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Category: News

Health Services Continue to Manage Winter Pressures Across the Region

Health services across Walsall and the wider Black Country have continued to manage increased demand throughout February, as seasonal pressures remain in place.

Hospitals, GP services and urgent care providers have reported higher levels of activity, linked to winter illnesses and ongoing healthcare needs.

To help manage demand, residents are being encouraged to use appropriate services, including NHS 111, pharmacies and GP appointments, where suitable.

Health providers have implemented additional measures to maintain service delivery, ensuring that urgent and emergency care remains available for those who need it most.

Managing demand during the winter period remains a key focus for local health services, with continued efforts to support patients and maintain safe levels of care.

Contractor Appointed for Major Bloxwich Park Upgrade

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 Awarded £1.5 Million for Community Improvements

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.

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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.

Five Weighbridges Fail Accuracy Checks in Walsall Inspection

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

March Events Across Walsall: Your Guide to What’s On

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

🎨 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

🌳 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

🐰 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

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.

Libraries Saved as Sutton Town Council Takes Over Services

Local libraries in Sutton Coldfield have been given a new lease of life after the Town Council stepped in to take over their running.

The move follows concerns that services could be reduced or closed under previous plans, with facilities in Mere Green, Boldmere and Walmley now operating under a new Town Council-led model.

The change, which came into effect in November 2025, has already seen extended opening hours and increased usage across all sites. Residents had previously voiced strong support for keeping the libraries open during public consultation.

The new service ensures at least one library is open somewhere in the town from Monday to Saturday, helping maintain access to vital community spaces used by thousands each week.

Sutton Coldfield Residents Invited to Annual Meeting of Electors

Residents in Sutton Coldfield are invited to attend the town’s Annual Meeting of Electors, which will take place on Wednesday 18 March 2026.

The meeting will be held at The Trinity Centre, starting at 6pm, and provides an opportunity for local people to raise and discuss issues affecting the town.

Although chaired by the Mayor, the event is not a formal Town Council meeting. Instead, it is held in line with the Local Government Act 1972 and is designed to give residents a direct voice on matters of local interest. A report on Town Council activity will also be presented during the session.

The full notice and agenda are available online for those wishing to review the topics in advance.

Due to limited capacity at the venue, residents are asked to book a place ahead of time. Spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

To reserve a place, contact Sutton Coldfield Town Council by emailing enquiries@suttoncoldfieldtowncouncil.gov.uk or calling 0121 663 1765.

Town Rangers Expanded to Tackle Litter and Improve Public Spaces

Sutton Coldfield’s Town Ranger service is being expanded as part of a wider effort to improve streets, parks and open spaces.

A new five-year contract, launched in February 2026, will see nearly 50% more tasks carried out across the town, including litter picking, graffiti removal and clearing overgrown areas.

The enhanced service will also cover more than 200 regular jobs and introduce environmentally friendly measures such as electric vehicles and improved biodiversity support.

Residents can also suggest areas that need attention, helping shape how the service responds to local concerns.

£20 Million ‘Pride in Place’ Fund to Transform Sutton Coldfield

Sutton Coldfield is set for a major boost, with £20 million of investment planned over the next decade through the Pride in Place programme.

The funding will focus on improving key areas such as the town centre, local neighbourhoods and community spaces, with priorities shaped by feedback from more than 3,700 residents.

Plans include enhancing transport links, improving safety, and creating more opportunities for young people, alongside investment in green spaces and public facilities.

The Town Council is leading the programme, making it one of the few councils of its kind to manage funding on this scale.

Sutton Coldfield Town Centre Set for Major Regeneration and New Investment

Sutton Coldfield town centre is undergoing significant change, with new developments and investment aimed at boosting the local economy.

Plans include a £25 million regeneration scheme, new retail and leisure opportunities, and improvements to public spaces.

Major developments already underway include a new Aldi store, investment in the Gracechurch Centre, and the transformation of the Cottage Hospital into a community health hub.

The council says the improvements are designed to attract visitors, support businesses and encourage more people to spend time in the town centre.