Claire Harrison

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a 48-hour yellow heat health alert for the West Midlands, including Birmingham and the Black Country, from July 24 until 9am on July 26. The warning highlights increased risks for vulnerable people, greater pressure on health and social care services, overheated indoor environments, and water-related incidents. Temperatures are forecast to reach 27°C on Friday, with cooler and more changeable conditions and possible rain expected from Sunday.

A man in his 30s and a woman in her 20s died when their red Seat car left the A46 near Coventry early on July 1, prompting an eight-hour closure of the southbound carriageway. Warwickshire Police appealed for witnesses and urged anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward, while information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers.

North Warwickshire Borough Council won a Court of Appeal ruling confirming that HS2 Limited should have conducted an environmental impact assessment before extending the Bromford Tunnel into Water Orton. The court issued only a declaration due to the project’s near completion, but the decision validates local concerns about disruption and the requirement for proper oversight. Council leaders criticised HS2 Limited and government officials for disregarding community impacts, while the Government and HS2 consider a potential Supreme Court appeal. Pending further legal steps, the council plans to work with HS2 and the Department for Transport to mitigate the project’s effects on residents and businesses.