Local News

Voters in Makerfield are heading to the polls today in one of the most closely watched by-elections in recent British politics. Polling stations across the Greater Manchester constituency opened at 7am and will remain open until 10pm, with the result expected in the early hours of Friday morning. More than 30 polling stations are operating across the constituency as residents choose a successor to former Labour MP Josh Simons. While by-elections are often local affairs, the contest in Makerfield…

President Donald Trump has secured a major diplomatic breakthrough in the Middle East after a peace agreement between the United States and Iran came into immediate effect, bringing an end to the conflict and paving the way for the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The agreement, known as the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, was announced by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who acted as a mediator between the two sides. According to Mr Sharif, the deal…

A REDDITCH based ex-serviceman turned artist has been awarded an MBE for charitable services in the Kings Birthday Honours. Popular artist Kevin Wills from Oakenshaw has made quite a stir in the past with his portraits of Captain Sir Thomas Moore, his project painting the fallen in Afghanistan and several of the England football team. Kevin has also created artwork in honour of Remembrance Day, which was on the cover for Pathfinder international magazine, with the proceeds donated to…

REDDITCH Borough Council has refused to give a vote of no confidence to the mayor over her historical social media quotes where she criticised black, Asian and LGBTQ+ communities. The vote was brought forward by the Labour group, who said mayor Reform UK councillor Sue Eacock’s comments online were validating division and hate in the community. Complaints were made about Coun Eacock’s for remarks on X, including one where she suggested there were too many black performers at the…

REDDITCH United have finalised their pre-season schedule ahead of the start of the 2026/27 season. The Reds will play nine friendly games in a packed pre-season programme for Mike Fowler’s side. Redditch begin pre-season with a home game against Chasetown on Saturday, July 4 with kick-off at 1pm at the Valley Stadium. The Reds then travel to Evesham United on Tuesday, July 7 with kick-off at 7.45pm at the Spiers and Hartwell Stadium. Another away trip follows with Redditch…

ALVECHURCH have completed the signing of striker Ben Stephens following his departure from champions Harborough Town. Stephens scored 37 goals in 86 appearances for the Bees and helped Harborough win the Southern League Premier Central title last term. He netted 25 goals in the 2024/25 campaign and scored 12 last term en route to lifting the league title. The 28-year-old also played 45 times for Macclesfield in League Two across a two-season spell. Church boss Kyle Storer said: “This…

The BBC is set to cut 550 jobs and close a number of programmes as part of a major cost-saving drive launched by its new director-general, Matt Brittin. The reductions are the first stage of a wider restructuring programme that is expected to see around 2,000 roles disappear across the corporation over the next three years. Staff have also been warned that television channels and radio networks are being reviewed as BBC bosses seek to reshape the organisation in…

England’s long-awaited 2026 World Cup campaign finally gets under way on Wednesday as the Three Lions face Croatia in Dallas, six days after the tournament officially began. For thousands of loyal England supporters who have travelled across the Atlantic, the wait is almost over. While Gareth Tuchel’s side prepare for their opening group match, a sea of St George’s Cross flags has already begun appearing across Texas as supporters gather in bars, fan zones and city centres ahead of…

Sir Keir Starmer has suggested Andy Burnham could be handed a major role in Government if the Greater Manchester Mayor wins Thursday’s crucial Makerfield by-election, as pressure on the Prime Minister’s leadership continues to mount. The offer comes amid growing speculation that Burnham is the leading contender to replace Sir Keir should Labour enter a leadership contest in the coming weeks. Speaking to reporters at the G7 summit in Canada, Sir Keir praised Burnham and indicated he would be…

THE HISTORIC Feckenham Wake returns this month and promises to be more entertaining than ever. Thousands of people are expected to attend the event which starts at 12.30pm on Saturday, June 20, across The Square, recreation field and village hall. It will offer a mixture of new and traditional attractions, including Punch and Judy,  Arrow Valley Brass Band, All Round Voices Choir, Massed Morris Dancers and Feckenham Country Dancers. The annual Fun Dog Show and circus skills workshop also…