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…

Walsall residents are being encouraged to play a role in creating cleaner, healthier air for all as Clean Air Day is marked on 19 June 2025. Clean Air Day is a national campaign which focuses on taking collective action to tackle air pollution, increasing public awareness of the health harms of air pollution, and demonstrating support for clean air. Air pollution remains a significant public health challenge and affects individuals from before birth through to old age. Although often invisible, air pollution is linked to a wide range of health issues throughout life, from premature births and effects on organ…

With temperatures rising this week, Walsall residents are being reminded to take steps to stay safe and well during the hot weather, as the UK Health Security Agency (in partnership with the Met Office) has issued an amber heat-health alert for the West Midlands. The alert is in place until 23 June 2025 at 9am. “ While many enjoy warm, sunny weather and time outdoors, it’s important to remember that high temperatures can be challenging for some, especially older adults, young children and those with long-term health conditions. Keep indoor spaces cool by closing curtains on sun-facing rooms and check…

People are being encouraged to put their best foot forward and help raise vital funds for local charities. The annual Best Foot Forward challenge, organised by the Rotary Club of Wolverhampton, takes place on Saturday 28 June, 2025, at WV Active Aldersley from 8am to 8pm, with all proceeds going to The Wolverhampton MS Therapy Centre, Central Youth Theatre and The Rotary Charitable Trust. The event is supported by around 40 community minded corporate Patrons who have created a fund which will be released by those taking part. During the course of the event, every completed lap of the stadium…