The fire which began at Silver & Co accountancy, based on the first storey of the shopping complex soon burnt through the ceiling into the Penguin Cafe below.

Cafe Owner Diana Jones told the Express & Star:

“We were in early and could smell something burning but didn’t think anything of it because sometimes they burn things around the back,” said the 67-year-old, who has run the cafe for eight years.

“The ceiling is completely ruined and I am waiting for the insurance to come out to find out the exact amount of damage.

“We have lost three freezers filled with prawns, burgers and bacon though and that is thousands alone.”

Business affected by the fire include Elegant Frames, childrens’ shop Oh Baby and Portland Opticians, as well as several other firms in the block.

Jason Baso, who runs Elegant Frames told the Express & Star:

“We have had to throw away a few things like office chairs that have been smoke-damaged but I can assure all of the customers that all their precious pictures are safe,” he said.

“They were all locked away safely in cupboards and have not been touched at all. You can’t replace memories and a lot of people would be concerned about their pictures, but they are all safe.”

Firefighters from Fallings Park and Walsall were called  just after 7am on Saturday. There have been no reports of anyone being injured in the incident.

Police are now investigating and anyone with information should call Wednesfield Police Station on 0345 113 5000.

Read the full story at the Express & Star: Arson attack forces closure of precinct

Building Schools for the Future (BSF) is a long-term programme of investment and change in Wolverhampton. It will provide in excess of £300 million to transform education for secondary age students by providing 21st century learning environments that engage and inspire young people, their teachers and the wider community.

It’s about modernising buildings, facilities and ICT so that they can support the development of world class teaching and community provision in every school in the city that serves secondary age students.

For anyone who missed yesterdays announcement  all of the schools in Wolverhampton who were destined for improvement will be unaffected by yesterdays cuts.

Good news for Coppice, Deansfield and Wednesfield High who are all scheduled for improvement work under this scheme.

For a full list of schools and their status after yesterdays cuts is available in the Birmingham Post website

WV11 recently reported on the fate of a set of derelict garages which border Ashmore Park and Wednesfield Aces Cycle Speedway Club after reporting the problem on Fix My Street.

After being contacted by Wv11, Wolverhampton Homes Communications Manager, Kate Hughes told us: “The Garages are set to be demolished soon and we are currently negotiating with the 2 remaining tenants, but until alternative locations are found we can’t demolish them”.

Since our original article, the story has been picked up by local paper the Express & Star and today we were contacted by Wolverhampton Homes who told us that vacation notices have been served to the two remaining tenants. These orders are due to expire on the 25th March and once this has happened a demolition order will follow.

We have asked Wolverhampton Homes for more information on what will happen to the land the garages currently stand on as they form part of the perimeter fence of the park and will report on any news we receive.

The flood damage, which was caused by a burst pipe in the empty flat above the library was discovered by cleaners on the morning of Monday 11th January. After phoning the library today we were told that the building could be closed for “several weeks” whilst repairs take place.

This is the second time in four months that the library has suffered flood damage. In October 2009, Nicola Harrison, 21 was found guilty of theft and criminal damage and sentenced to 18 weeks in prison after being seen dragging the boiler out of the flat and storing it in a wheelie bin, causing water damage to the library below.

According to the Express & Star, proCity Librarian Karen Lees said: “We are doing all we can to try to re-open Ashmore Park library as quickly as possible. Work is currently underway to dry out the building, replace the ceiling tiles, check the electrics and to replace damaged books. It is expected, however, that the library will be closed for at least two weeks.”

“We will continue to keep people informed as to when Ashmore Park will re-open but concerned borrowers can use any Wolverhampton library to renew or return their books.”

See our resources page for a list of libraries in WV11.

As we reported last month, following requests from governors at Deansfield High the school’s revamp has been moved to August 2011 to allow for more time to improve exam results. This means that work at Coppice Performing Arts College and Wednesfield High, which is part of a £370 million building scheme will be brought forward to May 2011 – 3 months earlier than planned.

A storm is brewing as Wolverhampton City Council plan to increase the double yellow lines on roads near New Cross Hospital in an attempt to stop visitors from parking on the roadside.

Council bosses are about to begin a consultation on extending the double yellow lines in order to ‘fill in the gaps’ along Wolverhampton Road.

Tim Clark, spokesman for Wolverhampton City Council, said: “There is a proposal to put double yellow lines along Wolverhampton Road between its junctions with New Cross Avenue and Graiseley Lane.”

“There are already some lines there, but this would fill in the gaps. This would alleviate the problems with vehicles parking on both sides of the road which causes congestion and accidents on what is a busy stretch.”

Councillor Milkinder Jaspal, who represents Heath Town, said: “This must be welcomed – when the consultation starts it is important people have their say. When cars park up in Wolverhampton not only is it not fair on those who pay to park on site, it narrows the road and causes congestion.”

But judging by the comments left on the Express & Star’s website, both local residents who live in streets nearby and fear cars will be parked outside their homes and visitors to the hospital, who are unhappy at having to pay parking charges ranging from £2 to £5 are against the plans.

Have your say in the comments below…

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A multi-million-pound project at Deansfield High secondary school in Wolverhampton which was due to start in May 2011 looks set to be postponed as teachers and governors have asked for a delay in order to focus on improving exam results.

The work which is part of a £370 million building scheme would see Deansfield switch places with Coppice Performing Arts College and Wednesfield High, meaning both schools would see their revamps being brought forward by months.

Will this proposed change affect your child’s school? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Read the full story at the Express & Star.