The Mayor’s visit is part of the church’s efforts to improve its community facilities, making them more accessible and ensuring the venue can continue to host local activities like cultural weddings and weekly services. The church, which has been a long-standing place of connection for the local community, is currently awaiting approval for external grant funding to begin the much-needed work “ It was a real pleasure to visit the Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God here in Walsall. This church is not only a place of worship, but a cornerstone of the local community, a…

Volunteers from Taylor Woodrow and West Midlands Combined Authority spent four hours on August 19 carrying out a variety of tasks to improve the appearance and accessibility of the park. The work included managing wildflower meadows to encourage biodiversity, creating new habitats for local wildlife, painting A-frame chicane barriers, revitalising the park’s ladder board, clearing overhanging trees along pathways, and repairing steps to make access easier for visitors. The project was further supported by Crown Paints, who donated materials, with help from staff at their Decorating Centre in Walsall. “ This project shows the real difference that volunteers and community…

The fly-tip, on Bescot Drive, Walsall, was reported to the council on Thursday 31 July 2025, consisted of garden waste and wooden pallets, obstructing the public right of way. A day after the report was received, the council’s fly-tipping taskforce swiftly investigated the area, cordoning it off as part of its ‘EnviroCrime’ initiative. This sees fly-tip sites treated as crime scenes, underscoring Walsall Council’s zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping and ensuring offenders are aware that an investigation is underway. By treating these sites as active crime scenes, the council aims to deter future fly-tipping incidents. “ Everyone deserves to walk through…

Over 100 parcels have been delivered to Walsall Family Hubs this summer that will benefit Walsall. Opus People Solutions and Walsall Council staff with the donation of food parcels at the North Family Hub. Photo credit: Opus People Solutions The parcels containing food and essentials have been arranged by Opus People Solutions, the Managed Service Provider for temporary recruitment for Walsall Council. The Qualified Social Work team at Opus launched a food donation initiative as part of wider efforts to support children, families and individuals in Walsall who may be experiencing hardship. In recent weeks, the Opus team, colleagues across…

There is just over one month to go until Diwali, the festival of lights, will be celebrated in a free City of Wolverhampton event at Phoenix Park on Saturday 11 October, 2025. The celebration is hosted by the Shree Krishan Mandir and will take place between 4pm and 8.30pm at the venue off Dudley Road in Blakenhall. Following the switching on of the lights at 8pm, there will be a spectacular fireworks display. Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs, and Skills said: “This is a great free event for all the family to celebrate Diwali, featuring entertainment…

Bilston residents, business owners and visitors are being invited to help shape the future of their community as part of the Plan for Neighbourhoods programme. The Plan for Neighbourhoods Board in Bilston has launched a major consultation to gather views on what matters most to people who live, work and spend time in Bilston. The feedback will inform a community led Regeneration and Investment Plan, which will set out priorities for the next 10 years. The consultation is part of a government initiative supporting 75 areas across the UK to co-design long term regeneration strategies with local communities. Councillor Stephen…

The fight against loan sharks comes to the Black Country this month (SEPT) as Operation Sharknet hits the streets of Sandwell. The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) is working with Sandwell Council and West Midlands Police to bring its campaign to the area next week to raise awareness about the dangers of loan sharks and keep residents safe. The IMLT, known as Stop Loan Sharks, is a national organisation hosted by Birmingham City Council. It was set up over 20 years ago to investigate and prosecute illegal lenders and support borrowers across England. The visit to Sandwell, which runs…

The City of Wolverhampton Council is appealing for volunteers to join its Independent Education Appeal Panel, which hears appeals from parents who have been refused a place for their child at their preferred school, and reviews decisions around the exclusion of pupils. Full training will be provided with the opportunity to observe a hearing. Although the role is voluntary, panel members can claim for expenses. Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “As a panel member, you will read the case papers in advance of the hearing, actively participate in…

Thousands of residents enjoyed a series of free family fun days held across Wolverhampton this summer. The Love Your Community roadshow visited Pendeford Dovecotes TMO, the Cannock Road Gurdwara, Lanesfield Church and St Joseph’s Church with partners including the City of Wolverhampton Council, community organisations and charities, the police and other service providers on hand to provide a range of fun activities, wellbeing and practical support for people of all ages. Visitors were able to enjoy a Kids and Family Zone offering a bouncy castle and physical play, face painting, henna art and craft activities, and a Wellbeing Zone providing…

As part of International Overdose Awareness Day (31 August), Walsall residents are being encouraged to recognise the signs of drug overdose, and for people with alcohol and drug problems to seek support from The Beacon at Change Grow Live, Walsall Council Public Health’s commissioned alcohol and drug treatment service. The global event is dedicated to remembering lives lost to overdose, supporting those affected and promoting life-saving knowledge and action. Earlier this year, Walsall Council, in partnership with The Beacon – Change Grow Live, released a one-minute animation on drug safety. The video provides vital guidance for anyone who uses opioids…