Jessica Coates

Structural deterioration discovered during inspections prompted National Highways to fully close Bickenhill Bridge at the M42 Junction 6 interchange, ending previous partial restrictions and weight limits. Engineers are conducting detailed surveys to determine necessary repairs, with no reopening timetable set. The closure affects routes to Birmingham Airport, the NEC, Birmingham Business Park, and Jaguar Land Rover, and heavy loads are advised to seek route approval. The M42 remains open beneath the bridge while investigations continue.

Police are seeking information after a bus driver was assaulted and racially abused on the Number 27 bus near Brandwood Road in Kings Heath on June 23. The driver was not seriously injured. Authorities released images of two men they want to identify and urged the public to contact them with information quoting the relevant crime reference number.

Jude Bellingham’s father, Mark Bellingham, is a former prolific non-league striker with more than 700 career goals and a retired West Midlands Police sergeant who, with his wife Denise, has played a central role in managing the careers of Jude and Jobe Bellingham. After retiring from policing, he supported his sons through moves to top clubs including Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and Sunderland. Family members split time between England and Spain to support each child’s career, and the strong values instilled by their parents are credited by Jobe as shaping their success as England prepares to face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals.

Two major water suppliers, South Staffs Water and Severn Trent, warn that record-high demand during prolonged hot and dry weather is putting pressure on regional supplies. Both companies urge residents across the West Midlands and surrounding areas to limit non-essential water use to avoid potential temporary restrictions such as hosepipe bans. Daily usage has surged far beyond normal levels, prompting the firms to expand production efforts and repair leaks while asking households to adopt water‑saving measures to help maintain supply stability.

The former Goldthorn Hotel in Wolverhampton has been boarded up ahead of demolition after Lidl confirmed acquisition of the site off Penn Road. Despite earlier delays, the company is preparing a new planning application incorporating updated store designs, including an in‑store bakery, Middle of Lidl section and more than 90 parking spaces with EV chargers. Public consultation results showed strong support, and the project is expected to create up to 40 jobs as Lidl moves toward beginning construction.

Jeff Goldblum, Steven Spielberg, Cillian Murphy and numerous colleagues and public figures paid tribute to actor Sam Neill following his death at age 78 in Sydney. Messages highlighted his kindness, talent, and influence across film and television, along with his impact on New Zealand’s cultural identity. Statements from former and current New Zealand prime ministers praised his global reach and contributions to the national film industry. Neill, known for roles in Jurassic Park, Peaky Blinders and The Piano, had recently announced he was cancer‑free. He is remembered fondly by collaborators and leaves behind a large family.

A serious crash forced the partial closure of Wolverhampton’s ring road near Stafford Street, where police established a cordon and erected a blue tent. The closure extends from the Stafford Street junction by Wolverhampton University to Chapel Ash roundabout. Officers remain on scene and are asking the public to avoid the area and to share any relevant information or footage by contacting police with the provided log number.

A serious collision in Wolverhampton city centre prompted a partial closure of the ring road near Stafford Street. Police at the scene set up a cordon and advised the public to avoid the area, asking anyone with information or footage to contact them using the provided log number. Further updates are expected.

Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare has been left out of the club’s pre-season trip to Portugal as he moves closer to a summer exit. Wolves have rejected loan offers from Fiorentina and Trabzonspor, with the Italian club expected to return with an improved bid, which aligns with the player’s preference for a move to Italy. Signed last summer for up to £24 million, Arokodare struggled during Wolves’ relegation season and is now surplus to requirements following a dressing-room incident and the arrival of new head coach Cesar Peixoto.

Daryl Dike expressed gratitude to West Bromwich Albion supporters in a farewell letter following his departure at the end of his contract. Despite persistent injuries that limited him to 66 appearances over four and a half years, he thanked fans, staff and teammates for their support during difficult periods, emphasising their role in keeping him motivated. Dike, who scored 11 goals for the club, said he leaves with pride, lasting memories and appreciation for the community that supported him through multiple setbacks.

A 1920s‑themed garden party marked the centenary of Castlecroft Gardens in Wolverhampton, drawing residents together for food, music and celebrations during a summer heatwave. The area’s conservation status highlights its architectural and historic significance, and organisers emphasised the strong community spirit behind the milestone anniversary.

Sam Neill, known globally for his role as Dr Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, died at 78 in Sydney. His family noted he was surrounded by loved ones and remained cancer‑free after previous treatment for aggressive lymphoma. Tributes from New Zealand and Australian leaders praised his five‑decade career and contributions to film. His work spanned acclaimed films such as The Piano and The Hunt for Red October, as well as TV roles including Peaky Blinders. Neill also ran the Two Paddocks winery and supported charitable causes, including a memorabilia auction for Unicef UK.

A British backpacker, Alicia Kemp, was sentenced to four years in prison in Perth for dangerous driving causing the death of pedestrian Thanh Phan while riding an e‑scooter intoxicated after a day of drinking. Judge Wendy Hughes highlighted Kemp’s excessive alcohol level, unsafe riding, and the devastating impact on the victim’s family. The incident also injured Kemp’s passenger and prompted local authorities to suspend e‑scooter hire services. Kemp, with no prior record, expressed remorse and may be eligible for release in 2027 under Western Australian law.