Good morning,
September is here and the school run is back. A few road closures to plan around next week alongside some useful local updates.
🚧 Traffic & Roads
This weekend:
Kingstanding Road (Sunday 6 September): Roadworks near Kingstanding Circle, Iceland and the library for road markings. Diversions in place.
Next week:
Dyas Road (Monday 7 September, 9:30am–2:30pm): Roadworks near Perry Beeches Campus and Hassop Road for Severn Trent works
Hawthorn Road (Monday 7–Wednesday 9 September): Paving works outside Mama Mia and Paul Carr letting near Tesco Express
Hawthorn Road (Thursday 10 September): Multi-way signals further along outside Miahs Kitchen and Big Johns
Walsall Road (September 10–12, 7pm–4am): Openreach overnight lane closure near the Walsall Road Post Office
📰 Local News
New Sandwell Council Number: As of this week the single number for most services is 0121 569 7474. Some services now offer a callback so you can hang up and keep your place in the queue.
Blackheath Bus Gate: A new bus gate is active 24/7 between Birmingham Road and Long Lane. Unauthorised vehicles will automatically receive a £70 penalty charge notice via CCTV.
Free Parking Pilot: Now live — up to two hours free parking at Great Bridge Market Place and the Ridding Lane and Albert Street car parks in Wednesbury. Market stall pitch fees also waived.
Local Plan Consultation: Residents have until 5pm Friday 11 September to share views on Sandwell's new Local Plan, covering land use and housing until 2044.
Crisis Payments: The council's Crisis Payment scheme supports low-income households facing unexpected financial emergencies. Contact Sandwell Council for details.
🎉 What's On This Weekend
National Cinema Weekend (Saturday 5–Sunday 6 September): £4 tickets across all films this weekend at participating cinemas including ODEON West Bromwich.
Moseley Folk & Arts Festival (Friday 4–Sunday 6 September): Three-day family festival at Moseley Park with live folk music, arts, crafts, storytelling and street food. Under 12s free.
Ceilidh at Sandwell Valley (Saturday 5 September, 6pm–10pm): Traditional ceilidh evening with Juniper Folk. No dance experience needed. Tickets £20 including jacket potato and pop-up bar.
📅 Looking Ahead
Heritage Open Days (September 11–20): Free access to hidden historical buildings across the region
Free Older Drivers Session (Monday 21 September, 10am–1pm): Sandwell Council House — practical road safety advice for drivers aged 60+
Blind Dave Heeley Fundraiser (Friday 9 October, 7pm): West Bromwich Town Hall. Tickets £5
Peter James Author Event (Thursday 15 October, 1:30pm): West Bromwich Town Hall
Pumpkin Picking at Forge Mill Farm (October 3–31): Including After Dark and SEND sessions
💬 What would you like to see more of as we head into autumn — events, business features or roadworks? Hit reply and let us know.
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Drive safe,
Great Barr Insider