Ringleaders of a county lines gang that exploited children to deal heroin and crack cocaine across the Midlands have been sentenced. The 'Trooper Line' was run from prison. Report drug dealing in your area.
Worcestershire County Council plans to introduce car park charges at beauty spots like Worcester Woods to bridge a £72m funding gap, sparking anger from residents and visitors. Read the full story.
Staffordshire County Council, led by Reform UK, proposes a 3.99% council tax rise for 2026/27, below the 4.99% cap. Plan includes £21.5m savings and £5.5m investment in children's services.
A controversial plan to pay senior Worcestershire council officers bonuses to stay ahead of a 2028 reorganisation remains undecided. Critics call the proposal 'divisive and hurtful'.
Worcestershire County Council plans to introduce parking fees at popular country parks to help fill a £70 million budget shortfall. Find out which sites are affected and the local reaction.
Eligible households in Kent can now apply for £90 vouchers for supermarket and energy costs via the DWP's Household Support Fund. Support varies across UK councils.
North Park Care Home in Darlington launches a weekly veterans' drop-in every Thursday from 5th February 2026. Open to all, it offers camaraderie, support and homemade cakes. Join them!
Essex County Council invites residents to share views on the new Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-2029. Consultation focuses on jobs, housing, and community health. Have your say by February 3.
Down Lane in Frant will close to through traffic for up to 18 months for South East Water works from January 13, 2026. Access for residents maintained. Plan alternative routes.
Roger Wilson, a dedicated SSAFA volunteer for 16 years, receives a Chief of Staff Commendation for outstanding service supporting veterans and military families in Gloucestershire.
Eight officers from Durham Constabulary suspended pending investigation into alleged misconduct during off-duty holiday in Spain. The force's professional standards department is leading the probe.
A thriving monthly meet-up for Middlesbrough’s military community is preparing to welcome back members as it enters its first full year. The club offers support and connection for veterans and serving personnel.
Kent households can apply for a new £90 cost of living payment from Thursday. Check eligibility for energy or food vouchers from the Household Support Fund.
County Durham's Kromek lands a £6m funding deal with HSBC UK to scale production and fuel R&D in its medical imaging and security detection sectors. Discover the growth plans.
Dozens of schools across Staffordshire are closed on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, due to dangerous snow and ice. Check the full list of closures and the council's safety criteria here.
Emma Corbin, 18, receives a £2,700 educational award from the Oddfellows friendly society to support her Geography degree at Durham University. Discover how the funding helps.
Eligible Surrey households can claim £300 e-vouchers for nine major supermarkets from January 1. Learn how to apply for this Government-funded cost-of-living support.
Leicestershire County Council is providing weekly supermarket vouchers of up to £140 to families facing hardship. Find out if you're eligible and how to apply.
Mair Wilson, a Powys foster carer for 18 years, receives an MBE. She and her husband have cared for 13 long-term children. Discover how to become a foster carer in Powys.
Dr Tanya Moore, Essex County Council's Principal Social Worker for Adult Social Care, receives an MBE for services to UK social work. Discover her three-decade career impact.
Derby County have secured defender Dion Sanderson from Birmingham City on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed six-figure fee. The centre-back has been a key player on loan this season.
Reform UK seized minority control of Worcestershire County Council in 2025, ending two decades of Conservative rule. Discover the key events, financial crises, and political defections that reshaped the Midlands.
A controversial red card for Birmingham City's Christoph Klarer has been slammed by pundits. Get the full analysis of the feisty Championship draw and the sending-offs that marred the match.
County Durham's MGL Group reports strong growth with turnover reaching £171.3m and operating profit hitting £27m. The firm is investing in green tech and positioning for future success.
Tributes are paid to Doug Baldwin, a Normandy veteran and former POW who has died aged 100. We remember his courage and remarkable life story. Read more.
Warwickshire County Council approves higher on-street parking tariffs for Leamington, Warwick, Stratford, and Kenilworth from April 2026. Find out the new costs and the debate behind them.
Former soldier Dan Vaughan, who struggled after leaving the army, is rebuilding his life thanks to a veteran-specific HMO scheme in Solihull. Discover how the project offers housing and support.
Councillor Jerry Roodhouse uses his personal cancer journey to champion a new health partnership for Rugby, aiming for local, compassionate care. The motion won unanimous support.
Residents in Kidsgrove battle persistent flooding for over eight years, forcing schoolchildren into the road and damaging homes. Authorities promise action.
Staffordshire County Council's Reform UK-led efficiency review identifies £2.67 million in savings, impacting mobile libraries, voluntary sector contracts, and concessionary fares. Details of the financial strategy to be published in January.