Tag: pleck

January 23rd – Heading to Darlaston today, I ducked onto the canal as usual. I noted that the algae bloom that I speculated would be killed off by the cold spell was still apparently in rude health… last week, this spot was iced over. Today, the gloop is as thick and green as ever. It does move around, though. On windy days it disperses to little clumps at the banks and reed-beds. When conditions are more still, it regroups. Oddly hardy stuff, it would appear. Still none the wiser as to what it actually is. 

January 19th – I’ve been watching this piece of artwork develop under the bridge near Reservoir Place for a few days. First the wall was emulsioned matt black, then outlines appeared, and then filling in. Day by day, someone scuttles here and paints. The legend says ‘Welcome to Pleck’ and I have to admire the tenacity of the artist. He or she never leaves any rubbish, and it must take skill and planning to do that. And a sense of belonging. An interesting thing. Wonder if it’ll be finished when I next pass by?

January 10th – Back in Darlaston, I enjoyed the morning commute. It was temperate and bright, and although there was a headwind, it felt good to be outdoors. I hopped on the canal in Walsall and cycled to Bentley Bridge. On the way through Pleck, I noticed that the peculiar algal bloom that Roger ‘Ziksby’ Jones had noticed on the Rushall canal, was now growing here, too. I suppose it must be the mild winter. I wonder what it is exactly, and why it suddenly proliferates like this?

December 16th – On the Walsall Canal at the back of the factory units Pleck Road, I noticed this curious sight. I guess the caravan – which someone appears to be using, maybe even living in – must have been put there before the steel leanto adjacent went up, as the only way that can now be removed is by floating it down the canal. I particularly like the decking made out of pallets. Curious.

December 14th – I spotted this interesting old bike captive in the old mill by the canal in Walsall today. It looks about 70’s vintage – it’s a large frame, drop-handlebar tourer. It was clearly a high quality machine, as the front wheel is secured with the old style butterfly quick release – these were only fitted on the highest end bikes. I’d really like to rescue this forlorn steed, yet have no idea who the mill, or the yard around it, belongs to.

December 6th – In contrast to The Butts, which I featured a few days ago, this part of Scarborough Road in Pleck, south west Walsall, is a classic interwar estate of council houses. Built well in the days when slum clearances were just starting, these were good quality homes, built to last. Few now remain in social ownership, but the wide open street lined with trees belie a social dream that endures. I cycle this road often; it provides a viable, alternative route to the busy Pleck Road that runs parallel. On this cold, winters morning, just like in The Butts, life rumbles on; in defiance of all common sense a proud owner was washing his car, music played and neighbours chatted. All of life is here.

Sadly, I left my camera at work, so this is the only photo for today, sorry.

5th October – There seemed to be a lot of dodgy driving today as I rode home from Darlaston. This one, at the Pleck Road Junction near the former Brown Lion pub, Walsall – although not terrible in itself, was somewhat annoying. Clearly the result of queuing across the junction. The lady driver giving me the finger as I cycled past was a particularly tasteful touch, I thought.

August 24th – Another late night at work, but I managed to escape by sundown. Cruising back through Darlaston and Pleck, the urban landscape was bathed in pleasant light. I noticed this house on the corner of an unmade drive on the Walsall Road in Pleck. It’s a peculiarly gingerbread house for this area of largely red brick terraces and townhouses. There are quite a few old, imposing homes on their road; it must have been quite important and exclusive in it’s day.

August 19th – This building, now a ‘Two Ticks’ alcohol warehouse on the Walsall Road, Pleck, has a previous history. I’m not sure what exactly, but the frontage says ‘South Staffordshire Tramways Electric Generating Station 1892’. I didn’t even realise the trams came up this road. Must look into the history here….

July 6th – 10 minutes after the storm, I was on my way again. I don’t know what this forlorn, decaying building was, but it looks like a mill of some kind. Like many industrial canal side buildings in Walsall, it’s original purpose seems to be lost. I’d like to see the edifice fixed up and used for something nicer. Buildings are like dogs – they don’t care if their owner is good or bad, just that they care for them.

At least this one hasn’t been burned down yet, the fate of many good building in the town.