A new Sandwell Story display has been installed at the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital (MMUH) Winter Gardens as part of the hospital’s first anniversary celebrations. Sharing portraits of local families from across Sandwell’s six towns, the display helps tell Sandwell’s story of the communities that the UK’s newest hospital is part of. “We are delighted to see these portraits displayed at Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, after it opened its doors for communities across the borough a year ago,” said Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Leader of Sandwell Council. She added: “They are a striking reminder of the families who are living, working…

City of Wolverhampton Council has announced a new parking offer to support the city centre’s night time businesses. From today (Wednesday 15 October) free car parking will be on offer on Broad Street car park between 5pm and 5am during the busy autumn and festive period. Broad Street car park is the city centre’s most widely used night time economy car park – vital to both visitors and workers. From Monday, 5 January new flat rate of £2 from 5pm to 5am will be introduced – still a big reduction on current rates. The evening and night time economy across…

The City of Wolverhampton Council’s Public Health team has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award, recognising its commitment to practitioner registration and developing a highly skilled workforce dedicated to improving health and reducing inequalities. The UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) Employer of the Year Award celebrates employers which, through practical support for practitioner registration, contribute directly to the implementation of policies and strategies that improve public health and wellbeing. Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “We are incredibly proud that our Public Health team has been recognised at a national level. This shortlisting not…

The council has been making use of a specialist machine to help repair hundreds more potholes across the city. The Velocity Patcher provides a quick and effective way of protecting roads from water and frost – the main causes of surface defects. Each repair can be completed in a matter of minutes. It sees a blend of bitumen and chippings passed through a hose at high speed to fill potholes and seal them in. A further 559 potholes have been repaired on Wolverhampton’s roads using the Velocity Patcher during a trial period – and the council will keep future use…

Anayah Hussain, who attended Rockwood Academy has been a shining star at Alum Rock Football Academy. Her hard work and talent have now caught the eye of Aston Villa U18’s. We couldn’t be prouder of Anayah. Starting out here in her local area, she has become (and will continue to be) a positive role model for other young girls who aspire to play football. From a young age, before she even turned 10, she began nurturing her football dreams by playing at home with her brothers. These early kickabouts sparked her passion for the sport and set her on the…

The City of Wolverhampton Council’s Reach Leaving Care team is appealing to driving instructors to help put local care leavers on the road to a bright future. Launching during National Care Leavers Month in November, its new pilot programme, Keys to Success, is designed to give care leavers aged 17 to 25 in Wolverhampton the skills, confidence and independence that come with learning to drive. And as part of this, they are appealing for help and support from driving instructors who can provide driving lessons, free taster sessions, discounted rates or flexible packages, and a commitment to safe, approved, and…

Walsall Council’s business growth team recently supported Polish Bakery Mazowsze Ltd to access a £70k UKSPF ‘SME Competitiveness grant’, delivered through Business Growth West Midlands. The grant has helped towards the cost of a large batch processor to make sourdough. On a recent visit to their factory, based near Junction 10 of the M6 in Walsall, Deputy Leader of the council Councillor Adrian Andrew was given a tour of the site, and discussed how the council can continue to support the business to grow. “ It’s fantastic to see another brilliant Walsall-based business expanding their operations and thriving with help…

Market traders in Bilston have called for people to support their local market while major refurbishment works take place. More than £8 million is being invested by City of Wolverhampton Council in a major redevelopment of Bilston outdoor market. Work on the scheme is now underway and once completed will give traders and customers better access, a new canopy, new toilets, stall improvements and improved public spaces. Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Simkins, held a meeting with traders where he announced a rent free period between 22 December and 14 February. This follows the council’s announcement that it has…

Wolverhampton’s libraries are hosting a packed programme of free activities this autumn. They include history talks, poetry readings, art workshops, storytelling and craft sessions, coffee mornings, digital skills support, book clubs, and themed events for Black History Month, World Mental Health Day, and Green Libraries Week. A special exhibition will be unveiled at Low Hill Library on Wednesday (1 October) to celebrate 100 years of the Low Hill estate. A launch event will run from 2pm to 6pm, with the Friends of Wolverhampton Archives presenting a talk on the estate’s history at 3pm, followed by a reading by local poet…

A three-year plan outlining Walsall’s approach to providing better support for children and young people in the youth justice system will be presented to Cabinet this week. Councillors will be asked to endorse the Walsall Youth Justice Partnership’s strategic plan brought forward by the council and other agencies such as West Midlands Police, the Probation Service, and the NHS. The strategy recognises that serious youth violence, and the perception of associated crimes remain a real concern in Walsall. “ Walsall’s Youth Justice Partnership is absolutely committed to supporting our children and young people in the justice system, and this strategy…