With the park now in Sandwell hands for the first time since 1902, the Birmingham boundary has moved about 400 yards from my house. 2000 local residents celebrated on Saturday.
During the various funding cuts in the 80s it was clear that Birmingham was not committed to caring for a park over its city boundary. It recent years we got the impression that it was being allowed to go to rack and ruin.
Concern about Lightwoods House the centrepiece of the park, one of the oldest buildings in Sandwell, was confirmed to be justified when the Hardman stained glass manufactuers moved out. Since they left two years ago the building has rapidly deteriated.
Congratulations to Abbey ward councillors Bob Piper, Steve Eling and Ann Jaron who have worked hard to get the park in local hands. All the best to the Friends of Lightwoods Park.
