Westmidlands

Sunday, February 15, 2026 midlands comprehensive education schools parentpower westmidlands stpauls ardenacademy challenges leadership

The Midlands' leading comprehensive schools, known for consistently outperforming expectations, have been highlighted in the prestigious Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026. These schools deserve recognition for their … Read More

Saturday, February 14, 2026 nazis holocaust poland westmidlands inheritance probate wartrauma familyreunion heirhunting displacement

Jozef Domanski was only 14 when Nazi forces ripped him away from his family in Poland in 1941. Like thousands of other Polish children, he was deported to Germany and forced into labour. Though he survived the war and was … Read More

Saturday, February 14, 2026 ofsted midlands education inspection schools grades exceptional westmidlands primary standards

Schools across the West Midlands have recently received updated ratings under Ofsted’s revamped inspection system, marking a significant change in how educational standards are assessed. Moving away from the traditional … Read More

Saturday, February 14, 2026 westmidlands mostwanted policeappeal burglary stalking harassment recall crime publicsafety suspects

West Midlands Police has updated its most wanted list, adding several new suspects sought in connection with various crimes. Authorities are urging the public to assist in locating these individuals and to call 999 … Read More

Saturday, February 14, 2026 banking closures lloyds halifax natwest branches uk westmidlands cash bankinghubs

This week marks a significant shift for UK banking customers as over 125 bank branches, including major names like Lloyds, Halifax, and NatWest, prepare to close their doors. The closures are part of ongoing restructuring … Read More

Saturday, February 14, 2026 counciltax westmidlands worcestershire shropshire localgovernment taxation infrastructure finances reform council

Local councils across the West Midlands are planning significant increases in council tax, seeking Government approval to raise bills by up to 9%. Normally capped at a 5% increase without special permission, these proposed … Read More

Friday, February 13, 2026 mentalhealth westmidlands youth stigma support campaign textservice men awareness wellbeing

Young men in the West Midlands are sharing their own experiences to encourage others to seek mental health support when needed. A new campaign launched in Birmingham and Solihull aims to raise awareness about a free, … Read More

Friday, February 13, 2026 inheritance estates probate birmingham unclaimed brethertons wills trusts westmidlands heirship

New data from the Office for National Statistics reveals that 180 estates in Birmingham remain unclaimed, suggesting many families could be entitled to forgotten inheritances. Wills, trusts, and probate experts at Brethertons … Read More

Thursday, February 12, 2026 dudley coast restaurant bar vancrash cctv hospitality westmidlands police repairs

The director of The Coast Restaurant & Bar in Dudley has expressed relief that no one was hurt after a van smashed into the establishment in the early hours of Sunday, February 1. CCTV footage shows the vehicle driving up … Read More

Thursday, February 12, 2026 airpollution westmidlands pm25 publichealth environment pollutionmonitoring cleanair deprivation airquality urbanhealth

New measures to combat the high levels of air pollution in the West Midlands are set to be introduced soon. The West Midlands Combined Authority’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee will receive an update on the region’s … Read More

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 bearwood violence assault police investigation roadclosure birmingham westmidlands traffic publicsafety

A major Black Country thoroughfare, Bearwood High Street, was closed on Wednesday evening after a violent altercation left three men injured. The incident occurred around 6pm near the Reginald Road junction, prompting an … Read More

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 stourbridge regeneration dudley council investment neglect westmidlands urbanplanning towncentre infrastructure

At a recent meeting of Dudley’s Communities and Growth Scrutiny Committee, former mayor and long-serving councillor Ian Kettle delivered a scathing critique of the local authority’s approach to Stourbridge town centre … Read More

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

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 birmingham teenager murder stabbing leoross randomattack sentencing westmidlands knifecrime violence

A Birmingham teenager is due to be sentenced for the fatal stabbing of 12-year-old Leo Ross, in what authorities describe as a random and senseless attack. Leo, a pupil at Christ Church Church of England Secondary Academy, … Read More

Monday, February 9, 2026 birmingham drugs drugdealer michaelduffy crime police disappearance cocaine westmidlands conviction

Michael Duffy, an alleged high-level drug dealer from Birmingham, remains missing nearly four years after his arrest in a major police operation. In January 2022, Duffy was apprehended along with four others during a sting … Read More

Monday, February 9, 2026 roadsafety westmidlands pavements speedenforcement redlightcameras visionzero pedestrian traffic cycling infrastructure

The West Midlands is set to introduce a series of road safety improvements aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries on its roads. Spearheading these efforts is Road Safety Commissioner Mat MacDonald, who is working … Read More

Monday, February 9, 2026 police misconduct confidentiality crime data safeguarding westmidlands investigation misconducthearing trust

A former police officer unlawfully accessed confidential crime records while off duty in an effort to find and protect a vulnerable missing relative, a misconduct hearing revealed. PC Sandall conducted unauthorized checks on … Read More

Sunday, February 8, 2026 tiktok birmingham food pies westmidlands madorourkes tipton desperatedan review localcuisine

Kalani Smith, better known as Kalani Ghost Hunter on TikTok, recently turned to his millions of followers to ask for dining recommendations in Birmingham. Kalani, who boasts over three million followers and is known for his … 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 roadsafety westmidlands visionzero roaddeaths speedlimits sustainabletransport cycling pedestrian enforcement infrastructure sport

Every six weeks, the UK’s roads claim the lives of as many people as would fit on a jumbo jet—a staggering fact that reflects a dangerous complacency in society. Mat MacDonald, the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Road … Read More

Sunday, February 8, 2026 misconduct sexism police harassment workplace misogyny discrimination professionalism westmidlands suspension

Sergeant Capewell of West Midlands Police has been found guilty of gross misconduct following a misconduct hearing that exposed his repeated use of offensive, sexualised language towards junior female officers. Known for his … Read More

Saturday, February 7, 2026 paramedic morphine westmidlands misconduct healthcare nostress suspension pandemic drugmisuse disciplinary

Guy Carman, a paramedic from the West Midlands, has been removed from the healthcare register following revelations that he stole morphine for personal use during the relentless demands of the Covid-19 pandemic. Carman … Read More

Saturday, February 7, 2026 westmidlands bussafety crime publictransport violence theft nationalexpress police safertravel transport sport

New data highlights the West Midlands bus services with the highest reported crimes during the second half of 2025, revealing which routes passengers should be cautious of. BirminghamLive has obtained figures indicating the … Read More

Saturday, February 7, 2026 cycling walking westmidlands activetravel infrastructure electricbikes sustainability safety publichealth transport

Beccy Marston, the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Active Travel Commissioner, has emphasized that her efforts to promote walking, cycling, and wheeling are not about waging a “war on motorists.” Instead, her … Read More