Swansea Council may run its own bus services
Swansea Council leader says the authority should not fear stepping in to run bus services directly as Wales rolls out new franchising legislation, aiming for a unified, reliable network by 2027.
Swansea Council leader says the authority should not fear stepping in to run bus services directly as Wales rolls out new franchising legislation, aiming for a unified, reliable network by 2027.
Dentists in England will receive higher payments for NHS emergency appointments from April 2026 under Labour government plans, aiming to improve patient access and save costs.
Tony Mullane fears his £2 taxi-bus service for Liverpool FC fans could be squeezed out as the city region moves to a publicly controlled bus network. Read his story and the Combined Authority's response.
Junior doctors in England will stage a five-day strike from December 17th after BMA members overwhelmingly rejected a government offer. The walkout coincides with record flu cases, sparking a patient safety row.
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.
Over 600 people protest Walsall NHS Trust's plan to close Hollybank House stroke unit. Trust cites £500k upgrade costs, proposes moving services to Wolverhampton. Campaigners fear loss of local care.
Birmingham and Solihull's Ring and Ride service has merged into the West Midlands Bus On Demand network. Find out about the new operator, vehicles, and what stays the same.
The NHS warns of an unprecedented winter flu wave, with hospitalisations 56% higher than last year and no sign of a peak. Health leaders urge the public to get vaccinated and use services wisely.
Ring and Ride services in Birmingham, Solihull, and Coventry have merged into West Midlands Bus On Demand, operated by Via. The change promises improved efficiency and accessibility for vulnerable passengers.
The NHS faces an 'unprecedented flu wave' with hospitalisations 56% higher than last year. Health chiefs urge eligible people to get vaccinated now to protect themselves and ease pressure on hospitals.
A massive £264.1 million government funding injection aims to revolutionise bus services in the West Midlands, promising faster, cheaper, and more reliable travel. Read the full details.
The government has announced a £246m funding package for bus services across the West of England. Local authorities will decide how to spend the money on new vehicles, infrastructure, and keeping fares low.
A £264.1 million government funding package will transform bus services in Birmingham and the West Midlands, aiming for lower fares and more reliable journeys. Discover how this investment will impact your commute.
The NHS faces an unprecedented winter flu wave with record hospitalisations. Health chiefs urge eligible people to get vaccinated now to protect themselves and the health service.
Lindi Holmes, a Cambridge volunteer, wins FoodCycle's Regional Volunteer of the Year Award for helping turn over 20 tonnes of surplus food into thousands of free community meals. Discover how you can get involved.
Volunteer groups like the Buckthorn Bashers are fighting invasive Sea Buckthorn on Sefton's dunes to protect native species like Natterjack Toads. Find out how to join the conservation effort.
Glasgow veteran Terry McCourt, who has raised nearly £120,000 for SSAFA, receives a Regional Recognition Award ahead of his MBE. Discover how he supports the Armed Forces community.
A new Community Litter Hub opens in Wickford, Essex, supporting volunteers tackling litter. In its launch clean-up, over 300kg of waste, including hazardous materials, was removed from just 500 metres of roadside.
The Lane family's 15-year tradition of collecting Christmas trees for East Cheshire Hospice continues on January 10-11, raising vital funds. Learn how to register your tree or donate.
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council seeks nominations for its 2026 Active Awards. Celebrate coaches, volunteers, clubs & individuals making a difference in community sport & wellbeing. Deadline: 5 Jan 2026.
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust reports a £31.2m deficit, £17.1m worse than planned, driven by rising staff pay costs. A financial recovery plan is underway.
Construction restarts on Berwick's £35m community hospital with a new interim contractor after Merit's administration. The NHS trust reassures the community on progress.
A new Diamond bus service, the number 98, will launch on January 4, connecting Solihull to Heartlands Hospital via Lyndon and Sheldon. Great news for local transport links!
Over 320 primary school children in Carmarthenshire have been trained as Young Sports Ambassadors, contributing 1000+ volunteer hours to inspire peers and build active communities. Discover how to get involved.
Former steelworker Joe Xerri shares how Marie Curie supported him through bereavement while volunteering. He urges more men to join the UK's leading end-of-life charity. Discover volunteering opportunities.
Discover how Nazila Husanovic-Gladwyn uses her lived experience to support families and improve mental health services at Essex NHS Trust. Learn about this vital role making a real difference.
A former City trader retrained as a counsellor, dedicating over 600 hours to support homeless people in Bournemouth. Discover his inspiring journey from finance to counselling.
Discover the inspiring winners of the 2025 Billericay Community Awards. These local heroes and businesses were honoured for making the town a better place to live and work.
A planned 20% VAT on private hire vehicles faces a major backlash, with warnings it will disproportionately impact elderly, disabled, and rural passengers. Read the united call to scrap the tax.
A Chorley volunteer group has won a £1,000 grant to host a free Christmas Day lunch, combating loneliness. Discover how to book your place or support their fundraising concert.