Escaped Midland jail inmates back behind bars
Two fugitive inmates who fled HMP Leyhill on New Year's Day have been recaptured. Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne were arrested in separate operations.
Two fugitive inmates who fled HMP Leyhill on New Year's Day have been recaptured. Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne were arrested in separate operations.
Solihull Council's planning committee has refused a retrospective application for a large home extension in Shirley after neighbours and councillors objected. The homeowner now faces enforcement action.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker outlines key 2026 projects: new railway stations, housing, and a fund to revive high streets. Discover the region's upcoming developments.
Birmingham's Eastside Metro extension moves closer to opening, with services on the first section expected early this year. Get the latest on progress and timelines.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker outlines major 2026 projects: five new railway stations opening, 5,000 new homes, and a fund to revive high streets. He also addresses potential political challenges.
West Midlands Metro fares are set to increase in 2026, with a new 'buy before you board' policy and contactless 'tap-in' system. Find out how single tickets, season passes, and penalty fares will change.
A mother-of-three pleads for help after builders left a vital extension for her disabled son unfinished and 'riddled with damp' for two years. Read her story.
West Midlands Metro ticket prices will rise in 2026, with single fares increasing by up to 50p. Find out the new costs and the major 'tap-in' payment changes coming to the tram network.
Dudley Council outlines major regeneration projects for 2026, including a new bus station and Metro link, while confirming council tax will rise by 4.9%. Explore the key developments.
A mother recounts the devastating Boxing Day fire that destroyed her home, caused by a coiled extension lead. She urges others to check their insurance and electrical safety. Read her story and learn the crucial fire safety lesson.
Dudley Council battled a £42m financial crisis, political defections, and protests over asylum seeker housing in a tumultuous 2025. Explore the key events shaping the borough's future.
A Nuneaton family had a lucky escape after a child's bedroom filled with toxic smoke from a charger fire. Firefighters issue a stark warning about 'daisy chaining' extension leads. Check your electricals now.
Sandwell Council reveals plans for 12 affordable flats opposite the new Horseley Road metro stop, aiming to ease a severe shortage of family homes where waits can stretch to nine years.
A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off Taiwan's coast, shaking the capital Taipei and prompting tsunami warnings for Japan's Okinawa region. No casualties reported yet.
Swimmers from St Helens, Prescot, and across the North West delivered a medal-laden weekend at the Trafford Metro meet, while Masters athletes triumphed at the European Short Course Championships in Poland.
Birmingham New Street station hosted a free Christmas dinner for over 100 vulnerable and homeless people on Christmas Eve, offering festive cheer and community support. Read the heartwarming story.
Petra Varga of Wirral Metro clinched gold in the 200m Individual Medley with a personal best at the Swim England Winter Championships in Sheffield. Discover all the local medal winners and standout performances from a thrilling weekend of swimming.
A Worcester woman must tear down a two-storey garden building after neighbours complained. The council refused retrospective planning permission for the 'eyesore'.
The Eating Inn Steakhouse in Blackpool has had its latest planning application refused. The council says the extension harms the Promenade's character. Read the full story.
Metro tram fares across the West Midlands will increase from 2 January 2026. Find out the new prices for single, day, and monthly tickets and the reasons behind the changes.
A grieving family faces mortgage refusal after Metro Bank declines to remove late payment markers from their credit file, despite their son's death. Read their story.
Life Pro and DRA Electricals issue urgent safety warning for households using portable heaters this December. Follow these five rules to prevent fire and carbon monoxide risks.
Birmingham City Council is considering a full investigation into the collapse of Midland Livings, a supported housing firm linked to claims of threats, arson, and a £12m debt. Read the latest.
A government planning inspector has upheld Solihull Council's refusal of a house extension on Widney Road, ruling it would harm the street's character. Read the full details.
The new Midlands Metro line into Dudley passes through some of the borough's most deprived wards, revealing stark inequalities in unemployment and housing. Discover the data behind the divide.
A Birmingham supported housing firm has gone bust, owing over £12.2m. Administrators report threats, arson, and intimidation of vulnerable tenants. Read the full investigation.
Safety experts issue a critical warning to UK households: never plug electric heaters into extension leads. This common mistake significantly increases the risk of fire.
Birmingham City FC's ambitious Powerhouse Stadium plans advance as West Midlands Metro completes test run. The £3bn Sports Quarter development targets 2030 completion with transformative transport links.
City of Liverpool's Niko Dorsz led the medal haul with four golds at the Stockport Metro Meet. Discover all the winners and their impressive personal best times.
A major milestone for Birmingham City FC's £3bn Sports Quarter as the Metro line undergoes testing. The 62,000-seat Powerhouse Stadium is on track for a 2030 completion.