Anna Whittaker

2 weeks ago | bbc.co.uk | Anna Whittaker

Image source, Walsall CouncilImage caption, Councillor Mike Bird was chosen as the new leader in a meeting on TuesdayBBC Political Reporter, Black Country, Black Country A former leader of Walsall Council has returned to the position, a year after he resigned from the role. Bird said the council had been through "turbulent times" in recent weeks and thanked Perry at the meeting. Bird, who represents Pheasey Park Farm, has led Walsall Council six times.

2 weeks ago | bbc.com | Anna Whittaker

Town's ongoing challenges blamed for shop closureAnna WhittakerBlack Country political reporterBBCLianne Cronin says her store, like other businesses in Dudley, has faced one difficulty after anotherA woman who is closing her shop in Dudley says there has been one challenge after another for businesses in the town. Cronin's Books and Bits, a family run gift and collectibles store, is to end its bricks and mortar presence in Dudley after five years, switching to online trading instead.

3 weeks ago | bbc.com | Anna Whittaker

Mental health trust still 'requires improvement' Anna WhittakerGoogleDorothy Pattison hospital in WalsallA mental health trust still requires improvement in relation to its adult wards, an investigation has found. The Care Quality Commission said it found "pockets of improvement" when it visited wards at Dorothy Pattison Hospital in Walsall but said leaders still have work to do.

3 weeks ago | bbc.com | Anna Whittaker

The team that hasn't played at home since 1985Anna WhittakerBBCFirst team manager Matty Lovatt (centre) pictured with team captain Alex Perry (left) and goalkeeper Tom CarterThere's nothing like playing in front of a home crowd – but for Dudley Football Club, it hasn't happened for 40 years. Club directors say finding a permanent home in the borough is "vital", while Dudley Council leader Patrick Harley said a potential site for the club has been identified.

1 month ago | bbc.com | Anna Whittaker

New Aldi at former cinema 'better than empty shop'Anna WhittakerAdam PostansLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceGettySome residents say the new supermarket is not neededA councillor says turning a former Cineworld site into a supermarket is "better than an empty shop". Residents in Yate have mixed opinions on the town's first Aldi opening after South Gloucestershire Council approved the supermarket chain's planning proposal for a new store at Yate's Riverside Retail Park on 15 May.