Helen Attwood

Police have increased uniformed and plain-clothes patrols around Racecourse Lane after burglars targeted a home that had been gutted by wildfires. Jewellery, watches and a coin collection were reportedly stolen. West Midlands Police are conducting CCTV reviews and house-to-house enquiries, and are asking the public to report sightings or attempted sales of the items.

A man was shot in the leg during a fight between two groups outside the Corn Exchange pub on Amblecote Road in Brierley Hill. Police arrested two men, aged 34 and 40, on suspicion of violent disorder, while others fled. The injured man’s condition is not believed to be life-threatening, and West Midlands Police are reviewing CCTV and appealing for information.

An 84-year-old Norton resident, John Moore, said he and his partially bed-ridden wife had been unable to return to their Osmaston Road home after grass fires destroyed 19 homes in Stourbridge. Moore criticized the lack of clear information from the police, fire service and local council, while staying temporarily with his sister-in-law. Police have established a Major Incident Public Portal and are appealing for photographs, videos and other information to help investigate the fire.

Five men from Smethwick, Wordsley and Lye were charged after County Lines Taskforce officers raided five addresses in Dudley and Sandwell during an investigation into the alleged “Dappa” drugs line. Police reportedly seized more than £35,000 in cash, mobile phones, knives, imitation firearms and ammunition. The men face charges primarily related to supplying crack cocaine and heroin, with additional drug, criminal-property and ammunition charges against two defendants. All five were remanded in custody to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court.

A community celebration will be held at Kent Road Playground in Wollaston, featuring a penalty shoot-out with Dudley Mayor Pete Lowe. The event marks the return of goalposts funded through a £900 campaign led by Andrew Tromans and the Wollaston Farm Tenants and Residents Association, with donations from residents, local businesses and community events. Lowe will officially open the new facility.

Old Swinford Hospital headmaster Paul Kilbride is leaving after 12 years to join One School Global in Coventry. Governors and feoffees praised his leadership, commitment to pupils and ability to preserve the school’s traditions while guiding it through major change, including the 2021 admission of girls from age 11 and the Covid-19 pandemic. He was also credited with sustaining the school’s academic reputation, supporting staff and pupils, and contributing personally to school life as a trombone player.

Three Wetherspoon pubs in Halesowen, Rowley Regis and Cradley Heath are hosting a 10-day cider festival featuring up to 15 craft ciders from across the UK. The event includes traditional ciders, perries and flavoured varieties priced at £2.99 per pint, with tasters also available. Participating venues include The Moon Under Water, The Britannia and The William Shenstone.

Quantum Works, a 20-unit multi-let trading estate on Enville Street in Stourbridge, has been sold by Asper Property Group to a private investor for £1.5 million. Asper acquired the site for £1.015 million in September 2023 and carried out refurbishment and asset-management improvements, increasing contracted annual rental income from about £100,000 to more than £170,000. Hexagon Commercial Property acted as the sole sales agent, with AP Investment representing the buyer.

A field fire near homes in Oldbury prompted a response from fire crews from Oldbury and Tipton, who extinguished the blaze and checked for hotspots before leaving the scene later in the evening. High temperatures also contributed to a grass fire at Netherton Park, leading to a busy night for firefighters. The fire service urged the public to reduce fire risks by disposing of litter safely and fully extinguishing cigarettes.

Police have increased patrols throughout the Dudley borough in response to ongoing reports of antisocial behaviour, focusing on hotspots in Halesowen, Stourbridge, and surrounding areas. Officers have coordinated with partners such as Safer Travel, conducted late-evening patrols, and engaged with the public through beat surgeries and visible reassurance activity. Authorities encourage residents to report concerns via phone or online channels.

A severe house fire on Wentworth Road in Wollaston prompted a strong community response, with residents, local businesses and school staff supporting the affected family. No one was injured, and all pets were safely rescued. Ryan McGillicuddy publicly thanked neighbours and local helpers, including Nisa Local, for their assistance. West Midlands Fire Service deployed three engines, used breathing apparatus and hose reels to control the blaze, and continued overnight checks until the incident was closed the following morning.

Dudley Council plans to modify pedestrian crossings and improve visibility around Wollaston island following longstanding safety concerns raised by councillors and residents. Proposed changes include splitting one crossing into two stages, realigning others near key junctions, updating tactile paving and extending stop-line distances. Local councillors from multiple parties highlight persistent complaints about crossings being too close to the island and vehicles obstructing visibility, prompting a new review of the layout to enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

A motorbike and car collided on Delph Road in Brierley Hill shortly before 4 p.m., prompting police and ambulance crews to close the road near the Tenth Lock pub. The male motorcyclist was taken to Russells Hall Hospital with injuries not considered serious, and the car driver remained at the scene to speak with officers. Authorities are appealing for witnesses and requesting anyone with information to contact police quoting log 3947 of 15 July.

Record Culture, an independent vinyl shop in Stourbridge, will close its physical location at the end of September as owner Lee Newman ends the lease and shifts the business to pop‑ups, fairs, community selling and its online store. Newman cited personal and business reasons tied to changing retail conditions but emphasized that the business itself will continue. Supporters expressed disappointment but praised the shop’s contribution to the local music community.

Police charged 18-year-old Rehki Jeffers after finding a knife during a search at a Dudley address. He faces a charge of possessing an offensive weapon in a private place and is scheduled to appear at Dudley Magistrates Court next month. West Midlands Police reiterated its stance on tackling knife crime and urged the public to report concerns.

Local leaders are urging Dudley Council to award the Freedom of the Borough to Jude Bellingham following his standout performance in England’s 3-2 World Cup victory over Mexico. Politicians including Qasim Mughal and MP Cat Eccles praised Bellingham’s achievements and highlighted the inspiration he provides to young people. Morgan Rogers was also commended as another local player contributing to England’s World Cup squad. The proposed honour recognises individuals who bring distinction to the area.

A mother and daughter team, Gemma and Katie Tennant, have opened Creations Kingswinford, a new salon on Kingswinford High Street. The salon launched on June 20 and has received enthusiastic feedback from local residents. Gemma provides hairdressing services, while Katie offers a range of beauty treatments. Community responses on social media were supportive and encouraging.

A group of bereaved fathers from Sands United FC Dudley donated a privacy pram to Russells Hall Hospital to support families experiencing baby loss. The pram, funded by Kewford Eagles, allows parents to spend private final moments with their babies in peaceful surroundings. Founder Jake Hildred, who lost his daughter in 2023, expressed gratitude for the community support and emphasised the importance of providing dignity and comfort to grieving families.