Good morning,
A difficult week across the borough with several fires breaking out on open land, and a fresh wave of roadworks hitting local routes from Monday.
🚧 Traffic & Roads: Next Week
Walsall Road (August 24 – September 4): National Grid lane closure for nearly two weeks.
Queslett Road (August 25–27): Openreach lane closure between 9:30am and 3:30pm.
Old Walsall Road (August 25–28): Cadent Gas two-way signals for service pipe works.
⚠️ Fire Safety Warning
Emergency services have been called to a series of fires on open land across Sandwell this week including in Brandhall, Hateley Heath and Tipton. Several appear to have been started deliberately — three firefighters and a member of the public needed treatment for heat exposure.
West Midlands Fire Service has warned that anyone deliberately starting fires could face a criminal record. Barbecues and fires remain banned in all parks, with immediate £100 fines. Avoid garden fire pits and incinerators too, and take glass bottles home from parks to prevent sunlight reflection.
📰 Local News
Smethwick Allotments on TV: Thindi, her dad Harjinder and the team at Stony Lane Allotments in Smethwick were featured on BBC Gardeners' World this week — catch them on iPlayer around 32 minutes in.
Exam Results Support: Congratulations to everyone getting results this week. The Sandwell Careers Service can help with next steps — 0121 569 2955 or [email protected].
Safer 6 Campaign Wraps Up: Six weeks of action tackling anti-social behaviour and environmental crime across the borough. Fly-tipping and abandoned vehicles can still be reported via the Sandwell Council website.
🎉 What's On This Weekend
Free Live Music (West Bromwich Indoor Market): Tonight Friday 21 August, 7pm–9pm. Slide Boy Roy live, with street food.
Motown & Northern Soul Night (Sandwell Valley Visitor Centre): Tonight Friday 21 August, 7pm–9:30pm. The Detours live. Tickets £12.50.
Ghost Hunt at Sandwell Valley: Saturday 22 August, 8pm–1am. The Haunted Exchange returns for a late-night paranormal investigation. Limited tickets.
Free Kids Swimming: All weekend at Sandwell leisure centres for under 18s. Registration required.
💬 With the bank holiday approaching, what would you like to see more of — events, local business features or roadworks? Hit reply and let us know.
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Drive safe,
Great Barr Insider