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…

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…

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…

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…

Two more Cradley Heath convenience stores have been ordered to close following continued action by Sandwell Council to tackle shops selling illegal goods. The latest closures bring the total number of shops ordered to close in Cradley Heath to six since the start of July – following an eight-month-long intelligence-led investigation. Closure orders have been granted to close International Vape and All Day for the maximum period of three months. Sandwell Council’s Trading Standards team successfully secured the closure orders after officers discovered illicit tobacco products being sold from both premises. The order to close All…

Sandwell Council has won a national road safety award for its work to make the A4030 in Smethwick and Bearwood safer for everyone. The council received the Exemplary Urban Scheme Award from the Road Safety Foundation at a ceremony in the House of Lords. Judges praised Sandwell for turning road safety data into real improvements that make a difference to local people. The award recognises a major programme of improvements along the busy route, which includes new and upgraded pedestrian crossings, safer facilities for cyclists, wider pavements, and lower speed limits and measures to reduce road dangers. It…

Sandwell residents are invited to access free confidential advice and support through the new Smethwick Advice Centre, launching at Smethwick Library. The Advice Centre brings together experienced advisers from Sandwell Council and local voluntary and community sector organisations to help residents resolve a wide range of financial, housing and welfare issues. The service is open to all Sandwell residents on a walk-in basis every Wednesday from 9.30am to 2.00pm at Smethwick Library, with no appointment required. Residents can access support with: Benefits Debt Immigration Housing Education & Employment Consumer Rights Energy Debt and Utility Bills Rent…

Tammy Takkar, entrepreneur, CEO of Active Clinic and wellbeing expert A group of Birmingham and Sandwell women came together this week to attend a unique wellbeing evening dedicated to women who spend their lives looking after everyone else while often forgetting to care for themselves. Hosted by Boujie Mom Entrepreneur and longevity enthusiast alongside Tammy Takkar, entrepreneur, CEO of Active Clinic and wellbeing expert, the event was created for “exhausted ladies” — women juggling family, careers, businesses and everyday responsibilities who rarely take time to pause and recharge. The evening focused entirely on self-care, encouraging attendees to switch off from…

Councillor Ray Nock has been formally confirmed as the new Leader of the Council at Sandwell’s annual meeting. Leader of the Council, Councillor Ray Nock, said: “I was born in Sandwell, and have lived and worked here all my life, so it is an honour and privilege to be elected the new Leader of Sandwell Council. “There is a lot to be proud of in Sandwell, and alongside my new Cabinet we’re totally committed to making our borough an even better place to live and work. “We are going to be working hard for all our residents and to…

Councillor Margaret Sutton (Great Barr, Tamebridge and Yew Tree ward) is the new Mayor of the Borough following a ceremony in the Council Chamber at Sandwell Council House on Tuesday (26 May). The Mayoress is Mrs Zoe Gallagher. The Deputy Mayor was named as Councillor Nathan Williams (Cradley Heath and Old Hill). At the ceremony, votes of thanks were passed to the outgoing Mayor and Deputy Mayor Steve Melia and Councillor Elaine Giles. Councillor Sutton confirmed that the charities she will be raising money for are the Midlands Air Ambulance and Sandwell Victim Support. Midlands Air Ambulance Midlands Air Ambulance…