More than 80% of parents and carers of children who will start school for the first time this September have now applied for a reception class place for them – and the rest are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. The deadline for applications for pupils due to […]

Nearly £250,000 is to be spent on improvements to two beauty spots from a cash pot funded by developers building in the borough. Developers behind major schemes such as large housing developments in the borough have to contribute cash to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Nearly £520,000 has been deposited […]

Sandwell Council is stepping up its fight against fly-tipping with proposals to bring in £400 fines for householders who irresponsibly dispose of waste. This follows concerns about householders getting unlicensed waste carriers to take items away – and rubbish then being illegally dumped in the borough. Council environmental protection officers […]

Sandwell Council has launched a new online form to help people report anti-social behaviour. The form – which is available on MySandwell at www.sandwell.gov.uk/asb – provides a single point of entry for all anti-social behaviour reports to the council. It will make sure reports are sent to the right team to deal […]

Revised Opening hours at District Libraries and Streetly Community Library From Sunday 5 January revised opening hours come into effect at Walsall’s five District Libraries (Aldridge, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Darlaston and Willenhall) and Streetly Community Library. A key change is that the Libraries will no longer be opening 1-4pm on Sundays. Sunday […]

The personal development of Adult Education Wolverhampton students is Outstanding according to Ofsted – with inspectors saying learners “make good progress towards their future goals”. Ofsted inspected the service, which offers a wide range of high quality academic and community learning courses across Wolverhampton, between 26 and 29 November. Inspectors […]

Sandwell Council staff have donated hundreds of presents for to be distributed to care leavers across the borough. Staff from the council generously gave presents following an appeal from Sandwell’s corporate parenting team. All 300 of Sandwell’s care leavers will receive a gift this Christmas. These are young people aged […]

For most children Christmas means fun, presents and Santa, but for some, the festive period means blazing rows, sleepless nights and worry because of domestic abuse. This month, as part of their Christmas safety tips campaign, safe & sound, Dudley’s community safety partnership is highlighting that children are often the […]

People in the Black Country and West Birmingham are being advised to wrap up warm over the winter season and to look out for vulnerable people during the Christmas and New Year period. Local people are being asked to remember older relatives, friends and neighbours as well as other vulnerable […]