Local Headlines from Thursday, July 16th, 2026

Local plan formally adopted despite ‘crying shame’

Dudley Council has formally adopted its new local plan despite the ‘crying shame’ of housing targets making it instantly out of date.
Force in best level for performance in the country

West Midlands Police are making positive progress and continuous improvements according to His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, underlining the trust and confidence people can have in the force.
Shop stripped of licence over missing lottery prize

A shop involved in a ‘missing’ £920 lottery prize has been stripped of its licence.
Walsall Council strikes gold with Armed Forces Award

Walsall Council has officially been awarded the prestigious Gold Award in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme.