James Burns

Lindsey Ashman, a 54-year-old mother of four, died on August 15 after an 18-month battle with glioblastoma. Her best friend of more than 20 years, Rebekah New, paid tribute to Ashman’s character and described caring for her during her final months. New has established a fundraising page to help cover the costs of Ashman’s funeral and wake, while Ashman’s four children cope with her death and the resulting emotional and financial pressures.

The Black Country ranked among England’s top 10 areas for prescription spending, with NHS prescription costs of £200.21 per person in the 2025/26 period. Cured Pharmacy’s analysis of NHS Business Services Authority data found that the area dispensed more than 28.2 million prescription items at a total cost of about £268.9 million. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough had the highest per-person spending at £379, while North West London had the lowest at £115.74. Cured Pharmacy co-founder Tarun Kumar attributed the variation largely to differences in medication types, including the use of specialist or newer treatments.

West Midlands Police are investigating a distraction theft on Dudley High Street in which two men allegedly stole a bag of money from an elderly man’s mobility walker shortly before midday on August 3. Police are reviewing CCTV, speaking with nearby businesses and appealing for information about the suspects, who were captured in a video circulating on social media.

West Midlands Police are appealing for information to identify a woman believed to be involved in a burglary on Church Road in Netherton. A parcel was stolen from inside a property at about 2:25 p.m. on April 20, and officers have been unable to identify the woman despite CCTV enquiries. Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 or the force’s website, quoting crime number 20/222883/26.

Muhammed was the most popular boys’ name for newborns in Dudley Borough, matching the national result for England, while Lily was the most popular girls’ name. Lily ranked second nationally and rose from third place in 2024. The article notes that naming choices reflect cultural, religious, heritage and regional influences.

Sandwell Council has secured three-month closure orders against the International Vape and All Day shops in Cradley Heath after Trading Standards officers reportedly found illicit tobacco products for sale. The orders, granted by Walsall and Dudley magistrates' courts, bring the number of shop closures in the area to six during the month as part of an eight-month investigation. Councillor Bob Jones said the council would continue disrupting illegal activity and is seeking powers to extend closure orders from three to 12 months.

Halesowen MP Alex Ballinger submitted an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons to mark the 40th anniversary of Halesowen Ramblers. The walking club, which has more than 100 members, was recognised for promoting outdoor activity, health, wellbeing, friendship and community spirit across Halesowen, the Black Country and the wider West Midlands. Ballinger later presented members with a copy of the motion and congratulated them on their contribution.

The 61-home Maybank development on Manor Way in Halesowen has completely sold out, with the first residents moving in during spring 2025. Grove Properties Group supported sales and resident arrivals, while Spitfire Homes developed the homes. The site was formerly a manufacturing facility used as Sandvik Coromant’s headquarters and has been transformed into a new residential community.

Five community mosaics created through the Life in Lye programme were unveiled at Rufford Primary School, Wollescote Primary School and Lye Library. The project, funded by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner and led by mosaic artist Caroline Jariwala, involved around 140 pupils and local residents in workshops exploring safety and local nature themes. The resulting artworks include depictions of birds, flowers, and a Tree of Life, with two mosaics displayed at each school and one at the library. Local officials and partners praised the collaborative effort and community engagement.