Helen Attwood

A GoFundMe campaign for nine farmers affected by the Stourbridge wildfire has raised more than £11,000, exceeding its £9,000 target. The farmers were credited with helping firefighters contain the blaze, which damaged about 500 acres and threatened nearby homes. They lost fencing, hedgerows, grazing land, crops, and livestock resources, while police and fire investigations have limited access to some fields. The funds will be distributed equally among the farmers and used for fencing and hedgerow replacement, emergency livestock feed and water, lost income, and land recovery.

Residents evacuated from the Stourbridge wildfire are returning home as firefighters continue tackling blazes across the UK. Eight families whose homes were destroyed have viewed their properties, 13 households with partially damaged homes have returned, and a further 85 unaffected households have been allowed back. Firefighters are also battling 14 wildfires in South Wales with support from services across the UK and around 200 military personnel. A Hackney man, Isaac Shozi, has been charged with arson over several fires. More than £125,000 has been raised for affected families, while cooler temperatures and rain are expected to reduce the wildfire risk.

Floral tributes were left on Powke Lane in Rowley Regis after a motorcyclist in his 30s died in a collision near Yewtree Lane. Police said the rider struck several vehicles before coming off the bike and appealed for witnesses, dashcam footage and information from the driver of a white Toyota Prius.

Residents and councillor Andrew Southall have called for around 60 flags installed along Stourbridge ring road to be removed, saying they have become tatty, bedraggled and difficult to understand. The flags were created by 16- to 19-year-old students from King Edward VI College with artist Luke Perry as part of the Arts Council England-funded Hearts of Stourbridge project. Dudley Council had permitted them to remain for one month but says they were not removed as agreed and will be taken down in the coming weeks.

Bodycare is reopening at Merry Hill as part of a rollout of 17 new stores nationwide following its purchase out of administration in 2025. The new Bodycare Studio concept will include demonstration areas, feature screens, and creator-focused spaces such as a TikTok studio. Merry Hill’s centre manager welcomes the investment and notes that major brands have recently strengthened their presence at the centre.

A new Thai restaurant, Tuk Tuk Thai, has opened on Level Street at The Waterfront in Brierley Hill, offering a range of Thai street food dishes. The venue aims to recreate the flavours and atmosphere of Bangkok food markets and has already received positive feedback from early diners. Its launch adds to the expanding dining options at The Waterfront.

A 37-year-old man, Lance Dunn, has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on August 10 to enter a plea to a wounding charge following a stabbing in Clancey Way, Cradley. Police found a man in his 40s with non-life-threatening injuries after responding to the incident on the morning of July 10, and the case was sent from magistrates' court to crown court for further proceedings.

Stourbridge Road in Halesowen will close to eastbound traffic from July 20 to July 27 to allow installation of high‑voltage electrical ducting between Earls Way and MJ Sections. Drivers will follow a diversion through Richmond Street, Church Croft, Queensway, Bromsgrove Road, Bromsgrove Street, Whitehall Road and New Road, with resident and emergency access maintained where safe.

A Care Quality Commission inspection rated Isabella’s Home Ltd in Dudley as good, citing effective leadership, positive staff culture, personalised care, and strong support for independence. Inspectors highlighted up‑to‑date care plans, collaboration with healthcare professionals, and positive feedback from service users. Identified issues included weaknesses in medicines management and incomplete safeguarding notifications, along with calls from some relatives for more activities and community engagement. Managers were recognised as responsive and committed to improvements.

Ofsted rated The Link Academy as strong in four key areas, praising its inclusive environment, supportive community and effective provision for pupils with special educational needs. Inspectors highlighted strong pastoral care, a calm atmosphere and a well-structured personal development programme. School leaders and the Dudley Academies Trust welcomed the recognition as a significant achievement reflecting the academy’s ethos and daily practice.

A Stourbridge nursery has been named one of the top 20 nurseries in the West Midlands based on parent and carer reviews on daynurseries.co.uk, marking its sixth consecutive year receiving the recognition. Managers credited staff dedication and family support, while reviewers highlighted the nursery’s high standards of care, learning opportunities, and environment. The awards compare over 1,400 nurseries in the region.

Police continue searching for the mother of a newborn girl found dead in a waste pile delivered to a Rowley Regis warehouse. Officers say locating her is their priority as she may need urgent medical or emotional support. Investigators are reviewing CCTV, contacting hospitals and appealing to the public for information about anyone whose behaviour has changed or who has not been seen with a baby recently. Authorities believe the baby was unknowingly transported by a private waste operator that works across several Midlands counties, though the business is not linked to the death. A public portal has been created for anyone with relevant information to contact police.