Good morning,
Bank Holiday weekend is here. A few useful local updates before you head out, plus some roadworks to plan around next week.
🚧 Traffic & Roads
This weekend:
Newton Road (August 29–30): Lane closure for Hutchison 3G utility works
Aldridge Road (August 30): Lane closure near Perry Park Stores for paving works
Walsall Road (ongoing until September 4): National Grid lane closure continues
Next week:
Aldridge Road / Queslett Road Roundabout (September 2): Lane closure for ironwork replacement — expect tailbacks at this junction
Old Oscott Lane (September 2–3): Multi-way signals near Drakes Drum and Glenmead Primary for LED upgrades
Beeches Road (September 3, 9:30am–3:30pm): Road works for Severn Trent works, diversions signed
Kingstanding Road (September 6): Road works near Kingstanding Circle and Iceland for road markings
📰 Local News
New Council Phone Number (from Tuesday 1 September): Sandwell Council is switching to a single number for most services — 0121 569 7474. Some services will offer a callback so you can hang up and keep your place in the queue.
Free Parking Pilot (from Tuesday 1 September): A year-long pilot offering up to two hours free parking at Great Bridge Market Place, Ridding Lane and Albert Street car parks in Wednesbury. Market stall pitch fees also being waived.
Crisis Payments: The council is reminding residents about the Crisis Payment scheme for low-income households facing unexpected financial emergencies. Contact Sandwell Council for details.
✨ Local Spotlight: SS Skin Lab Experience Day — Tomorrow
Just a reminder that SS Skin Lab on Birmingham Road is hosting their Experience Day tomorrow, Saturday 29 August, 10am–7pm.
Free skin analysis, live treatments, £300 raffle, buffet, goodie bags and exclusive one-day offers.
📍 16 Birmingham Road, Great Barr, B43 6NR
📞 0121 647 5085 / WhatsApp 07572 524163
🎉 What's On
ONE Fest 2026 (Saturday 29 August – Monday 31 August): Sandwell Valley Country Park hosts a three-day celebration of African, Caribbean and South American culture. Live music, street food and family zones all weekend.
Birmingham Weekender 2026 (Saturday 29 August – Monday 31 August): The free city centre festival returns with face painting, puppet shows, open-air disco and performances across Victoria Square, the Bullring and New Street Station.
Free Holiday Swimming: Sandwell under 18s can still swim free at local leisure centres through the end of the school holidays. Registration required.
Ceilidh at Sandwell Valley (Saturday 5 September, 7pm): Traditional ceilidh evening with live music from Juniper Folk. No dance experience needed. Tickets £20 including jacket potato and pop-up bar access.
💬 What would you like to see more of as we head into September — events, business features or roadworks? Hit reply and let us know.
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Drive safe,
Great Barr Insider