High Street Decline: Retail Footfall Falls in November
New data reveals a 0.8% year-on-year drop in UK retail footfall last month, driven by Autumn Budget tax fears and poor weather. Industry leaders call for a new high street revival plan.
New data reveals a 0.8% year-on-year drop in UK retail footfall last month, driven by Autumn Budget tax fears and poor weather. Industry leaders call for a new high street revival plan.
Walsall Council has withdrawn a stop notice against the Rooftop Food Court after compliance. The venue, which opened without permission, hopes to reopen soon. Read the latest.
Poundland is shutting around 30 branches as part of a major restructuring. See the full list of locations closing in December and January, including Melton Mowbray and Bexhill.
More than 500 bank branches have disappeared from British high streets in 2025. See the full list of closures and check your area with our interactive map.
A public inquiry into 115 homes on Walsall green belt land has started. Developers accuse the council of a 'catastrophic failure' in housing supply. Read the latest.
Lloyds Banking Group announces 44 branch closures for 2026 as customers move online. Find the full list and see what support will be available for affected communities.
NatWest is closing six high street branches on December 31, 2025, citing a shift to digital banking. Community pop-ups and mobile services will support affected customers. See the full list.
A man has been rushed to hospital with potentially serious injuries after being hit by a bus on Digbeth High Street. Emergency services were called to the scene opposite Birmingham Coach Station.
A senior NHS doctor has submitted plans to convert a historic mid-19th Century Walsall building into a 17-bed HMO for healthcare staff. Read the full details of the proposal here.
Poundland is closing five more shops across the UK this month, launching 'everything must go' sales. Find out the full list of locations and closing dates here.
Explore Digbeth, Birmingham's coolest neighbourhood, where vibrant street art and independent shops have been ranked among the UK's best for Gen Z. Discover the must-see murals.
Frustrated Bearwood traders reveal how crime, litter and 24/7 shops are driving customers away. Shop owners consider leaving as area's reputation suffers.
A landmark former Marks & Spencer store in Walsall town centre will be converted into a new Adult Learning Centre for over 700 students, marking the 'first step' in the town's regeneration.
Walsall Council approves a four-year extension for the Highfields landfill site, promising long-term community benefits despite ongoing resident complaints about stench and noise.
Sandwell Council rejects 11-bed HMO in Smethwick High Street amid resident fears it would worsen existing rat infestations and fly-tipping problems. Read the full story.
A decision on extending Walsall Wood landfill site for four years is due today. Residents report 'egg-like stench' causing health issues. Read the latest.
Walsall Council will decide this week whether to approve plans transforming the former Marks & Spencer into a new Adult Learning Centre for 750 students.
Marks & Spencer unveils ambitious plan for 500 new and revamped food stores across the UK, creating 800 jobs and transforming shopping experiences nationwide.
A 42-year-old woman has been charged with a Birmingham Co-op robbery. Nicola Brown was arrested by Op Skybridge officers on Erdington High Street. Follow for more crime updates.
Birmingham's Digbeth district, with Gibb Street and Floodgate Street, has been ranked among the UK's top destinations for independent shopping. Discover unique gifts and a creative vibe this winter.
West Kirby faces a crossroads as new parking charges threaten to drive shoppers away. With 50 business closures already, traders fear this could be the final straw for the high street.
Plans submitted for Walsall's rooftop street food venue after council closure over safety. Over 100 jobs created. Decision expected January 2026.
Lidl has submitted fresh plans to demolish its outdated Bilston store and build a modern supermarket with more parking and an improved product range. Read the latest updates.
Lidl submits plans to replace outdated Bilston store with modern supermarket featuring 155 parking spaces and improved facilities. Read the full details.
Hundreds of hungry locals queued in freezing temperatures as H.M Shawarma gave away free food to celebrate its Kings Heath opening. Discover the menu and community reaction.
Claire's Accessories is closing four more British stores in Halifax, Salisbury, Sheffield, and Winchester this week following its collapse into administration, with massive clearance sales underway.
Scope charity confirms closure of Stourbridge and Folkestone shops this week, following 77 other store shutdowns. Discover how this impacts the high street.
The historic suburb of Harborne has been ranked Birmingham's happiest place to live in a 2025 study. Discover the secret behind its vibrant community spirit.
West Midlands Police release CCTV images of five men after a disorder outside Religion nightclub in Walsall left a man and woman with facial injuries requiring hospital treatment.
River Island is shutting its Altrincham store in a major restructuring plan, with 71 more UK locations at risk. Discover the full list of closures and the reasons behind the high street exodus.