Sandwell Council has won a national road safety award for its work to make the A4030 in Smethwick and Bearwood safer for everyone. The council received the Exemplary Urban Scheme Award from the Road Safety Foundation at a ceremony in the House of Lords. Judges praised Sandwell for turning road safety data into real improvements that make a difference to local people. The award recognises a major programme of improvements along the busy route, which includes new and upgraded pedestrian crossings, safer facilities for cyclists, wider pavements, and lower speed limits and measures to reduce road dangers. It…

Sandwell residents are invited to access free confidential advice and support through the new Smethwick Advice Centre, launching at Smethwick Library. The Advice Centre brings together experienced advisers from Sandwell Council and local voluntary and community sector organisations to help residents resolve a wide range of financial, housing and welfare issues. The service is open to all Sandwell residents on a walk-in basis every Wednesday from 9.30am to 2.00pm at Smethwick Library, with no appointment required. Residents can access support with: Benefits Debt Immigration Housing Education & Employment Consumer Rights Energy Debt and Utility Bills Rent…

Tammy Takkar, entrepreneur, CEO of Active Clinic and wellbeing expert A group of Birmingham and Sandwell women came together this week to attend a unique wellbeing evening dedicated to women who spend their lives looking after everyone else while often forgetting to care for themselves. Hosted by Boujie Mom Entrepreneur and longevity enthusiast alongside Tammy Takkar, entrepreneur, CEO of Active Clinic and wellbeing expert, the event was created for “exhausted ladies” — women juggling family, careers, businesses and everyday responsibilities who rarely take time to pause and recharge. The evening focused entirely on self-care, encouraging attendees to switch off from…

Council leader meets team behind the newly opened community kitchen at Pendeford, LTR; Prince, Community Chef; Tian Currie, Residential Engagement Officer; Kylie Potts, Community Chef; Councillor Stephen Simkins Leader, City of Wolverhampton Council A new community kitchen has opened in Dovecotes in the city, giving residents the chance to learn new skills, eat well and healthily while they enjoy being together with their friends and loved ones. The Dovecotes community kitchen is the latest initiative from the council and its partners to support residents when they need it most, especially by being able to eat well by having…

An initial scoping consultation to inform a new blueprint on how land in Wolverhampton could be regenerated in future years has today (Monday) been launched. Recent changes to national planning rules made by the government mean the council must begin work this year on a new local plan, which will protect the environment and shape where development takes place up to 2045. The consultation, which runs until 8 September, 2026, invites feedback on what the plan should contain and how the community should be involved. It seeks views on the proposed scope of the plan and what it will replace,…

Children, young people and families are being encouraged to sign up now for a packed programme of free activities taking place across Wolverhampton throughout the summer holidays. Leading the way is Yo! Active, the city’s biggest ever summer activity offer, delivered by WV Active and Wolves Foundation. Running throughout the school holidays, it provides a wide range of free activities each week for children and young people aged up to 18, or up to 25 for care leavers and young adults with a disability whose families pay Council Tax to the City of Wolverhampton Council. Activities include free swimming,…

The City of Wolverhampton Council has worked with councils across the wider West Midlands region to secure extra central government funding to help improve support for children in care. The Department for Education has awarded up to £680,000 in 2026/27 and £1.026million in 2027/28 to create a new West Midlands Regional Care Cooperative. The new partnership will bring together 14 councils across the West Midlands, as well as health services, police and youth justice partners. They will work together to make sure children and young people get the support they need, when they need it. The Regional Care Cooperative is…

Three former City of Wolverhampton councillors have been awarded the title of Honorary Alderman in recognition of their outstanding service to the city. John Reynolds, Milkinder Jaspal and Caroline Siarkiewicz were conferred with the honour at an Extraordinary Meeting of the City of Wolverhampton Council this afternoon (Wednesday 15 July, 2026). Honorary Aldermen can attend Full Council meetings in a non participating capacity and are invited to various functions such as Civic Sunday, Remembrance Sunday and other appropriate civic events. The names of Honorary Aldermen are also inscribed on a roll of honour at the Civic Centre. Mr Reynolds gave…

Councillors are set to give their backing to £16.4m proposals to relocate and expand Broadmeadow Special School. Members of the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet will be asked to approve funding for the project when they meet next week. The proposals are designed to help meet growing demand for specialist school places for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The proposals would see the creation of a modern, purpose-built school on the site of the council’s former Priory Green offices in Pendeford, which are currently being decommissioned. The new school would feature safe, spacious classrooms…

The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries and supported by Universal Music Group UK. It encourages children aged four to 11 to read six or more library books to help maintain their reading skills and confidence over the summer. “ This initiative provides the perfect opportunity to help our children develop a lifelong love of reading and encourages positive extra-curricular activity during the school holidays. “In 2025, 171 new participants joined the challenge in Walsall, an 11 per cent increase compared to the previous year. “ Councillor Matthew Eason, Portfolio Holder…