Olivia Warburton

United Kingdom, West Midlands

West Midlands News Reporter at Newsquest

Articles

Friend duo take over the helm at bridal boutique after couple’s retirement

1 week ago | stourbridgenews.co.uk | Olivia Warburton

Abbi Blackford and Lucy Hobbins have been working at Georgina Scott Bridal for 10 and 12 years respectively and, after working their way up from the bottom, have taken over the reins from departing bosses Paul and Tracie Homer. The couple decided it was time for them to take a step back from the business but did not wish to sell it on, therefore chose to leave it in the capable hands of two dedicated longstanding employees.
Tearoom thriving after rebrand, but closure of sister boutique ‘bittersweet’

1 week ago | stourbridgenews.co.uk | Olivia Warburton

Truly Scrumptious Tea Room took over the former Stuffed by Cartwright unit in Victoria Passage in September last year, opening up next door to the boutique of the same name. Owner Charlie Mainprice said her vision was to knock through to create one large gift-shop-tearoom hybrid store, however, she was instead left with the difficult decision to choose which business to keep open when the plans fell through.
‘I thought I had an ulcer’: Cancer survivor talks of battle ahead of desert trek

1 week ago | stourbridgenews.co.uk | Olivia Warburton

Steve ‘Sport’ Griffiths from Quarry Bank decided to take on the epic Australian coast to coast challenge after a friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. But while planning the trip, which involves wild camping in the vicinity of deadly snakes and spiders, he was diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer, a type of head and neck cancer in October 2023.
Developer’s plans to build more homes on estate 'cut off' by landslide met with anger

1 week ago | halesowennews.co.uk | Olivia Warburton

2 1/1 PLANS submitted to Sandwell Council to build more homes near a new estate in Cradley Heath where residents say they have been “plagued” by problems have sparked concerns. Dunedin Homes, the developer behind the 53-home estate off Halesowen Road in Cradley Heath, wants to add six new houses to the development on a patch of land at the rear of the site.
Meet the best friends on a mission to bring beloved pub back to former glory

1 week ago | stourbridgenews.co.uk | Olivia Warburton

The New Wellington on Brettell Lane was officially closed in 2022, however, will reopen this summer after new managers at the pub, Rio Cheadle and Lisa Curtis, have poured blood, sweat and tears into revamping the boozer. This is the pair’s first time trying their hand had managing a pub, determined to create a “home from home” family-friendly pub. Ms Cheadle said: “We both used to come here a lot when it was open, and we’ve been saying how much we would like to have our own pub for ages.
New ‘wonkiest pub’ in Brittan with 0-star food hygiene rating up for sale

1 week ago | stourbridgenews.co.uk | Olivia Warburton

Ian Riaar bought The Tilted Barrel in Tipton for £186,000 in November 2023, before splashing another £100,000 doing up the Grade II-listed boozer. However, the businessman has now put the 200-year-old pub back on the market - blaming difficult trading conditions for failing to turn its fortunes around. Customers are now concerned it could suffer a similar fate to The Crooked House five miles down the road, which was notoriously destroyed in August 2023.
Prime Minister praises activists that saved Dementia Gateway

1 week ago | stourbridgenews.co.uk | Olivia Warburton

Last month, Member of Parliament for Stourbridge, Cat Eccles MP, spoke in the House of Commons at Prime Minister’s Questions and paid tribute to the amazing work of some local heroes who helped save a vital dementia service - the Crystal Gateway Dementia Hub. The Dementia Gateway was saved following an incredible campaign from local activists, who opposed the initial £42 million of cuts put forward earlier this year in the Conservative Dudley Council budget.
Families invited for first look at new outreach family hub facility

1 week ago | halesowennews.co.uk | Olivia Warburton

The Spoke is located inside Halesowen Leisure Centre and will operate as an outreach resource for families with children who live in the area. Running from 9.30am to 12pm, the informal drop in event will give people the chance to learn more about the resource, see the leisure centre-based space and meet the team.
New food haunt set to be the latest addition to shopping centre

1 week ago | stourbridgenews.co.uk | Olivia Warburton

Burger & Sauce, a fast-growing Midlands-born brand, will open in the centre this summer. Known for its no-fuss menu and fresh, flavour-first approach, Burger & Sauce is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a casual dinner, its arrival hopes to add another crowd-pleasing option to Merry Hill’s evolving food offer, opening a few doors down from the new Heavenly Desserts.
Council announces appointment of four new senior directors

1 week ago | dudleynews.co.uk | Olivia Warburton

Aftab Razzaq has been appointed the Director for Legal, Compliance and Assurance and becomes the council’s monitoring officer. Mr Razzaq, who was born and bred in the borough, joins from Derbyshire Dales District Council, where he was the Director of Governance and Corporate Services. He has 16 years of experience working in local government and has served as a monitoring officer for the last seven years. He said:“I was born and bred in the borough, and I have a real sense of place.