August « 2009 « « Express & Star

The Public gallery unveiled to visitors

Controversial arts centre The Public’s long-awaited interactive gallery finally opened its doors today – more than a year behind schedule.

Roadworks for new superstore to begin

Months of roadworks paving the way for the creation of a new Sainsbury’s supermarket in a South Staffordshire village begin next week, developers said today.

Marathon effort by squaddie’s widow

The wife of a Black Country soldier who was killed in Afghanistan is planning to run the London Marathon to help raise funds for other war widows.

£30m is pledged for fire stations

Millions of pounds are to be spent by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Authority rebuilding stations to make them fit for the 21st century.

Winston locks away Elephant & Castle pub statue

A statue from an historic Wolverhampton pub is being kept under lock and key more than a year after it was restored to its former glory.

Councils’ £177k spend on funerals

Around £177,000 has been spent by councils across the Black Country and Staffordshire in the last five years, paying for funerals for people whose service cannot be paid for.

£174m hospital building filling the skyline

Futuristic glass frontages have appeared on the Walsall skyline as the town’s new £174 million Manor Hospital hospital takes shape.

Hunt for gang riot biker still going on

A fugitive Black Country biker involved in a riot at Birmingham Airport is still on the run, two months after fleeing to South Africa.

Future of historic foundry uncertain

The future of Smethwick’s Soho Foundry, dating back to 1794, is in the balance, as bosses struggle to find a buyer for part of the site.

Pop stars hoping they have X Factor

Aspiring pop stars from the West Midlands are hoping they have the X Factor as they get a chance to wow judges on tonight’s TV show.