As the new year begins, Walsall residents are being encouraged to make 2026 the year they quit smoking and take control of their health, with access to a range of local services in the community, digitally and through specialist services. Between November 2024 and November 2025, 1,068 residents set a quit date, with a 60% quit rate at four weeks (which is above the national average of 53.6%). This highlights the growing demand for local stop smoking support across Walsall. Quitting smoking is one of the most impactful steps someone can take for their health, for their loved ones and…

Huge amounts of investment have been, and continue to be, attracted to the borough to improve local areas, restore buildings back into economic use, build new homes and create opportunities for work and leisure. “ We’re starting 2026 in a really strong position with lots to look forward to across the borough. We’re moving forward with transformative schemes that are already underway, and we’re implementing new frameworks and strategies to build on the incredible progress we’ve already made. 2026 will bring new housing, new railway stations, more jobs and opportunities, and the start of the major transformation of Walsall town…

Walsall Council officers, West Midlands Police and whg have been working together to respond to concerns about anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Bentley. On Thursday 11 December, council community protection officers were joined by two Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and whg staff to carry out door-to-door visits on Western Avenue and Fambridge Road. The team spoke directly with residents to listen to concerns, gather information about ongoing issues and provide advice on how to report incidents such as anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping. Residents were given clear guidance on the reporting process to ensure concerns can be logged quickly and acted upon. This will enable the council and partners to identify those involved and issue warning…

Smethwick has reached a major milestone with the submission of its plans for regeneration and investment as part of the Plan for Neighbourhoods programme. In March 2025, the government announced Smethwick is set to benefit from up to £20million over the next decade through the Plan for Neighbourhoods Programme. The Smethwick Partnership Board, which oversees the programme, working closely with Sandwell Council, has led extensive engagement with residents, businesses and community groups throughout July and August 2025 to understand local priorities. The top five priority areas identified through engagement are: Regeneration, high streets and heritage Community cohesion Health and wellbeing…

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, with the vehicle used for fly tipping A truck used to fly tip in the city has been seized and destroyed as City of Wolverhampton Council sends out a clear warning in its battle against the crime. The tough action has been taken in an attempt to deter offenders and prevent the vehicle from being used in future environmental crimes. In this case, security cameras captured a fly tipping incident on land off Millfields Road, Ettingshall, in May last year. The driver of a Ford Transit…

Police and council teams have warned that off-road motorbikes bought for Christmas could be seized and crushed if they are used illegally near to homes, in parks or on footpaths and other public land. Sandwell Local Policing Area (LPA) and Sandwell Council are jointly tackling nuisance caused by the illegal use of motorbikes and other off-road vehicles, with a significant drop in reports recorded this year. Bikes are being seized and CCTV footage, together with information from the public, is used to identify hotspots and track down people who are riding illegally and dangerously, putting themselves and others at risk.…

The impact that Technology Enabled Care (TEC) is having on people in Wolverhampton with care and support needs is demonstrated by one resident who says it has enabled her to get her life back. The City of Wolverhampton Council launched its new TEC service earlier this autumn, following a highly successful pilot programme. It will help residents access innovative technology tailored to their eligible care needs, such as sensor devices and voice activated wireless technologies including fall detectors, smart speakers, video doorbells, and remote monitoring sensors – enabling people to live the independent lives they want. One of those benefiting…

The City of Wolverhampton Council is joining a national Winter of Action campaign, designed to keep city and town centres safer during the busy Christmas period. It is teaming up with West Midlands Police and other partners as part of a national Home Office initiative to deliver a comprehensive programme of activity tackling anti-social behaviour, retail crime, street crime and offences linked to the nighttime economy. The campaign builds on the success of the Home Office’s Safer Streets Summer initiative and will see targeted action in Wolverhampton city centre and Bilston town centre, including increased patrols, a higher police presence,…

City of Wolverhampton Council has paid tribute to its incredible foster parents and the vital role they play in caring for vulnerable children and young people, at the annual For the Love of Fostering Awards, recently. The celebration, held at Molineux Stadium on Wednesday 4 December, brought together over 150 guests, including foster parents, council leaders, and supporters, to recognise the outstanding commitment of Wolverhampton’s fostering community. Awards were presented for their number years of service, permanency – which celebrates foster parents who provide a stable, long-term home for children who cannot return to their birth families – and those…

Visitors to Wolverhampton city centre can now enjoy parking at any time of the day or night at the council’s Civic Centre car park. The 332 space car park is trialling 24/7 opening hours following its recent hi-tech upgrade, which is making parking easier and more convenient. Just steps away from University of Wolverhampton at The Halls and other major venues, it serves thousands of people every year including concert goers, Wolves fans and those enjoying the city’s vibrant nightlife. The technology upgrade introduced a ticketless automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system, offering quicker entry and exit, flexible payment options…