A Tale of Two High Streets: West Midlands’ Contrasting Communities Saturday, April 11, 2026 westmidlands highstreet alumrock knowle independentbusiness community inequality urbanspace localeconomy businessdevelopment This week, I explored two high streets in the West Midlands that, though geographically close, couldn’t feel more different. The striking contrast between Alum Rock and Knowle left a lasting impression. Alum Rock, often … Read More
Nationwide Warns Customers: Account Changes Can Take Up to Seven Days Friday, April 3, 2026 nationwide buildingsociety jointaccount mobilebanking customerservice branches highstreet banking accountprocessing uk Nationwide Building Society has informed customers that new account changes, such as opening a joint account, can take up to seven days to appear on mobile banking apps. This update comes after a customer inquiry on social … Read More
Historic Lichfield Shopfronts to Benefit from New Protection Scheme Friday, April 3, 2026 lichfield shopfront heritage conservation designcode grants restoration highstreet historic preservation A new consultation focusing on the shopfronts across Lichfield city centre is now underway, with council leaders poised next week to approve a design code and grant programme aimed at preserving the city’s historic character. … Read More
Historic UK Bakery Chain Routledges Closes All Shops After 109 Years Wednesday, April 1, 2026 bakery closure ukbusiness highstreet routledges costs retail government economy shopclosures Routledges the Bakers, a renowned UK bakery chain with a 109-year legacy, has announced the permanent closure of all eight of its shops. The decision comes in response to relentless cost increases and mounting financial … Read More
Poundstretcher Plans Major Store Closures Amid Restructuring Efforts Tuesday, March 31, 2026 poundstretcher restructuring retail stores closures cva creditors fortress uk highstreet Poundstretcher, one of the UK’s prominent high street discount chains, is reportedly preparing for a significant wave of store closures as part of a comprehensive restructuring plan. This move follows its acquisition by … Read More
Mobile Food Trucks and Tree-Lined Boulevard Planned for New Bilston Public Space Monday, March 30, 2026 bilston regeneration publicspace foodtrucks community council outdoorplay highstreet wolverhampton market City of Wolverhampton Council has unveiled plans to revitalize a largely unused gravel area in Bilston’s town centre into a welcoming, green public space. Situated off High Street and currently serving as a temporary outdoor … Read More