Susie Rack

Fire crews brought a large woodland fire at Black Hill near Clun, Shropshire, under control after working through the night to stop it spreading through felled timber and standing forest. Eleven appliances attended at the height of the incident, with support from neighbouring fire services, local farmers, the landowner and Forestry England. Crews later carried out periodic inspections for remaining hot spots and thanked local residents for donating food, drinks and other supplies and helping create fire breaks.

Part of the plaster frontage of a listed 17th-century building at 45 High Street in Whitchurch, Shropshire, collapsed onto the pavement and road. Pet business owner Rebecca Hurst reported the incident, cleared rubble and contacted the landlord and council highways department. Police cordoned off the area, while another section of the frontage appeared unstable. The business hoped to reopen its grooming service, pending further safety information.

Eleven major fires and 43 new wildfires have placed fire services across the UK under severe pressure. In Stourbridge, 38 homes were destroyed or damaged and about 300 residents were evacuated, with many still unable to return while crews dampened down hotspots and investigators worked with police to establish the fire’s origin. Fires also affected Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, Hampshire, South Wales and the Peak District. Two people were arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the Stoke-on-Trent fire, while authorities urged the public to avoid causing sparks, follow evacuation instructions and refrain from speculating about the causes.

Eleven major fires and 43 new wildfires have placed UK fire services under severe pressure, with officials reporting that demand temporarily exceeded available resources. In Stourbridge, 38 homes were destroyed or damaged and about 300 residents were evacuated; some remained unable to return while properties were assessed and hotspots extinguished. Fires also affected Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, Pershore, Hampshire and South Wales. Investigators are working with police to establish the origins of the blazes, while two people were arrested on suspicion of arson over a Staffordshire fire. Authorities urged the public not to return home without permission and warned against actions that could spark further fires.

West Midlands mayor Richard Parker says his priorities are aligned with Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s plans for greater regional devolution and improved youth employment prospects. He supports proposals for vocational education and guaranteed work placements, citing the West Midlands Combined Authority’s investment in construction training, apprenticeships and creative and life-science industries. Parker also expects more local control over resources, bus services and heritage protection, and aims to secure a stronger devolution settlement for the region.

Coventry vicar Naomi Nixon designs clerical tops and dresses for women priests, addressing the limited choice and high cost of clothing traditionally adapted from men’s garments. After her handmade creations quickly sold out, she created St Lydia and St Felicity sewing patterns for digital download and has sold more than 650. Hull vicar Tanya Lord says the patterns are affordable, easy to follow and allow clergywomen to express their personalities through their clothing.

A decline in wedding and corporate event bookings has left the Riverside Glasshouse venue in Leamington Spa empty after its operator, Just Inspire, ceased trading. Warwick District Council, which owns the building, has delayed a decision on its future until September, with no current plans for a change of use. Former operator Steven Holland attributes the downturn to cost‑of‑living pressures and ongoing weakness in corporate events, noting logistical challenges such as limited parking. All customer deposits were returned following the closure.

Rural households in the West Midlands back a recommendation from the Competition and Markets Authority to strengthen protections for heating oil users after prices surged following the United States–Israel conflict with Iran. Residents describe steep cost increases and supply problems, with some reporting partial deliveries and pressure to pay higher prices. The CMA found price rises were largely driven by wholesale costs but identified significant gaps in consumer safeguards and urged improved dispute resolution and refund requirements. The government says it will consider further action, while some residents call for greater support for renewable energy alternatives.

Rural households in the West Midlands support a Competition and Markets Authority recommendation to strengthen protections for heating oil customers after prices surged following the United States–Israel conflict with Iran. Residents describe unexpected delivery shortfalls and sharp cost increases, while the regulator highlights gaps in consumer protection and calls for better price transparency, cancellation rules and dispute resolution. The UK government says it will consider additional safeguards as some suppliers face potential legal action for refusing compensation. Families continue reducing consumption and seek renewable alternatives amid ongoing price uncertainty.

A baby born at 22 weeks and three days in Coventry has been discharged after months of neonatal care, becoming the youngest-born child to survive at the local hospital. Parents Vimbay and Tatenda described his progress as miraculous and praised the neonatal staff for their support. At nearly 6lbs, Isaac has gone home with ongoing outreach assistance, with hospital leadership celebrating the strength of the family and medical teams.

A mother whose son was killed in a hit‑and‑run condemns government sentencing reforms that could allow two men convicted of his manslaughter to be released early. The changes under the new Sentencing Act reduce the automatic release point for many determinate sentences from two‑thirds to one‑half, prompting concerns about retrospective application. The Ministry of Justice defends the policy as necessary to address prison overcrowding and maintain public safety, while critics argue it undermines justice for victims.

A mother whose son Andrew Flamson was killed in a hit‑and‑run in Coventry condemned government sentencing reforms after being informed that two of the men jailed for his manslaughter may be released early. Carl Tomlinson and Callum Ayre, serving 13‑ and 12‑year terms, could now qualify for release after half their sentences under measures passed in January to ease prison overcrowding. Janice Lees criticised the retrospective application of the law and is seeking support from her MP. The Ministry of Justice defended the changes as necessary to prevent prisons running out of space and said dangerous offenders remain excluded from early release and those released face strict conditions.

Archivists have completed a new online catalogue of the Greville family archive at Warwick Castle, revealing long-overlooked personal letters, anecdotes and artifacts spanning 800 years. Newly highlighted items include accounts of family incidents, descriptions of royal celebrations, a teenage romance involving Beau Brummell and three nineteenth‑century animal‑gut condoms. The project aimed to broaden focus beyond the castle’s earls to illuminate the lives of women and servants, producing a significantly expanded and more accessible record for researchers and visitors.

Plans for a permanent Covid memorial in Stoke-on-Trent aim to offer a local space for remembrance and healing for families who lost loved ones during the pandemic. Inspired by her work on the National Covid Memorial Wall in London, Lynn Jones supports the project, which has funding and is expected to be completed by next April. MP Gareth Snell is consulting bereaved families to shape the tribute, intended to honour more than 1,000 local residents who died and provide a communal place for reflection and connection.

A mother whose 18-year-old son died from meningitis B urges school leavers in England to book free MenB vaccinations available this summer under a national catch‑up programme. Her family, now fundraising for Meningitis Now, is calling for the jab to be permanently added to school vaccination schedules. Health officials encourage eligible young people to receive two doses before starting university to ensure full protection.

Sophie Gregory of Coventry qualified for the Olympia fitness competition after rapid progress in bodybuilding, drawing on her gymnastics background, intensive training and personal motivation following her mother’s death. She earned her place with strong performances in competitions in Nevada and Toronto and now aims to place in the top three at Olympia and compete in the 2027 Arnold Sports Festival, supported strongly by her son and coach.

A bricklayer suffered severe and lasting injuries after falling 2.6 meters through an unprotected gap at a worksite in Leamington Spa, leading to a £16,000 fine and additional costs for employer Sibbasbridge Limited. A Health and Safety Executive investigation found no scaffolding, protective measures, or risk assessments had been implemented after railings were removed the day before the incident. HSE officials described the fall as entirely preventable, and the firm pleaded guilty to breaching safety regulations at Birmingham Magistrates' Court. The victim’s wife detailed the profound emotional and practical impact of his injuries.

Bin collection changes in Rugby have been delayed due to incomplete work at the Hunters Lane waste depot. The council confirmed that existing blue, black and garden waste collection schedules will remain unchanged for now, while a new weekly food waste service will still begin on 6 July to meet national recycling rules. Officials said residents would be notified before any future alterations are introduced, as the authority is among those that missed the government’s deadline for separate food waste collection.

Coventry City FC’s chief business officer Nicola Ibbetson defends season ticket price increases for the 2026–27 Premier League season as fair and benchmarked to the league, while promising solutions for returning season ticket holders. She stresses affordability for families in standard sections, clarifies that premium and hospitality seating is priced as a luxury product, and outlines opportunities for fans to move to standard seats if needed. Digital ticketing is described as a Premier League requirement, with the club offering support for fans unable to use smartphones, and stadium upgrades continue to meet league broadcasting and VAR standards.

Guided literary walks highlighting the lives and works of poets Elizabeth Barrett-Browning and John Masefield form part of the Ledbury Poetry Festival, which runs until 5 July. Led by University of Worcester lecturer Dan Johnson, the walks aim to connect participants with the landscapes that inspired the poets. Festival events also feature appearances by poet laureate Simon Armitage and broadcaster Stuart Maconie, along with a £1,000 poetry competition prize.

A Japanese garden in Wolverhampton’s Danescourt Cemetery, designed in 1996 by the late Peter Bridge, has been maintained since 2009 by volunteers from the Japanese Garden Society. Once overgrown, the site has been restored and celebrated with regional horticultural awards. Volunteer Roger Harris highlights the garden’s value as a tranquil space and notes declining society membership, though local groups have recently begun offering support. City councillor Qaiser Azeem publicly thanked the volunteers for their ongoing contributions.