Walsall in for huge benefits-Cinema and improved links.

Train awaiting departure for Wolverhampton at Walsall: London Midlands more recent electric stock could be used to extend services from the town to Liverpool Lime Street and Crewe using West Coast Main line and the proposed electrified route north of the town.

Walsall is set to rake in benefits which would put town on the map, and further improve the towns economy as proposed plans for town are on the increase-including the Waterfront North project to include a cinema.

The waterfront project has been a huge regeneration project to improve the look of the town, and with the new flats running along the canal, it has fairly improved this side of the town-the only problem is now that the North side of the canal is empty land (next to new car park) and the empty land opposite Smiths Flour Mill flats. This area is set to be completed with clubs, resturants and the proposed Cinema, which could prove a major attraction for the town. Currently, the Premier Inn hotel which has recently been completed is the only project as well as the car park been completed on the North side of the canal. The hoardings are still up meaning there is meant to be work improving more parts of this area. The main benefit is that it is in a central location, and is next to the main shopping area and retail park. There are also bus links outside the area to the Manor Hospital and Wolverhampton-with the bus and train stations a few minutes walk away.

Electrification of Chase Line

As meantioned in one of my previous blog posts, the work on this project is meant to last from 2014 to 2019. However, a recent development has come out last week that the re-signalling work and speed upgrade is delayed until 2017. But Network Rail insists the electrification work is set to continue.

It has come to my attention that other than the plans to have services from Walsall to Liverpool, but the country's largest transport operator First (who gained the West Coast franchise, then lost it due to errors), plan to have their Northern Rail operations go from Manchester to Birmingham. This project could serve as a platform for this service hence providing more links to more locations for the town. Also an extra platform has been mentioned; providing the town with 4 platforms altogether.

Midland Metro

There has been a proposed route from Wolverhampton to Wednesbury, which would serve Walsall if the plans go ahead. The only problem is funding and whether the plan is going to go ahead. Just recently, Centro announced that Wolverhampton will gain an extension, which could in the future, continue to the proposed line that would serve Walsall. Reedswood and Clarkes Lane in Willenhall, has see work done to cut down trees and clear the areas for where the route will go. But that is the only progress so far.

UPDATE: I Have found out that First do not run Northern Rail, but another company.

Alle Deutsch Endgültige (All German Final).

Tomorrow, (25th May 13), Wembley sets the stage of the all German Champions League Final, between Bayern Munich and Barrusia Dortmun. Wunderbar!

After an El Classico was expected, both German teams destroyed Barcelona and Real Madrid and in such a brilliant fashion. Bayern Munich would love to win after the upsetting defeat against Chelsea last season (2011-2012) and this would be some consellation. Lose, and this will be be heartbreaking for the team and fans.

Benefits

From a economical point of view, the influx of fans from Germany will give the tourism a slight boost and the economy of London. Public transport will see a rise in revenue and passenger numbers slightly.

Overall the underdogs Dortmund would like a win, it would humiliate their German rivals somewhat and it is great that the final is unique and a change from a Spanish or English club in a final.

RAW Review – Monday 13th May 2013 – (Spoilers).

Please follow link to Matthew Adam's blog.

http://theadamsexperience.wordpress.com/

North Korea silence. (DPRK-so not to offend).

Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea to you and I) has gone awfully quiet lately, considering the hermit kingdom were in a state of war, they haven't even launched their so called 'nukes which would destroy USA.

Here is the problem-the government in Pyongyang rather spend money on the military and weapons than their own people, most who are struggling with food and most are in severe poverty. Foreign support is very minimal-sources such as food and money come from China.

The Korean war ended in 1953 with armistice talks between North and South; both technically still at war, but North keeps giving South threats. Recently, due to sanctions by the UN regarding Nuclear weapons, it annoyed the North. It got that bad that they planned to destroy US cities-but how can they have nukes? For one the country hardly has any electricity-and the bit they have, it comes on and goes back off.

They are so insecure that they do not want you filming. You are in deep shit if you did because they would consider it a crime against the state-as Kenneth Base found out. He is now serving time in a labour camp. The American has been trying to appeal the decision but failed. Also, BBC documentry programme led an investigation into the country. They posed as foreign students discretely filming some aspects deemed illegal, such as poverty stricken children. 

Anyway, so far all I know it is a messed up country and the brainwashing and propaganda is over the top. Nukes haven't been released and as far as I am concerned it never will. Situations in the country will never ease. Kim Jong In I thought would of improved freedom in the country, and also allow the reunification of both Koreas to help improve the Norths situation. I am very wrong.

High Speed 2

The £33 billion line between London Birmingham then Manchester/Leeds is causing a lot of opposition; due to the fact that the line would literally go through or split peoples houses, forcing them to re-locate.

Positives:
The only high speed line in Britain is High Speed 1 between London and Kent-which is for the Javelin and Eurostar services. The HS2 would severly reduce journey times to/from the capital to several major cities. The economy is set to benefit somehow but that is up for debate. The line could use current rail-lines such as the West Coast Main Line meaning that the trains can be used onto both types of track. Speed-250mph; people can only dream of going that speed in a Bugatti Veyron. The trains would be going so fast it would give Virgin Trains Pendolinos who runs 125mph some competition.

Negatives
It is understood the overall cost will be £33 billion. As the coalition have been boasting about cuts, it is a lot of money and it is amazing how at a time like it is how that chunk of money can be used. It has been branded a 'rich-boys toy'. If you are poor or not well off-forget it. It wil cut through areas of natural beauty such as the Chilterns; so tunnels are being thought of to get over that problem, as well as go through owners properties-meaning they have to move. Can the costs be recovered? That is the big question on wether the investment in a big project can break even. It will take years-not in my lifetime anyway.
Conclusion: The positives and negatives are fairly balanced. Worth noting that the first train between Birmingham and London wil not be seen until 2025; then the second phase will be between Manchester/Leeds and London in 2033. This country invented the railway-about time we caught up with the high speed game. Many countries around the world are leagues ahead of us.
Your views?

Chelsea dominates Europe again!!

Image Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22445388 BBC 2013

Chelsea fans  will be overjoyed with the fact that they have now won the Europa League; with the not so favored interim boss Rafael Benitez about to depart, he should leave his position with his head held high.

Love them or hate them-depends who you support, they deserve credit. Sometimes hitting headlines for wrong reasons, they definitely put on a show tonight against Benfica. The heavily criticized Fernando Torres hit the net then Branislav Ivanovic. Last seasons Champions League victory would be considered worth more value, but this should not put down Chelsea's victory one bit. 

Now the big question is where do they go from here? Rumors have it that Mourinho could be back with the team and this will be fantastic for English football and the team. Mourinho is the 'special one', and Premier League domination could swing into Chelsea's favour next season if the rumor is true.

Benitez was a few seasons ago with Liverpool and many Chelsea fans did not like the fact that a boss from a rival club should join them. He suffered boos to begin with, but he has worked wonders and brought European success for the club, which should satisfy Roman Abramovic. Davis Luiz has been a fantastic player, he may look like Sideshow Bob from the Simpsons, but he has proved to be a fantastic Defender/Midfielder. Torres; well very goal shy at the beggining of his innings, but he now produces goals and some monents and lest we forget his stunning goal against Barcelona in 2011-2012 Champions League semi final; he has scored tonight (15th May 2013) and deserves a lot of credit-could argue that he is proving his worth after all.

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Life After University

I thought why not point out the highs and lows. 3 years of studying Broadcasting and Journalism, meet some some amazing people now I am at a point where I am facing reality.

So, sitting here now waiting for my grade, also waiting for work experience at BBC Radio Shropshire, but faced with a tricky situation; as I have finished I am now looking for work. However, I am at the position of claiming JSA due to a not so nice situation. It isn't nice, making me negative, but it will not stop me getting somewhere in life and nor should it put me down.

I have great friends giving me advice and assurance that things will be ok. I have aims and targets. A 2:1 grade will give me the chance to apply for a BBC technology trainee-ship in Birmingham, a course tied with Birmingham City University. Anyway, I have been through a lot, and I WILL get somewhere. Will be hard but it is life.

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Mancini Madness

When Mancini replaced Mark Hughes at Manchester City, it was only only a matter of time before they won titles. Mancini's super spending on talent brought them FA Cup triumph then Premier League title last season. An embarrassing defeat Saturday changed things.

The 2012-13 FA Cup final, I expected City to destroy Wigan Athletic due to the signings and Wigan's relegation woes. How wrong I was. Ben Watson provided a stunning header and only goal of the game. That goal only put Mancini's managerial position into dispute. But why? Mancini put a premier League trophy drought of 44 years out the window on the last day of the season in 2012 thanks to the likes of Aguero, Nasri, Balotelli, Hart.

The reason for his departure apparently was relationships with players. Ballotelli was in the headlines quite a lot for his spats with Mancini, hence why Balotelli ended up AC Milan. My view is that the players was not up to standard in a trophy-less season and you may expect a team with billionaire owners to wipe the floor with the opposition such as £7 million Wigan. Also his job was up for dispute before the loss at the weekend (reference needed).

It must be hard for a City fan; so much expected after a brilliant 2011-2012 season where the Premier League title was won. Seeing fans crying summed up the 2012-2013 campaign. Can the new appointment bring positivity for the blues?

Your views?

UPDATE: Due to a report in The Sun newspaper, indeed it turned out relationships with players are the reason for Mancini's demise: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4928042/Roberto-Mancini-kitman-in-amazing-Twitter-attack-on-sacked-City-boss.html

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Wolves: What has happened and who is to blame.

It is embarrasing being relegated once from the top flight, but being relegated again must be hard to stomach for any Wolves fan. The pitch invasion said it all: dissapointment.

Too late now to place any blame? Well now Wolverhampton Wanderers face the likes of Walsall and strugglers Coventry. You could argue that is the players fault for not playing better. A true die-hard fan would blame the owners for not putting hands in their pockets and investing in fresh talent. My view is that the refurbed stadium in order to hold more fans was a waste of time and money and that money could of kept the team in the Premier League.
Also the now departed manager Dean Saunders. He didn't have enough time to adapt since Stale Solbacken got the sack. So it is in the Wolves fans hands who they blame for the dismay.

Views?

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Walsall set to benefit from rail electrification scheme.

Above: The left unelectrified line at Walsall station whilst the right is the electrified part from Birmingham that stops under the Saddlers shopping centre.

 

Walsall for many years now have had an electrified route between the town and Birmingham New Street. However, as the line north of the town towards Rugeley recently re-opened to passenger use in the early 1990's, that has not had any sort of electrification-until the upcoming future.

Announced in July 2012 as part of a £9 billion railway announcement, the Chase Line which runs between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley, has been granted £30 million funding to electrify this part of the line between the latter and Birmingham New Street. The 16 mile stretch will have the work begin to electrify the line between 2014-2019, and has a wide range of benefits for the town.

• Currently the line has been going through a speed upgrade from 45mph to 75mph.
• The level crossing at Bloxwich will close so trains can go through that section quicker.
• It was announced as part of the scheme that future services could include a through service to Liverpool Lime Street, allowing Walsall, Bloxwich and Bloxwich North to have more connections to more destinations.
• Faster services to and from stations; 4 car trains could be implemented onto the line in the future.

Currently, diesel trains are only permitted to use the line north of Walsall, but as the electrification scheme will go ahead, this would allow faster services and potentially used as a diversion for trains needing to get to/from Birmingham that can not use the Wolverhampton line to/from Stafford. Not only this but more seats can be used on the line and hopefully it will attract more passengers to use the trains instead of cars in the near future.

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