Community

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 stratford assault investigation police metalbars gang injuries community crime patrols

A violent attack has left one man seriously injured and the community in Stratford shaken, as police continue their search for a gang responsible for assaulting two men with metal bars. The incident occurred on Bishops Close … Read More

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 housing greenbelt development affordable solihull planning community councillors support midlands

In a decisive 10-minute session, Solihull Council’s planning committee unanimously approved a new housing development in Hampton In Arden, reflecting overwhelming local endorsement. The proposal, submitted by BDW Trading Ltd … Read More

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

Friday, February 13, 2026 hs2 warwickshire waterorton coleshill construction disruption noise environment community infrastructure

The Reform administration at Warwickshire County Council has called on HS2 to provide “monumental” benefits for communities enduring daily disruption from the massive construction project. Residents in Water Orton … Read More

Friday, February 13, 2026 indian restaurant curry awards birmingham sheldon authentic cuisine community heritage

Titash Restaurant, a cherished Indian eatery located near the NEC and Birmingham Airport, has been crowned the best in the West Midlands. The prestigious Best of the West Midlands award was presented at the Nation’s … Read More

Friday, February 13, 2026 balsallcommon brickmakersarms solihull planning pub heritage landscaping beergarden outdoorbar community

The Brickmakers Arms pub in Balsall Common will be allowed to keep its recently constructed outdoor bar, perimeter fence, and big screen following a contentious planning saga that divided local authorities. The dispute began … Read More

Thursday, February 12, 2026 asda mealdeal seniors winterwarmer community soup café birmingham affordable isolation

Asda has issued a final reminder to shoppers aged over 60 to take advantage of its £1 meal deal, available at over 200 locations nationwide, before it ends on February 28. Launched in November, the Winter Warmer café deal … Read More

Thursday, February 12, 2026 bilston regeneration community investment council highstreet development carnival heritage publicspaces

City of Wolverhampton Council is set to approve an ambitious £20 million, ten-year regeneration plan aimed at revitalising Bilston. The ‘Pride in Place’ initiative focuses on creating a safer, cleaner, and more vibrant … Read More

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 leoross charity knifecrime youth violence sentencing legacy awareness prevention community

A charity established in memory of Leo Ross, a 12-year-old boy tragically killed in a random stabbing, has called on young people to reject weapons as his teenage killer was sentenced to life imprisonment. Leo’s Legacy … Read More

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 family tragedy bereavement community volunteering homelessness charity funeral support legacy

The Barton family has been left devastated after Lee Barton, a 45-year-old father of three, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, January 29. Known affectionately as “Bart” among friends, Lee’s sudden … Read More

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 caister festival norfolk cancellation organisers committee music community events 2027

The popular Caister Festival, a cherished seaside event on the Norfolk coast that draws over 8,000 visitors annually, has been cancelled for 2026. The organisers announced the cancellation on Friday, citing an ongoing … Read More

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 englishheritage parenting loneliness wellbeing midlands familyactivities community mentalhealth outdoorplay socialconnection

English Heritage is tackling the issue of parental loneliness with the launch of innovative ‘bonding benches’ across its properties. Recent research by the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) reveals that up to 62% of new parents … Read More

Monday, February 9, 2026 ub40 pubs birmingham heritage live-music closure community history economy reggae

Legendary Birmingham reggae band UB40 has expressed deep concern over the rapid disappearance of the city’s cherished pubs, calling it “criminal” that so many community landmarks are vanishing. This year marks the 47th … Read More

Monday, February 9, 2026 hmo wolverhampton planning crime community housing spacestandards noise council heathtown

The City of Wolverhampton Council has refused an application to convert a home on Woden Road into a six-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO), citing concerns that the change would exacerbate crime and community disorder … Read More

Sunday, February 8, 2026 arrest moseley birmingham antizionist police publicorder protest investigation socialmedia community

West Midlands Police have made a second arrest following a coordinated operation at the launch of the ‘Anti-Zionist Movement’ event held today at The Old Print Works in Moseley, Birmingham. Earlier in the day, officers … Read More

Sunday, February 8, 2026 moseley flags community patriotism inclusion division residents unity diversity protest

Hundreds of Moseley residents braved the chilly weather to witness the removal of British flags that had been placed on lampposts earlier in the week. The flags, installed by the group Raise The Colours on Wednesday, aimed to … Read More

Sunday, February 8, 2026 erdington birmingham community market traders highstreet smallbusiness events localeconomy support

Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) is spearheading the launch of a fresh community market in Birmingham’s Erdington High Street, with hopes it will become a beloved fixture in the city’s event calendar. The … Read More

Sunday, February 8, 2026 birmingham crime safety antisocialbehaviour neighbourhoods suttoncoldfield peace security community westmidlands

Birmingham often faces a reputation for high crime, with some neighbourhoods experiencing daily challenges. Yet, this dark image does not reflect the entire city. Many areas, particularly more affluent suburbs, boast low … Read More

Sunday, February 8, 2026 gangrene sepsis death wolverhampton chef pub friendship memorial art community

Scott Reynolds, a much-loved pub chef from Wolverhampton, has died after a seemingly minor cut on his leg developed into a rare and aggressive form of gangrene. The 47-year-old’s condition worsened despite treatment, … Read More

Sunday, February 8, 2026 birmingham henrybarberpark flytipping rubbish litter dumping environment community seagulls pollution

In Japan, the absence of bins encourages people to take their rubbish home. In Birmingham, however, the lack of bins has turned Henry Barber Park in Bordesley Green into a dumping ground. At one entrance, a pile of bin bags … Read More

Saturday, February 7, 2026 harborne coffee independent café community service hospitality smallbusiness local connections

Strolling down Harborne High Street in 2026 feels a bit like a scene from Scooby Doo — your feet keep moving while charity shop, cafe, charity shop, cafe form the ever-rotating backdrop. Among these familiar rhythms, the … Read More

Friday, February 6, 2026 breakfast walsall brunch fullenglish foodreview portions pricing cafe staffordshire community

A Staffordshire resident recently shared his dissatisfaction after ordering a full English breakfast at BRUNCH, a well-regarded café in Cheslyn Hay, Walsall, known for its premium brunch options and excellent customer … Read More

Friday, February 6, 2026 handsworth hmo community campaign housing planning development objections residents victory

A proposal to convert a family home on Onibury Road in Handsworth into a six-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) has been decisively rejected following widespread community opposition. The plan faced nearly 80 formal … Read More

Thursday, February 5, 2026 birmingham parents schoolsafety driving parking westmidlandspolice oasisacademy speeding fines community

Parents at Oasis Academy Short Heath, a primary school in Birmingham, have been urged to slow down amid growing concerns about dangerous driving and illegal parking during school drop-off and pick-up times. West Midlands … Read More