Month: January 2026

Local businesses are being invited to learn more about Walsall’s long-term growth plans at a dedicated event taking place as part of the West Midlands Business Festival.

The We Are Walsall 2040 business event will be held on Wednesday 11 February 2026 at Bescot Stadium, offering insight into how the borough aims to drive investment, improve infrastructure and support enterprise over the coming years.

The We Are Walsall 2040 strategy sets out a long-term vision for economic growth and development across the borough. The event will give businesses the opportunity to explore how these plans could create new opportunities and support expansion in the local area.

Running from 9.30am to 1.30pm at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium, the free session will bring together business leaders, council representatives and local stakeholders to discuss the future direction of Walsall’s economy.

Attendees will gain a better understanding of how the council’s strategy aims to attract investment, strengthen local infrastructure and create an environment where businesses can grow and innovate.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council, said:

“ We Are Walsall 2040 is about creating a bold, ambitious future for our borough. A future where businesses can thrive, innovate, and grow in Walsall.

This event is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to see how our long-term plans will unlock investment, improve infrastructure, and foster a dynamic business environment. Walsall Council is committed to working with businesses to ensure they have the support and opportunities they need to succeed “

The event is open to businesses of all sizes and sectors, particularly those looking to expand or invest in the borough.

Places can be booked online via the West Midlands Business Festival platform.

Walsall Council has expanded its network of community shops with two new locations opening in Darlaston and Willenhall, providing residents with greater access to affordable food and essential items.

The new shops form part of the council’s wider Food Plan (2025–2030), launched in December 2025, which aims to create a fairer and more sustainable food system across the borough. With increasing demand for food support, the initiative is designed to tackle food insecurity while promoting healthier lifestyles.

The latest additions include a community shop at Lodge Farm Primary School in Willenhall and the Little Local shop based at Darlaston Town Hall. The Lodge Farm site is the first of its kind in Walsall to be located within a primary school, offering convenient access for families during the school day.

Meanwhile, the Darlaston Town Hall shop, delivered in partnership with local charity Darlaston All Active, provides not only affordable groceries but also low-cost hot takeaway meals for residents.

Councillor Louise Harrison, Mayor of Walsall, said:

“ We’re proud to be supporting the expansion of Walsall’s community shop network, ensuring that help is available where it’s most needed. These shops are more than just affordable food outlets; they are places of community, connection and resilience.

The community shop at Lodge Farm Primary School is our seventh store to open and the first of its kind – inside a primary school – making it more accessible for parents and families whilst on the school run.

Our eighth and most recent shop opened at Darlaston Town Hall, where hot takeaway meals are also being served, as well as the usual stock of everyday essentials. “

The shops offer a range of affordable goods, including food, toiletries, cleaning products and pet supplies, helping residents manage the ongoing cost of living pressures. Membership is open to all, with no eligibility criteria required.

The Lodge Farm Primary School shop was officially opened in November 2025 by Sureena Brackenridge MP, who praised the initiative’s impact on the local community.

“ With welcome support from Walsall Council, staff at Lodge Farm Primary have been able to build on its vision and extend its vital work in creating a hub for its whole community. Lodge Farm Primary is proving what compassion, commitment and community spirit can achieve. “

Over the past year, eight community shops have opened across Walsall with support from the council, forming a key part of its approach to improving access to affordable, nutritious food.

Residents can find more information about community shop locations and services here:
https://go.walsall.gov.uk/people-and-communities/community-shops

Walsall Council has completed more than 6,000 pothole repairs across the borough in 2025, as part of its ongoing work to maintain safe and reliable roads.

Marking National Pothole Day, the council highlighted its year-round approach to road maintenance, which combines routine inspections with modern repair techniques to identify and fix defects as quickly as possible.

All roads in Walsall are subject to regular safety checks, with main routes inspected on a monthly basis and residential streets reviewed annually. Potholes identified during these inspections are assessed and prioritised based on the level of risk they pose to road users.

Over the past year, a total of 6,249 potholes were repaired. Most of these were identified through planned inspections, while 489 were reported directly by residents. Repairs are carried out using a mix of traditional methods and specialist high-pressure equipment, which allows teams to clean, seal and fill potholes more efficiently while minimising disruption.

The council uses a risk-based approach to determine how quickly repairs are completed. More serious defects, particularly those posing an immediate safety risk, can be addressed within 24 hours, while less urgent issues may take up to six months. Temporary repairs may also be carried out where needed to ensure roads remain safe until permanent work can be completed.

Councillor Suky Samra, Portfolio Holder for Street Scene at Walsall Council, said:

“ We know potholes are one of the biggest concerns for road users, which is why our teams work proactively throughout the year to identify and repair defects as early as possible.

“By combining regular inspections with modern repair methods that allow us to fix potholes more quickly and safely, we’re able to reduce disruption and keep people moving across the borough. National Pothole Day is a chance to highlight the work that often goes unseen in helping to maintain our roads. “

Residents can report potholes and other road issues online via the council’s website:
https://go.walsall.gov.uk/apply/myaccount-online-services/roads-pavements-signs-and-lights/report-pothole

Walsall Council has welcomed a new report confirming that the Bloxwich Launchpad project has generated more than £1.23 million in social value, significantly surpassing its original target of £277,000.

The figure represents 68% of the project’s overall contract value and reflects a strong focus on delivering wider community benefits alongside physical regeneration.

Developed in partnership with Speller Metcalfe, the scheme transformed a former Post Office building into a modern digital hub. The Launchpad now offers residents access to IT facilities, digital skills training, employment support and flexible business space for entrepreneurs and start-ups.

A key aim of the project was to prioritise local suppliers and ensure that investment remained within the Walsall area. The report found that more than £1.19 million of project spending was directed through local supply chains, including materials, labour and subcontractors based in the borough and within a 30-mile radius.

Councillor Mike Bird, Leader of Walsall Council, said:

“ Bloxwich Launchpad is a shining example of how major investment projects can do much more than renovate a building they can create jobs, strengthen local suppliers and make real community impact. By prioritising local businesses first, we have kept the Walsall pound in Walsall, supporting our own employers, our own young people and our borough’s economy.

I am delighted that this project has delivered more than four times its planned social value and that local companies, apprentices and students have directly benefited. This is exactly the type of responsible regeneration we want to see across our borough: modern facilities, thriving businesses and real opportunity for residents. “

Local subcontractors involved in the project covered a wide range of trades, including electrical, roofing, groundworks, scaffolding and specialist glazing, helping to support employment and strengthen the local economy.

The scheme also delivered a number of training and educational opportunities. These included 13 weeks of apprenticeship and T-Level training, 86 site visits for students and young people, and 13 weeks of unpaid placements. Overall, 81% of the supply chain was classified as local.

In addition to economic benefits, the project contributed to community initiatives, including a litter-picking event near Walsall College, where volunteers collected 13 bags of waste in one hour, as well as supporting local community funding programmes.

Kate Moore, Social Value Lead at Speller Metcalfe, said:

“ We are extremely proud of the Bloxwich Launchpad build, not only for its high-quality refurbishment but for the meaningful legacy it leaves behind. From day one, our focus was to maximise local impact supporting Walsall suppliers, creating learning opportunities and ensuring investment stayed within the community. Working with Walsall Council has demonstrated how construction can genuinely deliver lasting socio-economic benefits, and we are thrilled to see the local businesses, trainees and community groups all benefiting from this project. “

The Launchpad forms part of Walsall Council’s wider regeneration programme, which focuses on improving town centres, supporting local businesses and creating new opportunities for residents.

The council has confirmed it will continue to prioritise social value in future projects, ensuring that investment delivers long-term benefits for communities across the borough.

Walsall Arena is celebrating its most successful pantomime season to date, with The Wizard of Oz becoming the venue’s best-selling production ever.

A total of 8,590 tickets were sold across 19 performances, surpassing the previous record of 7,865 tickets set last year. The show, which is the only professional pantomime staged in Walsall, attracted audiences of all ages throughout the festive period.

Families turned out in large numbers to follow Dorothy and her companions along the Yellow Brick Road, with the production featuring elaborate costumes, detailed sets and a mix of comedy and music. Performances played to consistently full audiences, with strong demand across the run.

Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council, said:

“ It’s fantastic to see The Wizard of Oz become our best-selling pantomime ever. These record-breaking figures are a real testament to the hard work and talent of everyone involved. I would like to say a huge thank you to the cast and crew for delivering such a high-quality production, and of course to our wonderful audiences for their incredible support. Walsall Arena continues to go from strength to strength, and we are proud to bring such magical experiences to local families year after year. “

Following the success of the pantomime, Walsall Arena has announced a packed programme of events for early 2026, including comedy, live music and theatre performances.

Comedy fans can look forward to a performance by viral comedian Hannah East on Friday 20 February, bringing her latest show Express Yourself to the stage. Later that month, a new comedy club launches in partnership with Funny Beeseness, featuring a line-up including Russell Kane, Stephen Bailey and Jo Enright.

Music and tribute acts are also set to feature prominently in the programme. Highlights include Oasish – The History of Oasis and Beyond on 6 March, celebrating the legacy of the Gallagher brothers, and Hits Out of Hell – The Legend of Meat Loaf on 7 March, showcasing classic rock anthems.

Audiences can also enjoy Copacabana Magic – The Barry Manilow Show on 13 March, featuring a live band and performances of some of the artist’s best-known hits.

Planning is already underway for next year’s pantomime, with further details expected to be announced in the coming months as the venue continues to build on its recent success.

A High Court hearing will take place next month to review the long-standing injunction banning street racing across the Black Country.

The injunction, first introduced in 2015, covers the boroughs of Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall. It prohibits people from taking part in, organising or promoting street racing events, as well as attending as a spectator where dangerous driving is expected.

Led by City of Wolverhampton Council on behalf of the four local authorities and supported by West Midlands Police, the order remains a key tool in tackling illegal racing and associated anti-social behaviour.

Under the terms of the injunction, individuals found to be in breach can face serious consequences, including imprisonment, fines, seizure of assets and liability for legal costs. Since its introduction, 54 people have either admitted to or been found in breach of the order, while a further number have given formal undertakings to comply.

The High Court has previously ruled that the injunction and associated powers of arrest should remain in place until at least May 2026, subject to an annual review. The next hearing is scheduled for Thursday 26 February 2026 at 10.30am at the High Court of Justice, King’s Bench Division, Birmingham District Registry.

Anyone currently subject to the injunction who wishes to submit evidence ahead of the hearing must do so by Friday 6 February 2026. Details on how to take part in proceedings, including how to apply to be joined as a defendant, are available through the relevant council legal teams.

Speaking on behalf of the claimant councils, Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community at City of Wolverhampton Council, said:

“Street racing is anti-social and highly dangerous – and has led to a number of incidents across the Black Country which have, tragically, caused fatalities and serious injuries.

“Only last week, we saw another driver brought before the court for racing others at twice the speed limit along roads in Sandwell, and who was given a suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay over £2,500 in costs.

“This goes to shows the important role the injunction has to play, and the positive effect it is continuing to have in helping tackle street racing in the Black Country.”

Further information, including copies of the injunction and details of the review hearing, can be found via the following links:
Wolverhampton: https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/street-racing-injunction
Walsall: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/black_country_car_cruising_injunction
Sandwell: https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/streetracing
Dudley: https://www.dudley.gov.uk/car-cruising-injunction

Residents are encouraged to report incidents of street racing to West Midlands Police by calling 101, or by submitting footage through Operation Snap:
https://www.westmidlands.police.uk/police-forces/west-midlands-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/operation-snap/

Walsall Council has launched a new online safeguarding referral portal, making it easier for residents to report concerns about adults who may be experiencing abuse, neglect or harm.

The portal, introduced in partnership with agencies from the Walsall Safeguarding Partnership (WSP), is designed to provide a quicker and more secure way for people to raise concerns and access support.

The new system collects the same essential information as previous reporting methods but streamlines the process, helping services respond more efficiently and ensure that those in need receive support as quickly as possible.

Councillor Keir Pedley, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care at Walsall Council, said:

“ This new safeguarding referral portal reaffirms our commitment to supporting vulnerable adults that are experiencing abuse, neglect or harm in Walsall.

“By moving to the online portal, we can respond to concerns more promptly ensuring people get the help they need sooner.
“

Residents who are worried about an adult can continue to contact the council’s Adult Social Care team by phone on 0300 555 2922, but the new portal offers an additional, accessible option for reporting concerns at any time.

The Walsall Safeguarding Partnership brings together organisations including the council, health services and other agencies, working collectively to protect vulnerable adults and children across the borough. The partnership recognises that individuals’ ability to protect themselves can vary, and aims to ensure appropriate support is available for those at risk.

Anyone who has concerns about an adult’s safety or wellbeing is encouraged to use the new portal:
https://go.walsall.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/safeguarding-adults-walsall

Further information about the Walsall Safeguarding Partnership can be found at:
https://www.walsallsp.co.uk

Details about adult social care services in Walsall are available here:
https://go.walsall.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/accessing-social-care-support

The council is encouraging residents to report concerns promptly, helping ensure vulnerable individuals receive the protection and support they need.

Walsall Council is inviting residents and local stakeholders to share their views on drug and alcohol support services, as part of plans to shape future provision across the borough.

The consultation comes ahead of the re-commissioning of services, with the current contract for provision, delivered by The Beacon, due to end in March 2027. Feedback gathered will help ensure that future services reflect the needs of local communities and provide effective, accessible support.

Drug and alcohol services in Walsall are designed to help individuals reduce or stop substance use and maintain long-term recovery. Support can include a combination of medical treatment, counselling and wider assistance with mental and physical health, housing, employment, benefits and rebuilding relationships.

Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council, said:

“ Our drug and alcohol services are important to residents across the borough in helping them access the support they need to help them recover and stay in recovery. Whether you have used the service or not, or if you’re a professional or volunteer working with people affected by substance use, we would like to hear from you. “

The council is encouraging anyone with an interest in the services—including residents, professionals and volunteers—to take part in the survey.

The consultation is open until 20 February 2026 and can be completed online here:
https://online1.snapsurveys.com/nzf2xr

The Beacon, based in Walsall town centre, currently delivers a wide range of services for both adults and young people. These include needle exchange programmes, one-to-one and group support, prescribing and detox services, as well as testing and treatment for blood-borne viruses. The service also helps individuals access wider health and care support, along with employment opportunities.

All support is free and confidential, and individuals can either refer themselves or be referred by professionals.

For more information about current services, residents can contact the team via email at thebeacon.walsall@cgl.org.uk or call 01922 669840.

A new £32 million waste and recycling facility is set to open in Walsall next month, offering residents improved access to modern recycling and disposal services.

The Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC), located on Middlemore Lane in Aldridge, will officially open to the public on Monday 2 February 2026. The site forms part of a wider investment in the borough’s waste infrastructure, supporting long-term plans to create a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

Alongside the recycling centre, the site also includes a Waste Transfer Station (WTS), which began operating earlier in January. The facility is used to sort and prepare waste for onward transport to recycling and disposal sites.

The new centre has been designed to make recycling easier and more efficient, with 38 skips spread across 19 bays, allowing residents to dispose of a wider range of materials. The site will be open seven days a week, with access limited to Walsall residents who can provide proof of address.

Opening hours will vary throughout the week, with extended hours on Thursdays until 6pm to provide additional flexibility for visitors.

A dedicated reuse shop will also operate on site, offering a sustainable alternative to disposal. Items such as furniture and household goods will be repaired or upcycled in an on-site workshop before being made available for purchase at low cost. During the first two weeks of opening, the reuse shop will operate on selected days between 10am and 2pm, before moving to full opening hours in line with the recycling centre.

Councillor Suky Samra, Portfolio Holder for Street Scene at Walsall Council, said:

“ This project is a huge development for Walsall. What has been delivered here is the definition of ‘state-of-the-art’.

“The site will prove vital in ensuring we can continue to accommodate the waste demands we face in the borough. Our current facilities have served us well, but now is time for a new era, where we recycle and reuse more of our waste. “

As part of the transition, the existing Household Waste Recycling Centre on Merchants Way will close on Sunday 1 February, just ahead of the new site opening. The Fryers Road site in Bloxwich will remain open, with redevelopment plans expected to be announced in due course.

The new facility represents a significant step forward in Walsall’s efforts to improve recycling rates, reduce waste and support more sustainable living across the borough.