Martyn Greswolde

Tettenhall, a historic village on the outskirts of Wolverhampton near the Staffordshire border, is praised for its countryside setting, shops, pubs, restaurants, community atmosphere and popular pool. Residents and regular visitors value its distinctive village character but say the pool and nearby car park can become chaotic during hot summer days, with parking pressure caused by visitors from across Wolverhampton. They support measures to manage crowds while preserving Tettenhall's identity and oppose excessive development or large events on the village green.

Residents of Cannock, Staffordshire, praise the former mining town for its peaceful atmosphere, cleanliness, community spirit and convenient access to Birmingham and Wolverhampton. However, locals are concerned about empty shop units, declining independent businesses and the loss of established retailers. Some residents believe more independent and clothing shops could help revitalise the high street, although others see the challenges as part of a wider national trend.

A fire damaged about 1,000 square metres of grassland near Blackbrook Road in Netherton, an area inhabited by five Exmoor ponies. Four fire engines attended after flames were reported on the evening of July 29, and crews checked the site for remaining hotspots the following morning. The blaze destroyed vegetation and blackened the ground, while the ponies were confirmed safe. West Midlands Fire Service urged the public to avoid barbecues, outdoor fires and careless disposal of cigarettes during continued warm, dry conditions.

Halesowen’s Bostin Beach is returning to Somers Square from July 27 to August 7, offering free beach-themed activities for children during the school holidays. The attraction is open weekdays from 10am to 3pm and provides families with a local alternative to travelling to the coast.

Stourbridge is highlighted as an attractive Black Country market town combining a rich glassmaking history with cultural features, independent shops, markets and pubs. The town's murals, Stourbridge Glass Museum, Mary Stevens Park, canals and proximity to the Clent and Kinver Edge are presented as key attractions for visitors.

A historic treehouse on the Pitchford Estate near Shrewsbury, first recorded in 1692 and built by the Ottley family, may be the world’s oldest surviving example. The structure stands in a lime tree believed to date from the 1500s and is now secured with metal braces and wires. Queen Victoria reportedly visited it as a child, though its original purpose remains uncertain. Estate owners James and Rowena Nason now offer private tours with help from local volunteers, alongside holiday accommodation, to promote the Shropshire heritage attraction.

Residents describe Wombourne as a peaceful, friendly Staffordshire village with attractive scenery, shops, pubs and strong community ties. Darrel Smith supports additional housing if it is affordable, while Amanda Slater worries that further expansion could worsen school crowding, limited doctor facilities and parking problems, particularly where development affects green belt land. The village’s growth has also reduced residents’ familiarity with one another despite its continuing appeal.

Fans gathered at The Green Duck Brewery Taproom in Stourbridge to watch England face Argentina in the 2026 World Cup semi-final, with the winner set to meet Spain in the final. Local excitement centered on hometown star Jude Bellingham, whose two goals secured England’s place in the match. A video reporter provided live updates as supporters prepared for the 8 p.m. kickoff.

Seven-year-old twins Willow and Isla from the West Midlands are preparing to have their first haircuts on July 25, donating at least 12 inches of hair each to The Little Princess Trust. Their family is holding a fundraising event at Oscott Social Club in Erdington, with activities including a bouncy castle, face painting and a raffle, while seeking enough donations to fund two wigs for children who have lost their hair through cancer treatment.

Lichfield District Council is planning for up to 15,666 new homes over four years to meet government housing targets, including more than 1,000 homes from developments by Persimmon Homes and Redrow and 1,250 at the former RAF site in Fradley. Residents interviewed in the city largely oppose further expansion, citing inadequate roads, parking, schools, doctors' surgeries, youth facilities and other infrastructure, as well as the loss of green space and concerns about the quality and social integration of new developments.

Wolverhampton Council restricts use of the Anchor Lane household waste tip in Bilston to Wolverhampton residents after Dudley Council refused a 65% increase in its contribution to the site's running costs. Although Dudley residents are expected to travel to Stourbridge, reporter and Dudley resident Martyn Greswolde tested the rule and was able to enter, unload household waste and leave without being asked for identification. The test suggests enforcement at the site is currently limited or inconsistent.

Parents in Sedgley offered mixed views on fines for taking children out of school during term time. Some argued that families should be allowed to take occasional holidays when children have good attendance, particularly because summer travel is increasingly expensive. Others said children should remain in school except in exceptional circumstances because education is important. The discussion also highlighted the financial pressures of family holidays and childcare costs, alongside a recent case involving a Telford father whose court proceedings over term-time absences were dismissed.

Residents describe Bridgnorth as a convenient and welcoming place to live, highlighting its walkable town centre, markets, historic castle grounds, riverside park and strong community spirit. Local events including the Bridgnorth Walk, carnival, annual 10k and tractor runs are presented as important parts of the town’s identity, while its dramatic position above the River Severn and distinctive High Town and Low Town layout continue to attract tourists.

Residents in Bridgnorth offered mixed reactions to Keir Starmer’s resignation as Prime Minister, ranging from criticism and jubilation to measured assessments describing him as an honourable figure whose tenure had mixed results. Some residents also discussed Andy Burnham as a potential successor.

Stourbridge residents describe the town as friendly, walkable, family-oriented and well served by shops, supermarkets, free parking and a Santander bank. They praise its community spirit and improving high street, but say potholes, shop closures, high rents, excessive numbers of coffee shops and barbers, and difficult economic conditions are problems. Several residents call for greater support for local businesses.

England's 2026 World Cup campaign begins against Croatia in Dallas at 9 p.m. UK time on Wednesday, June 17. The late midweek kickoff prompts questions about whether Wolverhampton supporters will stay up to watch and where they plan to follow the match.

Ludlow in south Shropshire has been named by WorldAtlas as one of the eight best places in the UK to retire, alongside locations including Wells and Whitby. The town is praised for its historic architecture, cobbled streets, food, pubs, market, affordability and relatively high proportion of older residents. Retirees Janette Butler and Murial say Ludlow offers a friendly community, cultural activities, attractive countryside and good local businesses.

Black Country residents share predictions for the 2026 World Cup, with Brazil emerging as the most popular choice to win. Fans are divided over England’s prospects, with many expecting a quarter-final or semi-final exit despite widespread hope that the team can finally end its long wait for success.

Tributes have been placed at Kingsbury Water Park near Sutton Coldfield after 16-year-old Lillianna Tomlinson died after being pulled from the water on May 25. Her friend Ruby Collins said Lillianna had been dipping her feet in the water when the current carried her away and she became tangled, describing the death as an accident. Emergency services recovered her body and pronounced her dead at the scene. Kingsbury School is offering support to pupils, staff and parents, while police have asked people not to speculate. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued a warning about the dangers of entering open water during the heatwave.

Bridgnorth residents recommend a range of local dining options, including Radici Restaurant for Italian and English food, The Bandon and The Royle for Sunday roasts, ChocTillys for customizable hot chocolates, and Eurasia Tandoori or Blue Ginger for curries. The suggestions highlight the town’s varied restaurant scene, spanning British, Italian and Indian cuisine.

Martyn Greswolde bought a 5kg mystery parcel box for £125 at King Colis’s pop-up shop in Wolverhampton and found assorted low-value or damaged items, including bike parts, shoes, wigs, trainers, a remote control and a possibly counterfeit Red Bull Formula One T-shirt. Although other customers have reportedly found valuable items such as a Tiffany ring and rare Pokémon card, he concluded that his box was probably not a bargain. The shop is open at Wolverhampton’s Mander Centre through the Bank Holiday weekend.

Crusty Cottage Bakery in Quinton is adding the Cobhaji to its menu, a crusty cob filled with an onion bhaji and salad, following the popularity of its samosa-filled Cobosa. Manager Ross Jones says the bakery’s traditional products, including pineapple creams, lardy cake and bread pudding, attract customers from across the West Midlands and beyond.

A Preply survey of more than 1,500 UK adults named Wolverhampton the country’s most talkative city, with 41% of residents reportedly engaging in small talk daily and spending more than 13 hours a week chatting. London and Newcastle ranked second and third, while Leeds, Hull and Cardiff were among the least talkative. Interviews with Wolverhampton residents, visitors and a street-food vendor produced mixed reactions: some welcomed the finding and described the city as friendly, while others said people rarely spoke to them and questioned the result.

Four activities are recommended for the May bank holiday weekend in and around Wolverhampton: the Geek Market at Mander Centre from May 2–4, a family craft fair at the Silver Spur on May 4, Digbeth Dining Club’s street-food tour at Bantock House on May 3, and a DJ Tricksta performance at The Crown Joules in Codsall on May 2. The craft fair will also raise money for a defibrillator outside the pub.

The former Britannia Hotel on Lichfield Street in Wolverhampton is empty after serving as emergency accommodation for asylum seekers on behalf of the UK Home Office for almost five years. Local residents offered varied ideas for its future, including an arts and culture centre, a theatre extension, a hostel for people experiencing homelessness, or a return to use as a tourist hotel. Despite differing views on its purpose, residents broadly regarded the building as an important and iconic part of Wolverhampton.

Lime has launched more than 2,000 electric bikes and e-scooters across Birmingham, Coventry and Solihull, with an expansion to Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton planned for June 1. The fully electric fleet costs from £1 to unlock and 20p per minute, can be parked in designated areas without requiring users to return bikes to docking stations, and is intended for commuters, students and tourists. Transport officials and regional leaders say the taxpayer-funded scheme will support greener travel, reduce congestion and make cycling more accessible, while e-scooters will not initially be introduced in the Black Country.

Telford & Wrekin Council has begun requiring proof of address at its recycling centres, preventing Shropshire residents from using them. The council says the restrictions will manage demand and reduce costs for Telford taxpayers, while MP Mark Pritchard and residents in Shifnal and Albrighton argue that the policy creates impractical journeys, increases financial pressure and could lead to more fly-tipping.

Olive Beech celebrated her 107th birthday with family and staff at Sambrook House near Newport, Shropshire. Born in 1919, she contributed to the Second World War effort by making aircraft components, later worked in pottery and retail, and continued pushing supermarket trolleys until she was 105. She moved into the care home at 106 and received a birthday card from the King.

Alderson's Butchers Pie House and Kitchen in Bridgnorth, now run by Julia and Charlie Spencer, has operated for nearly 50 years and sources meat from former owner Keith Alderson, a local farmer. The business won three honours at the March Great British Pie Awards: Silver Awards for its Steak & Ale and Steak & Shropshire Blue pies, and a Highly Commended Award for its Balti Chicken/Sports Pie, created for the stands at Telford Town FC and Shifnal Town FC.

Students at Holly Lodge High School in Smethwick are preparing to stage Shrek the Musical on March 25 and 26. Mikel Arnett will play Shrek, with the production combining comedy, music and themes of friendship, love and self-acceptance. Tickets are priced at £1.50 for children and £3.50 for adults to encourage local families to attend.

Ahead of Mother's Day, the Express & Star asked people in Wolverhampton about how well they knew their mothers' lives before parenthood. Most respondents described close, open relationships and said conversations had helped them learn more about their family history, although some acknowledged gaps in knowledge about older or less significant details. The feature encourages people to ask their mothers about their experiences while there is still time, citing Ancestry research that found only 37% of respondents knew their mother's pre-parenthood life despite 79% of mothers being willing to share their stories.

The Silver Spur pub on Tunstall Hill near Wolverhampton Racecourse has reopened after a refurbishment costing nearly £300,000, including new furniture, carpets, games equipment, outdoor tables and a new bar. Landlord Paul “Wally,” who has previously run pubs for the brewery in Stoke-on-Trent, said he was pleased with the transformation and reported a positive response from local residents. The pub plans to support food banks and other local initiatives, convert its former car park into a community events space, and provide regular entertainment throughout the week. Admiral Taverns’ Proper Pubs group contributed £274,632 to the makeover.

Walsall has been recognised by The Sunday Times’ Growing Old Index for having the highest number of GP surgeries per capita in England, but residents report mixed experiences. Some welcome the number of surgeries and praise their local doctors, while others describe difficulty securing appointments, long referral delays—including nearly three months for a bowel-cancer patient—and challenges using online booking systems. Several residents argue that the quality and accessibility of care matter more than the number of surgeries.

A Health Connect Global study supporting The Sunday Times’ Growing Old Index ranks Wolverhampton fourth among England’s best places to retire, citing life expectancy, GP provision, care-home capacity, happiness, and relatively short A&E waits. Local reactions are mixed: some residents praise the city’s healthcare, transport, theatre, shopping, central location and walking opportunities, while others criticize its empty shops, lost amenities and limited activities for older people. Walsall also receives recognition for its high number of GP surgeries.

The £9.3 million Cradley Heath Skills Campus has opened on Lower High Street, funded through the Towns Fund and developed as part of Sandwell College’s plans to expand accessible adult and young-adult education. The facility offers classrooms, specialist practical spaces and a café, with courses including construction, logistics, engineering, care, photography, media, maths and English. College principal Lisa Capper said the campus is intended to build on the area’s industrial skills heritage and help residents overcome barriers to learning. Students described gaining confidence and new opportunities through Sandwell College.

Sedgley has more than 30 barber shops and hair salons, an unusually high concentration for a small Black Country town. Menz Barber Shops owners Phillip Dunn and Tony Colabella say longstanding customer loyalty has helped them remain open and that the growing number of businesses has created manageable, healthy competition. Residents have mixed views: some worry hairdressers dominate the high street and undermine established businesses, while others believe the choice could attract younger shoppers. The town's reopening market may bring further businesses and visitors.

Timelapse footage documents heavy congestion at the Burnt Tree junction in Dudley, where roadworks have caused delays for residents, businesses and other road users. The nine-month scheme, which began in November and includes temporary traffic lights, is intended to improve bus journey times between Dudley and Birmingham but is expected to continue until summer 2026. Residents report spending around half an hour in rush-hour traffic, with local complaints intensifying after the latest changes.