Community News

The Sick Children’s Trust is asking you to join in its choc-tastic fundraising campaign, Big Chocolate Tea, to support families with seriously ill children in hospital with free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation.

Big Chocolate Tea is The Sick Children’s Trust’s biggest annual fundraising event for chocolate, tea and baking lovers – and is back this May for a whole month! Last year, chocola-tea enthusiasts held hundreds of show-stopping events which raised enough money to support 1,167 families with free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation, just minutes from their critically ill child’s hospital bedside.

The Sick Children’s Trust runs ten ‘Homes from Home’ across the country, located at leading specialist paediatric hospitals. Every year the charity provides much-needed emotional and practical support to around 4,000 families with seriously ill children in hospital. Although the accommodation is free of charge to families, the charity relies entirely on voluntary donations to run its houses and is calling for the nation to join in with Big Chocolate Tea so it can continue to help thousands of families stay together with their sick child when it matters most.

Jane Featherstone, Chief Executive at The Sick Children’s Trust, says: “Big Chocolate Tea is our biggest and most exciting fundraising campaign of the year! It’s all about getting together with friends and family over the nation’s two loves, cake and tea, while pledging to raise £30 which will support a family with a ‘Home from Home’ for one night when their loved one is in hospital.

“Whether you bake every Sunday or it’s your first time popping on a pinnie, Big Chocolate Tea is something everyone can get involved in. We will even give you a starter pack full of recipes, fundraising ideas and much more to help you on your way. Join us this May and help raise money for families who need a ‘Home from Home’ so they can be there with their critically ill child, supporting their recovery.”

Familiar faces Heart Radio presenter Sian Welby, Channel 5’s Milkshake! presenter, Jen Pringle, and Irish Soprano, Margaret Keys, are already getting involved in the chocola-tea fun. Sian Welby, an ambassador for The Sick Children’s Trust, says:

“After a busy week, there’s nothing I enjoy more than a night in with friends, watching a movie with a hot cup of tea, and indulging in my favourite chocolate treat!

“And what could be better than doing that while raising money for a fantastic cause? If you can help The Sick Children’s Trust by joining in Big Chocolate Tea and raising at least £30, you will be giving a family with a child in hospital the best gift of all. You will be keeping them together, just minutes from their child’s bedside.

“I’ve seen first-hand how much this charity makes a difference to Mums, Dads and kids across the country. You never think about someone you love being ill, but if they are, The Sick Children’s Trust comes to the rescue and makes sure you can all be together. Time is priceless, so please have a biscuit and a brew and help us change lives.”

While the campaign runs during the month of May, supporters can choose to take part in Big Chocolate Tea at any point during the year and will receive a pack full of goodies to help host their event. If participants raise at least £30 during Big Chocolate Tea, they will be able to support a family with ‘Home from Home’ accommodation for one night.

Dance fans are invited to take part in an afternoon of Ballroom, Popular Sequence and Latin at a Spring Gala Dance at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall next month.

The event, which will be held on Sunday 15th April from 1.30pm will use both of the Edwardian venue’s maple dance floors in the grand interior of the Town Hall’s Vesey Ballroom.

John Wallis, who organises regular dances at the Town Hall, has been dancing since the end of the Second World War. Originally trained as an engineer, he helped run the Erdington Youth Club at St Barnabas Church as a teenager, and built an amplifier for the dances at the Church House, Erdington.

“After running the youth club dances I taught myself to play the trumpet and formed a band called ‘The Maestros’” he remembers. “We used to play weddings and dances all around this area, and I’ve organised dances for most of my life.”

John regularly works with Arthur Barrett, known as ‘The Umbrella Man’ for his Gala Dances. “The Umbrella Man is a fabulous DJ, with a good range and tempo of music” added John.  “These events are always popular and he always makes it a memorable occasion. Shows such as Strictly Come Dancing have really encouraged a resurgence in the popularity of ballroom and the NHS highly recommend dance as a way of keeping active too.”

A 19-year-old terrier - the oldest the RSPCA has ever taken in to rehome - has found his paw-fect match with a retired widow from Coventry.

Stormy was rescued by RSPCA inspector Herchy Boal earlier this month after he was spotted collapsed in a snowy garden in temperatures as low as -3C.

The animal welfare charity received an anonymous call on 2 March and inspector Boal was extremely concerned for the terrier - who is 92 in dog years!

His owners signed him over into the RSPCA’s care and Stormy was taken to the charity’s Birmingham Animal Hospital for a check-up before going into kennels at nearby Newbrook Farm Animal Centre.

Elizabeth Sidgwick, from Coundon, had been thinking about getting another dog when her daughter spotted Stormy’s story in the local press.

“I’d been looking for a dog for a while. I didn’t want a puppy, I wanted an older dog and I felt like I’d know when it was the right one for me,” she said. “And he is the spitting image of my previous dog, Barney, who I had for 15 years.”

She went to meet the senior pooch and knew he was the one for her. Stormy came home with Elizabeth on Sunday and is settling in brilliantly already.

“He is lovely - especially considering what he’s been through. He just wants to be loved,” she said.

“He can be a cheeky boy though. When you’re eating he thinks he should have some so he sits, stares at you and barks!

“He is just great. Everyone loves him!”

Despite a minor heart murmur and cataracts in both eyes - which have left him with poor sight - the plucky terrier is relatively healthy.

The first of four commemorative paving stones has been laid at the Tottenham war memorial sites in honour of WWI Victoria Cross recipients.

Four Haringey soldiers will be remembered as part the Department for Communities and Local Government campaign to recognise those who received the prestigious award because of their bravery in the face of the enemy.

The paving stones are laid during the centenary year of when each soldier carried out their heroic deed. Each stone is inscribed with the name of the soldier, their regiment and rank, and the date they received the award.

The first ceremony held on Friday 23 March honoured Tottenham resident, Lt Alfred Herring of the Royal Army Services Corps, who in March 1918, held off an enemy attack on the south bank of Montagne Bridge in France.

The Mayor of Haringey, Cllr Stephen Mann attended the event, along with members of the armed forces, school children from Bruce Grove Primary School, Ledley King, and the family of Lt Herring.

Speeches were delivered by the Mayor and senior military officer, Lt Col Steve Day. A one-minute silence was held to reflect on all those who have lost their lives at war. This was followed by a reading of the Victoria Cross Citation, a blessing, and the Exhortation (Act of Remembrance).

Cllr Mann said: We are delighted to have this opportunity to recognise these Haringey soldiers who fought and died in the war. The Victoria Cross is the highest of accolades and we feel privileged to assist in providing a long-lasting tribute to their memory and the sacrifices they made for their country.”

The programme for Lt Herring’s ceremony is available on the Haringey website, where you can also read more about all the Haringey Victoria Cross recipients. The next ceremonies are scheduled for April, May and November.

The West Midlands police force area now has 13 weapon surrender bins.

It’s after a new safe and secure container, which is designed for people to safely dispose of knives, was unveiled today (Monday 26 March, 2018) at St Chad and St Mark’s Church in Lime Street, Merridale, Wolverhampton.

The bins are just one of the ways the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner is tackling the increasing problem of knife crime.

Wolverhampton now has four weapon surrender bins, all funded by the PCC. The other Wolverhampton bins are located at the New Testament Church of God, Wednesfield Road, Heath Town; Tabernacle Baptist Church, Dunstall Road, Whitmore Reans; and Morrisons, Bilston.

Commenting on the arrival of a new bin the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said: “I’m very pleased we have been able to provide another surrender bin for Wolverhampton.

“The bins are providing people with a legal and safe way to dispose of knives which they shouldn’t be carrying. Every knife posted into a surrender bin is potentially a life saved.

“These bins work best when the community wants them and in Wolverhampton the message we have been receiving loud and clear is that more are needed”.

The other bins are based across Birmingham and Sandwell.

The PCC installed the bin with the full backing of the City of Wolverhampton Council. Its leader, Councillor Roger Lawrence, said: “This is our fourth knife bin in Wolverhampton and, like the others, it will have an important role in helping to prevent crime.

"Very simply, if knives are taken off the streets then they cannot be used to commit a crime or cause injury.

"Sadly, knives are very easy to obtain. We have to ensure that people, particularly young people, are aware that if they take a knife out with them they could end up facing a murder charge."

Chief Superintendent Jayne Meir from West Midlands Police said: “We work very closely with the community, council and other partners in Wolverhampton to prevent the harm caused by knife crime.

“We are very grateful to St Chad and St Mark’s Church for allowing the placement of this additional knife bin.

“Alongside encouraging the disposal of knives, we ask the public to give us any information that might help us to protect our young people and I would urge them to contact us on 101 or through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111.”

The 13 knife bin locations across the West Midlands are:

·         New Testament Church of God, New Spring Street, Hockley

·         New Testament Church of God, 240-244 Lozells Road, Birmingham

·         New Testament Church of God, Goosemore Lane, Erdington

·         Aldi, 273 Stratford Road, Sparkbrook

·         Tesco, 278-299 Aston Lane, Birmingham

·         The Sports Hub Perry Barr, Holford Drive, Perry Barr

·         Cannon Street Memorial Baptist Church, 330 Soho Road, Handsworth

·         Green Lane Masjid, 20 Green Lane, Small Heath

·         Corner High Street/New Street, West Bromwich Town Centre

·         New Testament Church of God, Wednesfield Road Heath Town

·         Tabernacle Baptist Church, Dunstall Road, Whitmore Reans

·         Morrisons, Black Country Route, Bilston

·         St Chad and St Mark’s Church in Lime Street, Wolverhampton.

Local celebrities have been showing a thumb for Macmillan Cancer Support’s Macbrum campaign.

Frank Skinner and Pete Waterman are amongst the celebrities who have shown their support for the regional fundraising campaign.

Frank said, ‘I've used my thumb for many purposes over the years but this is definitely the most worthwhile.’

Pete said, ‘It’s no secret that those of us from the West Midlands are the simply the best! It’s great that Macmillan Cancer Support are making sure that people affected in Birmingham and the Black Country get the vital support when cancer hits. I’m more than happy to Show a Thumb for MacBrum, hope you can support too.’

Eastenders’ Annette Badland, who grew up on Pershore Road, Bradley Simpson from the Vamps, actress and playwright Lolita Chakrabarti, actor and director Adrian Lester and actress Maya Sondhi have also expressed their support for the campaign.

The Macbrum campaign, which launch this week, aims to raise £250,000 for Macmillan services in Birmingham and the Black Country, services like the Macmillan Relate Counselling Service based in Bishopsgate Street, Birmingham. This vital service offers free counselling to people living and working in Birmingham and The Black Country who have been affected by cancer, at a time when they need it most. Cancer and its treatment can have a big impact on relationships, and the Macmillan Relate service offers up to eight free counselling sessions for people at various venues across Birmingham and The Black Country.

Liz Taylor, Regional Fundraising Manager for Macmillan, said, ‘We are so grateful for the responses we have had from local celebrities for the Macbrum campaign. Their supportive words highlight the importance of cancer services in the region, and the hugely generous and caring attitude people in Birmingham and the Black Country have. We are very excited to be launching the Macbrum campaign and hope people across both regions get behind us to raise vital funds for Macmillan services in Birmingham and the Black Country.’

To find out how you can get involved in the campaign please visit www.macmillan.org.uk/donate/macmillan-projects/macbrum.html . To donate to the campaign, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/macbrum-campaign.

You can also join the local famous faces listed above, like Frank Skinner, on social media by showing your thumb for Macbrum. Simply take a photo of you giving

us a thumbs up, then tweet the photo using the hashtags #showathumb for #macbrum.

Working with the Arts Council Collection as part of their National Partners Programme, Birmingham Museums Trust is bringing contemporary art, including work by Birmingham based artists, to two heritage venues: Aston Hall and Blakesley Hall.

Aston Hall is a magnificent 400-year-old Jacobean redbrick mansion and Blakesley Hall is a Tudor timber-framed house sited amongst avenues of modern houses that lie beyond its gates. At each site, a selection of important works from the Arts Council Collection will go on display alongside select pieces from Birmingham’s own collection. The exhibitions will engage with the unique stories of both historical properties and their surrounding communities.

Walls Have Ears: 400 Years of Change at Aston Hall will mark the Jacobean mansion’s 400^th birthday year. The exhibition will present contemporary portraiture by artists including Mawuena Kattah, Ryan Mosley, Eugene Palmer, Paul Rooney, Zineb Sedira and Donald Rodney.

In its 400 year history the house has seen many changes in the social, demographic and economic landscapes surrounding the Hall. The selected artworks explore themes of history, culture, class and race that resonate with Birmingham’s own identity.

The exhibition includes a number of Birmingham artists, including Vanley Burke, whose photograph, Rasta Man from Handsworth (1968), captures a young black man growing up in Birmingham in the late 1960s. This was period during which Britain began to face the challenges of introducing racial equality, passing the first Race Relations Act in 1965 with further amendments in 1968.

Boundary II (2000) by Barbara Walker is taken from the series ‘Private Face’, which focuses on the African-Caribbean community in Birmingham and depicts an everyday scene within a neighbourhood barbershop. The close framing of barber and client prompts the viewer to imagine what type of conversation might be happening between them.

At Blakesley Hall, Nature’s Presence takes inspiration from the hall’s historical relationship with nature and the garden. Historically the hall’s grounds have been used in different ways. In the past they have been both ornamental and working gardens, whilst today they are a hub of community activity.

The display includes different artistic perspectives on the natural world. The works present subject matter including flowers, fruit and animals through a range of media, from film and photography to paintings and sculpture. The artists in Nature’s Presence, such as photographer John Blakemore and Birmingham-based artist Ruth Claxton, explore human observations and interactions with nature.

Georgie Hopton’s photographic work Faded Blooms (2009) shows the fragility and beauty of decaying flowers. Meanwhile Sam Taylor-Johnson’s Still Life (2001) depicts a traditional fruit still life decomposing over time. Both works capture a dialogue between the contemporary world and classic still life images. Each is a contemporary take on a subject which has been richly explored throughout art history.

Jill Constantine, Director of the Arts Council Collection, said: “Both Aston Hall and Blakesley Hall offer enormous potential to present contemporary art in a new and fascinating context.  We are delighted that the Arts Council Collection will be on display in these two new exhibitions and that the local communities who enjoy these much loved houses will also have the opportunity to explore contemporary art from the Collection.”

Deborah Smith, curator of both exhibitions, said: “We are incredibly excited to be able to bring contemporary art to our heritage sites, opening up a conversation with audiences and celebrating the past and present.

“Our partnership with the Arts Council Collection has allowed for a wealth of art to reach the public, and as a Trust we aim to make contemporary art accessible and engaging to visitors.”

The award-winning conservation charity, Twycross Zoo, is celebrating the arrival of its first penguin chicks of the year!

The fluffy bundles of joy arrived to proud penguin parents Dory and Fin, one of the six breeding pairs at the Zoo. Hatching just in time for Easter, the Zoo is delighted to welcome the adorable Humboldt penguins, which are the first of many chicks to come this year.

Humboldt penguins are currently threatened by habitat loss, low food supply, and human disturbance leading to them being listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. As a result, the number of Humboldt penguins in the wild is now thought to be less than 30,000. Twycross Zoo experts hope to continue their work to protect this much loved species, having seen the arrival of over 100 chicks since 1969.

Twycross Zoo is doing its part to safeguard all marine life by using only sustainably sourced herring to feed its penguins. Humans also get to feast on sustainable fish at all of the Zoo’s catering facilities, including “the Catch” Fish Bar, with the hope to inspire visitors to take a small action to support the world’s oceans.

Yianna Cooling, Team Leader for Large Mammals, Birds and Pets, said, “We are so happy to see the first of our penguin chicks arrive, and just in time for everyone to come say hello at Easter! The family are all doing really well and the chicks are being kept well fed by mum and dad.”

Keys to nine new council homes at a Smethwick estate have been handed over to Sandwell’s housing boss.

The properties represent the final phase of 38 newly-built council homes at the Galton Lock development, off Mafeking Road in Smethwick.

The council  has been working in partnership with developer Countryside to build the properties which are part of a larger 180-home estate.

The 38 two and three-bedroom homes are the first properties the council has bought off-plan – that is before they were built – under the £4.5 million scheme.

Tenants are already signed up for the properties and will be moving in shortly.

The development is part of the council’s millions of pounds worth of investment into new housing and was completed on schedule.

Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Sandwell’s cabinet member for housing, said: “I’m delighted to receive the keys to these last nine new council homes on the Galton Lock development which has seen a total of 38 new council  homes being built for local families to move into.

“This is another example of the council working in partnership with a developer like Countryside to increase the quality and choice of housing in the borough.

“By the end of March next year we will have created nearly 200 new council homes since 2016 with hundreds more in the pipeline.

“This is part of our on-going strategic housing plan to increase the number of council-owned affordable homes.”

John Gilbert, regional operations director for Countryside’s Midlands division, said: “With a strong partnership model in place, we’re committed to ensuring much-needed, residential growth for Smethwick. Galton Lock was our debut into the West Midlands and has been a driving force behind our continued growth within the region, making the handover of these final homes an even greater milestone for us.

“Through the creation of high quality homes and engaging with local residents, our vision for Galton Lock was to transform brownfield land into a thriving and welcoming neighbouring. The scheme has been an unwavering success since day one and is a testament to what can be achieved through a collaborative working between Sandwell Council and Countryside.”

The Galton Lock development is made up of 180 homes. In addition to the 38 new council homes which have been bought by and will be managed by Sandwell Council, the remaining  142 will be made up of 79 for sale and 63 for rent by Countryside.

Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Chamber patron Arup hosted the West mayor Andy Street at an event aimed at supporting his objectives to get the region’s transport system moving again.

Building upon the work of the recently published GBCC report on congestion, the mayor and the West Midlands Combined Authority were given a platform to engage with a range of key regional stakeholders to share ideas on how the region can overcome congestion related issues.

The report found that congestion costs businesses £407 million a year, and emphasises that congestion affects staff punctuality (28 per cent), reduces productivity (21 per cent) and increases company costs (19 per cent).

The event, held at the National College for High Speed Rail, brought together representatives from transport bodies, local authorities and business organisations to discuss proactive solutions required to combat the region’s transport needs.

The mayor started the event by giving the audience an overview on his priorities for transport and movement in the region and how the agenda has progressed during his tenure.

Andy Street said: “We know that we’ve had a real turn around in our economy, and what today is all about is how transport is going to actually keep up with the demands of the economy.

“As you will see, there is quite a step change in the degree of public transport available across the region. Excluding the cost of HS2, there is £5 billion pounds worth of investment.”

“We can’t go on with congestion and people choosing the car as the first route, this [the new transport network] will genuinely give alternatives.”

Attendees from the event, including representatives from Transport for West Midlands, University of Birmingham and Highways England then discussed transport network resilience, implications of policy changes, and measures required to support change.

After the session concluded, Richard De Cani from Arup offered some closing remarks and next steps following on from the event.

Johnny Ojeil, director of transport planning at Arup, said: “Arup are delighted to be involved in helping shape the transport strategy for the region and in particular working closely with the Chamber and the many businesses they represent.

Paul Faulkner, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The businesses that participated in today’s event made it clear that not only are they affected by congestion, but they also want to play their part in overcoming these deep seated issues. In particular, it was great to see local firms bringing sensible and tangible solutions to the table.

“Whilst it is reassuring that the Mayor has made tackling congestion a key priority of his tenure, it is clear that these deep seated issues can only be effectively challenged if we adopt a holistic and joined up approach which encourages collaboration between public and private sector bodies.

“In the long term, we look forward to working with Arup and the Mayor’s office to ensure the views of business are recognised and reflected in the region’s transport programmes.”

Wolverhampton is pledging to become an Autism Friendly City – and ensure that people with autism are given the same opportunities as anyone else.

Autism affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they see, hear and feel the world around them. People with autism experience it in different ways, but typically face challenges in social communication and interaction.

Around 1 in 100 people in Wolverhampton are estimated to have an autism spectrum condition, while of those around half also have a learning disability and 30% suffer severe mental health difficulties.

The ambition to make Wolverhampton an Autism Friendly City has been unveiled by the City of Wolverhampton Council ahead of World Autism Awareness Week, which starts today (Monday 26 March, 2018).

Councillor Val Gibson, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "I am delighted that the council and its partners have pledged to make Wolverhampton an Autism Friendly City by offering as much help and support as possible to people young and old with the condition, and their families.

"We want Wolverhampton to be a place where people with autism feel sale, understood and supported, have the same opportunities as anyone else, can live the life they choose, receive personalised support when they need it, enjoy meaningful activities and be active members of our community."

The aim is to make Wolverhampton an Autism Friendly City by 2021 – the end of the current Joint Autism Strategy, which was developed by the council, Wolverhampton Clinical Commissioning Group, schools and the University of Wolverhampton.

Launched in 2016, the strategy has already helped bring around a number of improvements including the development of a new diagnosis, treatment, support and care pathway for adults, and improving the support that is offered to parents or carers of children with autism after they receive a diagnosis.

Three City nurseries have created enhanced mainstream early years provision for children with autism and other complex needs, and autism training is being made available for school staff and frontline professionals.

A new specialist centre for autism was officially opened at the City of Wolverhampton College in December to cater for a dozen students aged 16-25, while Enable, the employment service, provides individualised support to people with autism who are looking for work, including help with CVs, interviews and job coaching.

A full review of SEND education has been completed with a number of recommendations being implemented to ensure there is the capacity and resources within special and mainstream schools to meet the needs of all pupils with autism, while work is underway with the voluntary sector to develop a network of services to support people with autism and their families.

Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "The council and its partners have already demonstrated a commitment to people living with dementia by making Wolverhampton a Dementia Friendly City, and by now pledging to become an Autism Friendly City we want to ensure that people with autism in Wolverhampton are also given the help and support they need to live life to the full.

"While we have made significant progress in implementing our Autism Strategy, there is much more we can and will do – and by setting ourselves the aim of being autism friendly by 2021, we hope to galvanise effort and interest in delivering real improvements for people with autism."

World Autism Awareness Week is organised by The National Autistic Society, which has launched its "Too Much Information" campaign to challenge the myths, perceptions and stereotypes around autism. People are encouraged to visit the website at www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/tmi, watch a short film and find out what actions they can take to make life easier for someone with an autism spectrum condition.

A £5,000 make-over to Wednesbury’s historic clock tower is now complete.

The iconic local landmark – a grade 2 listed building and a popular meeting place for local people – has benefitted from a total overhaul.

The facelift has seen the inside of the clock tower thoroughly cleaned and its internal electrics fully serviced and updated.

Its sandstone and brickwork exterior has been cleaned as  well  as the steps and limestone at the top of the clock and door revarmished.

The clock mechanism has been serviced, clock speeds corrected and times reset – as in recent times the four clock faces have not all been synchronised.

The outside of the clock has been fully cleaned, lighting circuits have been rewired with new LED strip lighting installed behind the faces replacing the old halogen fittings which were in poor condition.

This means the clock faces are now  much brighter and clearer at night.

The final phase of the restoration work has seen the globe stands remounted and repainted as they had started to rust and were looking worse for wear,  and new white opaque lighting globes have also been installed.

Councillor Pam Hughes, town lead for Wednesbury has praised the make-over which Wednesbury North ward councillors Elaine Costigan and Peter Hughes have lobbied for.

Councillor Pam Hughes, said: “It’s fantastic to see this much-loved local landmark restored to its former glory.

“It’s location in Wednesbury’s Market Place is one of the Black Country’s most recognisable historic locations and the clock tower has always been a popular meeting place for local people.”

Councillor Paul Moore, Sandwell’s cabinet member for regeneration, added: “I’m pleased that we have been able to give the clock tower, a really good ‘spring clean’, sprucing it up for local people to enjoy and preserving it for future decades to come.”

The clock tower was built in the place once occupied by Wednesbury’s old butter market cross which was demolished in 1824 and was built to commemorate the Coronation of King George V in 1911.

A popular Sons of Rest building in Wednesbury is to be refurbished to help increase the range of activities for the local community.

The Brunswick Park Sons of Rest is to get a facelift to help develop additional activities and increase income to support existing and new groups.

Money towards improving a room and furniture at the Foley Street centre is coming from a Sandwell Council small towns grant worth £1,340.

The building is used as a leisure centre for older people to enjoy games such as snooker, crib, billiards and dominoes. A range of other activities are organised by members throughout the year.

The building is used by local groups including the Friends of Brunswick Park, Women's Institute, a bird club, whist drive and the Sons and Daughters of Rest.

The Sons of Rest has also applied for funding from the Tesco Bags of Help scheme, in which it has been shortlisted with an announcement due next week. A minimum of £1,000 is guaranteed from the scheme.

Wednesbury town lead member Councillor Pam Hughes said: "I am so pleased that we are able to help this long-established group who are looking to open up the centre to other user groups."

Sons of Rest treasurer Colin James said: "Once the room has been refurbished it will be a much better facility for local residents and groups to use."

The City of Wolverhampton Council has completed its first phase of the ‘Lighting up the City’ project by bringing streets, public features and open spaces to life via LED lighting.

Since phase one of the Lighting up the City project began in August 2017, a brighter and more attractive environment has been created across the city. As well as forming a safer place for people to visit.

The focus of the scheme, which is also supported by contributions from the Wolverhampton Business Improvement District (BID), is on a 1.5-mile walking route through the city centre.

So far, the project has included the dressing of Dudley Street and Cheapside trees with lights along with other locations, as well as a light curtain in Exchange Street.

The Queen Square fountain and steps and St Peter’s Gardens have had new lights installed, while uplighters showcase the Lady Wulfruna statue and the Harris Memorial statue outside St Peter’s Church.

The Dudley Street light towers are also set to be replaced and long-term plans include the introduction of pocket parks - small green spaces in an urban setting.

Councillor Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment, said: “This project showcases some of the many fascinating features and buildings we have in our city while creating a more interesting and attractive environment – especially as the day turns to night.

“Lighting up selected areas of trees across the city centre and public features has already significantly enhanced the city centre environment by creating a more inviting and safer city.

“Once the project is complete, we hope visitors will follow the walking route leading them to the city’s individual landmarks and enjoy a true visitor experience when they visit our city.

“I look forward to the next phase of the project which will see more of our iconic buildings in the spotlight.”

Phase two of the project will begin this summer and following agreement and support from local partners, will see many of the city’s popular landmarks bought to life.

The council has had discussions with partners such as the University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, House of Fraser, and the Mander Centre, as the final proposal is developed.

The council intends to lead by example by proposing a specific lighting scheme to enhance the main entrance of the city’s art gallery to showcase the many architectural aspects of the building.

The council is also looking to introduce lighting schemes as part of new developments, such as the £55 million Westside project, and within forthcoming public realm improvement and connectivity projects that are being developed as part of the Connected Places Strategy delivery plan.

Efforts will also be made to introduce planning conditions that require developers to bring forward lighting schemes as part of any future sites in the city centre.