Sandwell Council has launched a new series of British Sign Language (BSL) videos to help residents access important information about council services more easily. The videos, commissioned by Sandwell Council and produced by Sandwell Deaf Community Association (SDCA) , cover a range of key topics including elections, benefits, housing, and council tax. They have been created to support Deaf communities by providing clear and accessible information in BSL, helping ensure residents can access services and information in the format that best meets their needs. The new resources form part of the council’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Sandwell Council’s…

Adult Education Wolverhampton learners are celebrating after achieving a remarkable 100% pass rate in both GCSE English and GCSE Maths. The outstanding results reflect the dedication of the 64 adult learners and the commitment of the service’s specialist teaching staff who support residents to gain the qualifications they need to progress in work, further learning and everyday life. The GCSE English and Maths courses are designed to help adults build confidence, improve their skills and achieve qualifications that can open doors to new employment opportunities, apprenticeships, higher level study and career progression. Anna Place, Deputy Head of Service…

A ‘bus gate’ goes live in Blackheath from Tuesday 1 September, aimed at helping bus passengers and other pedestrians feel safer when shopping in the town centre. Sandwell Council is encouraging people to visit Blackheath town centre and find out what local businesses and traders have to offer. The bus gate is a section of road reserved for buses (as well as pedal bikes and the emergency services) between Birmingham Road and Long Lane. The bus gate going live is the final piece of the new Blackheath Bus Interchange, which opened last year. Any unauthorised vehicle seen on CCTV driving…

Willenhall Market is set for an exciting transformation, with work due to begin soon to create a more modern, welcoming and sustainable market for traders and visitors. The improvements will see the market’s existing temporary stalls replaced with a new courtyard-style layout featuring 12 permanent stalls, complemented by newly fabricated, fully branded pop-up stalls. The new stalls will provide a more consistent and attractive look for the market, with a unified Willenhall Market identity helping to create a stronger sense of place. The permanent stalls will also provide traders with improved facilities throughout the year, including during the winter months,…

A double-decker bus will be coming to Wolverhampton next month to help local people spot the early signs and symptoms of cancer. The Birmingham, Black Country and Solihull Cancer Bus will be touring the region to raise awareness of cancer and the importance of early detection, and giving people the chance to speak directly with healthcare professionals. It will be at Bentley Bridge leisure park on Tuesday 22 September, 2026, from 9.30am to 3pm, with people invited to climb aboard for free health checks, information about the national cancer screening programmes and what signs and symptoms to look out…

Major enforcement operation to tackle persistent fly-tipping Sandwell Council has launched a major enforcement operation to tackle persistent fly-tipping at Forge Lane and Park Lane, with evidence gathered that has led to a number of individuals being identified as part of ongoing investigations. The operation combined enhanced enforcement activity and large-scale waste clearance to address a problematic fly-tipping locations and send a clear message that environmental crime will not be tolerated. Working alongside Birmingham City Council and waste contractor Serco, significant quantities of illegally dumped waste were removed from both sides of the Sandwell and Birmingham boundary, helping to restore…

The council leader and cabinet members have written an open letter expressing extreme disappointment and concern that Greensquare Accord are no longer willing to sell at the initially agreed price. Dear Ruth Cooke, CEO of Greensquare Accord. We are writing to Greensquare Accord as Birmingham’s new political administration, in relation to the Stirchley Co-Operative Development. We note that Greensquare Accord stepped into develop out the site on behalf of the Stirchley Co-Operative Development after the previous developer pulled out to support the growth of community led housing in the city. We are, therefore, extremely disappointed and…

Councillor Matt Lloyd has been appointed Cabinet Member for Children and Families, replacing Councillor Mona Khurana. Leader of the Council, Councillor Ray Nock, said: “I want to thank Councillor Khurana for her work over the last few months as Cabinet Member for Children and Families and I’m sad that an increase in her family responsibilities means she can no longer continue in the role. “My Cabinet is totally committed to making our borough an even better place to live and work, and I’m delighted that Councillor Lloyd is stepping up into this role. “Children and young people are the future…

A pioneering recovery programme in Wolverhampton is helping people struggling with addiction to make the difficult transition from treatment back into everyday life. The RISE Day Hab programme, co-facilitated by SUIT and Recovery Near You and supported by the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Public Health team, helps individuals to achieve long term recovery within their own communities. For many people recovering from drug or alcohol dependency, the period after detoxification, structured treatment or residential rehabilitation is one of the most challenging points in their recovery journey. The structure and support available during treatment can suddenly reduce, leaving individuals facing…

Senior representatives from the Department for Education (DfE) and national government departments visited Wolverhampton yesterday (Monday 17 August) to see at first hand how the city is delivering innovative support for children, young people and families through its Families First for Children Pathfinder programme. Hosted at the Best Start Family Hub in Graiseley, the visit showcased Wolverhampton’s work as one of the country’s first Families First for Children Pathfinder authorities, highlighting the city’s collaborative approach to improving outcomes for children and families. Representatives from the Department for Education were joined by colleagues from NHS England, the Ministry of Justice,…