Month: March 2026

Sutton Coldfield’s food scene is about to get even more flavourful, as Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana opens a brand-new pizzeria in the town centre.

Opened on 21 March, the much-loved pizza brand brings its celebrated Neapolitan style to Birmingham Road—offering locals a fresh destination for relaxed dining just in time for spring.

Set across two floors, the new venue has been thoughtfully designed to reflect Rudy’s understated, laid-back aesthetic. With seating for around 100 guests indoors and additional outdoor covers, the space is geared towards everything from casual lunches to evening gatherings with friends and family.

Built on Tradition

At the heart of Rudy’s is a commitment to authentic Neapolitan pizza-making. Each dough is prepared fresh daily and left to ferment for 24 hours, resulting in the soft, airy texture the brand is known for. Toppings stay true to Italian roots, with carefully sourced ingredients including San Marzano tomatoes and Fior di Latte mozzarella.

Beyond the pizzas, guests can expect a well-rounded drinks offering, from classic Italian spritzes to a mix of local and imported beers, alongside seasonal cocktails perfect for lighter evenings.

Continuing a Successful Expansion

Since its beginnings in Manchester in 2015, Rudy’s has steadily grown into a nationwide name, with more than 37 restaurants across the UK. The Sutton Coldfield site marks its fifth location in the West Midlands, reflecting the region’s growing appetite for high-quality, casual dining.

The opening will also bring around 20 new jobs to the area, spanning kitchen, front-of-house and management roles.

Neal Bates of Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana said:
“We’re incredibly excited to be bringing Rudy’s to Sutton Coldfield. Our team is passionate about serving the most authentic Neapolitan pizza, and we can’t wait for people in the area to experience the flavours that have made Rudy’s a nationwide favourite.”

A pilot scheme introducing raised litter bins in Caldmore has led to a sharp drop in fly-tipping in some of the area’s worst-affected spots.

Three wall-mounted bins were installed in October 2025 at key locations, including St Michael Street car park, an alleyway near Caldmore Primary Academy and the community gardens, and Caldmore Green.

The bins were mounted on existing fence posts, with permission from both the school and the community garden, helping to position them in areas where fly-tipping had been a persistent issue.

Early results suggest the approach is making a real difference. At St Michael Street car park, just one fly-tip has been reported since the bins were installed, compared with 16 incidents in the previous year.

Nearby Carless Street has seen no reported fly-tipping at all, down from 11 cases previously, while the Caldmore Green alleyway has recorded just one incident, compared with six over the same period last year.

The project has also involved the local community, with pupils from Caldmore Primary Academy invited to design artwork for the bins. The initiative aimed to encourage a sense of ownership and pride in the local environment.

Winning designs by Jessika Kasbia, Jennifer Kasbia and Magda Webster are now displayed on the bins.

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

“ This is a fantastic example of how innovation, data and community involvement can come together to make a real difference. The reduction in fly-tipping in these locations shows that simple, well-thought-out changes can have a significant impact.

“I want to thank Caldmore Primary Academy and the local community for getting behind the initiative. By involving young people and creating a sense of ownership, we are not only improving the environment now but helping to shape attitudes for the future. “

Following the success of the trial, the council is now exploring whether similar bins could be introduced in other areas where littering and fly-tipping are ongoing concerns.

The initiative forms part of wider efforts to keep Walsall’s neighbourhoods clean, reduce environmental crime and encourage communities to take pride in their local spaces.

Walsall Council is reminding local businesses to check their gas safety arrangements after a takeaway in Bloxwich was forced to shut off its gas supply due to serious risks.

The action was taken after it was discovered that the premises was operating without a working gas interlock system — a vital safety feature in commercial kitchens.

Gas interlock systems are designed to ensure gas appliances cannot be used unless ventilation systems are running properly. Without this safeguard, dangerous conditions can develop, including carbon monoxide build-up, lack of oxygen and increased fire risk.

In the recent case, the issue was considered serious enough for engineers to disconnect the gas supply immediately to prevent potential harm to staff and customers.

Councillor Adam Hicken, Portfolio Holder for Enforcement and Safe Communities at Walsall Council, said:

“ Businesses must understand that gas safety is not optional. Where we identify a serious risk to life, we will act immediately, including disconnecting the gas supply if necessary.

“This recent case should serve as a clear warning. Effective ventilation and properly functioning gas interlock systems are essential safeguards. We would strongly urge all commercial operators to review their arrangements and ensure they are fully compliant before an incident occurs. “

The council is reminding all commercial catering businesses — including restaurants, cafés, takeaways and mobile food operators — that they are legally required to carry out a full gas safety check at least once a year.

Failure to comply can result in enforcement action, including prosecution under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

Businesses are also being urged to carry out regular maintenance and act quickly if any faults are identified.

To find or check a registered commercial Gas Safe engineer, visit:
https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/find-an-engineer-or-check-the-register/

Walsall Council has appointed construction firm Interclass to deliver a major transformation of King George V Playing Fields in Bloxwich.

The project will bring a range of improvements to the popular park, including the construction of a new pavilion, upgraded changing facilities and toilets, and the potential for a café and community events space.

Plans also include a new artificial sports pitch, multi-use games areas, enhanced landscaping and improved parking. The council says the upgrades will help attract more visitors to the park, creating a safer and more welcoming environment for local residents.

Work is due to begin on 23 March 2026, following the recent approval of planning permission, marking a key step forward in the delivery of the scheme.

The redevelopment forms part of the £25 million government-funded Bloxwich Town Deal, which is supporting improvements to local parks and community spaces across the area.

Councillor Louise Harrison, Mayor of Walsall, said:

“ I’m really excited to see boots on the ground in King George V Playing Fields and as a local resident I will be keeping a keen eye as the project progresses! The plans look fantastic and will bring a real boost to the local area “

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

“ Appointing Interclass is a major step forward as we move from planning into delivery. We’re pleased to have an experienced contractor on board to bring these exciting plans to life. King George V Playing Field is an important community asset in Bloxwich and these improvements will provide modern, accessible facilities that encourage more people to get active, spend time outdoors and take pride in their local area. We’re looking forward to work starting on site in March “

Interclass, which has delivered a range of public sector projects across the Midlands, will work alongside the council and partners to deliver the scheme.

Des O’Neill, Managing Director at Interclass, said:

“ We are delighted to have been appointed by Walsall Council to deliver the improvements to King George V Playing Field. As a local contractor, we are particularly proud to be delivering a scheme that will leave a lasting positive legacy for the Bloxwich community. In addition to constructing the new pavilion and sports facilities, we are committed to delivering meaningful social value throughout the project. This will include engaging with schools and community groups, creating employment and apprenticeship opportunities, supporting local supply chains, and ensuring that wherever possible we reinvest in the local economy “

The new pavilion will replace the existing building and provide improved facilities for sports teams and visitors, alongside flexible space for community use. An extension to the car park will increase capacity to around 140 spaces, helping to ease parking pressures in nearby streets.

Residents will receive further updates ahead of construction starting, including details on site arrangements and any temporary disruption. During the works, the main car park will be closed, although parking on William Wiggin Avenue will remain available.

The full scheme is expected to be completed by spring 2027.

Walsall has secured a £1.5 million investment as part of a national programme aimed at improving neighbourhoods and boosting community pride.

The borough is one of just 64 local authority areas selected to receive funding through the Pride in Place Impact Fund (PIPIF), a government initiative launched in 2025. The programme will provide up to £1.5 million per area over two years to support visible improvements in local communities.

The funding will be used across several wards in Walsall, with a focus on enhancing public spaces, supporting community organisations and delivering projects that strengthen local pride and wellbeing.

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

“ We are delighted to have been awarded this additional funding. The money will be split between a number of wards across the borough to provide tangible improvements for local people.

The funding will cover improvements to parks and green spaces, grants for community organisations to improve their facilities and services and other place-based contributions towards projects aimed at increasing local pride, wellbeing, economic growth and community cohesion.

I look forward to seeing the plans for this funding firmed up ready to deliver real improvements for local communities over the next two years. “

While final decisions on specific projects are still being developed, the funding will be focused around three key areas: revitalising high streets and town centres, improving public spaces, and supporting community facilities.

The council has already been working closely with local voluntary and community groups, as well as MPs, to help identify priorities and ensure the funding is directed where it will have the greatest impact.

A first list of projects set to benefit from the funding is expected to be announced in the coming months.

Walsall Trading Standards has completed a borough-wide inspection of weighbridges, with several found to be operating inaccurately.

The four-day operation, carried out between 3 and 6 February 2026, involved checks on 21 weighbridges used to measure heavy vehicles. The exercise aimed to ensure equipment is working correctly and to reduce the risk of overloaded vehicles on local roads.

Officers used specialist equipment during the inspections, placing one-tonne test weights onto each weighbridge using a forklift. This allowed them to assess whether the systems were providing accurate readings under real working conditions.

Following the checks, five weighbridges were found to be inaccurate. Operators have now been given 28 days to carry out repairs and bring their equipment back into compliance.

Councillor Adam Hicken, Portfolio Holder for Enforcement and Safe Communities at Walsall Council, said:

“ Accurate weighing is about more than just fair trade; it is a matter of public safety. When weighbridges are incorrect, there is a real risk of vehicles being overloaded, which puts immense strain on our road infrastructure and increases the danger for every road user and pedestrian in Walsall. These inspections show our commitment to holding operators accountable and ensuring our borough remains safe.

Ensuring the accuracy of weighing and measuring equipment is a cornerstone of public protection. Whether it is a jeweller’s scale, a petrol pump, a spirit measure in a pub, or a 50-ton weighbridge, these checks ensure that both businesses and the public receive exactly what they pay for. “

The work forms part of a wider regional effort, with similar inspections recently carried out by the Central England Trading Standards Authorities (CEnTSA). In some neighbouring areas, up to half of weighbridges checked required repairs, with a small number taken out of service entirely due to serious inaccuracies.

Walsall Council says it will continue to carry out targeted enforcement activity to protect consumers, support responsible businesses and improve safety across the borough.

More information about Trading Standards services in Walsall can be found at:
https://go.walsall.gov.uk/business/trading-standards

Spring has arrived in Walsall, bringing with it a packed programme of events, performances and activities for all ages.

From live music and comedy at Walsall Arena to hands-on workshops and exhibitions at The New Art Gallery, plus outdoor events in local parks, there’s plenty happening across the borough throughout March 2026.

🎤 Live entertainment at Walsall Arena

Walsall Arena is hosting a busy schedule of shows this month, including tribute acts, theatre and comedy.

Music fans can enjoy Too Much Too Young – The Story of 2Tone & Beyond on 20 March, while Oasish brings the sound of Oasis to the stage on 6 March. There’s also Hits Out of Hell, celebrating the music of Meat Loaf, and Copacabana Magic, featuring the songs of Barry Manilow.

Dance and performance are also on offer, with ME Dance Company presenting Furnace, inspired by the Black Country’s industrial heritage, alongside a range of local music showcases and concerts.

For tickets and bookings, visit: https://www.walsallarena.com

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🎨 Creativity and culture at The New Art Gallery Walsall

The New Art Gallery Walsall is offering a wide range of free and low-cost activities for families and visitors.

Highlights include a vibrant Holi celebration on 7 March, featuring storytelling, workshops and traditional art forms, as well as a series of Sunday Art Club sessions linked to events such as World Book Day and International Women’s Day.

Families with younger children can take part in Mini Makers sessions, while workshops such as Walk and Draw and Spark Young Writers provide opportunities for older children and adults to get creative.

The gallery is also hosting several exhibitions, including work exploring identity, heritage and wellbeing, alongside guided curator tours.

Find out more: https://thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk

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🌳 Get outdoors in Walsall’s parks

Residents are encouraged to get involved in outdoor activities and community projects this month.

Events include a Tiny Forest session at Barr Beacon on 3 March, where participants can help monitor tree growth and connect with nature.
Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/

Schools are also invited to take part in the Great Big School Clean, running from 13 to 29 March, helping to promote environmental awareness and community pride.
Register here: https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/

Free tennis sessions are also continuing across local parks, offering opportunities for all ages and abilities to get active.

More park events can be found via: https://go.walsall.gov.uk

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🐰 Easter activities at Walsall Leather Museum

Families can also look ahead to Easter activities at Walsall Leather Museum, starting at the end of March.

Children can enjoy creative drop-in sessions, including making bunny puppets, keyrings and pottery, alongside a new exhibition by artist Rachael Colley exploring creativity and lived experience.

More information: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/leathermuseum

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With so much on offer, March is set to be a lively and creative month across Walsall — whether you’re looking for live entertainment, family activities or a chance to get outdoors and connect with your community.