Sandwell Council has been shortlisted in the ‘Most Improved Council’ category at this year’s Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards. Leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, said: “We’re really proud of the improvements we’ve made in recent years, and it’s fantastic to be shortlisted for this prestigious award. “Sandwell Council is completely focused on getting things right for our residents – delivering high-quality services that are easy to use and working for the people who need them. “We want our borough to be a great place for children to grow up. We want to make Sandwell a cleaner, greener and…

Two men talking in Walsall town centre The partners behind We Are Walsall 2040 have launched a new website and LinkedIn account to support the borough’s ambitious collective long-term vision for the borough.  Partners include Walsall Council, the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, the NHS, Federation of Small Businesses, Walsall College, Walsall Community Network, Walsall Football Club, West Midlands Fire Service, West Midlands Police, whg, and the University of Wolverhampton. “ This new website and LinkedIn account will help showcase our collective vision and provide residents and businesses with the information they need to participate actively in shaping Walsall’s future.…

Volunteer run Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire Blood Bikes charity uses four Dacia Jogger cars to support its vital and free motorbike delivery service of blood and other medical essentials for NHS hospitals across Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire The Joggers are used to guarantee supplies in adverse weather conditions or for long distance deliveries, and for transporting volunteers or bulky kit to fundraising events The charity makes more than 7,000 urgent medical deliveries a year and travels over 375,000 miles. Combined, the Joggers have already covered over 20,000 miles in the first month with the charity Affordability, reliability and a spacious…

This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Friday 28 February 2025, and will conclude on the evening of Sunday 30 March 2025, with the exact dates contingent upon the sighting of the moon. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food, liquids, and smoking. It is a month of reflection, generosity, and charity. “ On behalf of Walsall Council, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all our residents observing the holy month of Ramadan. May this sacred time bring you peace, reflection, and spiritual growth. Ramadan Mubarak to you and…

A city food business which was found to be trading despite an active rat infestation has been successfully prosecuted by City of Wolverhampton Council. Environmental health officers investigated Sweet Elohim Afro Market in Lichfield Street after a member of the public contacted them with concerns. Officers discovered rat droppings throughout the store, which was selling fruit and vegetables in open boxes as well as other food in packets, tins and jars. Evidence of the significant infestation was also found where the open food was handled and ready to eat packaged food was stored. Officers immediately closed the premises, and it…

Sandwell Council’s archives service is celebrating receiving £49,055 of funding as part of The National Archives ‘Archives Revealed’ grant programme to catalogue the Chance Brothers Ltd. collection. The collection represents a historic point in time when the production of glass from the Spon Lane factory in Smethwick had a significant local and international impact. One of the glassworks’ most famous projects involved supplying the 84,000 square metres of sheet glass for the 1851 Great Exhibition and the Crystal Palace built in Hyde Park, London. Sandwell Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, Councillor Suzanne Hartwell said: “Sandwell…

This recognition highlights the team’s dedication to supporting local residents in accessing employment, training, and apprenticeship opportunities while working closely with businesses to stimulate economic growth across the borough. Originally launched to encourage employers to hire young apprentices, Walsall Works has evolved into a comprehensive programme providing employability support to residents of all ages. “ I’m delighted to see that Walsall Works has been shortlisted for this prestigious award. It’s a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication in supporting local people to overcome barriers to employment and training. The recognition highlights the importance of innovative and community-focused strategies…

Artist Yasmin Agilah and Dr Darren Henley CBE, Chief Executive of Arts Council England with other dignitaries Approximately 2000 visited the New Art Gallery Walsall over the weekend to celebrate 25 years since the Gallery opened. The celebrations started on Thursday evening with around 550 people enjoying a preview of new exhibition, ‘The Joy Project’ in the Community Gallery, exploring the building after normal opening hours and enjoying a special performance by The Blue Lights Choir, a group created to empower young women in Walsall. The evening event also featured speeches from the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Anthony Harris; Walsall…

Over the last 18 months, the council has been a key part of the Department for Education’s Families First for Children Pathfinder (FFCP) programme, designed to test ways to reform the children’s social care system, help children to stay with their families in safe and loving homes while protecting vulnerable children where needed and ensuring that families will receive the right support at the right time and be supported by the right professional. Wolverhampton, one of 3 local authorities chosen to take part in the first phase of the Pathfinder, has worked to deliver support to families based on 3…

The school’s eco-committee outside their polytunnel, with Let’s Go Zero’s Kumari Kher (left) and school sustainability lead Jane Newman (right Schools across Solihull are rolling out new climate action plans which could help them save carbon, money and contribute towards a more sustainable borough. The Climate Action Plan will outline how each school or college aims to work towards tackling the climate emergency, in a way that is unique and manageable for them. Solihull Council is hosting free online webinars with national campaign group Let’s Go Zero and the Climate Ambassadors scheme to help shape their plans. This builds on…