Morning everyone,
Here’s your quick 3-minute rundown of what’s actually happening locally this weekend.
🚨 Local News & Council Updates
Cancer Screening Bus: A dedicated NHS and Macmillan cancer screening bus is at New Square Shopping Centre in West Bromwich today (Friday, May 8) from 10 AM–4 PM. Free health checks and advice available without an appointment.
Sandwell Valley Closures: If you're heading to Sandwell Valley next week, the Visitor Centre will be closed Monday and Tuesday (May 11–12). There will also be no vehicle access to Lodge Hill Lane or Park Farm car parks due to resurfacing works.
Free Car Seat Checks: Child Seat Safety (featured on BBC Watchdog) will be carrying out free independent car seat checks at ASDA Cape Hill next Friday and Saturday (May 15–16, 10 AM–3 PM).
🚧 Traffic & Travel
(Note: Closures are based on current council schedules and may change.)
This weekend:
M6 Northbound (J5–J7): Overnight closures and lane restrictions remain active between 9 PM–6 AM through the weekend.
Forge Lane (Sandwell Valley): Road closure near the Crematorium remains in place until mid-June for electricity works.
Next week — plan ahead:
Old Walsall Road: Temporary multi-way traffic lights Monday–Thursday (May 11–14) for tree felling works.
Aldridge Road: Overnight resurfacing closures (7 PM–5 AM) continue until May 19.
👉 Old Walsall Road is likely to become a bottleneck next week, especially around school-run times.
🎉 What’s On This Weekend
Tame Impala (Utilita Arena): Saturday night — expect extra city centre traffic.
The Baby Show (NEC): Friday to Sunday — one of the UK’s biggest parenting events.
Gladiators Experience (NEC Campus): Interactive attraction open all weekend for families and kids.
That’s your week in B43/B44.
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Drive safe,
Great Barr Insider