Andy Giddings

Stourbridge Golf Club has partially reopened after a major fire destroyed or damaged large parts of the course, including hundreds of trees, 600 metres of hedgerow and a storage building. Six holes are expected to reopen to members, while the clubhouse has already resumed operations. Chairman Simon Markey estimates full restoration could cost more than £1m and says the club may lose 800 to 1,000 trees. The fire also destroyed 19 homes and damaged 18 others, prompting support from emergency services, residents, members, the council and other golf clubs.

Loxie and Robin Williams lost their Stourbridge home of 26 years after wildfires spread across more than 500 acres in the West Midlands. Nineteen properties were destroyed and 18 damaged, while more than 100 firefighters worked to contain the flames and protect neighbouring homes. The couple praised the firefighters and community volunteers who supported evacuated residents, but expect rebuilding their home to take more than two years.

Ben Upton, 27, from Highley, Shropshire, was jailed for 18 weeks after West Mercia Police caught him driving a Vauxhall Zafira while disqualified in Much Wenlock. He admitted driving while disqualified and using a vehicle without third-party insurance after a brief foot chase, and was brought before magistrates the following day. He was also disqualified from driving for a further five years.

Three climbers from Bridgnorth rescued a sheep nicknamed Flossy from a tiny ledge about 20 metres above the ground at Clee Hill quarry. Lewis Sunderland, Dan Carter and Molly Howells climbed to the animal, secured it and lowered it to safety in a large bag borrowed from a farmer. Flossy was reunited with her flock, while her owner expressed strong appreciation for the rescuers.

The Severn Valley Railway plans to build a £1m platform canopy at Kidderminster Town Station using about 10% original metalwork rescued from Wolverhampton Low Level station. Based on the former Great Western Railway canopy, the structure is intended to complete the station’s double platform, improve shelter and accessibility, and preserve railway heritage. Fundraising is under way, with construction expected to begin in early 2027 and finish by March.

Routes for the road races at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham have been confirmed, with marathon and race walk events free for spectators. Race walks on 15 August will follow a 1km city-centre loop, while marathons on 16 August begin and end at Victoria Square and follow an eight-lap circuit. Organisers highlighted key viewing points and reported strong ticket sales for stadium events starting on 10 August, which will feature multiple finals on the closing day.

A hole that appeared on the B4364 near Harpswood Bridge has forced a partial closure of the main route between Bridgnorth and Ludlow. Shropshire Council is investigating the cause, plans repairs for early next week and has put a diversion in place. Severn Trent Water inspected the site and confirmed no leaks in the water main beneath the road.

A city council report shows rising identification of children at risk of exploitation in Wolverhampton, with sexual exploitation cases decreasing and criminal exploitation increasing. Boys now constitute the majority of affected children, and minority ethnic groups remain disproportionately impacted. The number of young people supported by the child exploitation team has grown sharply, reflecting both increased demand and improved monitoring. Contributing risk factors include deprivation, neurodiversity, domestic abuse and neglect, while adult exploitation such as financial abuse and cuckooing is also becoming more visible. The report highlights effective multi‑agency responses but warns that evolving criminal activity is placing growing pressure on support services.

Aaron Rai reflects on the emotional impact of becoming the first Englishman in over a century to win the US PGA Championship while preparing for The Open at Royal Birkdale. He describes balancing pride in the achievement with maintaining discipline for future competitions and managing expectations as a potential contender for the upcoming tournament.

A ceremonial silver trowel used to lay the original foundation stone of St Andrew's Church in Netherton has been unexpectedly discovered by a descendant of the church’s first vicar, providing encouragement for an ongoing £1.7m restoration effort. Rev Richard Hackett views the find as symbolic motivation to share the church’s history and engage the community as it approaches the 200th anniversary of its foundation. The church, currently on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register, is seeking grants to fund repairs with the aim of being removed from the register by 2030.

A 94-year-old Telford resident, Smudge Smith, is undertaking a 100-mile walking challenge to raise funds for Severn Hospice in memory of his late wife, Margaret. He began the walk on 3 July and plans to finish on his 95th birthday, following carefully chosen routes and walking early each morning. Smith, who has long supported charities connected to his wife’s care, has already raised over £1,000. Severn Hospice staff describe him as an inspiring fundraiser demonstrating that age is no barrier.

Hot weather has sharply increased admissions at Cuan Wildlife Rescue in Shropshire, pushing the number of animals under care above 500 and accelerating demand for supplies as the charity faces rising costs. Fundraising manager Kate Thomas noted unprecedented heat-related challenges for both animals and staff and warned that climate change would bring more frequent heatwaves. The centre is seeking food, live insects, cleaning materials and Amazon gift cards as it prepares for its annual open day and dog show.

Organisers of the Newport Show in Shropshire introduced additional shade, water supplies, and cooling measures to protect visitors and animals from forecast temperatures above 30C. Preparations include support for competitors managing livestock, extra refrigeration for caterers, and advice for attendees on staying safe. Alongside agricultural competitions, the event will feature new contests such as a national brownie competition and a chilli challenge, as well as various demonstrations, displays, and entertainment.

Conservationists confirmed the first recorded sighting of the six-belted clearwing moth in Telford, discovered at Rough Park by the local butterfly and moth recording group using pheromone lures. The West Midlands Butterfly and Moth Society expressed optimism that the species may be found at additional sites due to the presence of Bird's-foot trefoil, the plant used by the moth for egg-laying. They highlighted that Telford remains under-recorded for moths despite supporting several regionally important species and urged efforts to promote the spread of the trefoil plant.

A West Midlands rescue group reports increased call-outs during hot weather and warns that rivers are unsafe for swimming due to poor water quality, hidden hazards and cold temperatures. The group urges people to use designated open-water swimming lakes and highlights risks such as cold water shock, debris and a lack of lifeguards.

A five‑day Shrewsbury comedy festival running from 8 to 12 July features more than 20 acts across several venues and supports Severn Hospice. Performers include Abandoman, Lindsey Santoro, Tez Ilyas and Scott Bennett, who will MC the finale at Theatre Severn.

Fire crews from nine Shropshire stations, supported by teams from the West Midlands and Hereford and Worcester, brought a large fire affecting 40 hectares of crops and vegetation near Bridgnorth under control after being called on Monday afternoon. Residents were thanked for following safety advice and staying clear of the area.

Eight Legia Warsaw supporters pleaded guilty to violent disorder before a 2023 Europa Conference League match at Villa Park, where clashes injured four police officers and harmed police animals. The men will be sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court in December as authorities detailed the scale of the disturbances and safety measures that prevented away fans from entering the stadium.

A former NHS employee, Emmanuel Nbanga, was convicted of stealing medical supplies from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and selling them back through an associate’s company, costing the NHS £279,000. Accomplices Solomon Adeyemi and Remilekun Olusesi were convicted of fraudulent trading and money laundering after an investigation revealed the use of a shell company and diversion of funds to personal accounts. The fraud involved repeatedly reselling stolen items, some unfit for patient use, and raised concerns about patient safety and public trust. Sentencing will occur later, with Nbanga and Adeyemi remanded as flight risks.

A former NHS employee, Emmanuel Nbanga, and two accomplices were convicted of a £279,000 fraud in which stolen hospital medical supplies were resold to the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, sometimes multiple times. Investigators discovered the scheme after noticing unusually low tender prices and matching identification numbers on returned items. Funds were routed through a shell company and personal accounts, with some supplies deemed unfit for use. The defendants await sentencing, and officials warned that such fraud undermines both financial resources and public trust in the NHS.

A bereaved mother and maternity campaigner welcomed an England-wide review into maternity care, saying the proposed maternity commissioner could drive accountability and change. The report highlighted widespread failures, particularly the failure to listen to women and families, and recommended strong emphasis on patient voices. The government pledged to appoint a commissioner, develop an action plan by December, and allocate £41 million to improve safety. Families affected by maternity failings plan to remain involved in the next phase to ensure accountability.

A critical incident has been declared at Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital due to exceptional demand, delays in patient discharge, and pressure on ambulance services amid a heatwave. The University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust is prioritising urgent and emergency care and redeploying staff, with some services and outpatient appointments disrupted by high temperatures affecting equipment and facilities. Residents are urged to use NHS 111 and other non-emergency services unless facing serious or life-threatening conditions.