The Mayor’s visit is part of the church’s efforts to improve its community facilities, making them more accessible and ensuring the venue can continue to host local activities like cultural weddings and weekly services. The church, which has been a long-standing place of connection for the local community, is currently awaiting approval for external grant funding to begin the much-needed work “ It was a real pleasure to visit the Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God here in Walsall. This church is not only a place of worship, but a cornerstone of the local community, a…

The City of Wolverhampton Council has joined forces with SignLive to improve access to services for D/deaf and hard of hearing residents. The innovative service enables users of British Sign Language (BSL) to communicate directly with council staff through on demand video relay interpretation. SignLive, soon to be known as Convo, connects residents with qualified BSL interpreters who facilitate real time conversations between users and council staff. The service is available via a free app, through which residents can make a 3 way video call with a BSL interpreter and council worker. People will also be able to scan Convo…

Volunteers from Taylor Woodrow and West Midlands Combined Authority spent four hours on August 19 carrying out a variety of tasks to improve the appearance and accessibility of the park. The work included managing wildflower meadows to encourage biodiversity, creating new habitats for local wildlife, painting A-frame chicane barriers, revitalising the park’s ladder board, clearing overhanging trees along pathways, and repairing steps to make access easier for visitors. The project was further supported by Crown Paints, who donated materials, with help from staff at their Decorating Centre in Walsall. “ This project shows the real difference that volunteers and community…

The fly-tip, on Bescot Drive, Walsall, was reported to the council on Thursday 31 July 2025, consisted of garden waste and wooden pallets, obstructing the public right of way. A day after the report was received, the council’s fly-tipping taskforce swiftly investigated the area, cordoning it off as part of its ‘EnviroCrime’ initiative. This sees fly-tip sites treated as crime scenes, underscoring Walsall Council’s zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping and ensuring offenders are aware that an investigation is underway. By treating these sites as active crime scenes, the council aims to deter future fly-tipping incidents. “ Everyone deserves to walk through…

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…

The UK government is carrying out a national test of the Emergency Alerts system on Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3pm. Compatible mobile phones and tablets will receive an alert, make a loud siren-like sound and vibrate. You will not need to take any action. The Emergency Alerts system is used to warn if there’s a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly, should it need to be used in a life-threatening emergency.

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…

City of Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet has been recommended not to introduce transport charges for post-16 students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It would mean the council is one of just a handful in the country that continues to provide free travel for post-16 SEND learners to get to their places of education. Fees for post-16 SEND travel were due to be introduced in 2020 following consultation but halted due to the outbreak of the Covid pandemic. A fresh public consultation over introducing charges in Wolverhampton – bringing the city in line with neighbouring authorities – was launched in…

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…