Latest News

Saturday, July 4, 2026 driving theory test failures westmidlands dudley learning roadsafety motorway examination

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the driving theory test, a crucial hurdle for learner drivers before they can even attempt the practical exam. Despite its importance, many candidates struggle to pass, with some test … Read More

Saturday, July 4, 2026 dwp hmrc pensioners winterfuelpayment optout incomethreshold nationalinsurance overpayment repayment benefits

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the return of Winter Fuel Payments for the 2026 season. However, pensioners with annual incomes exceeding £35,000 must act carefully: if they do not opt out, HM Revenue … Read More

Saturday, July 4, 2026 next dress wedding fashion maxi cape style elegant guest colour

Next’s Cape Maxi Dress is winning hearts with its elegant design and versatility, available online for £72 in an impressive array of ten colours. Celebrated by shoppers as both ‘stunning’ and ‘elegant,’ this dress has become … Read More

Saturday, July 4, 2026 sidmouth devon beach jurassiccoast blueflag coastline swim travel ukbeaches holiday

You don’t need to travel all the way to Cornwall to find breathtaking beaches. Just three hours from Birmingham lies Sidmouth, a charming seaside town in Devon that showcases one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline … Read More

Saturday, July 4, 2026 cabin elanvalley wales romantic redundancy alpacas tourism stargazing hiking countryside

Tucked away near the breathtaking Elan Valley in Wales lies Coety Bach—a lovingly crafted wooden cabin built as a dream getaway. Created by Birmingham nanny Vicki Jones and her husband Lyndon, this cozy cabin sprung to life … Read More

Saturday, July 4, 2026 camping puzzlewood wyevalley family forestofdean outdoor glamping adventure nature birmingham

If you’re seeking a memorable holiday close to home that won’t break the bank, look no further than Greenacres Campsite. Nestled on the edge of the stunning Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this … Read More

Saturday, July 4, 2026 solihull cannabis drugimport crime crowncourt magistrates smuggling dubai sentencing legal

A 21-year-old man from Solihull has admitted to smuggling a significant quantity of cannabis into the UK, following his return from Dubai on Christmas Eve, 2024. Nathan Corfield, residing on Ulverley Green Road, was found … Read More

Saturday, July 4, 2026 astonvilla goalkeeper transfers emimartinez florianchevalier gavintrafford shuichisuzuki lucasrisser hugorestes football sport

Emi Martinez, Aston Villa’s standout goalkeeper and World Cup winner, is once again linked with a summer transfer, with Italian giants Juventus reportedly interested in signing him. Although no deal has been finalized, … Read More

Saturday, July 4, 2026 birminghamcity willumwillumsson necnijmegen eredivisie championship transfers football injuries midfielder knvbcup sport

When Birmingham City signed Iceland international Willum Willumsson in the summer of 2024, anticipation ran high. Part of a remarkable intake of 17 new players, Willumsson was seen as a key piece in the club’s ambitious push … Read More

Saturday, July 4, 2026 birmingham schools worldcup attendance incentives children education england mexico football sport

Birmingham’s schools are divided over how to handle the early morning start following England’s World Cup last-16 match against Mexico, set to kick off at 1 a.m. on July 6. Several schools across the Midlands are … Read More

Saturday, July 4, 2026 motorhomes camping parking restrictions saltburn council traffic disabled permit etfo

Starting Monday, July 6, motorhomes and campervans visiting Marine Parade in Saltburn, Redcar and Cleveland, will face new parking restrictions designed to balance the needs of visitors and local residents. Motorhomes will … Read More

Saturday, July 4, 2026 birmingham hygiene restaurants foodsafety pestcontrol westmidlands inspections foodstandards publichealth cockroaches

Birmingham has been identified as the city with the poorest restaurant hygiene ratings in the UK. Despite boasting a thriving culinary scene, including more Michelin stars than anywhere outside London, the city struggles with … Read More

Saturday, July 4, 2026 bucharest romania flights birmingham travel affordable castles carpathians danube beer

Birmingham Airport now offers direct flights to Bucharest, Romania, one of Europe’s most affordable travel destinations. With flights starting at just £26.99, it’s never been easier to explore this “hot holiday destination,” … Read More

Saturday, July 4, 2026 birmingham violence shooting stabbing teens alumrock bartleygreen oldbury crime injuries

Birmingham and the Black Country experienced a harrowing day of violence this week, marked by a series of serious incidents leaving two teenagers critically injured. On Wednesday, July 1, a 16-year-old boy was shot on a … Read More

Saturday, July 4, 2026 houlton rugby midlands village community heritage sustainability education events living sport

Nestled near Rugby, Houlton is a charming village with deep historical significance that is quickly becoming one of the most desirable places to live in the West Midlands. With a population of around 850 residents and growing … Read More

Saturday, July 4, 2026 auction property commercial flats bearwood investment realestate mixeduse birmingham refurbishment

A distinctive commercial and residential property in Bearwood is set to go under the hammer next week, presenting an exciting opportunity for investors or owner-occupiers. Located at 95-99 Three Shires Oak Road, this former … Read More

Saturday, July 4, 2026 birmingham youthunemployment jobless employment youthjobs labourmarket jobseeker youthguarantee jobsupport unemployment

Birmingham has been identified as England’s epicenter of youth unemployment, with the six worst areas for young joblessness all situated within the city. This troubling statistic points to a broader issue of limited … Read More

Saturday, July 4, 2026 birmingham speeding roadsafety traffic enforcement westmidlands drivers accidents police violations

In the first half of 2026, nearly 7,000 drivers were caught speeding on Birmingham’s most notorious stretch of road, according to freedom of information data obtained from West Midlands Police. This alarming figure highlights … Read More

Saturday, July 4, 2026 birmingham cemetery campaigner respect graveyard dignity behavior community awareness sanctity

John Gilmore, a dedicated campaigner for maintaining the dignity of Birmingham’s cemeteries, has raised concerns about couples engaging in sexual activities within one of the city’s graveyards. He describes the incidents as … Read More

Thursday, July 2, 2026 worldcup adidas football deal soccer topcashback discount trionda sports knockout sport

With the FIFA World Cup advancing into the thrilling knockout stages, football enthusiasts have a golden opportunity to grab the official match ball at a fraction of the usual cost. The World Cup 26 Trionda League 350 … Read More

Thursday, July 2, 2026 andyburnham housing rentcontrol socialhousing councilhomes costofliving labourparty landlords righttobuy housingcrisis

Andy Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield and the leading candidate to become the next Labour Prime Minister, is considering sweeping changes to the housing sector to tackle the rising cost of living. Following Sir … Read More

Thursday, July 2, 2026 andyburnham energybills costofliving labourparty ukpolitics inflation energypolicy conservativeparty geopolitics treasury

Andy Burnham, the new MP for Makerfield and anticipated successor to Sir Keir Starmer, is being urged to take bold action on the country’s escalating cost of living crisis. A recent Persuasion UK study, shared with The … Read More

Thursday, July 2, 2026 andyburnham labour busfares costofliving devolution publictransport housing economicpolicy ukpolitics welfare sport

Andy Burnham, the newly elected Labour MP for Makerfield and current Mayor of Greater Manchester, has been called on to implement a nationwide £2 bus fare cap if he becomes Prime Minister. This move aims to ease the financial … Read More

Thursday, July 2, 2026 alumrock shooting teenager injuries emergency investigation councillors socialmedia violence community

A teenager has been critically injured in a shooting incident in Alum Rock, leaving the community shaken and concerned. Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, where the young victim was found with potentially … Read More