Lauren Chaloner

Wildfires severely damaged the railway between Stourbridge Junction and Hagley, affecting signalling, phone lines and fencing. Network Rail began repairs on August 17 and aimed to reopen the route on August 22. In the meantime, Birmingham–Kidderminster trains were limited to Stourbridge Junction, with replacement buses serving Stourbridge, Hagley, Blakedown and Kidderminster, while other services faced alterations.

A large grassland fire scorched an area near Sainsbury's in Withymoor, Amblecote, on August 13. Residents reportedly used sprinklers to extinguish the flames while fire crews were attending a major fire near Racecourse Lane in Stourbridge, where 19 homes were destroyed and 18 more damaged. West Midlands Fire Service urged people to reduce the risk of outdoor fires amid extreme demand across the region.

Paula and Chris Nash plan to open House of Roller's, a new roller-skating rink in the former Bodycare unit at Kidderminster's Rowland Hill Shopping Centre. Building on the success of their Roller's Roller Disco sessions, the venue will offer affordable family and adult skating, beginner courses, skate repairs, parties, themed events, food and support for young people, including school refusers. The owners say the rink will create an inclusive community space and help bring new activity to the town centre, while also continuing their partnership with Dudley Council to provide free meals and skating for children eligible for free school meals.

West Midlands Police is appealing for information after a car was stolen from High Street in Dudley between 7pm and 8pm on June 26. Officers released an image of two men they want to speak to and asked anyone who recognises them or has relevant information to contact police, quoting crime number 20/301468/26.

Hundreds of motorcyclists gathered in Stourbridge for the annual Ride for Justice, held in memory of Ryan Passey nine years after he was fatally stabbed inside the former Chicago's nightclub. Passey's family launched the campaign and ride after Kobe Murray was acquitted of murder and manslaughter in 2018, although a later civil case found that Ryan had been unlawfully killed. The family is now pursuing a costly High Court judicial review after the Director of Public Prosecutions ruled that new evidence submitted by West Midlands Police did not justify an appeal. Funds raised through the event will help cover the family's legal costs.

A large fire at Portway Hill on the Rowley Hills badly affected the Portway Hill Nature Reserve in Oldbury. The Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust expressed deep concern over the damage to rare butterflies, orchids, wildflower meadows and internationally important geology, while pledging to help nature recover. The trust urged the public to avoid fires and barbecues and dispose of litter safely during the high-risk summer period. Thirty West Midlands firefighters attended, and the blaze caused the A4123 Wolverhampton Road to close in both directions.

The Environment Agency has declared the West Midlands one of seven areas of England experiencing drought after very low rainfall and high temperatures caused a rapidly developing flash drought. Low river levels, early crop harvesting, rising wildfire risks and water-use restrictions are affecting communities, agriculture and wildlife. The agency is regulating water abstraction and releasing supplies from reservoirs and groundwater systems to maintain flows in the River Severn, which provides drinking water to six million people. Fish rescues have also been carried out on the River Teme and River Onny in Shropshire, while officials urged the public to conserve water and report distressed fish.

Police are seeking information after a 15-year-old boy was thrown to the ground in High Holborn, Sedgley. West Midlands Police released an image of a man they want to speak with and urged the public to provide information via Live Chat or by calling 101 quoting reference 20/269057/26.

The Severn Valley Railway is offering a free return visit with every Freedom of the Line ticket booked online for travel between July 21 and August 31, 2026. The heritage railway promotes family‑friendly experiences including steam and diesel journeys, station attractions, and performances of Wise Owl Theatre’s Robin Hood and his Merry Friends at The Engine House. Visitors are encouraged to book early to secure tickets and take advantage of the offer.

Police responded to reports of criminal damage at a property on Tiled House Lane in Pensnett, with no injuries reported. West Midlands Police said an investigation is underway and that increased officer presence may be visible in the area for reassurance. Witnesses or anyone with information are encouraged to contact police quoting the relevant incident number.

Dudley Council approved 40 temporary licences allowing pubs to show England’s upcoming 1 a.m. World Cup match, while six applications were rejected following police objections. Authorities confirmed that any new applications cannot be processed in time under legislation. National officials, including the Local Government Secretary and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, are exploring broader measures to keep pubs open later, as industry representatives warn that many venues risk being unable to host the match without temporary event notices.