Good morning,
There's plenty happening around Great Barr this week, from a brand-new independent coffee shop opening its doors to upcoming road closures and free family events.
Here's everything you need to know.
☕ Local Spotlight: The Haven Coffee House Opens This Saturday
Great Barr is getting a brand-new independent coffee shop and we'd love to see locals support it on opening day.
The Haven Coffee House officially opens this Saturday July 4.
📍 32 Newton Road, Great Barr, B43 6BW
☕ Opening from 9:00am
Pop in for a coffee, say hello and support a new local independent business.
🚧 Traffic & Roadworks
Hamstead Road: Lane closures remain in place until July 17 while Sandwell Council constructs a new pedestrian crossing. Allow extra time if travelling through the area.
Chapel Lane (July 6–10): Chapel Lane will be closed between Coronation Road and Birmingham Road while Sandwell Council carries out footway resurfacing works. Alternative routes are advised.
📰 Local News: Bin Collection Changes for B42 Residents
If your property falls under Birmingham City Council (parts of B42 border Birmingham rather than Sandwell), a major change to waste collections is rolling out this week.
Birmingham is piloting a new waste system across North Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield:
✅ Weekly food waste collections
✅ A second recycling bin
✅ General waste moving to fortnightly — alternating week by week with recycling
New bins being delivered from June 30, collections starting July 6. Watch out for your official Birmingham City Council letter.
Note: Sandwell residents (most of B43/B44) are already on fortnightly collections — this change only affects those under Birmingham City Council.
🎒 Weekend Lifesaver
Sandwell Careers Expo: Saturday, 10am–1pm at West Bromwich Town Hall. Meet local employers, apprenticeship providers and employment teams if you're looking for work or considering a career change.
Free Multi-Sports Session: Children aged 8–11 can enjoy a free multi-sports session at Oakwood Park PlayZone as part of the Safer 6 campaign.
Fraud & Scam Awareness: West Bromwich Building Society is hosting a free awareness session helping local residents recognise and protect themselves from scams.
Chance Glassworks Exhibition: The popular exhibition celebrating Sandwell's glassmaking history continues until July 23. Free admission.
🏛️ Local Museums This Week
Oak House Museum: Tuesday & Wednesday 11am–4pm, Sunday 11am–2pm
Haden Hill House: Thursday & Friday 10am–5pm, Saturday & Sunday 2pm–6pm
Wednesbury Museum: Wednesday & Thursday 11am–4pm, Saturday 11am–2pm
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Drive safe,
Great Barr Insider