More Than 125 Bank Branches, Including Lloyds and Halifax, to Close This Week Across the UK Saturday, February 14, 2026 banking closures lloyds halifax natwest branches uk westmidlands cash bankinghubs This week marks a significant shift for UK banking customers as over 125 bank branches, including major names like Lloyds, Halifax, and NatWest, prepare to close their doors. The closures are part of ongoing restructuring … Read More
Midlands Towns Face Significant Council Tax Increases Saturday, February 14, 2026 counciltax westmidlands worcestershire shropshire localgovernment taxation infrastructure finances reform council Local councils across the West Midlands are planning significant increases in council tax, seeking Government approval to raise bills by up to 9%. Normally capped at a 5% increase without special permission, these proposed … Read More
Young Men in West Midlands Use Personal Stories to Tackle Mental Health Stigma Friday, February 13, 2026 mentalhealth westmidlands youth stigma support campaign textservice men awareness wellbeing Young men in the West Midlands are sharing their own experiences to encourage others to seek mental health support when needed. A new campaign launched in Birmingham and Solihull aims to raise awareness about a free, … Read More
180 Unclaimed Estates in Birmingham: Residents Could Be Entitled to a Hidden Fortune Friday, February 13, 2026 inheritance estates probate birmingham unclaimed brethertons wills trusts westmidlands heirship New data from the Office for National Statistics reveals that 180 estates in Birmingham remain unclaimed, suggesting many families could be entitled to forgotten inheritances. Wills, trusts, and probate experts at Brethertons … Read More
Dudley Bar Boss Vows to 'Stand Strong' and Preserve 'Good Vibes' After Van Crashes Into Venue Thursday, February 12, 2026 dudley coast restaurant bar vancrash cctv hospitality westmidlands police repairs The director of The Coast Restaurant & Bar in Dudley has expressed relief that no one was hurt after a van smashed into the establishment in the early hours of Sunday, February 1. CCTV footage shows the vehicle driving up … Read More
Worst Areas for Air Pollution in the West Midlands Revealed Thursday, February 12, 2026 airpollution westmidlands pm25 publichealth environment pollutionmonitoring cleanair deprivation airquality urbanhealth New measures to combat the high levels of air pollution in the West Midlands are set to be introduced soon. The West Midlands Combined Authority’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee will receive an update on the region’s … Read More