Birmingham has been recognised as one of 112 cities across the globe that is taking bold leadership on environmental action and transparency. The city has kept it’s ‘A List’ status, awarded by globally-recognised non-profit environment impact group CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project). It annually publishes its ‘A List’ of cities that build climate momentum, taking four times as many climate mitigation and adaptation measures as non-A Listers. CDP has announced its scores for 2024, with only 15 per cent of cities that were scored receiving an A score. To score an A, among other actions, a city must disclose publicly through…

A computer generated image of what Bealeys Fold could look like once final works are completed City of Wolverhampton Council has appointed a contractor to carry out major improvement works to Wednesfield High Street. Taylor Woodrow will next week begin investigatory works to progress the design of the new scheme ahead of main construction works starting later in the year. Underground service surveys, drainage surveys and trial holes, are scheduled to take place between Monday 23 June and Friday 27 June with further investigatory works to follow. Dates are subject to change. The improvements will increase the vibrancy of the…

Fitness Centre as a lasting legacy of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. As the custodians of the Games’ community legacy — and of course, the much-loved mascot Perry the Bull — we are thrilled to see these facilities come to life for local residents. These improvements represent more than just bricks and mortar; they are a catalyst for stronger community engagement, healthier lifestyles, and greater access to sport and recreation for all. We can’t wait to see the positive impact they will have in the years to come.” Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director for Place, Sport England, said: “The legacy of…

Solihull Council is consulting on its new taxi and private hire licensing policy and would like to hear from taxi and private hire drivers, operators and vehicle proprietors within Solihull and outside the borough. The council would also like to hear from anyone who uses taxis and private hire vehicles or who may be affected by any of the proposed changes. The new taxi and private hire licensing policy includes: Guidance to applicants and existing licence holders; The suitability guidelines to determine fitness and suitability; and Conditions attached to any licence granted. The Department for Transport’s Statutory taxi and private…

The funding has helped deliver a range of enhancements at the reserve, situated in Willenhall, which are already making a big difference for both visitors and wildlife. Key improvements include: Over 750 metres of new, accessible pathways, replacing uneven ground and old, dilapidated steps with an easy-to-use new ramp New gates, offering better access and security for the site A refreshed ladder board and site map, helping visitors explore the reserve with ease Vegetation management in selected woodland areas to support long-term habitat health Dredging of one of the reserve’s key wildlife ponds, improving the aquatic environment for amphibians and…

A number of community-based organisations are set to deliver activities as part of a programme to promote and support good food choices and improved access to food. The Feeding Our Futures Small Grants Programme is funding 17 voluntary and community sector organisations in Walsall to deliver a range of innovative projects and activities. These initiatives are designed to enhance access to good quality food and support better food choices. The funded projects will encompass a diverse array of activities focused on food security, education, and community wellbeing. These include cooking, growing, and nutrition workshops; the development of budget-friendly recipe books;…

The ‘Black British Ballet Exhibition’ will be hosted at Lichfield Street Hub Library, open now until July 30, 2025. The exhibition will include 20 to 30 images taken over the past 60 years, archive posters, and audio and video clips of the dancer’s stories. The video clips will be sourced from interviews carried out by Oxygen Arts over the past 18 months with 20 black British ballet dancers. There will also be a range of events and activities including reading, photography, ballet and creative writing workshops, and a ballet show curated by Oxygen Arts. “ I am very excited we…

The New Art Gallery Walsall is getting a green makeover as part of a project to cut carbon emissions and reduce energy use, thanks to funding from the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Work is currently underway to replace the Gallery’s old heating system with modern, eco-friendly air source heat pumps. Solar panels will also be installed on the building to help generate clean electricity, along with new double glazing, efficient hot water taps, and other upgrades to make the building use less energy overall. These improvements will make the 25-year-old…

Three new youth clubs have been launched in Smith’s Wood at a celebration event on Tuesday 17 June. The youth clubs provide new opportunities for young people in the area, and include the Solihull Youth Bus, part of a new mobile youth outreach programme. Jointly funded by Solihull Council and the Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP), the youth clubs aim to provide support and guidance to improve the lives of young people in the area aged 8-17. The youth clubs are run by three local organisations with experience in providing youth support across Solihull, led by Urban Heard and supported by…

City of Wolverhampton Council is putting plans in place to remove the chewing gum that blights local streets after receiving a £20,155 grant to tackle the issue. The council is one of 52 across the country that have successfully applied to the Chewing Gum Task Force, now in its fourth year, for funds to clean gum off pavements and prevent it from being littered again. Established by Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, the Chewing Gum Task Force Grant Scheme is open to councils across the UK who wish to…