Community

Saturday, March 21, 2026 willenhall community deprivation festivals poverty redevelopment history foodbank unemployment resilience

A lively voice cuts through the hum of music, traffic, and chatter at Willenhall’s bustling outdoor market. A butcher, clad in a black and white apron, enthusiastically shouts about his fresh products from his shop doorway. … Read More

Saturday, March 21, 2026 manhole noise repair solihull severntrent traffic disturbance community sleep maintenance

For six long years, Kaushik Rampal, a resident of Bills Lane near the bustling Burman Road junction in Solihull, has endured a noisy ordeal caused by a faulty metal manhole cover. Every time a vehicle passes over it, a loud … Read More

Saturday, March 21, 2026 henna mehndi culture tradition art birmingham community inclusivity eid appreciation

“Henna is for everyone,” asserted 18-year-old Alisha Khan as she carefully traced elaborate designs on the back of my hand in the age-old art of mehndi. A Birmingham native, Alisha has been honing her henna skills … Read More

Thursday, March 19, 2026 birmingham erdington ladinthelane historic pub restoration heritage firedamage listedbuilding community

The owner of Birmingham’s Lad in the Lane, believed to be the city’s oldest pub, has commenced essential repair work to halt the ongoing decline of this 14th-century landmark. After closing its doors permanently in 2019, the … Read More

Thursday, March 19, 2026 birmingham oasis market demolition priorysquare hammerson martineaugalleries development traders community

Bulldozers have started tearing down the walls of Priory Square in Birmingham city centre, signaling the poignant end of an iconic chapter in the city’s retail history. This site, once home to the much-loved Oasis Market, was … Read More

Thursday, March 19, 2026 stirchley birmingham housing community cooperative greensquareaccord development affordable socialhousing councillor

Stirchley, a Birmingham neighbourhood known for its vibrant independent businesses and strong community spirit, faces uncertainty after a major housing development hit a roadblock. A decade-long project to build 39 flats and … Read More

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 realestate birmingham luxury property mansions affluent housing location investment community

Nestled between the affluent villages of Lickey and Barnt Green, just south of Birmingham, lies a road with a name that raises eyebrows: Twatling Road. Despite this undoubtedly risqué moniker, it remains one of the region’s … Read More

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 solihull hockleyheath development housing planning flooding community objections council infrastructure

Planners have provisionally approved the construction of up to nine new homes in Hockley Heath, despite a wave of objections from local residents. The application, submitted last summer by Frances Ashton, concerns a site … Read More

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 singlemother resilience supportgroup birmingham parenting prison finance empowerment intergenerationaltrauma community

At just 17, Alicia Douglas found herself nine months pregnant, living in a hostel, and facing the daunting reality that her baby’s father had been sent to prison. Alone and expecting, she began working relentlessly in … Read More

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 dudley libdems climate homeimprovement zerointerest localelections community infrastructure potholes environment

The Liberal Democrats in Dudley have launched their local election campaign with an ambitious manifesto focused on climate action and improving daily life for residents. Central to their pledges is offering zero-interest … Read More

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 sohoroad birmingham community culture heritage handsworth diversity stories identity connection

“Be safe,” were the words whispered to me just moments before I stepped into my Uber and headed towards what has been dubbed the “most hated street in England.” As the cityscape of Birmingham’s … Read More

Monday, March 16, 2026 parenting loneliness motherhood support isolation mentalhealth community wellbeing englishheritage parents

Kate Brown* once shared a simple, yet profound moment: a funny thought crossed her mind, prompting a soft chuckle—only to realize she couldn’t remember the last time she’d truly laughed out loud. This revelation opened her … Read More

Sunday, March 15, 2026 crime antisocial community dudley drugdealing theft vandalism youth policing housing

Dudley Council is cracking down hard on antisocial behaviour, but residents of Brewery Fields, a housing estate near Dudley town centre, say the problem is far from solved. The area has been plagued by drug activity, … Read More

Sunday, March 15, 2026 deradicalisation extremism birmingham combat18 far-right racism rehabilitation community unity activism

In the late 1990s, in the heart of Birmingham, a frightening incident unfolded that would change the life of Nigel Bromage forever. A young black father, surrounded by a hostile group of racists near the law courts, was saved … Read More

Saturday, March 14, 2026 malvern midlands worcestershire malvernhills countryside spatown heritage outdoors community property

Malvern, a picturesque spa town in Worcestershire, has been celebrated as one of the best places to live in the Midlands. Known for its stunning natural surroundings and elegant properties, this charming town offers the … Read More

Friday, March 13, 2026 birmingham interfaith imam archbishop religion faith unity community respect diversity

Stepping through the Ladies Entrance of Birmingham Central Mosque, I felt a mix of anticipation and reflection as I prepared to meet two significant figures: Imam Mohammed Asad of Birmingham Central Mosque and Archbishop … Read More

Thursday, March 12, 2026 dudley crime antisocial safety traders shoplifting police community highstreets westmidlands

Dudley MP Sonia Kumar has spoken out amid growing concerns over safety in the town centre, where traders and shoppers face increasing threats from crime and antisocial behaviour. Ms Kumar recently participated in a roundtable … Read More

Thursday, March 12, 2026 buskers midland community socialmedia charity music performance licence criticism support

A social media post criticizing buskers in Midland for being “painful listening” and playing too loudly has sparked a strong backlash from the local community, who have stood up to defend the performers. On … Read More

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 walsall education reedswoodpark school residents environment safety departmentforeducation council community

Three sisters living next to the proposed site for a new £50 million free school in Walsall have voiced their frustration, accusing decision-makers of neglecting local residents. Julie Petty and Jayne Cooney, both 65, along … Read More

Monday, March 9, 2026 suicide bereavement community teaching family mentalhealth support tribute football charity sport

Michelle Fisher, a devoted mother of three and a much-loved teaching assistant at West Hill Primary School in Cannock, tragically took her own life on Friday, February 20, after experiencing a difficult time. For nearly a … Read More

Saturday, March 7, 2026 crime dudley shoplifting antisocial police safety youth theft community council

Traders in Dudley, West Midlands, are raising alarm over escalating crime that is keeping shoppers away and harming local businesses. Despite the recent opening of a new West Midlands Police headquarters nearby at Castlegate, … Read More

Saturday, March 7, 2026 dudley pubs hospitality support council taxation planning community health legislation

Dudley borough is taking decisive steps to support its local pubs, as councillors have approved a plan aimed at helping these vital community venues survive tough economic times. On March 2, the full council voted in favour … Read More

Saturday, March 7, 2026 paralysis spinalcordinjury fundraising marathon rehabilitation family resilience trauma healthcare community sport

Sandra Adams, mother of four and a beloved member of Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire, suffered a tragic spinal cord injury after a fall down the stairs at her home last May during a family barbecue. The accident left her … Read More

Saturday, March 7, 2026 birmingham monopoly charity community local game nomination culture winningmoves hasbro

The upcoming Birmingham Edition of the Monopoly board game is set to shine a spotlight on a local charity with a dedicated Community Chest square. Following its announcement last month, the creators of Monopoly: Birmingham … Read More