Walsall residents are being encouraged to play a role in creating cleaner, healthier air for all as Clean Air Day is marked on 19 June 2025. Clean Air Day is a national campaign which focuses on taking collective action to tackle air pollution, increasing public awareness of the health harms of air pollution, and demonstrating support for clean air. Air pollution remains a significant public health challenge and affects individuals from before birth through to old age. Although often invisible, air pollution is linked to a wide range of health issues throughout life, from premature births and effects on organ…

With temperatures rising this week, Walsall residents are being reminded to take steps to stay safe and well during the hot weather, as the UK Health Security Agency (in partnership with the Met Office) has issued an amber heat-health alert for the West Midlands. The alert is in place until 23 June 2025 at 9am. “ While many enjoy warm, sunny weather and time outdoors, it’s important to remember that high temperatures can be challenging for some, especially older adults, young children and those with long-term health conditions. Keep indoor spaces cool by closing curtains on sun-facing rooms and check…

Where I Am was a year-long project delivered by The MindKind Projects with funding from Walsall Council Public Health. The Where I Am project was a year-long programme between May 2024 and April 2025, delivered by The MindKind Projects and funded by Walsall Council Public Health. The project delivered a variety of activities, including six borough-wide engagement events which attracted over 700 attendees, to raise awareness around men’s health and provide safe, informal spaces for open dialogue, making connections and gathering feedback. A strategic development group was formed to enhance men’s mental health and wellbeing across the borough. Collaborating with…

The centre, on New Forest Rd, will be retrofit to make it as close to carbon neutral as possible so that it can become an exemplar building to educate domestic and commercial users on the benefits of renewable energy. The centre will offer support to businesses and residents to explore funding available, such as carbon credits that can be obtained to retrofit homes to save people money. The centre has received £325,995 funding from Walsall Council’s Community Capital programme, which is funded by the Government’s Town Deal. “ As a council we are keen to support projects like this that…

Councillor Mike Bird was elected as Leader of the Council, following the resignation of Councillor Garry Perry last month. Councillor Bird was first elected to Walsall Council in 1980. He previously held the position of Leader of the Council between 2018 and 2024. Following his election the new Leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Mike Bird said: “ It’s good to be back! It has been an honour for me to represent the people of Walsall for more than 40 years. Walsall is my home and I want the best for the borough and the very best for Walsall people, they…

Families in Walsall are being urged to check they and their children are up to date with their MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccinations, especially ahead of the summer holidays. The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that outbreaks are continuing, with a sharp increase in cases in the West Midlands. There has also been a global increase in measles cases including Europe over the last year and the Agency is concerned, that with travelling for holidays or to visit family this summer, there is a risk this could lead to another surge of measles cases…

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…