Month: April 2026

Residents in Walsall are being urged to check they are registered to vote ahead of the Local Elections on Thursday 7 May 2026.

To take part, voters must be on the electoral register. The deadline to register is midnight on Monday 20 April 2026, and registration can be completed quickly online via the official government website: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Anyone planning to vote in person will also need to bring valid photo ID to their polling station. Accepted forms include a UK passport or driving licence. A full list of accepted identification is available on the Electoral Commission website: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id

For those who do not have suitable ID, a free Voter Authority Certificate can be applied for online at: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate
The deadline to apply is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026.

Voters who are unable to attend a polling station can apply for a postal or proxy vote. Postal vote applications must be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026, while proxy vote applications close at 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026. More information and application details can be found via the Electoral Commission: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/ways-vote

There will be 123 polling stations open across the borough on election day, operating between 7am and 10pm. Votes will be counted the following day, with results expected on Friday 8 May.

Emma Bennett, Returning Officer and Chief Executive at Walsall Council, said:

“ Registering to vote is a simple but important step in taking part in local democracy. We want to make sure that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so, and I would encourage residents to check their registration details as soon as possible. If you have turned 18, or if you have moved home recently, it’s particularly important that you act now to ensure you are registered. “

This year’s election will see all 60 council seats contested at the same time, following changes to ward boundaries introduced after a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England. After this “all out” election, Walsall will return to its usual cycle of electing councillors in stages.

Key dates

• Register to vote by: midnight, Monday 20 April 2026
• Postal vote deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 21 April 2026
• Proxy vote deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 28 April 2026
• Voter ID certificate deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 28 April 2026
• Polling Day: Thursday 7 May 2026 (7am–10pm)
• Count and results: Friday 8 May 2026

Residents who are unsure whether they are registered, or who need further assistance, can contact Walsall Council’s Electoral Services team by calling 01922 652502 or emailing electionoffice@walsall.gov.uk.

Walsall is celebrating a major achievement, with 1,000 local food businesses now awarded the top 5-star Food Hygiene Rating.

Out of 1,720 premises inspected across the borough, more than half have reached the highest standard, highlighting strong levels of food safety and hygiene in Walsall’s food sector.

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme assesses businesses based on how well they manage food safety risks. Inspections focus on three main areas: how food is handled, the cleanliness and condition of the premises, and the effectiveness of food safety management systems.

Officers look closely at how food is prepared, cooked, stored and reheated, as well as the steps taken to prevent contamination. They also assess the overall environment, including cleanliness, maintenance, ventilation and pest control, alongside the business’s record keeping and safety procedures.

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

“ Reaching 1,000 five-star food hygiene ratings is a fantastic achievement for Walsall and reflects the hard work and commitment of our local businesses.

“A 5-star rating is not awarded lightly. It demonstrates consistent high standards, strong management and a clear focus on protecting customers.

“We want to recognise and congratulate every one of the 1,000 businesses that have achieved this milestone. Their commitment to food safety helps to protect public health and maintain confidence in Walsall’s thriving food sector. “

Earning a 5-star rating requires businesses to consistently meet high standards and take a proactive approach to managing food safety risks.

Well-maintained procedures and clear documentation are key, but staff training also plays a crucial role. When teams understand best practice in areas such as food handling, temperature control and hygiene, it helps reduce risks and ensures standards are upheld in day-to-day operations.

Walsall Council says it will continue to support food businesses across the borough, offering guidance and advice to help more establishments improve and reach the highest rating.

Walsall Council is updating its approach to supporting residents’ mental, financial and overall wellbeing, building on four years of its Mental Wellbeing Strategy.

The refreshed approach follows the success of the borough’s Thrive Mobile Wellbeing Unit – known locally as Let’s Chat – which has played a key role in connecting residents with support services.

Delivered in partnership with local organisations including Bloxwich Community Partnership, Manor Farm Community Association and Walsall Transport, the mobile unit has recorded around 3,000 visits during 2025/26 so far. By bringing support directly into neighbourhoods, it has helped residents access advice and services in a more accessible and informal way.

The mobile unit will complete its current phase at the end of March 2026. However, the council says its impact will continue to shape how support is delivered across the borough.

A new model is now being developed, designed to strengthen wellbeing support within existing community services and organisations. This work will link closely with the introduction of the Crisis and Resilience Fund, helping ensure residents can access the right support when they need it.

Nadia Inglis, Director of Public Health at Walsall Council, said:

“ The mobile unit has completed a hugely successful chapter in supporting residents with their mental wellbeing, particularly as we came out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our priority is ensuring that adults, families, and communities in Walsall continue to receive the right support in the right place, at the right time. Building on the success of the Thrive Unit and a range of other initiatives, we are ensuring that support within local communities continue that is easy to access and sustainable for the future. “

Eleanor Boycott, Chief Executive Officer at Bloxwich Community Partnership, added:

“ Let’s Chat began as a simple commitment to reconnect with communities emerging from the isolation of the COVID 19 pandemic. It has since supported communities, meeting individuals in the heart of their neighbourhoods, rebuilding confidence, supporting wellbeing and proving that meaningful conversation can change lives. “

Ongoing support for residents

Despite the changes, a wide range of free and confidential support services will continue to be available across Walsall.

Residents can access mental health support through Rethink Community Mental Health Services, including the Sanctuary Hub in Bloxwich, which offers out-of-hours support and outreach.

Be Well Walsall continues to provide up to 12 weeks of support to help improve physical health and wellbeing, including weight management, smoking cessation and NHS health checks for eligible residents.

Support is also available for those affected by alcohol or drug use through Change Grow Live, which offers both one-to-one and group support, as well as treatment services and help accessing wider care.

For those experiencing loneliness or isolation, Making Connections Walsall offers personalised support to help people build social networks and engage with their local community.

Residents can also access advice on finances, welfare and the cost of living through Citizens Advice Walsall, alongside digital support and local services through Walsall Connected centres.

Specialist help is also available for gambling-related harm, with a dedicated directory signposting residents to appropriate services.

Young people will continue to be supported through POP Walsall and a range of community organisations.

Getting help

Anyone needing urgent support for their mental wellbeing is advised to contact NHS 111 or use the online service to speak to a trained professional.

The council says the new Crisis and Resilience Fund, launching in April 2026, will play an important role in supporting residents facing financial hardship, while also helping to build long-term resilience across communities.

Walsall Council has confirmed plans to relocate the Leather Museum to a new site in the heart of the town centre.

The museum will move from its current home on Littleton Street West to a newly purchased building at 1–3 The Bridge, positioned between the High Street and the Walsall Leather Skills Centre.

The building, originally constructed as a drapers store, features large display windows and a prominent corner position. The council says the move offers an opportunity to restore the building’s original character while creating a more visible and accessible cultural space.

Inside, the open-plan layout will allow the museum to evolve, with space for exhibitions, learning activities, workshops and community use. Residents and stakeholders will be invited to help shape how the space is developed in the coming months.

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

“ Purchasing this building shows our commitment to Walsall Leather Museum and to showcasing Walsall’s proud leather-making heritage. The museum is not closing permanently, and we want to ensure it remains an important part of the borough’s cultural offer for future generations.

“This new site brings together two defining strands of Walsall’s heritage – its proud history as a market town and its international reputation for excellence in leather making. Relocating the museum to the town centre will boost footfall, improve access and visibility, and strengthen links with wider town-centre regeneration and key cultural assets including The New Art Gallery Walsall and the emerging Creative Industries Enterprise Centre due to open later this year.

“We know some residents may have concerns about the relocation, but we want to reassure them that their museum will continue to play an important role in Walsall’s future. We are keen to hear from anyone with ideas to help shape the next chapter for the museum. Further community engagement will take place this summer, building on consultation already carried out and involving both local communities and the leather industry, to help co-design the future museum. “

The move has also been welcomed by local partners. Patrick Burns, Director of the Walsall Leather Skills Centre, said:

“ Walsall is rightly proud of its rich heritage in the leather and saddle-making industry, and the council’s investment in new premises for Walsall Leather Museum is very welcome. I fully support this move to what has to be a more accessible and visible resource, contributing moreover to the regeneration of the heart of Walsall.

“Its new location, right next to the Walsall Leather Skills Centre, presents a great opportunity to inspire local people and visitors alike to reconnect with Walsall’s heritage and rediscover the story of the town’s proud leather-making history. I look forward to working closely with the museum as it enters this exciting new chapter. “

The council says the decision follows earlier feasibility work exploring how museum provision in the borough could better support regeneration and community engagement. While no final design or budget has been confirmed, the new location is seen as a key step in strengthening the museum’s long-term future.

The museum will close its current site after Saturday 11 April 2026, with all planned Easter activities going ahead as scheduled before then.

During the transition, collections will be safely stored, including a specialist archive of around 600 items such as books, trade catalogues and historic photographs documenting Walsall’s leather industry. The process will be overseen by specialists to ensure items are protected.

Community groups currently based at the museum will continue to be supported, with some activities relocating temporarily to other venues, including The New Art Gallery Walsall.

The council has confirmed that no compulsory redundancies are expected, with staff redeployed while the museum prepares for its next phase.

A local community organisation is supporting women across Walsall to build confidence, improve emotional wellbeing and feel more connected through a growing programme of mental health support.

Kaushalya UK, which works to empower women from diverse backgrounds, is delivering a range of sessions focused on wellbeing, personal development and support for those affected by domestic abuse.

At the heart of this work is the Let’s Talk Happiness programme, funded by Walsall Council’s Public Health team. The initiative aims to provide inclusive, community-based support for people experiencing anxiety, isolation or low mood, as well as offering tailored sessions for young people, older adults, neurodivergent individuals and those living with dementia.

Since launching in October 2025, sessions have been running twice a week in Bentley and Walsall town centre. The programme covers a wide range of topics, including building emotional resilience, developing coping strategies, improving lifestyle habits and strengthening social connections.

Support is delivered through a mix of workshops, group discussions, therapeutic sessions and community activities. Each session is adapted to meet the needs of participants, with a focus on accessibility, cultural understanding and language inclusivity.

Participants have shared the positive impact the sessions have had on their lives:

“It’s had a big impact on my health and wellbeing.”

“The sessions are something to look forward to by learning new skills with knowledge. I just love the group I’m with. They are such a joy and bring colour into my life.”

“They have helped me be confident, positive and connected to others. Attending the group is my escape from my daily pressures from home.”

Nadia Inglis, Director of Public Health at Walsall Council, said:

“ Women in Walsall want to feel heard, respected and supported when it comes to their health and wellbeing.

Kaushalya UK’s work is a powerful example of how community-based support tailored to the cultures and needs of women can help build confidence, resilience and a deeper understanding of their own health.

By creating safe, inclusive spaces where women can talk openly about their mental wellbeing, we are not only improving individual lives but strengthening families and communities. As we continue our wider women’s health campaign, this work is vital in making sure every woman, at every stage of life, has the information, support and opportunities she needs to thrive. “

Alongside its wellbeing work, Kaushalya UK also provides confidential support for women experiencing domestic abuse, including honour-based abuse and forced marriage. Services include emotional support, guidance on legal rights, safety planning, help with finances and access to specialist counselling and accommodation.

The Let’s Talk Happiness programme is now expanding to reach more communities. From March 2026, sessions will also take place in Bloxwich and Pelsall, offering more residents the opportunity to take part.

Anyone interested in joining or finding out more can contact the organisation directly via email.