New £525 Cost of Living payments open for applications
Hard-up families in Surrey can apply for combined support of up to £525 from Monday. Two separate council schemes offer cash and vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hard-up families in Surrey can apply for combined support of up to £525 from Monday. Two separate council schemes offer cash and vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Explore Saltwells National Nature Reserve, home to the Midlands' largest free sculpture trail, ancient woodland, and a family-friendly pub, just opposite the Merry Hill shopping centre.
The Rossendale Ramblers enjoyed a festive week of walks, from a rainy pre-lunch ramble to a sunny tunnel route and a magical Santa sleigh sighting in Sabden. New Year walks are planned. Join them!
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.
Rail passengers in southeast England face higher fares as contactless payment rollout aligns with TfL peak times. Some off-peak tickets are now more expensive.
Residents and parish councillors in Charlton, Worcestershire, strongly oppose plans for six bungalows on agricultural land, citing traffic and sustainability concerns. Read the full story.
A developer has submitted plans to build four dormer bungalows on the former car park of The Coventry Arms in Upton Snodsbury, a site vacant since 2017. Read the latest on this brownfield development.
The rollout of contactless payments on UK railways has led to higher peak-time fares and reduced off-peak options, sparking criticism from MPs and passenger groups. Find out how the changes affect your journey.
Discover 12 perfect places for winter dog walks in Birmingham. From scenic hills to riverside paths, find new routes to explore with your furry friend this season.
Discover 11 fantastic winter dog walks in Birmingham, featuring parks, hills, and woodlands perfect for family outings. Find your new favourite spot today!
Lord Anthony Bamford wins planning permission for a 'landscape observatory' on his Cotswolds estate, despite strong opposition over light pollution and landscape impact.
Discover the best family activities in Birmingham between Christmas and New Year. From pantomimes and ice skating to winter light trails and festive walks, our guide has it all.
Discover 16 beautiful winter walks near Birmingham, including Sutton Park, Cannock Chase & Lickey Hills. Perfect for festive family strolls. Plan your frosty adventure today!
Discover 12 beautiful winter walks in and around Birmingham, from urban nature reserves to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Perfect for families and all abilities.
Discover 16 stunning National Trust winter walks around Birmingham and the Midlands, complete with cosy cafes for tea and cake. Many routes are dog-friendly and accessible.
Malvern Theatres is set for a landmark £20 million redevelopment in 2026, funded by the government's Levelling Up Fund. The project will deliver a new studio theatre, improved accessibility, and a community amphitheatre. Read more about this exciting cult
The Ursid meteor shower peaks over the UK on December 22. Discover how to see up to 10 shooting stars per hour, with expert tips on timing and location for the best view.
Discover 21 picturesque towns, villages, and castles near Birmingham perfect for a winter weekend escape. Explore historic landmarks, cosy pubs, and scenic beauty spots.
Discover Lowsonford, a quaint Warwickshire village with lovely canal walks, leading to a pub with a festive scent and award-winning pies. Perfect for a festive day out.
Shirebrook Town Council left unable to function after 11 councillors quit. Bolsover District Council appoints temporary members to restore operations. Read the full story.
Two motorised paragliders had a dramatic near-miss at Peak Wildlife Park, Staffordshire, almost landing in an enclosure with two polar bears. Read the full story of their lucky escape.
Discover a perfect countryside escape just an hour from Birmingham. This writer's weekend in a Worcestershire hamlet and the Cotswolds offers idyllic walks, cosy shops, and delicious food.
The Range has been ordered to pay over £412,000 after mice and rats were found gnawing Easter eggs and leaving droppings across a Midlands store. Read the full details of the hygiene breach.
Discover 20 stunning winter beauty spots across the West Midlands for your festive break. From frosty hills to serene city parks, find your perfect winter walk.
Discover four of the highest-rated festive walks in the West Midlands, perfect for burning off the Christmas dinner. Explore Sutton Park, Kinver Edge and more.
Wirral Council reveals advanced negotiations for a tenant at its costly, empty Irvine building in the £75m Birkenhead Commercial District, a potential boost for the town centre.
A 13-year-old girl was allegedly dragged into a KFC toilet and gang-raped by four men in Paris. Police arrested suspects after passers-by found the traumatised victim. Read the full report.
Warwick District Council must repay double council tax charged on second homes after admitting it 'acted outside the law'. A procedural mistake forces a costly U-turn.
Discover 11 serene winter walks near Birmingham for fresh air and tranquillity. Perfect trails for hiking with dogs, rated highly on All Trails. Escape the festive rush.
The Rossendale Ramblers enjoyed a stunning six-mile reservoir walk near Bolton in glorious sunshine. Discover their latest routes and how to join their free walking community.