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Articles by Dan Richards
Mayor unveils new seating at Stourbridge Town Hall
The improvements include new seats for the hall's moveable tiered seating, along with the installation of motorised movers that make it easier and safer for staff to reposition seating units. The project received just under £80,000 in UKSPF funding across two separate improvement schemes. The funding has helped modernise seating that was more than 20 years old and had fallen into a poor condition.
Mayor says PM’s pledge to share tax income with region will improve local lives
The Mayor said the Prime Minister’s pledge to give him a share of the income from these two taxes means he will have the financial firepower to drive more of the vital things the region needs, including jobs and the skills people need to land them, affordable housing, and better transport – whilst easing the cost-of-living for residents.
Mayor calls on new PM to appoint a Minister for the Night-Time Economy
The call comes a day after the Prime Minister gave artificial intelligence its own place at the Cabinet table, naming the country's first cabinet-level AI minister. The Mayor says the night-time economy has earned the same recognition. In the West Midlands it supports around 324,000 jobs, close to one in four of the region's workforce. About 100,000 of those are in nightlife itself: the pubs, restaurants, grassroots music venues, theatres and cinemas that give our towns and cities their character.
Business owner sentenced following environmental offences in Dudley
Dudley Council's Environmental Health Team investigated Wai Kit Pang following his unlawful operation of an alloy wheel refurbishment business. On 1 July, Mr Pang was sentenced to 22 months' imprisonment, at Wolverhampton Crown Court after previously pleading guilty in February. The court heard that Mr Pang established the business in 2018, carrying out refurbishment work on alloy wheels for motor vehicles.
Mayor announces £50m electric vehicle jobs plan
Match funded grants are being made available to help businesses capitalise on new opportunities in fast-growing electric vehicle supply chains. From today, suppliers can apply for a share of the £50million West Midlands Supplier Readiness and Transformation Fund and put themselves in pole position to win new contracts, create hundreds of new skilled jobs and protect thousands more.
Motorcyclist seriously injured in Cradley Heath
Stock image West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Halesowen Road in Cradley Heath shortly before 9pm and sent one ambulance, a paramedic officer and a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic to the scene. A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival, ambulance staff found one patient, a man who was the motorcyclist who was assessed and had sustained life-threatening injuries.
New home for BBC Gardeners’ World Live and Good Food Show Summer
Credit: Martyn Blair, Corley & Fillongley Photographic Club. After an incredible 35-year legacy at the NEC Birmingham, these much-loved flagship events will relocate to Packington Estate, just five miles from the current venue. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the 18th century, Palladian hall, the Estate’s expansive landscape, historic gardens and curated grounds create an inspiring new canvas for the Shows to evolve, expand and flourish.
Blooming great audio tour for the Red House Glass Cone
It means the cone joins sites such as the National Portrait Gallery, The Design Museum, The Hepworth and The Imperial War Museum, to offer visitors an enhanced and more accessible way to explore the heritage site. The guide, developed over a 10-week cohort programme with Bloomberg, is now available through the Bloomberg Connects app - a free digital platform that enables users to discover more than 1,000 museums, galleries and cultural spaces worldwide.
Volunteers help refresh Pleck Park
The project saw six volunteers spend time restoring park furniture across the site, helping to improve the appearance of one of Walsall’s most valued green spaces. The work was supported by a donation of paint from Crown Paints, with the work delivered through Walsall Council’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme. This was carried out ahead of Pleck Park’s Green Flag Award assessment, which recognises well-managed parks and green spaces across the country.
Armed Forces Day returning to Himley Hall and Park
The free event, organised by Dudley Council in association with Jewson Partnership Solutions, will take place on Sunday 28 June from 11am to 4pm in the grounds of the historic Himley Hall. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of entertainment and attractions throughout the day, including a vintage military vehicle display, fairground rides and Punch and Judy shows.
Dudley Mayor on the ball with free footy offer
Throughout the next season, all Stourbridge Women’s FC home league matches will be free to attend. The Mayor of Dudley has visited the club to discuss the Floodlight Appeal, which is one of his chosen charities. They also talked about the Mayor’s commitment to championing local and women’s football and increasing participation in local sport. Stourbridge FC is home to several teams, with the women’s first team playing home matches at the War Memorial Athletic Ground in Amblecote.
Landlord advice on a “bumper” and safe World Cup
Dudley Council has written to pubs and bars across the borough offering help and advice in the lead-up to the global football tournament. The council’s licensing team’s work will not only make it a “bumper” tournament as fans flock to pubs to watch the game but will also help support safety in the licensed businesses. Information includes advice on national temporary extensions to licensing hours, giving venues the opportunity to welcome more customers during major fixtures involving home nations.
Sir Lenny Henry urges media industry to stand together against racism, sexism and inequality
Delivering his second annual lecture for the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, he addressed an audience of around 60 media leaders, journalists, campaigners, university partners and industry stakeholders. In a wide-ranging speech, the former Chancellor of Birmingham City University argued that growing hostility towards diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives has led many organisations to soften their language around inequality rather than tackle it directly.
New leader and cabinet for Sandwell Council
The meeting also saw Councillor Gary Dale appointed as the council’s Deputy Leader. Councillor Nock, said:“I was born in Sandwell and have lived and worked here all my life, so it is an honour and a privilege to be elected as the new Leader of Sandwell Council. “There is a lot to be proud of in Sandwell, and alongside my new Cabinet, we are totally committed to making our borough an even better place to live and work.
Local group to make debut at BBC Gardeners’ World Live
The Stourbridge voluntary group is set to inspire thousands of visitors with a stunning “Beautiful Border” display at the annual gardening spectacular, which takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 18–21 June. A long-standing favourite feature of the show, the Beautiful Borders are compact show gardens designed to offer creative ideas for small gardens and challenging spaces. This year’s theme, “Once Upon a Time”, encourages designers to tell fascinating stories through plants and garden design.
Last chance to get early bird boxing tickets
In a charity clash to raise cash for the Mayor’s charities, Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, will step into the ring with former councillor Shaz Saleem on 21 August at Dudley Town Hall. An early bird discount is available next week only. Standard balcony seats are being offered at £25, increasing to £35 from Monday 25 May. This pugilistic pair will be going toe to toe over eight one minute rounds, topping a full fight card featuring talented local boxers.
WMAS supports deaf awareness week
Two members of staff, Stacey Powell and Josh Dovey, have shared their personal experiences of working in frontline ambulance roles while being deaf. Their stories are featured on the Trust’s social media channels helping raise awareness and inspire others. Stacey, a supervisor in the 999 Emergency Operations Centre in Brierley Hill, has been partially deaf since childhood and has worn bilateral hearing aids for the past three years.
Green spaces granted additional protection
Ends High Arcal Park, Milking Bank Park and Milking Bank Open Space already have protection measures in place, but these will be upgraded following recent ecological surveys. The additional protections will help to conserve wildlife and ecology at the three sites, as part of the local plan. The move follows additional protections being awarded to Delph Locks, Grange Park and Mousesweet Brook in 2024.
Johns’ Boys Welsh Male Choir to Perform at Dudley Town Hall
The choir holds the distinction of being the only British choir ever crowned Choir of the World and returns to the stage following a year of sold-out concerts across the UK and a successful tour of Canada. They first rose to national prominence as finalists on Britain’s Got Talent and have since appeared on Royal Variety Performance, Last Night of the Proms and national television and radio.
Calls to defer Leather Museum relocation until after local elections
Councillors Sarah-Jane Cooper, Nick Gandham, Waheed Rasab, Bobby Bains and Suky Samra, believe any matters regarding the proposal should be deferred until after the local elections. Back in September, nine members of Walsall Council’s cabinet approved a plan to close Walsall Leather Museum at its current location at Littleton Street West, and lease the building to Walsall College for its SEN provision.
Walsall shop fined after selling vape to a minor
Euro Shop, 89 Stafford Street, Walsall, sold a vape to two underage volunteers on 9 July 2025 while Trading Standards officers were carrying out an age-restricted sales operation. The volunteers requested a SKE Cherry Ice vape, which was sold by Miss Rehana Azmi for £4 without any checks on their age. The sale took place despite the shop having received comprehensive advice just one month earlier on preventing underage sales.
Alumni welcomed as college celebrates 60th anniversary
For six decades, the college has played an instrumental role in providing high-quality education, practical skills training and pathways into rewarding careers for young people, adult learners and local employers. This milestone offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on the college’s remarkable journey and the positive impact it has had on the community. To mark this special occasion, a ‘Through the Decades’ summer street party will be held at the Whittingham Road Campus.
Rogue trader sent to jail following multiple fraud offences
Dudley Council brought forward the case against Mr Millward of Hunnington Terrace Road in Cannock. Often known as Tony, the court heard that he took substantial deposits from consumers for driveway and landscaping work that was either never completed or was carried out to a substandard level.
Historic Glass Quarter is now easier to find than ever
Officially known as Tourist Destination Signs, these markers are only awarded to independently recognised tourist attractions, heritage and leisure destinations that meet high quality visitor experience criteria and will help direct visitors to Stourbridge’s historic Glass Quarter. A total of 14 new signs now proudly mark the gateway to one of our region’s most prestigious heritage destinations, often referred to as the ‘Crystal Mile’.
Club partners with college to support future sports leaders
Founded in 2020, Coaches Club CIC is dedicated to developing the next generation of coaches and community leaders through sport and physical activity. The club is and based in the West Midlands and provides affordable, high-quality training, mentoring and support to volunteers and young people who want to make a positive impact in their communities.
Dudley’s new waste and recycling service gets underway
As the new style service begins its collections, the council is reminding residents to check their collection day – which may have changed, as well as their new fortnightly schedule. People can find the details online at dudleyrecycles.org.uk, or call the council on 0300 555 2345. The new schedule means one week crews will collect the black bin containing non recycling waste, and the next week the blue bin and blue bag recycling. Every week though, the home’s food waste caddy will be collected.
Coseley Library launches Pokemon Club
There will be a free Pokemon card giveaway and, with parental supervision, all ages are welcome. Light refreshments are provided. The event is being run by Dale Cooper, proud dad to five-year-old collector Loki. Dale said: “Loki is on a mission to 'catch ‘em all' and is looking forward to meeting other Pokemon traders. “The club is all about bringing people together for fun and friendship in a relaxed, welcoming space.
Former Police Federation treasurer jailed for £13,500 expenses fraud
Jamie Harrison, 55, from Droitwich, was secretary and treasurer of the West Mercia Police Federation between 2010 and 2018 – a position of trust in which he was responsible for safeguarding the financial interests of his fellow officers. Harrison abused this position by repeatedly dipping into the Federation's petty cash, over which he had sole control, to fund personal expenditure on food, alcohol and entertainment. He kept his claims just under £100 to avoid scrutiny.
New roof for the Crystal leisure centre
Recent maintenance visits identified the need to replace the centre’s roof and mechanical plant, both of which have been in place since the centre opened in the 1990s. Improvement works were originally planned for 2027/28 but council leaders decided to bring them forward to deliver in the 2026/27 budget The proposals include a full roof replacement, including mechanical ventilation plant and associated works.
Construction phase complete for new higher education and skills centre
Dudley Council and its Alliance partners constructed the Castle Hill campus utilising £25 million of government funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government under the Local Regeneration Fund. Work was completed on time and on budget, with the council co-investing with government funding to make the project a success.
Council announces boost to waste services
Dudley Council has confirmed the Household Waste and Recycling Centre on Birmingham Road will be reopen seven days a week from Tuesday 7 April, running 8am to 6pm from April to September. Pop-up tips will operate at Lister Road Depot in Dudley and The Northway Depot in Sedgley, from next month.
Two hours free parking to be reinstated
This much‑loved offer is expected to be hugely popular with residents and traders, helping to boost footfall in the town and support local businesses. To qualify, people must obtain a physical ticket from the machine and clearly display it in their vehicle. Currently the parking app cannot be used for the free 2 hours offer. Should shoppers wish to stay longer than two hours, they’ll need to pay the difference based on the revised standard parking tariffs.
Regeneration boost for Dudley town centre following major transport investment
The £300,000 package will deliver improvements to the town centre, offer support for individual businesses and fund an enhanced marketing campaign to boost trade. Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, is keen for shopkeepers to be ready to benefit from the arrival of new transport infrastructure.
Serious gas and hygiene breaches found at Dudley food outlet
Dudley Council’s environmental health team inspected the Dudley town centre premises, located on 220 Wolverhampton Street, in June 2024 and identified serious gas safety and food hygiene breaches. Officers conducted a routine food hygiene inspection of the premises and discovered that the premises had switched from natural gas to a Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply.
Dudley residents renewing green waste service
The price for fortnightly green bin pick-ups remains frozen at £52, with the service running from April 2026 to the end of March 2027. Residents will able book online via MyDudley or by calling Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345 from Monday 16 March. People can book or renew a subscription on someone else’s behalf without that person needing to set up a MyDudley account themselves. Neighbours can also opt to share a bin, which will only be charged to one resident and collected from that property.
Colleges unite to put the pride in the West Midlands
The event, led by Halesowen College, shone a spotlight on the vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ college communities in our region. Jacquie Carman, Principal of Halesowen College and Chair of the Colleges West Midlands LGBTQ+ committee, opened the conference, setting the tone for a day filled with insightful discussions and meaningful connections. Throughout the day, there was a series of guest speakers, each sharing their perspectives and lived experiences.
Mayor looking for borough heroes
Members of the public are being asked to nominate people who go above and beyond for their community, so that they can be recognised at a special event. The Mayor’s Ball and Civic Awards, which brings people and businesses together for an evening of celebration, will take place at the Copthorne Hotel Merry Hill on Friday 17 April. During the evening, the winners of the 23nd annual Mayor Civic Awards will be announced.
Council tax rise approved
Dudley Council has approved the increase, which includes two per cent for services for older and vulnerable people. The rise for the Dudley element from April 2026 equates to £1.66 per week for a typical band D property, which is comparable to the average cost of a loaf of bread. To help those most in need, £300,000 has been allocated per year to the discretionary council tax support scheme, replacing the one-off reserve funding used in the 2025/26 budget.
Dudley Council’s Leader Live to return
People will be able to put their questions to Councillor Patrick Harley via the council’s Dudley borough Facebook page. Cllr Harley will be joined by deputy leader, Councillor Paul Bradley. Residents are encouraged to put any question they wish to the pair, including queries around the new waste and recycling service starting in April, to regeneration across the borough - including proposals for free parking and the proposed ice rink, to potholes and winter gritting.
Village Hall gets Digibus visit
CEDRIC (an acronym for Creating Engaging Digital Resources in the Community) is equipped with IT equipment and works with local hard to reach communities as well as providing essential IT up-skilling to local businesses. The college’s digibus is aimed at supporting communities to improve their digital skills and to encourage employers to prioritise workforce development.
Residents invited to join energy switching scheme
Working in partnership with Dudley Council, Big Community Switch provides guidance and support to residents to simplify the energy-switching process. The scheme secures competitive tariffs with trusted suppliers, giving residents more control over costs. Suppliers compete for the opportunity to offer households the lowest energy tariff, and there’s no need to compare different tariffs as everyone registered receives a personal offer.
£50m funding brought forward to fast-track Mayor’s plans for transport
Mayor Richard Parker and the West Midlands Combined Authority Board agreed to advance £50 million to accelerate early work such as detailed design, surveys and business cases on several key transport projects including the flagship scheme to extend the Metro to the Sports Quarter regeneration site in east Birmingham.
Sedgley Beacon to see £120k of improvements thanks to UK Shared Prosperity Fund
A portacabin has already been delivered to site, in preparation for the works, which are designed to make the site feel safer and more welcoming. Work includes vegetation clearance, replacement of the main vehicular entrance gate off Beacon Lane, repairs to stonework and metal work to the tower, replacement fencing, all of which together Dudley Council worked in conjunction with the Friends of Sedgley Beacon to apply for UK Shared Prosperity Funding to enable the works.
Mayor of Walsall opens new state-of-the-art care home in Brownhills
The new care home provides 90 en-suite bedrooms and is registered to deliver nursing, dementia and residential care, helping to meet growing demand for specialist support for Walsall’s residents. Designed to offer a welcoming and enriching environment, the home features a range of beautiful communal spaces overlooking the canal and surrounding fields.
World Book Day costume swaps
Taking place on Thursday 5 March, many schools celebrate World Book Day by encouraging children to dress up as a character from one of their favourite stories. Halesowen, Gornal and Wordsley libraries have now joined Brierley Hill by collecting donations in February and offering families the chance of exchanging new outfits for old. Operating under the Better brand, GLL is the not-for-profit social enterprise that runs Dudley libraries on behalf of the council.
Care home bosses jailed for £175,000 pensioner fraud
Graham and Lyn Walker, the owners of Amberley Care Home in Brierley Hill, have also been ordered to pay £60,000 to Dudley Council towards the costs of bringing the case to court. The couple, along with former care home manager Jamiel Slaney-Summers, attempted to benefit from a fake will for resident Rita Barnsley which named the trio as significant beneficiaries.
Drone to be deployed to tackle off-road motorbikes
The authority is buying a DJI Matrice 4DT as bosses invest in the latest technology to tackle the “scourge” of anti-social behaviour. The drone will be flown for up to 200 miles per week and will help the council to identify those making others lives a misery on a daily basis. It will also be used in flytipping investigations and to identify potholes, while thermal technology will allow the council to identify properties potentially being used to harvest and grow illegal drugs.
Children’s play area in Stourbridge to be upgraded
The Friends of Greenfield Gardens are working with Dudley Council on the project, after receiving a grant for £32,900 from Enovert. Located near Greenfield Primary School, it will provide a more creative and engaging environment for little ones including a wider range of facilities for children with disabilities. Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: "This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when community and partners work together.
Mayor’s tech-led care helps residents live safely at home
Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker with Diane Vukmirovic at her home in Wolverhampton. Diane is one of almost 1,000 residents taking part in a Technology Enabled Care programme led by West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker, designed to help older and vulnerable people across the West Midlands stay safe in their own homes for longer. The programme is part of the Mayor’s plan to modernise social care across the region.
Join Dudley Council at the West Midlands Business Festival
The festival runs from 2 to 13 February and features a jam-packed programme of free events delivered designed to support businesses of all sizes and sectors across the region. It brings together businesses, entrepreneurs, industry experts and public sector partners from across Black Country and Birmingham, Coventry and Solihull.
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