Community
West Midlands Town Residents at War with Masked Youths
Residents of a West Midlands town are in conflict with masked youths causing anti-social behaviour, with police increasing patrols and community meetings addressing safety concerns.
Business
Homebuyers Face £244-a-Month Extra Charge as Sales Slump 7%
Homebuyers risk a £244-a-month extra charge as sales agreed fall 7% year-on-year, with buyer numbers down 15%, Zoopla reports. Mortgage rates hit 5%, adding £125 monthly on average.
Culture
Europe's Biggest Free Hot Air Balloon Festival Returns This Summer
Europe's largest free hot air balloon festival will take place this summer, featuring over 100 balloons, live music, and family entertainment.
Politics
Mice and Cockroach Infested West Midlands Sweet Shop Fined £30,000
A West Midlands sweet shop infested with mice and cockroaches has been ordered to pay over £30,000 after hygiene inspectors found widespread contamination.
Sport
Health
Warning Over 'Biggest Pension Mistake' for Ages 50-59
People aged 50-59 are warned against procrastination in pension planning. Delaying reviews can reduce retirement income and extend working years, according to expert Samuel Mather-Holgate.
DWP PIP Caseload Hits Four Million, Sustainability Questioned
PIP claims reach 4 million, raising sustainability concerns. Experts warn against cuts, urging reform to protect genuine claimants while addressing costs and fraud.
Fire in Lozells Spreads to Supermarket After Rubbish Blaze
A fire in rubbish behind shops on Villa Road, Lozells, spread to a supermarket. Three fire engines attended, and police blocked the road. The blaze was extinguished by 4.15pm.
DWP confirms £238 benefit boost for state pensioners
State pensioners could be missing out on a £238-a-week benefit boost as DWP data shows Pension Credit applications have slumped by 36% to 209,735, down from 326,842 the previous year.
Fire forces Birmingham pharmacy closure for over a week
A fire at Five Ways Pharmacy in Birmingham has forced it to close until July 13. Fire crews from Ladywood and Handsworth attended the blaze involving industrial equipment.
TV & Film Quiz: British Screen Classics
From EastEnders and Doctor Who to James Bond, Only Fools and Horses and Wallace and Gromit, test your knowledge of classic British television and cinema. Lights, camera, quiz!
