The first stage in preparing a new Local Plan for Solihull has begun, through a call-for-sites exercise. This was an opportunity for site owners, promoters or other stakeholders to identify what land is available in the borough for potential inclusion in the Council’s Local Plan. The exercise was conducted over a two-month period, from the end of November 2024 to the end of January 2025 and resulted in over 300 sites being suggested for potential development. It is important to note that this is a land availability exercise, and it does not necessarily mean that these sites are suitable for development. …
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Black Country partners have today been awarded a £1,287,710 development grant from Sport England to help address inequalities that prevent people from being physically active. Walsall, along with Dudley, Sandwell and Wolverhampton are among the 53 places set to benefit from a share of Sport England’s £250 million investment into the heart of communities across England. Active Black Country are the accountable organisation for the funding. Sport England research calculates that active lifestyles save £10.5 billion a year for the health and social care system. This relieves some of the NHS burden, preventing 1.3 million cases of depression, 600,000 of…
Upgraded Octavia vRS generates 265 PS from revised 2.0 TSI engine The flagship of the Octavia line-up is available in hatch and estate body styles, with a 15mm lower ride height compared to standard Octavia models The new Octavia vRS can be modified for specific functions with Škoda’s turnkey conversion service, with full approval for police use following MET brake test The Octavia vRS is available to order now Milton Keynes, 5 March 2025 – Škoda UK’s most powerful Octavia vRS production model has hit the beat as the latest exciting addition to the brand’s extensive emergency services lineup! The…
The Local Government Boundary Commission wants to hear what residents and local organisations think about the proposals. The Commission is the independent body that draws these boundaries. It is reviewing Sandwell to make sure councillors will represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements will help the council work effectively. The Commission has published proposals for changes to Sandwell. It is proposing that there should be 72 councillors representing 24 three-councillor wards. Most ward boundaries should change; one will stay the same. Proposed changes include: Adopting the Halesowen Conservative Association’s proposals for the Rowley Regis area to…
A partnership of different voluntary, community and statutory sectors marked six years of fostering community cohesion with a celebration event at The Walsall Hub. Walsall for All’s celebration event on 26 February 2025 highlighted the partnership’s journey and its transition into an independent community interest company (CIC). The celebration featured the launch of the Walsall Community Cohesion Strategy 2025-2035, which is aimed at creating a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous community. Developed between Walsall Council and Walsall for All, the strategy represents a significant milestone in Walsall for All’s ongoing efforts for Walsall to be a friendly and diverse borough.…
Oswald Clarke and Emma Price Two individuals who exploited vulnerable residents across the Heath Town area of Wolverhampton have been served with injunctions by the County Court. Oswald Clarke, aged 61 and of no fixed abode, and Emma Price, 39, also of no fixed abode, targeted vulnerable people, and coerced or threatened them to get into and take control of their properties, where they would then supply and use of class A controlled drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine. The Court heard that Clarke in particular would threaten and intimidate the residents, often supplying them with drugs to persuade…
GROWTH HAS SURGED for dealers using the latest AI-powered ‘chatbots’ to convert customer enquiries into leads, according to new analysis. Even Christmas Day and New Year’s Day saw a significant appetite among customers for ‘chatting’ with the latest generation of advanced dealer bots developed by AI tech specialists AutoConverse, new figures reveal. Last month saw a 43% increase in customer conversations with dealer chatbots compared with January 2024 – with a conversion rate of more than 48%. This means that almost half of all interactions between customers and bots resulted in a concrete lead for the sale of a product…
To look cut, with great muscle definition, many people have the misconception that you need to hit the gym. That’s the general belief: lift less weight and do more reps for definition. For bulk, lift heavier weights and do fewer reps. The idea that less weight, tones muscles, is wrong. Less weight and more reps, builds endurance. For explosive power, do fewer reps with heavier weight. Just remember that to really increase strength the general consensus is that you have to work with atleast 60% of your maximum lift (the heaviest weight at which you can complete a singe repetition).…
Great food and great prices will be right on the doorstep for residents as a new community shop opens today (Monday 3 March) at Fifth Avenue Community Centre. Residents in Bushbury and surrounding areas will have the new community shop on their doorstep after it’s relocation from Low Hill Community centre. Anyone in the city will be able to reduce the cost of their weekly shop by popping in for a wide range of food from fresh fruit and vegetables to store cupboard items and fresh bread. It’s the latest community shop to join the city wide network, which also…
Wolverhampton will join the nation in a day of reflection to mark the fifth anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic on Sunday (9 March, 2025). The day will remember the pandemic, and its impact on communities across the UK, with people invited to come together to reflect on this unique period of our history as well as their own experiences. The day will be an opportunity for the public to remember and commemorate those who lost their lives during the pandemic, reflect on the sacrifices made and the impact it had on their daily lives, and pay tribute to the work…