Helen Attwood

A man was shot in the leg near the Corn Exchange pub on Amblecote Road in Brierley Hill shortly after 2pm on Saturday, August 15. His injuries were not life-threatening, and two men were arrested. West Midlands Police cordoned off the pub and nearby areas while beginning its investigation. The pub later reopened and resumed normal trading. Councillor Wayne Little described the shooting as shocking and linked it to concerns about sentencing, prisoner early release and wider law-and-order issues.

A fire destroyed around six homes on Brunswick Gate, a gated cul-de-sac in Pedmore, leaving several properties worth more than £1 million reduced to shells. Resident David Price, whose home survived because it was across the road from the railway line, described returning to scenes of devastation after being unable to get home during the blaze. He said affected families would need help and predicted that the homes would have to be demolished and rebuilt, potentially taking a year or more.

Hundreds of residents affected by the Stourbridge wildfires have been given instructions for a phased return home, with emergency officers assessing whether properties are safe to enter. The blaze spread across more than 500 acres and destroyed 19 homes, prompting a major incident declaration by West Midlands Fire Service. The fire service reported continued pressure from multiple major incidents across the UK, while a national wildfire warning, a temporary disposable-barbecue ban and cooler, potentially wetter weather were introduced as the heatwave eased.

Dudley Council has reported a £14 million underspend for 2025/26, its strongest financial performance in years. The council attributed the result to tighter budget controls, improved financial management and organisational discipline, while delivering £53.6 million in savings, or 88% of its savings programme. Reserves have risen to £64.2 million, enabling potential investment in vulnerable residents and regeneration, although they remain below those of comparable authorities. Unmet savings are expected to be addressed through revised plans in 2026/27, while significant pressures remain in children’s services, special educational needs and disabilities, and other demand-led areas.

Amblecote Primary School was praised in a recent Ofsted inspection for its strong curriculum, inclusive culture, safeguarding and support for pupils with special educational needs. Inspectors said pupils flourish in a calm, respectful and supportive environment, with high attendance, rare behaviour incidents and strong personal development. Phonics and maths outcomes were above the national average, while leaders were urged to continue improving writing outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged pupils.

A new Television and Movie store has opened in the former Savers unit near the bus-station entrance at Merry Hill. The shop sells pop-culture merchandise including Pokémon cards, Harry Potter and Stranger Things items, film posters, clothing, Funko Pop figures, masks and mugs. The store relocated from Redditch’s Kingfisher Centre, employs seven people under manager Steven Depper, and has six outlets across the UK. Former Dancer’s manager Dave Dancer is working as assistant manager and said the store had received strong feedback.

Local actors Rebecca Fuller and Gregory Piper are promoting two Stourbridge-based Dramaworkshop summer clubs offering drama, TV and filmmaking activities for young people aged five to 18. The programmes focus on building confidence, developing creative skills and introducing participants to performing arts and screen production. Discounts are available, and both clubs will be held at a central Stourbridge venue.

A new Evology app-based parking system at Asda’s Cornbow Shopping Centre car park has prompted confusion among users due to unclear signage, especially regarding the continuation of three hours of free parking. Local residents, business representatives, and social media commenters raised concerns about the lack of clarity, potential fines, and difficulties for elderly or disabled visitors who may not use smartphones. The centre and Asda have been contacted for clarification.

A violent incident involving a group of youths in Halesowen led shops to lock down and buses to divert. Two teenagers were arrested but later released with no further action as police continue investigating and appeal for information. One teenager suffered non‑life‑threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, while another was uninjured. Emergency services responded with multiple units, and witnesses described chaotic scenes in the town centre.

A man in his 20s died after falling from a car park on Queensway in Halesowen shortly after 6:10 a.m., with police confirming no suspicious circumstances and preparing a report for the coroner. Roads were temporarily closed while emergency services responded, and support information for those in distress was provided.

Police arrested two teenagers after a large-scale disorder involving a group fight in Halesowen town centre. A dispersal order was issued to prevent further disturbances, and authorities appealed for CCTV or mobile phone footage. Witnesses reported frightening scenes involving masked youths and weapons, prompting shops to lock down for safety.

Road closures will be in place across several town centre streets in Dudley on July 18 to support the annual Pride event, with diversions routed through surrounding roads and access allowed where safe for residents and emergency services. The celebration at Stone Street Square will feature performances, stalls and entertainment under a marquee, with DJ Porky opening the afternoon’s programme.

Sandwell Council secured a two‑month closure order for Top G's mini mart in Cradley Heath after trading standards officers found illicit tobacco being sold. The action, granted at Walsall Magistrates' Court, marks the fourth such closure in the area in recent weeks as part of a wider crackdown on illegal trading. Councillor Bob Jones emphasized the council’s commitment to protecting legitimate businesses and maintaining safe town centres. The council supports government proposals to extend maximum closure periods and continues to target illegal tobacco sales while encouraging residents seeking smoking cessation support to contact Stop for Life Sandwell.

An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, drug driving and possession of Class B drugs after a hit-and-run collision on Halesowen Road left a motorcyclist with life‑threatening injuries. Emergency crews provided advanced trauma care before transporting the victim to Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Police are appealing for witnesses and footage relevant to the incident.

A proposal to build 14 homes on the site of a former Mitsubishi Motors showroom in Halesowen was rejected by Dudley Council over concerns about overdevelopment, neighbourhood character, density, parking and highway safety. Planning officers described the scheme as excessively tall and cramped, noting that requested revisions failed to address key issues and that an informal redesign increased density further. Sandwell Council found the plan conflicted with local and national policy, while the RSPB recommended ecological improvements. Although supportive in principle of housing on the site, the council concluded that the harms outweighed the modest housing benefits.

Around 7,000 people attended the Halesowen Carnival & Music Festival at Highfields Park, where live entertainment, stalls and family activities were held as part of the Black Country Festival. Organiser Councillor Stuart Henley praised volunteers, partners and sponsors, particularly Halesowen Motor House, for helping deliver one of the event’s most successful years. He highlighted strong community spirit, significant turnout and ongoing plans to grow the celebration, encouraging interest from future sponsors ahead of the 2027 event.

A new development in Netherton, Dudley, offers two-bedroom apartments from £175,995, supported by Barratt Homes’ Deposit Boost scheme, which adds five percent toward buyers’ deposits. The apartments, including the Falkirk and Ambersham designs, feature modern layouts and upgraded kitchens, aiming to attract first-time buyers and downsizers. The site benefits from strong transport links and proximity to local amenities, with Barratt Homes promoting the project as providing comfortable, well-connected living.

A suspected unexploded World War II bomb discovered at an address on Gospel End Street in Dudley prompted a response from West Midlands Police and the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit. The device was secured and made safe in a nearby field, causing temporary traffic disruption in the area.

Three men who attacked and blackmailed a 20-year-old in West Smethwick Park were arrested after police located their vehicle and recovered the victim unharmed. All three pleaded guilty to blackmail and assault and received prison sentences of three years and four months. Investigators noted the seriousness of the incident and highlighted the coordinated police response that led to the arrests.

A motorcyclist suffered potentially serious injuries in a collision with a car at the junction of Ivyhouse Lane and Birmingham New Road in Coseley around 6:27 a.m. Emergency crews, including a passing ambulance, treated the man before taking him and the car’s driver, who had minor injuries, to Russells Hall Hospital. The road was temporarily closed but has since reopened.

Elmfield Rudolf Steiner School in Stourbridge received a positive Ofsted report, rated at the expected standard across all categories. Inspectors praised its inclusive ethos, supportive learning environment, and strong progress among pupils, including those with special educational needs. The curriculum blends Steiner-Waldorf principles with recognised qualifications, and behaviour and attendance were found to be strong. Leadership was commended, though inspectors noted some areas where greater clarity in key knowledge progression would be beneficial. Pupils reported feeling safe, supported and part of a caring school community.