When Can Cars Stop Inside Yellow Boxes? New Fines at Midlands M5 Junction Sunday, February 22, 2026 yellowbox trafficrules driving enforcement m5 westbromwich sandwell congestion fines motorists Yellow box junctions are among the most misunderstood road markings on UK roads. Many drivers are unsure about when it is legal to stop inside these painted boxes, leading to frequent traffic blockages and, soon, fines. At … Read More
Former Bank in Oldbury Town Centre to Become Six-Bed HMO Saturday, February 21, 2026 hmo oldbury heritage conversion listedbuilding barclays development sandwell residential architecture A prominent grade II listed building in Oldbury town centre is poised for transformation after standing empty since 2021. The former Barclays bank, located at the corner of Church Square and Birmingham Street, is the focus of … Read More
I Visited a Black Country Estate with a Rare 13-Year-Old 20mph Speed Limit — and Witnessed it Broken Instantly Saturday, February 14, 2026 speedlimits westbromwich road safety blackcountry trafficcalming schoolsafety sandwell speeding community transport In the West Midlands, speed limits are typically straightforward: motorways and dual carriageways set at 70mph, A-roads at 60mph, and most residential streets at 30mph. Yet, one corner of the Black Country breaks from this … Read More
West Midlands Planners Consider Residential Development on Cherished Green Space Near Hazardous Road Tuesday, February 10, 2026 westmidlands sandwell residentialdevelopment greenspace vulnerablechildren hollowaybank trafficsafety planningpermission communityconcerns urbanplanning Plans are underway to construct four residential homes for vulnerable children on a much-valued green space off Holloway Bank, West Bromwich. Despite previous objections from local residents, Sandwell Council’s planning … Read More
Council Rejects Proposal to Convert Home into Nursery Over Safety and Community Concerns Friday, February 6, 2026 nursery planning sandwell extensions parking residential safety noise housing traffic Sandwell Council has refused an application to convert a detached three-bedroom house in Bell End, Rowley Regis, into a nursery for up to ten children. The applicant, Omar Kazimi, had proposed significant alterations, … Read More
Midlands Towns Where Your Postcode Influences Life Expectancy Sunday, February 1, 2026 lifespan westmidlands bromsgrove sandwell wolverhampton ons postcode health longevity statistics New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlights significant differences in average life expectancy across towns in the West Midlands. The analysis shows that where you live can have a major impact on how … Read More