on the central reservations of main roads in the area.

Central reservations getting a clean-up include the A5, A5148 and A38.

Councillor Louise Flowith, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Operational Services, said:

“These busy roads are a gateway for people coming into and out of the district, and seeing a central reservation strewn with litter gives a bad and wrong impression of the district. This is why we have been so keen to litter pick the area and have been working hard to make sure it happens.

“We would like to thank the Highways Agency contractor, Amey, for allowing us onto the central reservations, and hope they will continue to support our efforts to make the district clean and tidy for everyone.

“However, we can’t do it alone, and need everyone to take responsibility for their rubbish, making sure they dispose of it properly wherever they may be.”

Des O'Connor

Following his sell-out show last September, legendary entertainer Des O’Connor is returning to the Lichfield Garrick.

And he’ll be bringing along special guests and a quartet of musicians too.

A spokesperson for the show said:

“Don’t miss this opportunity to see a true show business legend live on stage for a wonderful evening of comedy, laughter and music.”

Des O’Connor will be at the Lichfield Garrick on March 28 at 7.30pm. To book tickets online visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com or call the box office on 01543 412121.

The win in the Staffs Intermediate Cup Semis means they will now play their fourth final in nine seasons in this competition against either Handsworth or Wednesbury at Stafford Rugby Club on May 9.

Graham Shelley’s side seem to save their best for the cup competitions this season and this display proved no exception against opponents who are seven points clear of them in the same league table.

In front of a big turnout for both sides, the hosts made a good start with Ollie Whitehouse prompting his forwards into the visitors’ 22. Playing a penalty advantage, Matt Wood elected to take a drop goal attempt and made it to put his side threee points up in the fourth minute.

The keenness of the contest was indicated four minutes later with Tamworth driving Burntwood off their own scrum only for Burntwood to reply in kind at the very next set piece.

The hosts remained on top by hounding Tamworth when they were in possession and kicking for position when they had the ball. From a line out offence, Wood attempted a penalty from the left touchline but his kick slid to the right of the posts after 12 minutes.

Tamworth hit back after a dropped ball in the home 22 but they were driven into touch and then Wood relieved the pressure with a chip, catch and punt into the visitors’ half which set up the first try of the game.

Skipper Shelley almost crossed the line from a five metre scrum but, though held, he still managed to pop the ball to Whitehouse who touched down. Wood added a fine touchline conversion to make it 10-0 after 24 minutes.

A promising attack by Tamworth was ended when full back Ben Holt made an excellent mark from a dangerous kick and then cleared to the visitors’ 10 metre line.

However, Tamworth were not denied just three minutes later. With their pack driving towards the home line, the maul collapsed and referee Mark Liddell awarded a penalty try which was converted for 10-7.

This setback was short-lived as a good chase at the restart kick forced an error in the Tamworth 22. Burntwood won a scrum and this time Shelley stretched over for a try converted by Wood.

Burntwood stayed on attack up to the break and good continuity by the forwards set up an overlap for Holt to score in the right corner. Wood’s conversion attempt just fell short but his side seemed destined for the final at 22-7.

Tamworth’s task became even more difficult five minutes into the second period. They lost their No.8 to a straight red card for the use of his boot on a prone Lloyd Shelley.

Wood had the chance of three points five minutes later but fired left. However, this was quickly forgotten after 53 minutes with the try of the game.

Efficient re-cycling by prop forwards Martyn Smith and Mark Poole, a deft kick by Craig Seedhouse and a slick pass by Pete Reynolds set Seedhouse away for a try down the right touchline.

To their credit, Tamworth showed they were not finished and scored after a sustained attack in the corner with an hour gone. They went on to force Burntwood into a series of errors but they didn’t prove costly and it was left to Seedhouse to have the last say with a drop goal after 73 minutes to complete the scoring.

Cllr David Smith, Johann Popp and Steve George with one of the new banners

The fundraising campaign to keep the Staffordshire Hoard in the region is being given a boost thanks to three banners across the district of Lichfield.

The first of the banners went up at the Lichfield Garrick theatre, with others following on St John’s House, in Lichfield, and on the railings outside Chase Terrace Technology College in Burntwood.

The banners all carry the message Save the Staffordshire Hoard for the West Midlands, and it is hoped they will encourage even more people to donate to the campaign to keep one of the world’s most stunning finds of Anglo-Saxon treasures close to home.

The banners were sponsored by Signature Outdoor Ltd. Managing Partner Steve George, said:

“We were thrilled to print the banners free of charge, and to contribute to such a fantastic cause. We’re hopeful that the banners will help to raise the rest of the much needed funds, which will see a Mercian Trail come to life.”

Councillor David Smith, Leader of Lichfield District Council, added:

“If we successfully raise the funds, we’re hoping to develop a Mercian Trail that will feature Lichfield Cathedral, Tamworth Castle, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, as well as a travelling exhibition.

“We believe the trail will be a fantastic way to tell the fascinating stories of the hoard to as many people as possible. We’re confident, given the queues at Birmingham, London and Stoke, and the recent sell out hoard events in our own district, that developing the Mercian Trail will not only be a boost to the local community, but will boost tourism and local businesses.”

Donations to the campaign can be made online at www.artfund.org/hoard.

The Scholars Ground, home of Chasetown FC

The sport of kings comes to Chasetown FC as the Supporters’ Club hosts its second race night at the Scholars Ground.

The inaugural event last November was hugely successful and raised over £700 for the Supporters Club, and hopes are high for the next event tomorrow (March 12).

Doors open at 7.30pm with the first race under starter’s orders at 8pm, and admission is free for members and £1 for guests with membership available on the night.

The full race card can be found at www.chasetown-fc.com.

Gary Mason

Lichfield Superbikes star Gary Mason had to wait to get on his new ride in Spain – after snow had blocked the track!

The MSS Colchester Kawasaki rider and his team-mate Simon Andrews had to wait for the snow to be cleared from the Guadix circuit before they could ride the new Ninja ZX-10R.

But once he did get on the track, Mason clocked up more than 30 laps in the testing session which was geared towards configuring the new electronics system.

A team spokesman said:

“Unbelievably, we awoke to a thick blanket of snow but unlike Britain this soon melted, allowing the riders to gain meaningful practice and log valuable data.”