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…

Anyone thinking of fly tipping in Wolverhampton is warned that they are being watched after CCTV evidence has led to 2 successful prosecutions by the city council. Cameras have captured incidents in 2 separate locations as the council continues its battle against the crime. The first tip was filmed on 27 April, 2024, when a van and accompanying car were driven onto land off Millfields Road at around 9.20pm. A local security firm provided the footage to the council. The drivers of the 2 vehicles each dumped a large quantity of waste from the van, including bulky furniture and household…

Wolverhampton now has 8 weapon surrender bins, following the installation of 2 new bins at St Joseph’s Church, Coalway Road, and at junction of Green Lane and Prouds Lane in Bilston. These safe and secure metal boxes are available for people to anonymously dispose of knives, blades, and other dangerous objects. All items deposited are safely destroyed. The weapon surrender bins can be found at: New Testament Church of God, Wednesfield Road, Heath Town Tabernacle Baptist Church, Dunstall Road, Whitmore Reans Morrisons Bilston, Black Country Route, Bilston St Peter’s Collegiate Church, Wolverhampton St Chad and St Mark’s Church,…

The City of Wolverhampton Council has been shortlisted for recognition in 2 categories at this year’s National Children & Young People Awards. Young Persons Advisor Sam Neath is in the running for the Biggest Impact Award for his efforts in spearheading the National Championship Cup football tournament for care leavers, which took place at Molineux Stadium this summer, while the Reach Leaving Care Team has been shortlisted for its partnership working with Wolves Foundation and Little Earth. Over 200 young care leavers from across England gathered for the highly anticipated National Championship Cup 25 in June – with the event…

The Dudley, Wolverhampton and South West Staffordshire Breast Screening Programme’s mobile screening unit is currently available at Sainsbury’s, Bentley Bridge. Women aged 50 to 74 are eligible for breast screening and are invited every 3 years. Attending screening is vital for early detection of breast cancer, which is strongly linked to reduced mortality. Women registered with GP practices in the local area who are due screening will receive an invitation by letter to attend their routine breast screening at the unit between now and 15 September, 2025. It is the first time the unit has been located at this site…