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The Call for Sites (launched on 31 January 2024) invites the public to submit their ideas and thoughts to the local authority to help shape the future of the borough through the Walsall Borough Local Plan. This may include ideas for sites that could be suitable for new buildings, homes, jobs, community use - or land they would like to see protected.

The WAW 2040 strategy provides a strategic framework for Walsall Council and its partners to prioritise resources and shared ambitions for a Walsall that works for everyone.

Walsall Council has a strong foundation of partnership working, collaboration and a determination to get things done. The We are Walsall 2040 strategy is a partnership effort that takes on board the things that matter to the people of Walsall and their dreams for the future.

Over 8000 people shared their views in what was the largest public consultation programme ever held in Walsall. Community groups, businesses, students and Councillors - those who live, work, study and visit the towns across the borough, took part and helped shape the strategy. This was followed by a survey which gave people the chance to have their say on the draft strategy.

The survey showed that the majority of people agreed with the strategy, with priorities being safety, cleanliness and investment.

“I am pleased that the final strategy has been approved and I’m confident that the framework will help our partnership to deliver our ambitions. Walsall in 2040 will be a place where people are proud to live and work and this will be achieved by residents and businesses working together with public services to create a thriving borough of opportunity. Now the strategy is agreed, the hard work starts in order to make this happen."

Councillor Garry Perry, Portfolio Holder for Resilient Communities, Walsall Council

Help us shape the vision for the future by filling out this survey! This is a fantastic opportunity to put forward your incredibly valuable views. For people who live, work and serve the residents of the borough, your input is vital. You only have until March 21st to complete this – this can be shared with your family and friends who live within the borough or who may work here.

Have your say on this ambitious strategic plan that has been informed by the views, experiences and ideas of those who live, work, study, visit and do business in the borough.

Over 8,000 people, organisations and groups responded to the We Are Walsall 2040 public engagement exercise in 2022. Feedback focussed on the need to continue to create a thriving borough where people feel safe, with clean green streets and spaces, good jobs and leisure opportunities for all. Feedback further highlighted the need for us to continue with our key areas of focus; our plans to regenerate, strengthen partnership working and communicate our ambition to collectively foster a sense of pride.

Central to the draft plan is the We Are Walsall 2040 borough vision:

‘Walsall will be a place where people are proud to live and residents and businesses work with public services to create a thriving borough of opportunity.’

We now want to know what the people and communities of Walsall think of the draft borough plan before it is approved later this year.

We Are Walsall 2040 has seen the biggest public engagement programme ever to be held in the borough. The results of this public engagement have been used to create the draft WAW 2040 borough plan, which will ultimately help WAW 2040 partners shape the long-term future of the borough.

During 2022 thousands of residents, businesses, schools and community groups all had their say on what they want the borough of Walsall to be like in 18 years’ time. Over 8,000 people, organisations and groups responded. Thank you if you took the time to take part and have your say.

Findings from the public engagement highlighted:

Residents in Walsall have helped raise £956.50 for the Black Country Foodbank by taking part in the We are Walsall 2040 (WAW 2040) residents survey. By the closing date (on 30 September 2022), the survey, run by BMG Research on behalf of Walsall Council, had amassed a total of 1,913 responses with BMG Research pledging to donate 50p for every response received.

Jen Coleman from Black Country Foodbank said, “We are thrilled to receive such a generous donation which will help us provide essential food and other supplies to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. With the continued cost of living crisis, more and more people are coming to us for support so any and all donations are most welcome.

“We were particularly pleased as this gift came through an initiative which aims to improve the borough for the benefit of everyone – a vision we share and value. Thanks to all those residents who took part in the survey – your commitment to making the borough a better place in the future means you are making a real difference to the lives of those in need in your communities right now.”

Black Country Foodbank was set up in 2006 and is a Christian-based charitable organisation. It welcomes anyone in need, whether young, old, single or in a family and from whatever background, religious belief or ethnic origin.

Walsall residents can visit a number of centres across the borough, including All Saint’s Church Hall in Darlaston, The Rock in Walsall town centre, Bridge the Gap in Willenhall, The Thomas Project in Aldridge and The Lamp Foodbank in Brownhills.

Donations can also be dropped off at these and other foodbank centres. Tinned and packet food and basic toiletries are always gratefully accepted.

The WAW 2040 survey focussed on what people want the borough to be like in 2040 and analysis is still ongoing with results due to be shared soon.

Jack Harper, Research Director at BMG said “We are extremely pleased so many people took the time to respond to the survey and in turn help raise this significant amount of money. With the ongoing cost of living crisis we are very happy to support the foodbank and that the money goes some way to helping those most in need.”

The WAW 2040 plan is being shaped by the views, experiences, ideas and ambitions of those who live, work, study, visit and do business in the borough. Ultimately it will help Walsall Council and its partners prioritise resources and develop shared ambitions for the whole Walsall area that works for everyone.