Thursday, October 20, 2022
CANNOCK EDITION
NEWS Sisters ready to take the plunge Page 7
MOTORING Taigo’s a sleek VW newcomer Page 28
SPORT Sa rallies the Wolves troops Back page
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DEPOT ACTS ON CHEMICAL FIRE
Deliveries of a chemical that led to a blaze at a waste depot next to homes have been axed by the operators. More than 40 firefighters tackled the incident at Axil Integrated Services at Cannock Industrial Centre, in Walkmill Lane, Bridgtown, after materials in the yard erupted into flames and smoke on September 5 following a thunderstorm. Bosses told residents attending a community open day that packaging containing traces of quick lime had absorbed moisture which then caused the chemical to warm up and ignite. Families in neighbouring Hayling Close were among those to flee their homes as the heat spread, causing aerosol cans being stored in the yard to explode. On Saturday bosses threw open the gates to host an open day for neighbours to tour the facilities, get an update about the investigation and learn of the efforts to minimise problems. Axil’s managing director Edward Pigg said: “The chemical involved was quick lime, also called calcium oxide. We suspect there was some contaminated packaging which absorbed moisture. It got warm and the heat had nowhere to escape to so
By Deborah Hardiman
it ignited. That item was in the despatch bay and was due to leave the site on the day of the fire “We have acted quickly to exclude quick lime from the site and the producer – and excluded items containing lithium-ion batteries which are found in vapes and laptops. We have since reviewed a lot of the products that we handle and made changes. “Changes include storing some items indoors. We have nothing to hide here. Bear in mind that we can minimise risks, but we can’t eliminate them,” he added. He added excluding products would “absolutely” affect profits but said it was “the right thing to do”. Among the residents at the open day were Sarah Robson and Rhys Gallear, of Hayling Close, both 25. Miss Robson said: “We’re happy they aren’t taking in anymore of the chemical that caused the fire.” Mr Gallear added: “Axil have gone to more lengths than was needed.” Walsall Housing Group, which manages some of the homes, put up a 13-foot heat resistant fence between houses and the depot two years ago.
Snake’s alive! Boa found
World Cup winning rugby legend Martin Johnson will entertain fans at a Cannock sports bar next week. Johnson, who skippered England to glory Down Under in 2003, will be at Bar Sport’s Premier Suite, in High Green next Thursday for an after-dinner event hosted by former England & Bath rugby star David Trick and BBC sports correspondent Richie Woodhall. Tickets start at £99, to include drinks reception, four-course meal and a photo opportunity. There will also be a question and answer session and a charity auction. Call 01543 572092 (option 1) or email helen@premier-suite.co.uk
Collection of used books
The boa constrictor. Photo: Linjoy Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue A couple walking along a canal path at Chasewater Country Park had a shock when they came across a five-foot boa constrictor. Volunteers from Linjoy Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue – Midlands were called to collect the snake fol-
THE CHURCH OF
JESUS CHRIST
Rugby star at sports bar
OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
lowing the discovery last Thursday. Founder Lindsay Newell said there was a chance it could have escaped. She added the charity was housing the snake and monitoring its health while waiting to see if anyone came forward to claim it.
Weekly Youth Activities
Collections of pre-loved books are being organised in the run-up to Christmas. Cannock & District Soroptimists have already collected and donated 11,935 titles for the Books4Home scheme. More than 96,000 books in all have been given out to schools as part of the initiative. Further collections will enable youngsters to receive books for Christmas. Collection points have opened this week at Hednesford, Rugeley and Penkridge libraries and will be available at Cannock Library from Monday. All will be open until October 28. Check opening times for when books can be dropped off.
Come and see us
Tuesday: 7:30pm - 9:00pm Get in touch for more details
Warm, Welcoming, Family Church We have Youth, Primary and Adult classes on a Sunday.
FoodBank Drop Off Point
Community Hub coming November 2022
We are working to support Lichfield and Cannock communities Drop Offs: Sundays 10am-12pm Tuesdays 7:30pm - 9pm
Come and meet new friends in a warm safe environment with regular visits from community organisations and charities with refreshments provided. More details coming soon.
Sunday Services (each week) Worship: 10:00am - 11:00am Study: 11:10am - 12:00pm Purcell Avenue, Lichfield WS13 7PH Tel: 01543 414843 / Missionaries 07800 614609
Check out our Facebook page for more information and up coming events Church of Christ - Lichfield