Across April, 1834 bags of rubbish were removed from Walsall’s streets. This builds on work carried out during the Great British Spring Clean, which saw 1750 bags collected in just two weeks. Litter picking events are organised through the Walsall Community Litter Watch (WCLW), established in August 2019 to help address the litter issue within the Borough. Volunteers dedicated more than 1000 hours across April to keep the borough clean. This effort included three formal events, at Barr Beacon in Aldridge, Anson Road in Bentley and Bath Street Centre in Caldmore. “ Our Community Litter Watch is a resounding success…

Walsall Council has officially launched its Net Zero 2041 Strategy on World Environment Day, setting a clear path for the borough to become a healthier, greener, and more prosperous place to live, work, and do business. Building on the 2019 climate emergency declaration, the strategy focuses on six key themes designed not only to reduce emissions but also to create new economic opportunities, improve residents’ quality of life, and build resilient communities. Progress is already visible, with 860 solar panels installed at Oak Park Active Living Centre and ongoing work through the Walsall Energy Action Project (WEAP), demonstrating how…

Grants of between £5000 and £15,000 are now available for projects in the Walsall borough that promote and increase volunteering opportunities. The Walsall 2040 Volunteer Programme is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UK SPF) and managed by Walsall Council and will offer grants for approximately 8 small charities and not-for-profit voluntary sector organisations who are established, based and providing services in the borough of Walsall. Projects will be required to deliver activities which create new volunteer opportunities and support Walsall residents to access them. “ This is a great opportunity for local organisations to access funding and help…

As of 1 June 2025, the sale and supply of single use (disposable) vapes became illegal across the UK. This ban applies to all disposable vapes (whether or not they contain nicotine) and includes both in-store and online sales. Walsall Council’s Trading Standards team are reminding all local businesses and retailers of their legal obligation to comply with the ban. The ban aims to protect public health, by addressing the rise in youth vaping, protecting the environment, reducing fire and safety risks and limiting access to these products by children. Reusable vapes, which have to be refillable, rechargeable and have…

Quit with Bella is a free app which has an AI-powered personal stop smoking robo-coach. The coach, Bella, is able to talk in a completely natural way and allows the user to have a human-like conversation. The app supports thousands of people to give up smoking around the world and has already been used across the West Midlands (Birmingham, Dudley and Solihull). Bella uses knowledge from trusted sources, including expert advice and guidance and provides a personalised response to a variety of different situations for users. The app is ready to provide support for up to 12 weeks. Users have…

Walsall Council is pleased to announce the return of the much-loved Arboretum splash pad in time for summer. Starting from Saturday 24 May until Sunday 31 August 2025, the splash pads at Walsall Arboretum will be open daily for everyone to enjoy. On weekends, school holidays and bank holidays, the attraction will be open between 11am to 5pm. On weekdays, outside of school holidays, opening hours are from 11am to 3pm, These times provide preschool children an opportunity to enjoy the splash pad. “ It’s always a fun time of year to reopen our popular Arboretum splash pad for our…

The project has been funded by Walsall Council and supported by a £60,000 grant from FCC Communities Foundation, a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, conservation and heritage projects, through the Landfill Communities Fund. A new children’s play area and an outdoor gym have been installed at the park and are now open to the public. The play area features a range of equipment, including toddler and junior swings, a roundabout, a wheelchair accessible roundabout, two castle climbing frames, sensory play panels and more. The project has also seen the old play area repurposed into a dog-friendly user area.…

Councillor Louise Harrison is Mayor of Walsall for 2025-26 A new Mayor for the borough has been appointed following the annual Mayor Making ceremony in the Council Chamber in Walsall on Monday 19 May 2025. The ceremony is one of the highlights in Walsall’s civic calendar, with the new Mayor receiving the robes and chains of office and naming the charities that will benefit from fundraising activities during their time in office. Councillor Louise Harrison was elected as Mayor of Walsall for 2025-26 and Councillor Chris Bott was elected as Deputy Mayor for 2025-26. The new Mayor takes over…

The Bostin’ Black Country Bash will include live music all day. The event marks the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO Global Geopark network, with the Black Country recognised as one of its prestigious members. The designation highlights the region’s geological significance in shaping the Industrial Revolution and its enduring impact on the world. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Walsall Arboretum, which celebrated its 150th anniversary last year, the festival promises a lively mix of entertainment for all ages including all day live music as well as mouth-watering local cuisine. King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys King Pleasure & The…

Artists impression of the play area at Leamore Park Both Leamore Park and Bloxwich Park, Memorial and Prominade Gardens will soon be transformed thanks to funding from the Bloxwich Town Deal. Contractors were on site last week for a pre-start site visit and work has started in Leamore Park today (Monday 12 May). The work will be phased so that both parks aren’t closed to the public at the same time. The work will see both parks given a new lease of life, with new play areas designed by local schools, and various other improvements and repairs. “ Improving Bloxwich’s…