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🚗 20mph Speed Limits: Life-saving safety measure or "war on cars"?​More UK councils—including Birmingham and Coventry—ar...
28/09/2026

🚗 20mph Speed Limits: Life-saving safety measure or "war on cars"?

​More UK councils—including Birmingham and Coventry—are looking into expanding 20mph zones on residential streets.

Supporters argue lower limits reduce fatal collisions, cut fuel consumption, and lower insurance costs, while critics warn they increase journey times, frustrate drivers, and hurt businesses like delivery services and driving instructors.

​With over 30% of GB urban roads now restricted to 20mph, opinion remains sharply divided over whether blanket limits work or if they should stick purely to high-risk areas like schools and hospitals.

​What do you think? Should more 20mph limits be rolled out on residential streets, or are they slowing traffic down too much? Share your thoughts below! 👇

APPEAL TO PATIENT FAMILIES: A coroner investigating the deaths of patients treated by jailed breast surgeon Ian Paterson...
26/09/2026

APPEAL TO PATIENT FAMILIES: A coroner investigating the deaths of patients treated by jailed breast surgeon Ian Paterson has issued an urgent appeal for 106 families to come forward.

​Coroner Judge Richard Foster was recently notified of 106 additional former patients who passed away after being treated by Paterson for breast cancer, but medical causes of death have not yet been provided. The inquests team is seeking cause of death details to assess whether these deaths need to be formally investigated.

​Inquests are already underway into the deaths of 70 women to determine if Paterson’s care contributed to their deaths. Paterson was jailed in 2017 for 20 years after carrying out botched and unnecessary surgeries across NHS and private hospitals in the West Midlands.

​The full list of 106 names (including six men) has been published on the official inquests website, and next of kin are urged to contact solicitors Higgs LLP.

​Please share this post to help reach the affected families. 👇

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and the West Midlands automotive industry the "jewel in t...
25/09/2026

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and the West Midlands automotive industry the "jewel in the crown" of the UK economy, promising that mass car production still has a future in the UK.

​Following warnings from JLR suppliers about potential long-term declines in car manufacturing—and calls for support to transition businesses into aerospace and defense—Burnham confirmed the government is taking their concerns seriously while prioritizing the automotive sector.

​He highlighted ongoing efforts to work with the EU to ensure "Made in Europe" rules do not disadvantage British manufacturers, vowing: "We're never going to let industry just go."

​What do you think about the future of the UK automotive industry? Let us know below! 👇

A couple who subjected a vulnerable young man in their care to months of "deliberate cruelty" and abuse have been jailed...
25/09/2026

A couple who subjected a vulnerable young man in their care to months of "deliberate cruelty" and abuse have been jailed for life for his murder.

​Kenneth Newton, 58, and Melanie James, 64, were sentenced at Stafford Crown Court to life in prison, with a minimum term of 21 years.

​Rubin Blount, 28, weighed just 40kg (6 stone) when he died in November 2022 from severe dehydration, malnourishment, and extensive injuries. The court heard how Newton and James filmed themselves mocking him, forcing him to eat out of bins, and leaving him to suffer.

​In a heartbreaking victim impact statement, Rubin's mother Jeanette said her vulnerable son deserved "compassion, dignity and a chance to live his life," adding: "His life mattered and his loss has been felt by us all."

​Our thoughts are with Rubin's loved ones and all who knew him.

"Don't dismiss your symptoms."​Coventry mum-of-three Lisa Carroll is sharing her story to raise awareness after a pain s...
25/09/2026

"Don't dismiss your symptoms."

​Coventry mum-of-three Lisa Carroll is sharing her story to raise awareness after a pain she initially wrote off as IBS or a kidney infection turned out to be mucinous ovarian cancer (MOC)—one of the rarest forms of ovarian cancer in the UK.

​Her tumour rapidly grew from 12cm to 20cm before requiring emergency surgery and months of treatment. Today, Lisa is cancer-free and preparing to take part in a walk for Ovacome, the charity that supported her through treatment and early menopause.

​Lisa is urging women to trust their instincts and see a doctor if something feels wrong.
​The Ovacome fundraising walk takes place at Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham this Saturday.

🚨 £10,000 REWARD OFFERED: Crimestoppers is offering up to £10,000 for information following a violent home raid in Smith...
24/09/2026

🚨 £10,000 REWARD OFFERED: Crimestoppers is offering up to £10,000 for information following a violent home raid in Smith's Wood, Solihull.

​Masked thieves forced their way into a young family's home as they returned on Saturday 13 December, assaulting a man and threatening his heavily pregnant wife with a knife. The gang stole high-value watches and forced the victims to transfer a large sum of cryptocurrency before escaping in a black BMW X3.

​Detectives believe it was a targeted attack, with instructions relayed via video call by a fourth suspect. One attacker is described as a Black male in his 20s with a small diagonal scar beneath his left eyebrow.

​Can you help?

If you saw a black BMW X3 in the area or know anything about this crime, you can contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously at 0800 555 111 or online. You won't be asked for your name or have to go to court.
​Please share this post to help spread the word and find those responsible. 👇

Tributes have been paid to West Midlands businessman, military veteran, and airport owner Anthony "Tony" Hall, who tragi...
24/09/2026

Tributes have been paid to West Midlands businessman, military veteran, and airport owner Anthony "Tony" Hall, who tragically died alongside two others in a plane crash in the Swiss Alps on 15 September.

​Tony, who owned Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport and was managing director of Lye-based construction company Pegasus, died when the light aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Sion airport.

​In a heartfelt statement, his family described him as a "truly wonderful husband, devoted father and much-loved man" whose family meant everything to him. Tributes have also poured in from across the community, celebrating his success, generosity, and strong support for local veteran causes.

​Our deepest thoughts and sympathies go out to Tony's family, friends, and colleagues during this devastating time.

A man has received a conditional caution following an investigation into assaults on protesters at the Reform UK confere...
23/09/2026

A man has received a conditional caution following an investigation into assaults on protesters at the Reform UK conference at Birmingham's NEC earlier this month.

​Footage from the event showed audience members manhandling activists as they were removed, with report of one woman having her hair pulled and being hit with a walking stick.

​West Midlands Police confirmed that five alleged assaults are being investigated. Two other men have also been voluntarily interviewed, and officers are appealing for any other victims or witnesses to come forward.

​A conditional caution requires the individual to admit guilt and agree to specific terms, which can include paying reparations, facing fines, or completing rehabilitation.

Tributes have been pouring in for Ehi Oboite, known as DJ Buxley, the founder of Birmingham's iconic Boxout Fest, who ha...
23/09/2026

Tributes have been pouring in for Ehi Oboite, known as DJ Buxley, the founder of Birmingham's iconic Boxout Fest, who has died at the age of 34 following a private four-year battle with cancer.

​Beyond bringing thousands together to celebrate Black music and culture, Buxley was widely remembered for his charity work—including hosting events where admission was a clothing donation for the homeless—and his tireless efforts to support local talent.

​In a message prepared before his passing, he wrote: "We've made a change and I hope I've made a change to some of your lives somehow. I love you all."

A man has been charged with murder following the death of Stuart Nash in Solihull on Saturday evening.​Kevin Johnson, 38...
23/09/2026

A man has been charged with murder following the death of Stuart Nash in Solihull on Saturday evening.

​Kevin Johnson, 38, appeared in court on Tuesday and has been remanded to appear at Birmingham Crown Court. A 35-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on bail while police inquiries continue.

​Paying tribute, Mr Nash's family described him as a "devoted dad to his six children" who was "loving and kind and would do anything for the people he loved," adding that "our lives will never be the same."

​Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.

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