Author Archives: swanny

  I have looked extensively at the production, use and ultimate abandonment of these useless but highly dangerous white phosphorus filled half pint milk bottles, manufactured by Albright and Wilson during The Second World War for an anti-tank guerrilla warfare … Continue reading →

I was under the impression that all of those who worked on the extremely hazardous phosphorus canal waste carrying operation for Albright and Wilson by Alfred Matty’s of Coseley were gone. But not so! I have previously outlined this toxic … Continue reading →

  THIS TIME IT’S PURRRRRSONAL! The Oldbury smell– Everyone knew the source, everyone detected the odour of cat piss. A local councillor even waved her withered bush in front of a committee as to the effects it had blighted on the neighbourhood. … Continue reading →

Some might say that the Rattlechain Brickworks and the man who operated them were cursed. Even in the days before any health and safety legislation- (we know that Samuel Barnett had lost an arm at the nearby Stour Valley Brickworks), … Continue reading →

When industries involving dangerous chemicals fold there is a very big problem. Who picks up the mess when these companies shut their doors for the final time and the workforce move on? I have seen it many times and stories … Continue reading →

  They say that life is stranger than fiction. A couple of observations just lately have left me with tears of laughter strolling down my cheeks. I have outlined the full list of planning applications for the vile Trinity street … Continue reading →

    “The Oldbury smell”– a cat pong bomb, The Langley liquor with an odour of Tom, It withered the bush of Councillor Gunn, Kept people awake, released by the tonne It drifted in plumes, turned chocolate white Then disappeared … Continue reading →

  Some time back- 26th July 2018, The Belgian Solvay , (former French company Rhodia, former American owned, former British company Albright and Wilson),  put in a rather clandestine Hazardous substance consent to Sandwell council. Sandwell themselves were rather secretive  … Continue reading →

I have outlined the history of this former neighbouring lagoon to Rattlechain HERE. Formed as a figure of eight shape pool by the merger of the former Samuel Barnett Stour valley brickwork pit and The Groveland colliery pit, it subsequently … Continue reading →

It is certainly known that Rattlechain lagoon contains chemicals (white phosphorus) that have systemically poisoned wildfowl. There have also been anecdotal claims of at least one dog entering the water and dying when Albright and Wilson were still depositing waste … Continue reading →