Morning everyone,
A great weekend ahead with the Sandwell Summer Festival taking over the valley tomorrow. A few things worth knowing before you head out though.
🚨 Traffic & Roads
Kingstanding Road / College Road Junction (A453) — ongoing until 31 August: Multi-way temporary signals are in place following a road traffic collision that damaged a traffic pole. Expect delays at this junction for the rest of the month.
Forge Lane — ongoing until 7 August: Resurfacing works continue with no through access. If you're heading to the Summer Festival tomorrow, avoid Forge Lane completely and allow extra time on alternative routes.
Old Walsall Road / Kingsdown Avenue — ongoing until 21 August: Cadent Gas gas main replacement continues with multi-way signals near Grove Court and the 5 Star Day Nursery.
📰 Local News
Sandwell Herald: The new summer edition is being delivered to local homes this week — 24 pages of summer holiday activities and tips.
Safe Spaces Scheme: Sandwell now has 82 certified Safe Spaces across the borough — shops and community buildings offering a secure environment for anyone feeling vulnerable or worried while out. Look for the official logo in local windows.
💛 This Saturday: Sandwell Summer Festival
Sandwell Valley Country Park, Saturday 1 August, 11am–5pm. Free entry but tickets need to be booked online in advance.
Blind Dave's Colour Run, National Playday Zone, live stage performances, sports, theatre and a food village. A great day out for the whole family.
🎉 What's On
Live Music (West Bromwich Indoor Market): Tonight Friday 31 July, 7pm–9pm. Just Doin' It live — final weekend of the Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival. Free entry.
Love Parks Week: Today is the final day. A good excuse to take a walk through Red House Park or the Sandwell Valley trails.
Park reminder: Barbecues and open fires remain banned across all parks. Open water swimming is also strongly discouraged.
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Drive safe,
Great Barr Insider