A targeted operation was carried out early on 6 November to tackle the growing issue of untaxed and suspected abandoned vehicles causing disruption to traffic flow and local businesses in Smethwick. Local residents and businesses had raised concerns about ongoing problems with vehicles being left on public roads and in business areas. In response, Sandwell Council’s Environmental Protection Team and Neighbourhoods Services Team coordinated the action, ensuring support from West Midlands Police. Sandwell Council’s Environmental Protection Team led the coordinated effort alongside partners including Penham Excel and Serco. The operation focused on Heath Street, Cranford Street, Fawdry Street and Alma…

Three more stars and two clubs are set to join the city’s Sporting Hall of Fame this weekend. Woodfield Sports & Social Club and Penn Bowling Club, both of which are being recognised for celebrating their centenary, and Wolves legend Steve Bull will be inducted into the Sporting Hall of Fame, while Greg Silvester and the late Gary Haynes will join the Olympian Way. The Wolverhampton Sports Advisory Council launched the Sporting Hall of Fame in 1999 to recognise and celebrate the achievements of sportsmen, sportswomen and sporting clubs who have represented the city. Chairman of Wolverhampton Sports Advisory Council,…

Visitors to a city park can now enjoy a wide range of improvements, including a new playground, fitness area, wildflower meadow and a multi use games area. City of Wolverhampton Council and developers JP Landscapes & Construction Ltd have completed the revamp at Northwood Park in Bushbury. The transformation took place after the council consulted with residents and children’s groups. Improvements include the replacement of existing play equipment as well as the creation of a new multi use games area (Muga). The play area includes inclusive equipment designed to be used by children with restricted mobility, including swings, a seesaw…

More than 200 young people have worked together on a community art project, which has been unveiled by youth workers in Sandwell. A professional artist delivered workshops aboard Sandwell’s double-decker Youth Bus during October half-term, taking canvases to parks and housing estates in each of the six towns. The final designs, which have gone on display at the Coneygre Art Centre, in Tipton, aim to celebrate young people’s sense of pride in their communities. Freelance artist Ginger Dan (real name Danni Evans) led the drop-in sessions alongside trained youth workers and said: “The project is about what their communities mean…

Women from across Walsall got together recently, marking the third in a series of events as part of an ongoing programme of work focused on understanding what matters most to women in Walsall. The event, led by Walsall Together, Brownhills Community Association and One Walsall, welcomed special guests including the Mayor of Walsall Councillor Louise Harrison and local MP Wendy Morton, showing strong support for improvements in women’s health across the borough. “ It was truly inspiring to see so many women come together to share their experiences and shape the future of health services in Walsall. Listening to…

Sandwell’s annual roadshow for Anti-Bullying Week is now under way and is travelling to 10 schools across the borough. Pupils at Crocketts Community Primary School in Smethwick wore odd socks to celebrate their individuality and uniqueness to help launch the first roadshow as part of nationwide Odd Socks Day yesterday (Monday 10 November), the first day of Anti-Bullying Week. Adults attending the launch also wore odd socks to show their support. Sandwell Council’s SHAPE Team will deliver the roadshow in partnership with West Midlands Police, visiting seven primary schools and three secondaries. The theme of this year’s roadshow is ‘Power…

Children and young people can now visit registered safe spaces in Walsall if they are worried, upset or need help whilst out and about. Walsall Council and West Midlands Police have launched a new, safe spaces initiative following calls from young people to make the town feel and be a safer place. 14 venues taking part in the scheme have received specialist training, ensuring staff are prepared to offer practical help and immediate support to young people whenever it’s needed. “ We’re proud to deliver on a commitment to our young people by launching this scheme. This is something young…

The Sound Doctor’s stop smoking online course is divided into three modules. Each one contains several films and audio clips to help support residents in their journey to quit smoking, complementing the evidence-based programmes delivered by Be Well Walsall and Quit with Bella. The online course resources include easy to follow videos featuring expert advice on topics such as the benefits of stopping smoking, motivational support for anyone thinking about quitting, what to do to prepare to quit, nicotine replacement products to help you quit, and what to do if you re-lapse or go back to smoking. It is completely…

Walsall Council’s Community Protection Enforcement Officers (CPEOs) will continue their work across the borough after a successful summer of proactive patrols tackling antisocial behaviour, environmental crime, and community safety concerns. For the past three months the team has carried out daily, high-visibility patrols in Walsall and Willenhall town centres as part of the Safer Streets initiative.   More than 500 residents and 50 businesses were engaged with by officers during patrols, addressing issues such as street drinking, waste issues, and local complaints. A key part of the council’s response to anti-social behaviour in the Town Centre is a Public Space Protection…

The City of Wolverhampton Council is launching its new Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Service, following a highly successful pilot programme. It will help residents access innovative technology that provides everyday support, enabling them to live the independent lives they want. The council has commissioned tech supplier Alcove to deliver the service over the next 2 years, while a long term partnership offer for the city is developed. The new service will provide people with a wide range of TEC products tailored to their eligible care needs, such as sensor devices and voice activated wireless technologies including fall detectors, smart speakers…