How the West Midlands looked 57 years ago in 1968
Step back to 1968 in the West Midlands. See the Bull Ring, Kennedy mosaic, and a region transforming. Explore our gallery of 30 rare photos.
Step back to 1968 in the West Midlands. See the Bull Ring, Kennedy mosaic, and a region transforming. Explore our gallery of 30 rare photos.
The sister of Anthony Sharma, murdered by Diogo Bettencourt, shares her grief and calls for witnesses. West Midlands Police appeal for information on the brutal attack.
Griggs Timber Company in Gloucester shuts down days before Christmas after years of losses, affecting two dozen workers. Read the full story on this historic closure.
Polling expert Lord Hayward warns Labour faces heavy losses across England, Scotland, and Wales on May 7, 2026, potentially jeopardising Keir Starmer's leadership. Read the analysis.
HMRC is increasing the effective Personal Allowance to over £13,000 for eligible taxpayers. Discover how to claim tax relief on job expenses, maintenance payments, and charitable donations.
Discover the ultimate guide to festive events in Birmingham, Solihull, Warwick & beyond. From light trails to pantos and ice skating, plan your perfect Twixmas break.
OVO Energy faces doubts over its future, planning 200 job cuts after failing to meet Ofgem's capital rules. Learn what this means for 4 million UK customers.
A new hub in Birmingham, funded by a £2m donation, aims to tackle child poverty and food waste by delivering millions of meals and providing skills training. It's a key part of King Charles's national vision.
Lifestyle experts name the eight best areas to live in the West Midlands in 2026. Discover the top picks, from Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter to vibrant Kings Heath.
A man is in a critical condition after being shot on Wordsworth Road in Willenhall. West Midlands Police are investigating the incident that occurred hours before Christmas Eve.
TGI Fridays enters administration, closing 49 UK restaurants. 500 staff face redundancy due to 'insurmountable' economic pressures. Read the full story and list of closures.
VF Corporation, owner of Vans and The North Face, axes nearly 100 UK jobs after a 10% sales drop. Turnover falls to £321.5m as consumers cut spending. Read the full financial analysis.
Mothercare announces plans to rebuild its UK and global operations despite posting a £1.4m loss and a 25% sales drop. The retailer says it has 'stabilised' and is seeking a new CEO.
Discover seven of the prettiest villages in the West Midlands for a delightful Christmas stroll away from the festive hustle. Perfect for families seeking a quaint escape this holiday season.
Warwick Ward Machinery Ltd, a major UK supplier, has entered administration after 55 years, citing economic pressures on construction. 89 jobs are at risk. Read the full story.
West Midlands Police could lose £41.1m in funding, risking further cuts to officers. Crime Commissioner Simon Foster warns of a 'postcode lottery' and fewer police on streets.
Lily Allen opens up about her cosmetic surgery following her split from David Harbour, her album's raw lyrics, and the other woman's furious response. Read the full story.
Major UK DIY distributor Toolstream has collapsed into administration, blaming post-COVID supply issues. 111 jobs have been cut as administrators seek buyers. Read the full story.
Swansea University opens new voluntary exit schemes for staff as it seeks £25m in savings, with compulsory redundancies not ruled out. The UCU warns of potential industrial action.
Bus station workers and customer service staff in the West Midlands walk out for a second time, rejecting a 3.2% pay offer. UNISON warns of disruption to transport and projects.
West Midlands Police report a spike in car thefts in Streetly, with thieves monitoring weather forecasts to steal unattended vehicles. Officers deploy high-visibility patrols. Read the safety advice.
The West Midlands introduces a free air quality warning system to combat pollution. Residents can sign up for alerts to protect their health from dangerous air. #CleanAir #WestMidlands
Stella McCartney's fashion brand sees pre-tax losses widen to £33.5m with revenues falling to a 15-year low of £16m. Discover the full financial details and the impact of her buyback from LVMH.
Discover four underrated West Midlands market towns and villages, rich in history and charm, that are perfect for a rewarding visit in 2026. Plan your trip now.
A major new food hub in Birmingham aims to provide seven million meals and skills training to tackle alarming poverty and food waste levels across the West Midlands.
Birmingham-based electric vehicle charging manufacturer Petalite enters administration, leading to job losses. Administrators seek a buyer for its proprietary technology. Read the latest.
Young Universal Credit claimants risk losing payments if they refuse job offers under strict new DWP rules. The scheme targets 900,000 people to cut the welfare bill. Read the full details.
The Prince of Wales in West Bromwich could be permanently shut down after door staff used 'excessive force' and a weapon in a violent incident. Read the full story and the upcoming council decision.
An American-style cowboy bar on Bromsgrove High Street has closed its doors after just 12 months. Owner Lee Rushton cites lack of support and awareness for the closure of his 'dream' venture. Read the full story.
West Midlands Police appeal for witnesses after an 80-year-old man was targeted in a distraction theft on West Bromwich High Street. The suspect sprayed food on the victim's jacket before stealing an envelope containing cash.