Wednesbury residents are calling for continued town centre improvements and a crackdown on dangerous e-bike and e-scooter riders ahead of next week's crucial local elections. With less than a week until Sandwell voters go to the polls on May 7, Labour faces its biggest challenge in decades as all 72 council seats are contested. The party has controlled Sandwell Council for more than 50 years, but polls suggest Reform could take all three Wednesbury seats.
Key Concerns for Voters
Residents say tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, particularly dangerous e-bike and e-scooter riding, would be major vote winners. Affordable housing shortages and rising council tax bills are also key concerns. Wednesbury's town centre has benefited from millions of pounds in 'levelling up' funding, with new paving, lighting, CCTV cameras, and plants installed. However, local businesses say problems persist with gangs congregating outside shops and reckless riders.
Resident and Business Perspectives
Pensioner Helen Smart said about e-bike riders: "If I make it down to the bottom without nearly getting knocked over, it would be very rare. I think it's selfish." Bookshop owner Sorina Bahaur Lamb added: "I think it's getting better... the new CCTV cameras have definitely helped with shoplifters." Despite improvements, residents complain about the proliferation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and a lack of variety in shops. One Union Street shop owner said the area was "a very different place in the morning compared to later in the evening."
Future Plans
Sandwell Council has published an ambitious 15-year masterplan for Wednesbury featuring new homes, entertainment venues, and a cinema complex, though this remains largely aspirational. Residents urge the council to balance long-term visions with immediate action on e-bike safety and HMO regulation.
