Month: August 2026

Residents and businesses across Walsall will soon have another opportunity to comment on the borough’s emerging Local Plan, with the next formal consultation due to begin in September.

Following a special Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 26 August 2026, the latest version of the Walsall Borough Local Plan is now set to progress to Regulation 19 consultation. The timetable will allow the council to work towards the Government’s end-of-December deadline.

The publication version of the Plan has been developed following feedback received during consultation on the earlier Issues and Preferred Options document at the end of 2025.

From 14 September 2026, residents, businesses and other interested parties will be invited to consider whether the Plan has been prepared in line with the correct procedures and whether it meets the national tests of soundness required before it can be adopted.

“ The Local Plan is about planning for the future of our borough, supporting jobs, investment, regeneration and infrastructure, while protecting our heritage and green spaces.

Council’s must have a Local Plan and seek to meet government housing targets. Without one, we risk losing control over where development takes place.

We have taken a brownfield-first approach, but previously developed land can only deliver around a quarter of the housing we are required to plan for. As a result, the draft Plan includes some Green Belt land, although this is not a step we would take if realistic alternatives existed.

The Plan also includes measures to protect communities, including controls on HMOs and children’s care homes, and proposals for a Community Infrastructure Levy so developers contribute towards local improvements.

We know people will have different views, which is why we are encouraging everyone to take part in the Regulation 19 consultation. Feedback is vital in helping us shape a plan that balances national requirements with the needs of local residents, businesses and communities. “

The Local Plan sets out how land across the borough could be used in future, including provision for housing, employment, infrastructure and regeneration, while also identifying areas where protection is required.

This stage of the process will focus specifically on the legal compliance and soundness of the Plan rather than reopening the earlier process of choosing between development options.

Once the six-week consultation has concluded, Walsall Council will consider whether the Plan should be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for independent examination.

An appointed Planning Inspector would then assess the council’s evidence alongside the representations submitted during the consultation and determine whether the Plan meets the necessary requirements.

The sites contained within the publication version are considered by the council to be the most appropriate options available for meeting Walsall’s identified needs for housing and other land uses. Any subsequent changes would be considered through the Inspector’s examination and recommendations.

The Regulation 19 consultation will open on Monday 14 September 2026 and remain open for six weeks.

Residents will be able to view the Plan and submit comments online. A series of in-person and online meetings will also take place during the consultation period, with further details to be announced.

More information about the consultation and how to take part is available on the Walsall Borough Local Plan Commonplace page:
https://wblpreg19.commonplace.is/

Willenhall Market is preparing for a major upgrade, with improvement works set to introduce permanent trading spaces, new pop-up stalls and a refreshed look for the town-centre market.

The project will replace the current temporary stalls with a courtyard-style arrangement of 12 permanent units, alongside a new collection of fully branded pop-up stalls.

Together, the changes are intended to give the market a more cohesive appearance and establish a clearer Willenhall Market identity, while creating an improved environment for both traders and visitors.

Permanent stalls will offer traders better facilities throughout the year, including greater protection during the winter months. The additional pop-up spaces will allow the market to accommodate seasonal businesses, visiting traders and special events more easily.

Councillor Nicky Barker, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration at Walsall Council, said:

“ These improvements mark an exciting new chapter for Willenhall Market and will help create a market that is more attractive, safer and better equipped for the future.

“Markets play an important role in bringing people into our town centres, supporting local traders and creating places where communities can come together. By investing in new permanent stalls alongside flexible pop-up spaces, we can create a market that is able to attract new traders while supporting those who are already part of the market.
“

As well as improving the appearance of the market, the redevelopment will tackle several practical issues associated with the existing temporary setup. More robust stall structures will help create a safer trading environment, reduce potential trip hazards and provide better protection against poor weather.

Funding for the project has been provided through the UK Government’s Community Regeneration Partnership (CRP), which supports schemes aimed at strengthening local economies and communities.

The market improvements form part of wider regeneration and investment activity taking place across Willenhall.

Work is scheduled to begin on 1 September 2026 and will be completed in phases. Willenhall Market is expected to remain open throughout the works, with traders and visitors receiving further updates as the project progresses.

Once completed, the revamped market will also be supported by a dedicated team of Market Operatives, helping to maintain the site and provide a positive experience for traders and shoppers.

Walsall Council is inviting both existing and prospective traders to find out more about opportunities at the new-look market.

Further information about becoming a market trader and making an enquiry is available through the Council’s website:
https://go.walsall.gov.uk/business/markets-street-trading-and-car-boot-sales/how-to-become-a-market-trader

Walsall Council is shining a spotlight on the borough’s allotment communities as gardeners across the country mark National Allotments Week 2026.

Running from Monday 10 to Sunday 16 August, this year’s campaign has the theme ‘Grow to Learn’, highlighting the knowledge, confidence and practical skills people can develop through allotment gardening.

The annual event also celebrates the wider contribution allotments make to physical and mental wellbeing, education and stronger community connections.

The week comes shortly after a landmark achievement for Walsall, with Grenfell Road Allotments in Little Bloxwich becoming the first allotment site in the borough to earn a prestigious Green Flag Award.

The national award recognises high-quality parks and green spaces, with locations assessed against criteria including cleanliness, safety, maintenance, management and community involvement.

The success of Grenfell Road Allotments reflects many of the values being promoted during National Allotments Week, demonstrating how well-managed growing spaces can support local people while encouraging biodiversity and healthier lifestyles.

“ “National Allotments Week is an opportunity to celebrate the many benefits that our allotments bring to communities across Walsall.

“As well as providing spaces to grow fresh fruit and vegetables, allotments encourage people of all ages to be active, spend more time outdoors and connect with nature. Allotments are places where new skills can be learnt, knowledge shared and confidence built, supporting both physical and mental wellbeing.

“The recent Green Flag Award achieved by Grenfell Road Allotments highlights the important role green spaces play in promoting health, wellbeing and biodiversity, while providing welcoming places for residents to enjoy.” “

Councillor Matthew Eason, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing
Walsall Council

National Allotments Week has been organised annually by the National Allotment Society (NAS) since 2002 and aims to raise awareness of the important part allotments play in communities throughout the UK.

During the week, allotment holders and gardening groups are encouraged to celebrate their plots, share their experiences and showcase the benefits that come from growing fruit, vegetables, flowers and other plants.

“Allotments have always been more than just a place to grow food. They are hubs of community spirit, wellbeing, and environmental awareness. National Allotments Week is our chance to celebrate their enduring value and to invite others to experience the joys and rewards of allotment gardening.”

Mike Farrell, Chair
NAS

For both experienced growers and those discovering gardening for the first time, allotments can provide opportunities to learn new skills, spend time outdoors and enjoy the satisfaction of growing produce.

Residents can find further information about allotments and community gardens in Walsall through the council website.

Trading Standards officers have removed 86 disposable barbecues from sale after carrying out checks at more than 50 retailers across Walsall.

The inspections followed the introduction of temporary Government restrictions on the sale and supply of disposable BBQs on 14 August. The measures were brought in amid heightened concerns over wildfires as drought and heatwave conditions continue across parts of the country.

Under the temporary guidance, retailers are being asked not to offer disposable barbecues for sale, either in stores or online.

Walsall Council Trading Standards officers visited businesses in areas including Bloxwich, Brownhills, Walsall town centre, Pleck, Pelsall and Willenhall to make traders aware of the restrictions and ensure they were complying with the new requirements.

The majority of businesses inspected had already removed disposable BBQs from their shelves. However, seven traders were found to still have them available for purchase and were instructed to withdraw them from sale immediately.

In total, officers removed 86 disposable barbecues from sale during the visits.

The checks come during a prolonged spell of hot and dry weather that has increased the risk of grass and wildfires. Several fires have already been reported across the borough, including incidents in Willenhall, Brownhills, Aldridge and Pleck.

Councillor Ian Benton, Portfolio Holder for Street Scene and Enforcement, said the council had responded quickly to the introduction of the temporary measures, with Trading Standards teams visiting dozens of businesses to offer guidance and check compliance.

He welcomed the fact that most retailers had already acted but said officers had intervened wherever disposable BBQs remained on sale.

Residents are also being urged to remain cautious while using parks, open spaces and other outdoor areas. Prolonged dry conditions mean grass and vegetation can ignite easily, allowing even a small fire to spread rapidly.

Barbecues are prohibited in all Walsall Council parks and green spaces.

To help reduce the risk of wildfires, residents are being asked to avoid lighting fires, bonfires or campfires; dispose of cigarettes safely; take extra care if using a barbecue on private property; and remove litter or dispose of waste responsibly.

Wildfires can pose a serious danger to people and animals as well as damaging local habitats and the wider environment.

The temporary Government measures will remain under review and may change as drought, heatwave and wildfire conditions develop. Retailers are encouraged to check GOV.UK for the latest guidance.

Around 40 supported learning students from Walsall College have been given the chance to explore different career paths and build confidence in the workplace through an employability programme delivered with Walsall Council and HomeServe.

The Employability and Neurodiversity Empowerment programme introduced students to people working across a range of roles, with council and HomeServe employees sharing their own career journeys, workplace experiences and lived experiences of neurodiversity.

A key focus of the sessions was helping young people recognise the strengths they could bring to an employer. Students also heard how inclusive workplaces can support different needs and benefit from a workforce made up of people who think, communicate and approach problems in different ways.

As part of the programme, students were also invited to take part in a SEND Internship Day at Walsall Council’s Environmental Depot on 22 May.

The visit gave the group an opportunity to see a working environment first-hand and find out more about careers within environmental services. Students toured the depot, spoke to members of staff and discovered more about the work carried out each day to help keep Walsall clean and safe.

Interactive demonstrations formed part of the experience, giving students a chance to become more familiar with a workplace setting while discovering roles they may not previously have considered, including careers outside a traditional office environment.

Councillor Matt Eason, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, said:

“ Everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their potential and build a rewarding career.

“These sessions and the internship day have helped demonstrate that there are a wide range of opportunities available, whatever someone’s background or abilities. By working with partners such as HomeServe and Walsall College, we can help young people build confidence, recognise their strengths and take the next steps towards employment. “

Mark Hickman, Healthy Spaces Community Officer, added:

“ It was a privilege to meet so many enthusiastic students and share our experiences of the workplace.

“It has been incredibly rewarding to see students grow in confidence throughout the sessions, and I hope they leave knowing they have valuable skills to offer future employers. I am excited to see where their ambitions take them next.

“The programme was developed and coordinated through Walsall Council’s Healthy Spaces team as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, which connects local businesses and organisations with opportunities to make a positive difference in their communities. It is making a significant impact across the borough by helping residents build confidence, develop skills and realise their potential. “

Feedback collected after the programme suggests it had a considerable impact on students’ confidence and ambitions.

Eight in ten students said they would like to work in the future, while 70 per cent said they felt confident or very confident that they could secure a job.

There was also a notable rise in the number of students who believed an employer would support their individual needs. Before the sessions, 45 per cent felt confident they would receive appropriate support, compared with 80 per cent afterwards.

Students described the programme as a positive experience, with comments including: “It has helped with my anxiety”, “It has made me feel more confident”, “I have learnt to focus on my strengths” and “They showed that disability can be a superpower.”

The initiative was coordinated through Walsall Council’s Healthy Spaces team and forms part of its wider Corporate Social Responsibility programme, which works with businesses and organisations to create opportunities that benefit people and communities across the borough.

More than 100 families came together at The New Art Gallery Walsall for this year’s BabyFest, with parents and carers able to access activities, practical advice and support from local organisations.

The free event, organised by Walsall Council’s Family Hubs team, took place on Tuesday 4 August as part of the borough’s programme of activities for World Breastfeeding Week.

Designed to support families from pregnancy through the early years and beyond, BabyFest combined expert guidance with activities for babies and young children.

Visitors could take part in sensory sessions delivered by Baby & Us, enjoy The Tiger Who Came to Tea-inspired arts and crafts and explore a range of interactive play activities. An Introduction to Solids session was also available, while every child attending the event received a free book to take home.

More than 15 local organisations were represented throughout the day, giving families the chance to speak directly with professionals from health, council and voluntary sector services.

Advice and information covered areas including infant feeding, vaccinations, child development, family wellbeing and activities available within the community.

Feedback from parents attending the event was positive, with one saying, “I had a lovely morning. There were lots of opportunities to speak to helpful professionals.”

Another parent commented, “It was excellent, a great support network. There was a variety of fun activities to keep children entertained, and lots of freebies!”

“Supporting families with infant feeding is about much more than nutrition. It’s about creating a strong support network that gives parents and carers the confidence, knowledge and reassurance they need during the early stages of their child’s life.

BabyFest is a fantastic example of organisations across Walsall working together to give parents and carers everything they need to give children the best possible start in life, especially from those early days. It was wonderful to see so many parents, carers and children enjoying the activities, accessing expert advice and meeting others at similar stages of their parenting journey.

There is a wealth of support available through our Family Hubs and partner organisations, and I would encourage families to explore the services on offer and get involved.”

Councillor Lisa Jones, Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Skills at Walsall Council

Breastfeeding can present a range of challenges for parents, with national research identifying common concerns such as difficulties with latching, milk supply, discomfort and engorgement.

The event formed part of World Breastfeeding Week, which runs from 1 to 7 August 2026 and aims to highlight the importance of effective breastfeeding support while raising awareness of the help available to families.

Support continues across Walsall’s four Family Hubs, where breastfeeding peer groups are taking place throughout the week.

Families can also make use of the Walsall Welcomes Breastfeeding Scheme, which has grown to include more than 60 breastfeeding-friendly venues across the borough.

Information about infant feeding, local support groups and participating breastfeeding-friendly venues is available through the Walsall Family Hubs website.

Walsall’s library network is set to benefit from a £170,000 investment after securing support through the Libraries Improvement Fund. The funding will help deliver refurbishment works, facility upgrades, and new technology across libraries in the borough.

The investment is designed to modernise library spaces and ensure services continue to meet the evolving needs of local residents. Planned improvements include enhancements to existing buildings and the introduction of technology aimed at making services more accessible and user-friendly.

Walsall was one of four library services in the West Midlands to receive funding through the Government’s £19.7 million Arts Everywhere Fund, which supports greater access to arts and culture in communities across the UK.

Delivered by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the programme includes the Libraries Improvement Fund, helping services modernise facilities and respond to changing community needs.

“Libraries are more than buildings with books in, libraries are about people, ideas and opportunity. The Libraries Improvement Fund helps libraries to flourish as safe, trusted spaces for their communities.

We’re pleased to be supporting Walsall Council with £170,000 to improve the flexibility of their existing space and introduce new technology to engage with community feedback, strengthening their offer for many years to come.”

— Liz Johnson, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England

The funding will be shared across Walsall’s seven community libraries: Aldridge, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Darlaston, Lichfield Street Hub (Central Library & Archives), Streetly, and Willenhall.

A key part of the programme will focus on Darlaston Library, where the first floor will be redeveloped into a more flexible space capable of hosting a wider range of community-led activities.

Across all seven sites, multilingual customer satisfaction kiosks and portable feedback devices will also be introduced to help gather resident feedback and shape future service improvements.

The upgrades are expected to strengthen Walsall’s library offering, ensuring welcoming, accessible spaces that remain fit for purpose in the years ahead.