LABOUR councillors in Sandwell are bracing themselves for another round of damaging suspensions as national party leaders try to take the warring council in hand. Party insiders told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that an on-going civil war has forced an internal investigation by the party’s powerful National Executive Committee. An update on the inquiry is expected to be discussed by the governing body at its meeting in February. Its recommendations are said to include another round of membership suspensions of sitting councillors. Such a move would prove politically embarrassing coming only weeks before the local elections which are expected to be held in May.
Pic: PA SANDWELL Council and West Midlands Police have issued a joint warning to shops and supermarkets in Sandwell after alarming reports of COVID-19 rules being ignored. The letter has been sent to all large shops and supermarkets urging managers to ensure face coverings are worn, customers are encouraged to use hand sanitiser as the number of customers allowed in stores is limited. The letter also asks shop managers to reduce congestion by using queue management and one-way systems to ensure social distancing is possible for staff and customers. It warns that if rules are not followed police will warn the public of concerns regarding safety in stores and will take action against individuals.
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Furious homeowners have slammed filthy fly-tippers after a huge 16ft (5m) mountain of rubbish was dumped in the middle of their street.
Residents of Bilhay Lane, in West Bromwich, West Midlands, were astonished to discover the pile of waste on Wednesday morning.
Shocking images show piles of household rubbish including carpets, pipes, black bags and even street bollards blocking almost the entire street, making the road impassable.
Locals are now calling for CCTV to be installed to deter fly-tippers following a spate of similar incidents in the area.
Residents of Bilhay Lane, in West Bromwich, West Midlands, were astonished to discover this festering pile of waste which was dumped by fly-tippers on their street on Wednesday morning
Sandwell Council is looking to buy homes in its area SANDWELL Council is pledging to buy homes in the local area to boost housing stocks for tenants and those on the housing register waiting list. The council said it wants to buy properties including new build homes to help reduce the impact of poverty, improve lives and help children and families reach their full potential. These purchases will help meet demand for affordable housing in Sandwell, adding to the significant number of new homes that are being constructed through the council s new build programme. The move could be good news for homeowners in Cradley Heath, Old Hill, Rowley Regis or Oldbury who are looking to sell their properties.
“Some people will want to get tested on a regular basis so that they can reduce the chance that they will accidentally pass the virus on to someone they love.
“Rapid tests are also being made available to health and care workers, as well as other frontline staff, via their organisations.
“Having a large site at West Bromwich Town Hall will mean we can test lots of people quickly. We will also look to open up more sites in other areas of Sandwell in the near future.”
The fastest way to book a test is online at sandwell.gov.uk/testsandwell