A computer generated image of what the approach to the new outdoor market canopy could look like heading from the bus station (Image credit: Greig & Stephenson Architects) The multi million pound redevelopment of Bilston Market is set to get underway next week. City of Wolverhampton Council is investing more than £5 million in major improvements to the market that will deliver “the absolute best market in the West Midlands” with more modern, more accessible, and more vibrant spaces for traders and the local community. Works are set to officially begin on Wednesday 23 July and will feature better…

weakness,” is a powerful natural substance that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. Found primarily in the Himalayan mountains, Shilajit is a mineral-rich resin that is created from the decomposition of plant matter over millions of years. It contains more than 80 minerals, as well as fulvic acid, which is believed to contribute to its wide range of health benefits. Here are some of the top health benefits of Shilajit. 1. **Boosts Energy Levels** Shilajit is a potent energy booster. It helps improve the body’s mitochondrial function, which is essential for energy production at the cellular level. By…

Poundland founder Steve Smith Steve Smith launched the retail chain Poundland in 1990. From humble beginnings he worked his way up from selling on market stalls to running the multi-million-pound retail business which he went onto sell almost 20 years ago. Speaking recently at the first ever We Are Walsall 2040 conference, Smith originally from Willenhall, was optimistic about the future of the borough: “It is the people of Walsall who make me most proud to come from this area. I built my business with good people and with good people, who work hard, you can achieve a great deal.”…

“Simpson & Partners, the UK based sustainable EV manufacturer welcomes the UK Government’s reintroduction of the Electric Car Grant, offering up to £3,750 off new fully electric vehicles under £37,000. Bringing back this support originally phased out in 2022 marks a vital step in reducing the upfront cost barrier and accelerating the shift to low-carbon transport. The additional £63 million investment in EV charging infrastructure is equally encouraging. By addressing practical concerns like cross-pavement charging for households without driveways and depot charging for fleets, this scheme helps ensure the transition to electric mobility is accessible to more people, not just the early…

Sandwell is proud to announce that in the latest national Green Flag Awards, 15 of our parks and green spaces have once again been recognised as well managed. And we are even more pleased to announce that West Smethwick Park has joined them to win the prestigious standard! The Green Flag Awards are an international scheme recognising well managed parks and open spaces and it sets the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world. This week’s award ceremony for the West Midlands, as well as for the East of England and…

Depression and anxiety are significant mental health concerns that disproportionately affect women. Biological, social, and psychological factors contribute to this gender disparity. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those associated with menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum periods, and menopause, play a crucial role in women’s mental health. For instance, postpartum depression affects around 10-20% of new mothers, underscoring the link between hormonal changes and depression. Social factors like gender-based violence, discrimination, and the pressures of balancing multiple roles—such as caregiving, career, and societal expectations—can increase women’s vulnerability to anxiety and depression. Women are often expected to fulfill traditional gender roles while also excelling in…

Sandwell Council is proud to launch Stop For Life Sandwell, a new community stop smoking service designed to help people quit and live healthier lives. Run by behaviour change specialists ICE, the service is free and available to anyone living, working or registered with a GP in Sandwell. Support includes: One-to-one behavioural support Tailored quit plans Advice on Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and vapes, plus 12 weeks of free products The Best-You healthy lifestyles app The service is welcoming, easy to access and here to help people take that first step – or try again – on their journey to…

Daily Mail front page from October 1988 A teacher who tragically died whilst saving approximately 50 children from drowning on a school trip has been awarded an Elizabeth Emblem. Bernard Butt was on a school trip to Egypt in 1988. Until his tragic death, Mr Butt was teaching at the former TP Riley Comprehensive School, now Walsall Academy, in Bloxwich. The school trip had been organised as part of the school’s history studies. It was on that trip where a SS Jupiter cruise liner ship collided with a cargo ship near Piraeus in Greece, and within 40 minutes,…

New Enyaq Cargo model fully compliant with LCV regulations Developed by Škoda UK and engineering firm Strongs Plastic Products Ltd Cargo model is available on the Enyaq 85 and the all-wheel drive Enyaq 85x battery Enyaq Cargo is available to fleet customers through the Škoda retail network Milton Keynes, 14 July 2025: Škoda UK has developed a new addition to its award-winning Enyaq range in the form of a commercial Cargo variant. The new model, which has been developed with conversion specialists Strongs Plastic Products Ltd, will be available exclusively to fleet customers via Škoda’s Area Fleet Managers. The Enyaq…

A former Birmingham City Council tenant has been fined and lost her council home after pleading guilty to unlawfully subletting. Ms Kitija Strauja, 30, advertised her council home to rent on social media; she told her sub-tenant that she owned the council property and was moving out to live with her partner. Birmingham City Council was alerted to the situation when Ms Strauja gave her sub-tenant notice to leave, and the tenant reported themselves as homeless. On 24 August 2023, Ms Strauja pleaded guilty at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court to one offence of unlawfully subletting a council property and one associated…