May 1st – After yesterday’s break in the sun, it was back to the rain and howling wind, which unusually, was behind me on my way to Darlaston. I haven’t been this way much in recent weeks, and the commute was reasonably enjoyable, despite the rain. The flooding on Green Lane, Walsall Wood has occurred for as long as I can remember, and never gets any better, even though drainage works have been undertaken. This is the lowest point in Jockey Meadows, and is the crossing point of the marsh that drains from Shire Oak and High Heath. It’s easy to come a cropper here – I’ve seen cars hit the water and slew, and drenching the cyclist is a fun game for the local driving yobs.

