How Birmingham residents defeated HMO plans in 2025
A look at how community action led to the rejection of several HMO applications in Birmingham in 2025, from Handsworth to Erdington. Read the success stories.
A look at how community action led to the rejection of several HMO applications in Birmingham in 2025, from Handsworth to Erdington. Read the success stories.
Anora Sharma condemns the 11-year jail term for Diogo Bettencourt, who murdered her brother Anthony in a Birmingham HMO. She says the justice system has failed her family.
Birmingham Hospice is opening a new community cafe, Hive In The Park, in the historic Rookery House in Erdington in early 2026. The 'warm and welcoming' space will offer cheap food and drink. Read more and find out how to volunteer.
Primark confirms the closure of its Dartford store on January 3rd, 2026, marking its first UK shutdown in over ten years. 53 jobs are impacted. Read the full story.
A man was stabbed on High Street in Dudley at 3:30am on Sunday, December 21. Police are investigating and appealing for witnesses. The victim's injuries are not life-threatening.
A man was taken to hospital after a stabbing on Dudley High Street in the early hours of Sunday, December 21. Police are investigating and appealing for witnesses.
A Marie Curie charity shop in the West Midlands has been crowned the nation's best after a public vote. Discover what makes this community hub so special and where to find it.
Diogo Bettencourt, one of Birmingham's most mentally unwell men, is jailed for life for murdering neighbour Anthony Sharma. He was on clozapine, a 'last resort' medication.
West Midlands Police's Operation Skybridge team has made a major impact in Erdington, making 10 arrests and seizing over 20 vehicles. Discover how proactive policing is tackling burglary and drug crime.
West Midlands Police made ten arrests and seized over 20 vehicles in Erdington as part of Operation Skybridge. 19 charges were brought following the proactive operation.
Disability charity Scope announces plans to close 77 of its 138 UK stores, including Erdington in Birmingham, to save £4 million. Read the full list of closures and the reasons behind the decision.
Disability charity Scope announces plans to close 77 of its 138 UK shops, including in Birmingham, to save £4m. The high street faces rising costs and a shift to online.
Ordnance Survey reveals the UK's most Christmassy street names, with Noel topping the list. Discover which festive roads and counties are celebrating all year round.
The festive period is a crucial economic stress test, with UK retail sales forecast to hit £91bn. Discover how Christmas spending impacts jobs, businesses, and high streets across the nation.
Roman's festive Emerald Sparkly Star Longline Jumper is reduced to £28. Use code SNUG for 20% off, making it £22. Shoppers praise its style and comfort for Christmas Day.
River Island will close 33 UK stores by January's end as part of a restructuring plan to save its retail business. See the full list of affected locations.
Next confirms a huge change, closing all its UK shops on Boxing Day. Discover which major retailers are closing and which will open for festive sales.
City of Wolverhampton Council approves Lidl's plans to demolish its outdated Bilston store and replace it with a modern supermarket, increasing parking and jobs.
New data reveals Birmingham streets with the most fines for Blue Badge misuse. Over 20,000 penalties issued since 2022, impacting disabled parking access. Read the full report.
Plans to replace the 'outdated' Lidl in Bilston with a modern supermarket have been approved. The redevelopment will increase parking and improve the High Street entrance.
A man and a woman were rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital following a two-vehicle collision on Longbridge High Street. Read the latest updates on this developing story.
A man and a woman have been taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital following a two-car collision outside Marks & Spencer on Longbridge High Street. Get the latest updates on this breaking news story.
Diogo Bettencourt receives life sentence for the brutal murder of neighbour Anthony Sharma in an Erdington HMO. The killer, who has schizophrenia, hid the body and tried to use the victim's bank card.
Diogo Bettencourt has been sentenced to life for the brutal murder of Anthony Sharma in an Erdington HMO. The killer, who has schizophrenia, concealed the body in a sleeping bag. Read the full court report.
Plans for a vital 20-bed safe centre in Erdington to support vulnerable West Midlands children are recommended for approval, addressing a critical regional shortage.
Police appeal for witnesses after a car and motorbike collision on High Street, Wordsley, leaves a man with potentially serious injuries. Call 101 with information.
Wirral Council revisits plans for 22 new car park charges, sparking fears from Bromborough businesses who warn it could be 'another nail in the coffin' for the village high street.
Dozens of UK bank branches are set to close in early 2025, impacting NatWest, Santander, Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland customers. See the full list of affected locations.
Walsall's once-thriving high street now has over 40 vacant units, with locals describing a 'dying ghost town'. Discover the impact on community and business.
Lloyds Bank, with over 28 million customers, has closed 17 branches this November. See the full list of affected locations and the wider trend of UK bank branch closures.