OCTOBER 2014
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Rita and Charlie enter Wolverhampton in style
John Francis: The Charismatic Bishop - Page 9
Inside this Month
W
olverhampton resident Rita Nicholls and Charlie, her black Labrador Retriever guide dog, made a stylish andsafe entrance to the city, thanks to thenew pedestriancontrolled road crossings at Wolverhampton Interchange. Rita and Charlie were first over the busy junction after the official opening of the crossings on September 16 – an honour that both took in their stride. The new crossings control the traffic at the busy Piper’s Row/ Queen Street Junction, giving safer access to the city’s rail and bus stations. They are part of a wider scheme of improvements designed to make the city centre more pedestrian-friendly and to increase footfall for local retailers. Rita said: “When I heard that new crossings were going to be put in, I volunteered Charlie to be the first assistance dog across – and of course I wanted to be there with her! This is a busy and complicated junction. In the past, it wasn’t just difficult for disabled people – it caused problems for mums with pushchairs, people struggling with their shopping or just trying to get to and from work. Now, the traffic from every direction stops at the same time and it’s perfectly safe for everyone to cross.” Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Prosperity, said: “Both the council and its partners ambition is to make Wolverhampton city centre a more comfortable place to visit. “If we’re going to achieve it we have to do all we can to make itwelcoming and accessible to everyone. As well as making life better for people like Rita – and for hardworking dogs like Charlie – building a city centre where it’s easier to stroll, browse and shop will benefit l Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Prosperity Councillor Peter Bilson meets Rita Nicholls, who is blind and her six year old guide dog Charlie. Rita is pleased with the three new pedestrian crossings and tactile surfaces that our local businesses, too.” have been installed near the bus station to make the area safer.
Adopt or Foster with Birmingham Black and mixed heritage children wait much longer for permanent homes. adoptandfoster.co.uk 0121 303 7575
New Clothes for Bollywood Star Waxwork - Page 16
The Bishop goes back to his roots - Page 32
State of the Industry Conference 2014 - Page 17
Stirring it up for Black History Month - Page 6