Community

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 birmingham pub closure hospitality mentalhealth independent pubs business art community

The Gunmakers Arms, a historic pub located in Birmingham city centre, has permanently closed its doors just six months after reopening, ending hopes that the venue would thrive again. The pub, known for its rich 200-year … Read More

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 handsworth youth community youthclub theoliveconnect empowerment support mentorship development sportscenter sport

In the heart of Handsworth, a group of five dedicated women have established The Olive Connect, a youth club that is creating a powerful impact on the lives of young people in the community. Situated at the Laurel Road … Read More

Monday, June 8, 2026 loaf stirchley bakery birmingham community development greensquareaccord coop closure uncertainty

Loaf, a cherished community bakery that helped put Stirchley on the map as the best place to live in the Midlands, now faces the threat of closure after nearly 14 years in operation. Founded in 2012 on Pershore Road, Loaf … Read More

Sunday, June 7, 2026 marketharborough birmingham leicestershire bestplaces community property countryside schools events culture

Market Harborough, a vibrant market town in Leicestershire, has been recognized as one of the best places to live in the Midlands, according to the prestigious Sunday Times Best Places to Live list for 2026. Located just an … Read More

Sunday, June 7, 2026 midlands crime safety shropshire westmidlands southstaffordshire violentcrime towns villages community

The West Midlands is often viewed as a high-crime region, known for frequent reports of serious offences like stabbings, robberies, and assaults. Yet, this reputation doesn’t tell the whole story. Just beyond the bustling … Read More

Sunday, June 7, 2026 shirley pedestriansafety crossing council traffic accidents community petitions roadsafety infrastructure

Residents near Shirley Park in Hurdis Road are growing increasingly frustrated over the council’s inaction on a long-requested pedestrian crossing. Campaigners say a safer crossing point at the park’s entrance is overdue, … Read More

Sunday, June 7, 2026 birmingham poverty wealth childpoverty sparkhill edgbaston incomeinequality community livingstandards socialdivide

In Birmingham, the stark contrast between wealth and poverty unfolds just three miles apart, highlighting a city divided by fortune yet united by proximity. Sparkhill, recently named the poorest area not only in Birmingham … Read More

Sunday, June 7, 2026 construction renovation neighbours exams noise disruption finances compromise stress community

A couple recently began extensive renovation work on a property they purchased over a year ago. The project, described as a “complete overhaul,” has involved many months of planning, securing permits, and finding … Read More

Saturday, June 6, 2026 birmingham tennis cannonhillpark refurbishment lta microsports sports recreation community investment sport

Tennis enthusiasts and local residents have much to celebrate as the tennis courts at Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham have officially re-opened after a substantial £330,000 renovation. This refurbishment is part of a wider … Read More

Saturday, June 6, 2026 tennis erdington rallytogether women children sport free community active wimbledon

Beth Addison* came home from school clutching a postcard that read, “Dear Mummy, would you like to play tennis with me?” For Beth and her mum, the idea of playing a sport together had seemed out of reach—until now. Thanks to … Read More

Saturday, June 6, 2026 sutton football cancer tributes coach suttonunited boldmere community loss memorial sport

The Sutton Coldfield community is mourning the loss of Jack Skinner, a cherished footballer and devoted father who passed away from cancer on Wednesday, June 3, at just 35 years old. Known for his passion on and off the … Read More

Saturday, June 6, 2026 neighbours noise complaint birdscarer council garden dispute acoustics nuisance community

A family’s peaceful relationship with their long-time neighbours fell apart after they lodged a formal complaint about a noisy bird deterrent installed in the neighbours’ garden. The device emitted a persistent high-pitched … Read More

Saturday, June 6, 2026 solihull knowle ridingclub expansion sportsfacility pickleball tennis badminton community development sport

Solihull Riding Club, a well-established equestrian club in Knowle with a history spanning over 75 years, is aiming to grow alongside the village’s rapid development. The club, recognized nationwide for accommodating riders … Read More

Saturday, June 6, 2026 birmingham restaurant anishachakraborty tragedy accident jimmyspice staff community mourning loss

The close-knit team at Jimmy Spice’s, a popular restaurant on Broad Street in Birmingham, has been left devastated after the sudden loss of their colleague, Anisha Chakraborty. At just 28 years old, Anisha tragically … Read More

Friday, June 5, 2026 nationwide defibrillators emergency stjohnambulance visa firstaid community safety bankbranches training

Nationwide, the world’s largest mutual, is launching a major initiative to turn 605 of its bank branches into vital emergency hubs equipped with life-saving defibrillators and bleed control kits. The move, made in … Read More

Friday, June 5, 2026 kingswinford micropub alehub cocktails realale craftbeer livemusic bingo quiznight community

Peter Workman, approaching retirement at 64, has no intention of slowing down. Instead, he’s taken the reins of Ale Hub, a micro pub located on Kingswinford’s bustling Market Street, and breathed new life into the business. … Read More

Thursday, June 4, 2026 homelessness birmingham stirchley cooperative housing community greensquareaccord development delays elderly

At 80 years old, retired lecturer John Holmes, who spent decades training youth workers in Birmingham, finds himself homeless amid a prolonged housing dispute in Stirchley. A resident and advocate of the Stirchley Cooperative … Read More

Thursday, June 4, 2026 walsall merigo periperi licensing community noise residents takeaway operatinghours caldmore

A peri-peri takeaway in Caldmore, Merigo on West Bromwich Street, is seeking approval from Walsall Council’s licensing and safety committee to extend its operating hours until 3 a.m. every night of the week. The decision is … Read More

Thursday, June 4, 2026 northfield birmingham tinytalk babysigning parenting motherhood entrepreneurship support community family

Julie Hetherington, a mother from Northfield, made a bold career change from accountant to entrepreneur when she launched a TinyTalk baby signing franchise in Birmingham in 2010. Her decision was inspired by her own … Read More

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 pride britain westmidlands heroes awards nominations community courage kindness inspiration

Residents of Birmingham and the wider West Midlands are being encouraged to nominate the everyday heroes in their communities for the prestigious Pride of Britain Awards 2026. From the heart of the Black Country to Coventry … Read More

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 poverty education birmingham food homelessness community support school students charity

At 3.20pm on a Friday, a long queue forms outside a school in Birmingham’s city centre. Children line up alongside homeless people, waiting to receive food for the weekend. Many rush to the school as soon as the bell rings to … Read More

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 dudley stourbridge heritage conservation architecture planning restoration listedbuildings community housing

Significant changes have been approved for two historic buildings in the Dudley borough, ensuring their preservation while adapting them to modern needs. At Dudley’s former police station on New Street, council planners have … Read More

Monday, June 1, 2026 midlands villages westmidlands southstaffordshire affluence deprivation birmingham housing community schools

The leafy villages of the West Midlands stand out as some of the most prosperous and desirable places to live in the region. These tranquil communities boast a standard of living well above the regional average, providing a … Read More

Monday, June 1, 2026 parenting community mentalhealth tinytalk northfield signlanguage families support childcare wellbeing

Julie Hetherington’s story is one of transformation and dedication. Once a chartered accountant, Julie made a life-changing decision to become a self-employed working mum, driven by her experience of feeling isolated and … Read More