Santander has agreed a major £310 million refinancing package with housing association Peabody, supporting its plans for regeneration and new affordable homes across London and the Home Counties. Read the full details.
Dawn Davis braved the clippers at Eastcote Park's Elf Day, raising £852 for the Alzheimer's Society. Her hair was donated to Banbury Postiche for wigs. Read her inspiring story.
Solihull Council's cabinet approves £340,000 to finalise designs for the transformative Kingshurst village centre regeneration, including a new community, health, and retail hub. Read the latest.
Councillors postpone a decision on 57 new social homes in Charnock Richard, opting for a site visit after residents warn of overdevelopment and inadequate infrastructure.
Solihull Council has refused plans for 80 new homes on green belt land in Hockley Heath, citing unresolved flood risks. Read the full story on the local planning clash.
The UK faces a rapid increase in older private renters, with numbers set to treble by 2040, raising serious concerns over retirement finances and housing suitability. Discover the full story.
Developer Richborough unveils plans for 650 dwellings and a new country park on land off Whitmore Road. Public consultation open until December 7.
33 individuals, groups and businesses were celebrated as community champions in North Kesteven for their voluntary work and community spirit. Discover the inspiring winners and learn how to nominate for 2026.
A Solihull council tenant has been banned from his property for three months after a court granted a Closure Order due to reports of Class A drug misuse and anti-social behaviour. Report issues confidentially.
Discover Earlswood, a serene village near Birmingham with stunning lakes, a vibrant craft centre, and a community spirit that proves the smallest places have the biggest hearts. Plan your visit today.
Thousands on Housing Benefit or Universal Credit can apply for Discretionary Housing Payments, averaging £722. Learn eligibility and how to claim this vital rent support.
Solihull Council grants listed building consent for a major refurbishment of the Grade II listed Mason Arms pub, a High Street landmark with origins in the 1700s. Read the full details.
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.
Solihull Council plans a new crackdown on fly-tipping after reporting over 3,000 incidents last year. Discover the new strategy and how residents can help.
A couple has been sentenced for illegally renting out their Solihull Council property while living in Essex, making nearly £3,000 profit. Read how the fraud was uncovered.
Road deaths in Solihull show a downward trend, but new data reveals the borough is unlikely to meet its 2030 road safety target. Discover the latest figures and accident hotspots.
Architect argues co-living spaces offer affordable city-centre homes for key workers, freeing up family housing and reducing congestion. Is this the solution Bristol needs?
Residents in Birmingham's Druids Heath estate are threatening a judicial review over a council-approved regeneration scheme for 3,500 new homes, fearing community destruction.
Solihull railway station was forced to close early on 1st December 2025 due to a lack of available staff. Get the latest updates on the disruption and reopening here.
A 'tight-knit' Solihull community helped shut down Dragon Phoenix Massage after reporting suspicious activity and women trafficking. Read how residents took action.
A Birmingham supported housing firm has gone bust, owing over £12.2m. Administrators report threats, arson, and intimidation of vulnerable tenants. Read the full investigation.
A government planning inspector has dismissed an appeal to build a four-bedroom house on a Solihull green space, siding with residents who argued it would spoil their 'lovely crescent'. Read the full ruling.
A Solihull massage parlour, Dragon Phoenix, has been shut down by court order after police found evidence of illegal sex work and exploitation of Chinese women. Read the full investigation details.
A man in his 30s was seriously injured after being bitten by a loose dog while jogging at Earlswood Lakes. Police are appealing for the owner to come forward.
Birmingham's Druid's Heath regeneration plan for 3,500 new homes, including 51% affordable housing, has been approved. Discover the details and resident concerns.
Solihull's smoking rate is 12.8%, below England's average. However, rates in northern wards like Chelmsley Wood reach 26.7%, prompting targeted council action to reduce health inequalities.
Residents of Druids Heath in Birmingham express fury over council regeneration plans that would demolish their homes. Locals demand better communication and fair treatment.
Facing a £2.7m debt, Solihull Council is investing over £630,000 in an AI programme to generate significant savings, following the lead of other local authorities.
Rent in the West Midlands has skyrocketed, with five areas seeing increases over 30% since 2021. Average prices now top £1,000 a month. Discover the most affected areas.
St Alphege CE School in Solihull achieves top Ofsted rating just years after being told to improve. Discover how leadership and community transformed this West Midlands school.