Animal keepers at West Midlands Safari Park have had a busy start to the year by completing the annual animal count. At the start of each year, every animal must be counted, from the tower of tall giraffes to the colonies of tiny fruit beetles. This year, over a thousand individuals were counted, with some new additions increasing the numbers, including several baby animals, born in 2024 and some new arrivals from other wildlife parks. Head of Wildlife, Angela Potter, said, “Our dedicated keepers count and check the animals in their care daily, but the annual count is required as…

These packs will include essential items to help vulnerable residents stay safe and warm. The aim is to include blankets, thermos flasks, hot water bottles, winter duvets, hats, gloves and scarves. The campaign is being spearheaded by Council Leader Councillor Garry Perry. We understand the challenges facing our residents on low incomes during the winter and we are committed to providing support where it is most needed. We are determined to do everything we can to support those in need and I am appealing to the generosity of our local communities. Anyone who feels able to donate, please consider doing…

From left: City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Green City, Councillor Qaiser Azeem, with Councillor Adrian Andrew, Associate Leader of Walsall Council Work is set to begin next week on a £2.5 million scheme including cycle lanes, better crossings and other improvements on the A454 between Wolverhampton and Walsall. City of Wolverhampton Council and Walsall Council are working together to create a new cycle route from Noose Lane to Pinson Road, along the A454 Willenhall Road and Somerford Place. The 2 way cycle lane will be built on the central reservation of the A454 Willenhall Road, Wolverhampton,…

A revolutionised NHS App is among a raft of proposals aimed at giving patients greater power over how and when they receive elective treatment, as the government sets out its roadmap to cutting waiting times as confirmed in the Plan for Change. Currently, less than a quarter of patients recall being offered a choice of hospital for their treatment. Patients have a legal right to choose their provider and the government wants to give them more control over their own care. Under measures in the forthcoming elective reform plan, patients will be offered a wider choice of providers and the process…

Millions of patients will be able to access more appointments closer to home and get the treatment they need faster under a new plan to tackle hospital backlogs set out by the PM. Tackling the 7.5million strong waiting list inherited by the government so that the NHS once again meets the 18 week standard for planned treatment is a key milestone in the government’s Plan for Change. Restoring this standard will mean millions of patients no longer have to have their lives put on hold. Currently, too many patients face long waits for appointments or surgeries and may be referred…

What’s on between January and March 2025? Free stay and plays – Stay and play with your child or children, meet other parents, share experiences and relax in a safe and friendly environment. Dads stay and plays – Fun activities for dad’s and their children to get involved with, enjoy and bond. These sessions help fathers to learn how to play with their children and gives them time to interact with others in an informal setting. Dads peer support group – If you’re looking for other like minded dads to meet in a welcoming space, come along to our peer support group. Triple…

A Wolverhampton Councillor and former Mayor of the City has been appointed as an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours list. Park ward Councillor Claire Darke has been awarded the prestigious honour for services to Local Government, to Disability and to Suicide Prevention. When Mayor of the city between 2019 and 2021, Councillor Darke raised money for the Wolverhampton Suicide Prevention Stakeholder Forum as one of her nominated charities. Speaking about receiving the honour from the King, Councillor Darke said: “It is such an honour to be nominated for an MBE. To know someone would have taken the time…

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber Cold-Health Alert (CHA) for all regions of England from midday on Thursday 02 January until midday on Wednesday 08 January. All regions had previously been under a yellow CHA. Expected low temperatures are likely to result in increased use of health care services by vulnerable people and an increase in risk to health for individuals aged 65 years and over, those with pre-existing health conditions (including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases) and some other vulnerable groups, such as those sleeping rough. UKHSA has published guidance for professionals protecting vulnerable people and for the public on staying…

Isuzu UK is thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with Paramount Pictures UK for the much-anticipated Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie, now in cinemas from 21st December 2024. This electrifying collaboration is the perfect pairing, as Sonic’s unmatched speed and agility mirror the unrivalled performance and off-road capabilities of The New Isuzu D-Max, set to launch in early 2025. Under the partnership’s tagline, “Ready to Level Up,” both the film and The New Isuzu D-Max highlight the power of pushing boundaries. With its tough, reliable, and versatile design, the D-Max is built to tackle the toughest terrains with ease – just like Sonic when he’s…

As a new year approaches, automotive data experts at HPI recommend that drivers make a set of resolutions that will keep them safe on the road throughout 2025 and beyond. HPI is urging motorists to double-check that they are not putting themselves, passengers or other road users at risk by driving a vehicle which has a hidden history. Over 250 cars are flagged daily for security concerns, and 1 in every 28 cars on HPI’s register has been written off. Furthermore, over 50,000 vehicles were flagged as stolen in 2024 and over 662,297 cars have already been caught this year with altered…