Community

‘Half a million’ march in London in historic protest against far right

2026-04-03T12:38:49+01:00

An estimated half a million people gathered in London for the largest demonstration in UK history against the far right, organisers said.

UK’s most net-zero ready cities revealed with one unexpected leader topping the list

2026-04-03T12:31:54+01:00

Reaching net zero is no longer a distant ambition for the UK, it’s an urgent national priority that is reshaping how cities operate, build, and grow.

Young Brits leaving the UK earlier than ever as prospects fall

2026-04-03T12:28:28+01:00

The Great Gen Z Exodus report by The TEFL Academy reveals that Britons are no longer waiting until their 30s to leave, they’re doing it in their 20s, in record numbers, as economic pressure and shifting career priorities reshape life decisions.

Global Sikh peace ambassador awarded Freedom of the City of London

2026-04-02T14:05:44+01:00

One of the City of London’s oldest and most distinguished honours, dating back over 800 years, the Freedom was historically granted to individuals who contributed to the life and prosperity of the city.

New kite shop takes flight at Bantock House Museum

2026-04-02T13:59:31+01:00

A new kite shop has opened at Bantock House Museum, with visitors to the attraction now able to buy a range of kites, with designs including dragons, aeroplanes and butterflies.

England’s activity hotspots and laggards mapped out in new ranking

2026-04-01T19:11:57+01:00

Staying active can feel like a juggling act.

Between work, family, and everyday responsibilities, finding time to exercise often slips down the list of priorities. Yet keeping fit isn’t just about hitting the gym, it’s about creating small, manageable ways to move more, feel better, and build a lifestyle where activity fits naturally into your day. A new study by Betmaster reveals which areas of England are making it easiest, and hardest , for residents to stay active.

By looking at gym memberships, sports event participation, and how confident people feel about getting the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week, the research paints a clear picture of the nation’s fitness habits. Topping the list is Hammersmith and Fulham, with an overall score of 82.25. More than half of residents (50.06%) are members of a fitness club, while over three-quarters (77.33%) meet recommended weekly activity levels.

The area also performs strongly in perceived access to exercise opportunities, with 78.25% of residents saying they feel able to be active. Close behind is Wandsworth, where 84.12% of residents feel they have the opportunity to be active, one of the highest rates in the country, alongside 77.16% hitting weekly exercise targets. Lambeth ranks third, boosted by one of the highest sports event attendance rates (19.21%) and strong overall engagement across all metrics.

Other high-performing areas include Richmond upon Thames, where nearly 79% of residents achieve 150+ minutes of weekly exercise, and East Hertfordshire, which stands out for its strong sports attendance (20.19%) and well-rounded performance across all indicators. The top 10 is rounded out by a mix of London boroughs and southern districts, including Islington, Elmbridge, Exeter, Bromley, and Kensington and Chelsea, pointing to a clear trend: areas with better access to facilities and stronger sports culture tend to see higher activity levels. At the other end of the ranking, Sandwell places last with a score of just 18.98.

Fewer than half of residents (48.71%) meet recommended exercise levels, while fitness club membership remains low at 25.01%. The borough also records one of the lowest perceptions of access to activity opportunities (69.22%).

Other low-ranking areas include Barking and Dagenham, Thurrock, and Luton, where activity levels and engagement across multiple metrics fall behind the national average. In Newham, for example, sports event attendance is just 6.28%, one of the lowest figures in the study, despite relatively moderate gym membership levels.

Robert Mardisalu, a spokesperson for Betmaster, commented: “Most people don’t struggle to stay active because they don’t care about fitness; it’s because everyday life gets in the way.

“Long work hours, commuting, and general fatigue all add up, and suddenly exercise feels like another task rather than something that helps. What we’re seeing is that in places where activity is part of the daily routine, whether that’s walking more, having access to gyms, or being around others who are active, people are far more likely to stay consistent without even thinking about it.” Consistency really comes down to mindset and practicality.

“You don’t need perfect routines or hours in the gym, you need something that fits into real life. For many people, the challenge is balancing work, social commitments, and energy levels, and that’s where habits often fall apart. The areas performing best are the ones where staying active feels convenient and achievable, not overwhelming.

“When exercise feels accessible rather than like a big commitment, it becomes something people stick with long term.”

Top 20 most active cities:

Methodology: The study analysed Local Authority Districts across the UK using four key metrics: fitness club membership rates, sports event attendance, the proportion of residents who feel they have the opportunity to be active, and the share achieving at least 150 minutes of weekly exercise. Each metric was normalised and weighted to reflect both real activity levels and broader engagement, before being combined into an overall score out of 100.

Toucan play that game, says pub landlord after prized pint glasses swiped

2026-04-01T19:03:50+01:00

The owner of a popular Birmingham boozer has vowed revenge on light-fingered customers after a stock of prized Guinness Toucan glasses vanished from his establishment during St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Young Black professionals inspired by West Midlands Lord-Lieutenant at Excell3 leadership event in Birmingham

2026-03-29T23:04:33+01:00

Young Black professionals from across the West Midlands gathered for ‘The Torch Exchange’, an Excell3 leadership series designed for outstanding leaders to pass on their knowledge, insight, and expertise to the next generation.

Almost 600,000 smart water meters installed in the Midlands

2026-03-28T22:54:24+00:00

Severn Trent has installed almost 600,000 smart meters for customers - helping people to track their water usage and potentially save money.

Everards and Twycross Zoo launch ‘Hazelnook Amber’ to support Hazel Dormouse conservation

2026-03-28T22:49:18+00:00

Everards of Leicestershire and Twycross Zoo welcomed guests to Everards Meadows Beer Hall last night to celebrate the launch of ‘Hazelnook Amber’, a limited-edition beer created to support the conservation of one of the UK’s endangered native mammals.

Last chance to buy tickets for the Mayor of Dudley's Annual Charity Ball

2026-03-27T23:11:53+00:00

It’s the last chance to buy tickets for the Mayor of Dudley's Annual Charity Ball – the prestigious annual event that is set to bring members of the community and businesses together for an evening of fun, celebration and sparkle!

TUC head to celebrate new workplace rights at Midlands conference

2026-03-27T23:05:37+00:00

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak will today (Saturday) congratulate workers from the Midlands for their part in winning stronger rights at work.

Can ewe believe it? Baa-Bara makes a comeback!

2026-03-26T22:07:57+00:00

The city’s much loved mechanical sheep sculpture is back in action after a full restoration, delighting visitors once again from its home above the entrance to Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

Iconic Brief Encounter clock returns to Carnforth Station after restoration

2026-03-26T21:39:09+00:00

Visitors to Carnforth Railway Station can once again see the original clock made famous by the 1945 film Brief Encounter, returned to its rightful place 80 years after the film's release.

Save on Easter childcare egg-spenses in the West Midlands with Tax-Free Childcare

2026-03-26T21:34:24+00:00

More than 47,300 families in the West Midlands saved money on their childcare in December as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) urges families to sign up before booking their Easter holiday childcare.

UK’s only bonobo troop explore new habitat for first time at Twycross Zoo

2026-03-26T21:31:14+00:00

Conservation charity Twycross Zoo, shares exciting footage of the UK’s only bonobo troop exploring their expansive new outdoor habitat for the very first time.