A range of support will be available to help residents with additional needs take part in the Walsall Local Elections on Thursday 7 May 2026, with additional accessibility measures introduced this year alongside existing provision. New for 2026 New accessibility measures are being introduced for the 2026 Local Elections to further improve access and ensure more residents can vote independently and with confidence. These include audio ballot papers and a live British Sign Language (BSL) translation of postal voting instructions and key polling station information Voters will be able to access the BSL translation service via a live Microsoft Teams…

Wolverhampton Central Library’s historic façade has been restored to its former glory as part of the council’s City Learning Quarter programme. The scaffolding has now been removed from the Grade II* listed building with the exterior heritage restoration works completed by main contractor Speller Metcalfe alongside specialist heritage contractor, Midland Conservation Ltd. As well as essential works to preserve the historical elements of the façade, the roof has been replaced, leadwork renewed, and the main spire and matching copper domes have been replaced in a like for like copper. It follows the ground floor Adult Lending Library reopening…

Residents in Chelmsley Wood, and neighbouring wards, are beginning to feel the benefits of the Council’s Healthy Homes Scheme, with the first solar panels now installed on local homes. Among the first to benefit are Mr and Mrs Hanrahan, who recently had their new solar panels fitted and are already beginning to see the advantages of cleaner, greener energy at home. As part of the free home upgrades funded through the Warm Homes: Local Grant, the couple also received an improved ventilation package, to reduce the risk of mould and damp, and upgraded loft insulation. It’s estimated that 25%…

Three people have been taken to court after being caughtNone of the three offenders reside in Walsall. The cases were taken to court after Fixed Penalty Notices issued for depositing and leaving litter were left unpaid. The hearings took place on 13 March 2026 at Birmingham & Solihull Magistrates’ Court. Mr Javen Simms, of Ashfield Avenue, Birmingham, was convicted for depositing litter on 24 July 2025 in Garden Street, Walsall. He was ordered to pay a £220 fine, £88 victim surcharge and £276.72 in costs, totalling £584.72. Mr Naveed Hussain, of Mafeking Road, Hadley, Telford, was convicted…

Young carers cooked up a storm at a special workshop held by community chefs at Fifth Avenue Community Centre recently. They were able to hone their culinary skills by cooking a delicious dish to take home with them at the event, organised by the City of Wolverhampton Council Early Support Team’s All Carers Offer. Joanne Evans, Early Support Delivery Manager, said: “The children learned how to prepare and cook a meal completely from scratch, and the food they produced was really special. “Not only did everyone enjoy themselves, but our young carers also gained valuable kitchen skills and…

Solihull children, young people, and families with special educational needs and disabilities will soon have access to an even wider range of SEND specialist short break activities. This is thanks to continued funding from Solihull Council and new support from the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF)Programme. These include sessions after school, in the evenings, at weekends and during school holidays. From Easter 2026 to August 2027, ten local organisations will be offering 18 different activity programmes. These will include everything from non-contact boxing and forest school, to arts and crafts, youth groups and more. The aim is to give…

Planning permission has now been granted for a major new affordable housing development in Chelmsley Wood, marking a significant milestone in Solihull Council’s partnership with the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, Vistry Group PLC to deliver 177 high‑quality, sustainable new homes for local residents. The scheme will transform the site of the former Simon Digby School. This well connected spot, located between the Chester Road (A452) and the M6, was originally earmarked for housing development in the adopted 2013 Solihull Local Plan. Planning approval follows extensive preparatory work undertaken by Solihull Council ahead of the application, including…

A free family bike ride and fun day is back for its third year in Wolverhampton. The Kidical Mass ride is on Saturday 13 June and cyclists of all ages are urged to sign up now for free. Riders follow a gentle route of 4.5 miles from East Park to Molineux stadium and back, on roads and cycle lanes developed by City of Wolverhampton Council. The family bike ride will start shortly after midday following some short opening speeches. There will also be plenty going on in the park from 11am to 4pm on the day, including…

Bilston is entering the running to be crowned the first ever UK Town of Culture in 2028. Wolverhampton Council will submit an expression of interest ahead of the 31 March deadline, with the strongest candidates to be shortlisted and each receive a £60,000 grant to work up their full bids. Three finalists will be chosen by an expert panel, with the winning town awarded £3million to deliver a year-long programme of cultural celebrations, while two runners-up will receive £250,000 each. The contest will run alongside the existing UK City of Culture contest, which was won by Bradford in…

Further focused care and attention is set to be given to city streets and communities thanks to the introduction of a second Love Your Community: Neighbourhood Team. City of Wolverhampton Council launched its Love Your Community: Neighbourhood Team initiative in January, a dedicated taskforce to improve the cleanliness, safety and appearance of local areas. The original team will now be boosted by a second which will start work over the coming weeks. This team will focus on the cleansing and improvement of the main arterial routes into Wolverhampton, making sure residents and visitors experience a sense of pride across…