A comprehensive look at the major retail and dining openings and closures that reshaped Sutton Coldfield in 2025, plus key developments expected in 2026. Stay informed on the town's evolving high street.
Boxing Day proved a 'bumper day' for UK retail as footfall jumped 4.4%, the strongest increase in over ten years. Discover how high streets, retail parks, and coastal towns performed.
NatWest Bank warns customers of six final branch closures on December 31, 2025, as part of a major shift to digital services. Find out if your local branch is affected.
Boxing Day 2024 delivered a bumper boost for UK retailers, with footfall up 4.4% in the strongest rise for over a decade. Discover where and when shoppers flocked for bargains.
Solihull Council renews Honey Club's licence for another year despite local objections over its place in a modern town centre. Read the full story on the controversial decision.
The Honey Club on Solihull High Street has had its sexual entertainment venue licence renewed after no complaints were raised. Read the full details of the decision.
Lloyds Banking Group is closing 55 Lloyds and Halifax branches, impacting local access to cash. See the full list of locations and dates for 2025.
River Island, Poundland, Cancer Research and Trespass are among the major UK chains closing stores in 2026. See the full list of locations affected and the reasons behind the retail shake-up.
Aldi, Lidl, M&S and others shut stores on 26 December, prioritising staff wellbeing over sales. Discover why high streets feel 'eerie' and which shops are open.
Explore the evolution of Birmingham's festive shopping, from iconic department store queues to online bargains. Discover how local traditions have transformed in the digital age.
Lloyds Banking Group confirms 44 Lloyds Bank and Halifax branch closures across the UK in 2026. Find out if your local branch is affected and what alternative banking support is available.
A festive café and shop in Ironbridge that celebrated Christmas daily has shut after six years. Owner Kim Warren cites rising bills and high street decline but will continue trading online.
Lloyds Bank customers in 15 towns and cities face branch closures. See the full list of affected locations and learn about alternative banking options available to you.
Timonthy Lydon, 29, has been jailed for eight months and given an 18-month community behaviour order banning him from specific shops and Bilston High Street after 13 thefts. Police warn of impact on businesses.
Paul and Anne Nicholas have lit up their Bedfordshire home for a sixth year, raising vital funds for Sue Ryder St John's Hospice. Their dazzling display is open nightly until Christmas Eve.
Retail leaders warn Labour's new workers' rights legislation will lead to fewer jobs and hurt high streets. Read the full industry reaction and analysis.
West Midlands Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was stabbed in the stomach during violence on Dudley High Street. The victim has been discharged from hospital.
A man in his 20s was stabbed on Dudley High Street in the early hours of Sunday morning. West Midlands Police are urging witnesses and anyone with footage to come forward.
Primark confirms the closure of its Dartford store on January 3rd, 2026, marking its first UK shutdown in over ten years. 53 jobs are impacted. Read the full story.
Searches for 'mushrooms in garden' have jumped 153% in a month. An expert reveals how to identify and safely remove six common but dangerous fungi, from deadly Death Caps to structural Dry Rot.
A man was stabbed on High Street in Dudley at 3:30am on Sunday, December 21. Police are investigating and appealing for witnesses. The victim's injuries are not life-threatening.
A man was taken to hospital after a stabbing on Dudley High Street in the early hours of Sunday, December 21. Police are investigating and appealing for witnesses.
A Marie Curie charity shop in the West Midlands has been crowned the nation's best after a public vote. Discover what makes this community hub so special and where to find it.
Disability charity Scope announces plans to close 77 of its 138 UK stores, including Erdington in Birmingham, to save £4 million. Read the full list of closures and the reasons behind the decision.
Disability charity Scope announces plans to close 77 of its 138 UK shops, including in Birmingham, to save £4m. The high street faces rising costs and a shift to online.
Ordnance Survey reveals the UK's most Christmassy street names, with Noel topping the list. Discover which festive roads and counties are celebrating all year round.
The festive period is a crucial economic stress test, with UK retail sales forecast to hit £91bn. Discover how Christmas spending impacts jobs, businesses, and high streets across the nation.
Roman's festive Emerald Sparkly Star Longline Jumper is reduced to £28. Use code SNUG for 20% off, making it £22. Shoppers praise its style and comfort for Christmas Day.
River Island will close 33 UK stores by January's end as part of a restructuring plan to save its retail business. See the full list of affected locations.
Next confirms a huge change, closing all its UK shops on Boxing Day. Discover which major retailers are closing and which will open for festive sales.