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Wetherspoon has chosen City of Wolverhampton to host its national museum as part of official plans submitted to the council for a £7 million makeover of The Moon Under Water pub.

The exciting scheme also includes proposals to build a 70-bedroom hotel above the Lichfield Street venue.

The 40,000 sq ft space above the pub, with its Art Deco frontage, has been empty for more than 30 years.

It was previously home for the old Co-op store, which opened in 1931, and sits opposite the Grand Theatre.

If the plans are approved, it could generate up to 50 jobs.

The news follows the Grand Theatre’s recent announcement of plans to expand into the former post office next door to build a pop-up theatre and the council’s proposal to pedestrianise part of Lichfield Street.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We have great plans for the popular The Moon under Water pub in Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton.

“Subject to planning permission we aim to invest £7 million on the new pub, to extend it and also to build a hotel above it. It would also create many new jobs.

“We believe this will be great for the pub, its customers and just as importantly the city itself.

“We are also confident that it would act as a catalyst for other businesses to invest in Wolverhampton.

“We also feel the museum will prove popular with people who want to know more of the history of the company and see artefacts from the past. The fact that Wetherspoon wishes to house it in Wolverhampton is positive for the city.”

The vast five-storey building, where The Moon Under Water is based on the ground floor, takes up half of one side of Lichfield Street but only the pub is currently based there.

Its neighbour, the old tavern O’Connells, closed around five years ago and the majority of the 40,000 sq ft premises is currently dereclict.

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, added: “This planning application from Wetherspoon is very welcome and, subject to approval, will breathe new life into this building.

“There is currently £1 billion investment in the city centre and this exciting scheme is another example of the growing in confidence in our city.

“It will deliver a significant number of jobs and for a national chain like Wetherspoon to choose City of Wolverhampton for its national museum is an honour.”

Residents are being warned not to give out their bank details over the phone following reports of council tax cold calling scams.

Sandwell Council has received several complaints from people who have received scam calls about their council tax bands and council tax refunds.

The first scam involves a cold call from a company claiming to be able to recover overcharged council tax. The caller tells the householder’s that their council tax band is wrong.

The householder is told if they pay £150 direct from their bank account over the phone, they can get a council tax refund going back to the 1990s.

In another scam, an elderly man was called by someone claiming to be from Sandwell Council, asking for his bank details as he was due a council tax refund. He gave his bank details, but after alerting family, his bank accounts have been secured. He’s not thought to have lost any money.

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for public health and protection Councillor Elaine Costigan said: “If you speak to someone who claims to be from the council, and you are not sure if they are genuine or you're not comfortable giving out your details over the phone, always contact the council yourself directly to make sure it's not a scam.

“Remember the scam awareness motto – ‘Don’t be rushed, don’t be hushed’.

“If you’re not sure if someone is genuine, don’t part with any money. Get some advice first and talk to someone about what’s going on.”

For help and advice about scams or you’re worried that you may have fallen for a scam, call the Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 04 06.

Wolves fans have the chance to own a memento from an historic day in the club’s history and raise money for charity at the same time.

The Mayor of Wolverhampton, Cllr Phil Page, is auctioning off banners and signage which were used at the Wolves Promotion Parade earlier this year.

80,000 people lined the streets of the city centre in glorious sunshine on May 7 as Wolves celebrated the club’s return to the Premier League.

The event was dubbed as the biggest party Wolverhampton has ever seen.

Now, Cllr Page, hopes that Wolves fans eager to own a piece of history will snap up the items in a charity online auction.

The lots include giant banners, some of which have been signed by the Wolves squad, which lined the parade route and adorned the front of the city’s art gallery on the day of the promotion party.

The gallery was the venue for a Civic Reception held in the club’s honour.

Also on offer at the auction the use of an executive box at Molineux for up to eight people when Wolves take on Liverpool on Friday December 21.

Cllr Page is raising money for his mayoral charities which are Inspire You, Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre, Kingswood Trust and Good Shepherd Relief in Need.

Cllr Page said: “The Wolves promotion parade was an absolutely amazing day which anyone lucky enough to witness will never forget.

“We have some of the banners and signs which were used on the day to line the parade route and around West Park and I thought that people might want to own a piece of history and bid for them to raise money for charity.

“I am also offering the use of an executive box at Molineux for up to eight people when Wolves take on title-contenders Liverpool in what will be a sell-out fixture next on 21st December.

“Wolves have some of the most loyal and diehard fans in the world and I feel sure they will jump at the chance to own these collector’s items and help me raise funds for these really worthwhile charities.”

Dr Paul Sabapathy CVO CBE, immediate past Lord Lieutenant for the West Midlands, has joined the Birmingham Commonwealth Association (BCA) Board as a Non Executive Director.

Keith Stokes-Smith, Chairman of the BCA, commented, “ I was so pleased when Paul agreed to join the board bringing with him a wealth of knowledge, experience, energy, commitment and commonwealth connections. He is a man to be admired for his achievements and looked up to with admiration. He has been a great supporter of the BCA since its launch in March 2014 and, as he says himself, a passionate Brummie.

Paul will join myself, Tony Shergill, Wade Lyn CBE, Professor Martin Levermore MBE and Professor Louise Toner, on our team supported by Birmingham City Council.”

Forty years ago, Raymond Briggs’ beautifully illustrated book The Snowman transported children into the wintery wonderland of a boy and his snowy companion.

Now, celebrating its 25th anniversary year, Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s twinkling live stage show of The Snowman returns, as a magical mix of exquisite dancing and live music lift the boy and his friend from page to stage.

The enchanting show tells the story of a young boy’s adventures when his snowman comes miraculously to life on Christmas Eve. Featuring a dazzling array of colourful characters including dancing penguins, a beautiful snow princess, wicked Jack Frost and of course, Father Christmas himself, The Snowman is a treat for all the family and a perfect introduction to theatre and dance for the very young.

First created in 1993, the Birmingham Repertory Theatre stage adaptation of The Snowman underwent many revisions in its early days since when the show has become a phenomenal success with tours in the UK, Far East and Scandinavia and a West End run at London’s Peacock Theatre of 21 years, where it is currently playing until 6 January 2019.

Stuart Rogers, Executive Director at Birmingham Repertory Theatre said:

“We are delighted to welcome The Snowman back home to The REP to celebrate its 25th birthday, and look forward to sharing the show’s magic with existing fans and a whole new generation of children as well.”

Inspired by the film directed by Dianne Jackson and produced by John Coates, Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s production of The Snowman features virtuoso choreography by Robert North, direction by Bill Alexander, design by Ruari Murchison, lighting by Tim Mitchell and unforgettable music and lyrics by Howard Blake - including the timeless Walking in the Air.

Timber, the new outdoor arts festival celebrating the story of the National Forest, has won the highest accolade in the festival world, taking Best New Festival at the UK Festival Awards ceremony held in London last week.

It was chosen from a challenging field of national competition. This coveted award is just one of a clutch of accolades picked up by the festival recently. It also won Best PR campaign at the Outdoor Events Awards event in Bath last month, and at Leicestershire's Tourism and Hospitality Awards it was awarded Favourite Festival. The judges for the latter said: “The ambition and vision for this festival were exceptional … a unique and exciting event that embraced the spirit and ambition of its unique setting: the National Forest.”

John Everitt, Chief Executive for the National Forest Company, said: “We are thrilled with this array of awards for Timber in its first year. We wanted to make something truly exceptional that would engage people in the National Forest's unique story, and inspire people to reconnect with trees, woodlands and the natural world. All our supporters, partners, and the festival artists and performers, plus all the festival-goers themselves, helped us make Timber the success that it was, and we can't wait to present another amazing festival in 2019.”

The National Forest Company worked with award-winning festival producers Wild Rumpus to create the three-day camping festival, which took place in July this year at Feanedock Woods just outside Swadlincote. Through music, art, woodland activities and a lot of fun, it celebrated the transformative impact of forests.

John continued: “Feedback received from festival-goers this year spoke of a real connection with nature, and the amazing atmosphere. It was so chilled out and a contrast to other festivals with its imaginative use of extensive woodland spaces, and intimate music stages set within the woodland glades.”

Birmingham-based nurse and Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing at Birmingham City University, Ann-Marie Dodson, has been presented with a prestigious Cavell Star Award after being nominated for going above and beyond for her student nurses.
Having qualified as a General Nurse in 1981 from Selly Oak School of Nursing before moving to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Ann-Marie now teaching student nurses all week  as well as working weekend shifts in an intensive care unit to ensure her clinical skills stay up to date.
Ann-Marie, who has previously held the role of Sister in an intensive care unit, said:
“As well as a passion for nursing, I love teaching too. I feel we are all duty-bound to pass on our skills to the next generation of nurses. And I have a vested interest, as I may well be a patient one day and require the best care possible from a nurse.
“I want to make sure I stay in touch with hands-on nursing. And I love caring for patients, that’s what I trained to do. I want to use my skills rather than just teach them to others.
“It was a complete shock to win the award! The students gate-crashed a meeting I was in with other tutors and presented me with the Cavell Star Award. It was really special to be recognised by my students, it means a lot to me, I’m very honoured!”
A group of Birmingham City University students nominated her for the award.
Student Nurse Claire Carmichael explained why they made the nomination:
“Nothing is ever too much for Ann-Marie, she is always there for us students, 24/7 all year around. She’s an incredible human being and really deserves the award given to her for all that she does.”
Each Cavell Star Award winner receives a medal, presentation case and pin badge, as well as invites to attend special Care & Cake parties next year, celebrating the nation’s nursing professionals.
Katie Dixon, a fellow Student Nurse, added:
“Ann-Marie is one of the most inspirational, altruistic women I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, training with and being taught by. Working solidly six days a week as a Senior Lecturer and on the bank as a Staff Nurse at the weekend, the very little free time she does have is spent fundraising for charity. She is truly inspirational!”
Those wishing to nominate a nurse, midwife or healthcare assistant for a Cavell Star Award can find out more at www.cavellstarawards.org
 

The evolving skyline of the West Midlands is to be transformed further still by the efforts of number of construction experts who have recently joined The Mayor’s Mentors initiative launched last year by the West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street.

The latest business to join the scheme, which is to helping young people develop life skills and gain the advice they need to flourish is the international consultancy and construction company Mace, which recently signed up a sixth senior member of its Midlands team.

26-year old Mustafa Abdillahi is one of the mentees who is currently being supported by Mace. He said: “It’s still early days but this has been a fantastic experience so far. I’ve been matched up with John Egerton, an operations director for Mace in the Midlands.

“With my background in mechanical engineering, I was unsure of what route to take next and John has spent time helping me to work that out. He’s encouraged me to study for a masters in project management. As a result, I’m now shadowing John and his team at Mace, whilst I work towards an MSc at the University of Birmingham.

“My ambition is to become an accredited Project Manager and then hopefully like John, I’ll one day reach director level and have the opportunity to lead on flagship construction projects across the region.”

Mustafa is originally from Sweden and moved to Birmingham when he was 15-years old. Working part-time as a CCTV operator, he graduated from University in 2017. Over the past year he has worked for a recruitment company whilst completing a 9-month leadership programme with UpRising, a national youth leadership development organisation.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, said: “One of the first things I did after becoming Mayor was launch the Mayors Mentors initiative. The reason was that I passionately believe that one on one support through mentoring gives young people the best chance for the future.

“By sharing knowledge and experience, Mentors help to give young people the life skills and advice they need to flourish and fulfill their potential.

“Already we have exceeded our target of connecting over 1,000 young people in the West Midlands with mentors and it is great that Mustafa will be the latest person to benefit as well as working on such transformational projects.”

John Egerton, operations director for Mace, said: “The Mayor’s Mentors scheme is a great way of helping young people like Mustafa to prosper, simply by imparting some of your skills, knowledge and experience. A number of my colleagues have already signed-up to the programme and I’d encourage any professional who is working in the West Midlands and capable of motivating others to seriously consider getting involved. It’s just a couple of hours each month and a very positive experience.”

Mace’s team in the West Midlands have delivered many key infrastructure projects in the region including the project management of Birmingham New Street’s redevelopment, HSBC’s new HQ at Arena Central, and the redevelopment of the former municipal bank at 3 Centenary Square.

On Tuesday 11 December, George Moore, a patient at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, unveiled the ‘Choo Choo Express’ after winning a competition to name his very own special festive Chiltern Railways train.

Two-year-old George from Sutton Coldfield, who was treated at the hospital for croup and infected tonsils, beat off stiff competition to be announced winner of the exclusive children’s hospital competition.

After much anticipation, the family finally saw George’s design brought to life for the first time today. His mum, Fay, 32, commented: “It was such a special moment to see George’s Choo Choo Express design on the side of the train. George’s eyes lit up and he was just so excited. We’re so proud of him, this train is going to be seen by thousands as it travels across the country and George just loves trains so seeing his design was the perfect prize. We hope that this will be a memory he holds close to him for the rest of his life.

“We have been in Birmingham Children’s Hospital a lot over the past few weeks, with two visits to A&E with George for croup and infected tonsils as well as a stint on the High Dependency Unit for our daughter, Betty, who had pneumonia and bronchiolitis. It’s been a tough month but hopefully we’re all on the mend and can enjoy Christmas at home.”

Alan Riley, Customer Services Director at Chiltern Railways, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the children’s hospital with our special Christmas train this year following the success of last year’s Santa Train. Christmas is about giving, so we are pleased to be able to give this opportunity to George and his family and help them create festive memories at what must be a difficult time for them.”

Serena Daw, Public Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “This year our Moments of Magic Christmas campaign is all about bringing magical moments to our patients and families and helping ensure their hospital experience is the best it possibly can be.

“We’re so grateful to Chiltern Railways for deciding to support our patients and families in this way by giving such a unique experience to George and his family.”

The Choo Choo Express, which it has now been formerly nicknamed, departed for its scheduled ride from Moor Street Station to Marylebone today.  It will be in service for the entire month of December. If you spot it on your commute or festive travels, take a picture and tag in @bham_childrens and @chilternrailway.

In the UK, 20 per cent of adolescents may experience a mental health problem in any given year1 and in 2014, nearly 20 per cent of people in the UK aged 16 and over showed symptoms of anxiety and depression2. The pressure to have a ‘merry’ Christmas can highlight feelings of depression, as people become more aware that they aren’t feeling happy but ‘should’ be.
 
It can be easy to become stressed, anxious or depressed in the lead up to and during the Christmas period as we put so much effort and investment into one day. Although we all imagine harmonious family gatherings, sometimes big get-togethers can lead to arguments and frustration. Getting caught up in the Christmas rush and feeling like we are running out of time can make us feel increasingly anxious.
 
The pressure to find the perfect gift, finding presents that better last year’s and sticking to a budget is not only stressful, it can cause significant anxiety and through our exhaustion, feelings of depression.
 
So what can you do to reduce the impact of depression on your Christmas?
 
Budget and plan
 
Budgeting and planning your spending is key. Out of control present buying creates a huge stressor and whilst it can be hard to control your spending, decide on a budget; being realistic about what you can afford and sticking to this is important.
 
Buying gifts throughout the year can help spread the cost, whilst others might make many of their gifts. Wherever your skills lie, there will always be a way of giving to others without spending money you might not have.
 
A family affair
 
Although we all picture the perfect family gathering, spending time with family can be a big stressor at Christmas. Families are complicated and messy, and can trigger unhappy memories, disputes or feel monotonous. This can be especially the case for young people who may have just experienced their first term living away from home at university and find themselves having to re-adjust to living at home, and perhaps relinquishing some independence, over the holidays.
 
Learn to say no and be aware of the commitments you are making to others – will you enjoy the event or do you feel obliged? Events that we don’t enjoy or have no time to enjoy can create feelings of stress, so ask yourself before you make any commitment – ‘will this make me feel good or add to my stress?’
 
Cooking up trouble
 
If, like me, you are the main chef in the house, cooking Christmas dinner can be stressful. But there are lots of dishes you can prepare in advance and great advice that can be found on cooking websites, books and TV programmes. If you’re cooking for a gathering, why not ask each guest to bring a dish for the table? You’ll end up with a delicious array of food without having to prepare it all yourself, and you’ll know that there will definitely be something everyone likes!
 
Make it social
 
Unfortunately some people do find themselves alone at Christmas. Perhaps they have lost contact with family, or are living abroad. Being alone at Christmas, a time which we are taught is for being together, can contribute to feelings of depression. But whatever your circumstances, there are many ways to make Christmas social.
 
There are always charities, soup kitchens and shelters who are grateful for extra help over the festive period, and not only does this give you an opportunity to spend the day with others, you’ll get an extra boost from volunteering and helping others.
 
Try not to overindulge
 
Often, the festive season involves drinking more alcohol than we would normally. Alcohol can enhance feelings of low mood, depression and anxiety.
 
Space out your drinks and consider trying ‘mocktails’. Alcohol free drinks can be just as satisfying and sociable as their alcoholic equivalents.
 
Take care of yourself
 
If you are vulnerable at this time of year and know that you may have a low mood or experience symptoms of depression then give some consideration to any trigger or risk factors that might affect you. Know where you can get help and keep these visible and accessible – use them when you need to. There are health apps you can link to your phone and no matter what your age is there are online and telephone supports available to you during this time.
 
Christmas can be a time when we work to satisfy everyone’s needs except ourselves.  Think about what you value the most at this time of year, it could be spending time with others, baking biscuits, volunteering or pampering yourself. Prioritise activities or events that make you feel good.
 
Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness have the biggest impacts, so don’t be afraid to ask someone if they are OK.  If you are not coping and need support, don’t hesitate in asking for help and these resources are available to you throughout the year, but especially during what can be one of the most difficult times of the year.
 
Where to find help
 
SANEline is a telephone crisis line for anyone from 15 years and older. There is no charge for calls and they are open every day from 4.30pm until 10.30pm on 0300 304 700.
 
MIND has a variety of supports available for all ages including the online community at elefriends where peer support is available and general guidance and advice on the main web page.
 
Big White Wall is an online mental health support community: www.bigwhitewall.com
 
The Samaritans 24 hour help line for crisis can be contacted by phoning 116 123. It is free, confidential and accessible.
NHS services are working over the Christmas break, so if you need to see someone, think about contacting local services including your GP practice, on-call GPs or the NHS 111 helpline for advice, guidance and directions. If you are in need of urgent help, you can attend your local A&E department or if you have a mental health team supporting you a Christmas action plan and support will be available.
 

Journalism students at Birmingham City University’s School of Media were given insights into the industry by Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow on the 5th December.

Marverine Cole, Director of Birmingham City University's four brand new Journalism degree courses launched in September 2018, and journalist and broadcaster of 15 years in her own right, brought a cohort of Final Year Journalism students to ITN Headquarters.

After watching the Jeremy Vine show live, and meeting with the main man himself, the group had a tour around the Channel 4 news gallery, newsroom and studio by another BCU alumni, Channel 4 News Producers, Becky Emmett.

Marverine said of the day, "I've enjoyed several years working with ITN, in their Industry News department, and as a Presenter for 5 News. The broadcaster's integrity as a news provider is second to none. As a working-class girl born and bred in Birmingham, I think it's hugely important to show my students - who also come mainly from the towns and cities around the Midlands - that they too could work in revered mainstream news organisations like these when they graduate next summer.

"The Jeremy Vine Show, which debates the biggest news topics of the day, was fun to watch and very educational for them. My students also got a lot of out of hearing from Jon Snow, one of Britain's most well-respected journalists, and we thank him very much for spending time with us."

On a course visit to London, Jon welcomed the media scholars into the news studio at Channel 4 where he shared tips on breaking into the industry and having a successful media career.
 
Jon Snow has been the main anchorman for Channel 4 News since 1989.
 
Ahead of the Channel 4 tour, the students attended a recording of The Jeremy Vine Show.
 

People travelling between London, the West Midlands, the North West and Cumbria are being advised to plan ahead with Network Rail’s busy period of Christmas engineering work just a fortnight away.

As part of the national Railway Upgrade Plan, a 25,000-strong workforce will be working across Britain to carry out more than £148m of vital work between Christmas Eve and 3 January.

Overall there will be less disruption for rail users on the London North Western route this year compared to last. Most of the investment work between Euston and Carlisle has been scheduled for when no trains will run on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

However, passengers should check www.nationalrail.co.uk to plan their journey and for the latest information before travelling this Christmas.

Martin Frobisher, London North Western route managing director, said: “The railway is traditionally much quieter than usual during the festive period so taking on and delivering these bigger pieces of work at this time, as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan, means we will cause the least inconvenience to the fewest number of people.

“While the majority of the network is open as usual, some routes will be affected so I would urge passengers to plan their journeys and check before they travel for the latest information.”

The upgrade work on the London North Western route and Great North Rail Project is part of Network Rail’s £50 billion five-year Railway Upgrade Plan, which is the biggest investment in the railway since Victorian times.

In some parts of the country, work will begin on Sunday 23 December this year to give engineers three clear days to make uninterrupted progress on vital projects.

There were a number of high profile speakers at this years 8th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Awards, and if you weren't there to catch them on the night, here's your chance!

Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Yvonne Mosquito

Air Vice-Marshal Mozumder's Speech & Armed Forces Covenant Signing

Jamaican Deputy High Commissioner Angella Rose-Howell

Johnson JohnRose of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation

Keith Stokes-Smith, Chairman of the Birmingham Commonwealth Association and President of the Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce

Bhai Sahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh OBE KSG

Andy Street CBE, Mayor of the West Midlands

Work is underway to install new lifts at Lichfield Trent Valley station to ensure it's accessible for everyone by summer 2019.

Network Rail has started work on the £2.3 million 'Access for All' upgrade, which will transform the way people with all mobility needs use the railway.

Passengers using the Cross City line and the West Coast Mainline services will soon benefit from the improvements, with the two new lifts providing step free access to all three platforms for the first time.

The investment has come directly from the Department for Transport’s 'Access for All' programme, which was launched in 2006 to improve accessibility at railway stations nationwide. It forms part of Network Rail’s five-year, multi-billion-pound Railway Upgrade Plan, which is the biggest investment in the railway since Victorian times.

The station, which is linked to London via the West Coast Mainline and Birmingham on the Cross City line, is one of the busiest commuter lines outside the south east of England.

This programme of work will not be disruptive to travel, but the station will look and feel different while the work takes place.

Harpreet Singh-Moore, Network Rail scheme project manager, said: “This upgrade will unlock the railway network for many people in and around Lichfield, allowing them easy access to travel that was previously not possible.

“We are working closely with the station operator, West Midlands Railway, to ensure our work brings as little disruption as possible to passengers at the station, which will only be until early summer 2019.”

Nusrat Ghani MP, transport accessibility minister, said: “The new lifts at Lichfield will allow disabled passengers to access the station independently and with confidence.

“It’s vital that we remove barriers to travel faced by disabled people across the network. We know we are making good progress towards this goal, as 75% of passenger journeys are now via stations with step-free access

“However, there is more to do, which is why we announced up to £300m as part of the Inclusive Transport Strategy to extend the Access for All programme. This will allow more stations like Lichfield Trent Valley to develop new accessible features that makes rail accessible to everyone.”

Michael Fabricant, MP for Lichfield, said: “Having campaigned for years for this improvement, I was very pleased to meet with Network Rail to show me where they plan to install the two lifts that will give disabled access to all platforms.  This will be a major improvement to this important local interchange railway station which connects the all-important West Coast Main Line with the Cross City Line.

I also took the opportunity of showing them the step only access to the station from the new car park on the ‘London side’ platform.  We need a ramp to provide disabled access there too. I understand the lifts will be fully operational in June 2019.”

Richard Brooks, customer experience director for West Midlands Railway, said: “Improving accessibility at Lichfield Trent Valley is a key part of our plans for local rail users. New trains are being built in Derby for both London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway passengers on the West Coast and Cross City Lines as we continue to respond to the popularity of rail travel across the region.”

Designs for the new £60m state-of-the-art Sandwell Aquatics Centre have been unveiled and are out for public consultation.

Sandwell residents can now have their say on the proposed design and facilities for the new centre.

Plans for the aquatics centre include a 50m Olympic-sized competition swimming pool, a 25m diving pool, a studio pool and 1,000 spectator seats.

Alongside the swimming facilities, the centre will boast a dry-dive facility, 108-station gym, a 25-station ladies-only gym, three activity studios, an 8-court sports hall, indoor cycling studio, sauna/steam room and café.

The site, at Londonderry Playing Fields, will also include 450 on-site car parking spaces, a football pitch and changing facilities, an improved urban park and children’s play area.

The new aquatics centre will provide a world-class leisure facility for Sandwell residents for generations to come.

The council has organised five consultation drop-in sessions for residents to come along and discuss proposals for the new facility ahead of a planning application being put forward.

The drop-in sessions will be held at St Marks Church, Thimblemill Road on 20 December 2018 and 10 January 2019 from 9am - 5pm and on 18 December 2018 and 8 January 2019 from 5pm - 8pm with a further session at Dorothy Parkes Centre, Church Road on 15 January 2019 from 4pm - 6pm.

Residents can also have their say by completing an online survey at www.sandwell.gov.uk/aquaticscentre

Councillor Steve Eling, Leader of Sandwell Council, said: “It’s exciting for us to be hosting a major international event while creating a building that’s going to deliver world-class leisure opportunities for local people.

“We did a public survey with residents last year and it was clear that the Smethwick area desperately needed new leisure facilities.

“We want to get the building’s design and mix of facilities right, so we want Sandwell residents to have their say on the proposals.

“It is a huge honour to be part of the 2022 Commonwealth Games which means we will be able to build an even bigger and better leisure centre for our residents.”

Councillor Bill Gavan, cabinet member for leisure and Commonwealth Games said: “We are aiming to build a state-of-the-art facility in Smethwick for the 2022 Commonwealth Games and Sandwell residents.

“The pre-planning consultation gives residents the opportunity to give feedback on the design and facility mix which will support the formal planning application in the New Year.

“The facility will draw international recognition and will leave a great legacy for Sandwell beyond the 2022 Games.”

 John Crabtree, OBE, chair of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee said: “The 2022 Commonwealth Games is an event for the whole West Midlands region.

"The Sandwell Aquatics Centre is the only brand new sporting facility planned for the Games and it’s so important that we not only have the best possible swimming and diving facilities to use in the summer of 2022 but the aquatics centre and the whole site will provide the best possible facilities for local people for years to come.

“This consultation is another positive step towards 2022 - sharing ideas with the local community and getting their valuable feedback on exactly what is proposed for this site. If you live in Sandwell, please take this opportunity to have your say on the plans.”

A pioneering University of Wolverhampton programme dedicated to tackling the issue of suicide and self-harm has been highlighted in a national campaign.

Three Minutes to Save a Life, which aims to support students who may experience suicidal thoughts, is featured in the #MadeAtUni campaign which highlights the ways universities have improved everyday life.

More than 800 University staff and students – including security, caretaking and academics – have been trained to recognise early warning signs in at-risk students and how they can escalate concerns proportionately and compassionately.

The programme is a collaboration with Connecting With People and is led by Clare Dickens, a nurse and Senior Lecturer in Mental Health at the University, who is a recognised expert in the field of mental health and suicide prevention.

She said: “I’m delighted that Three Minutes to Save a Life is featured in the national #MadeAtUni campaign. We are incredibly proud of the programme at the University, which aims to equip staff with an awareness and ability to respond with compassion to those students who require help.

“Three Minutes advocates that everyone should have a Safety Plan, much like we have breakdown cover for our car - we don’t hope it breaks but we do have a plan for if it does. As part of the training, participants create their own Safety Plans, which explore a person’s individual needs and strengths, contacts for support as well as professional help.

“Our programme has made a real difference to our student community, but also the staff members who want to help but may not have felt confident to do so, or afraid of saying the ‘wrong’ thing, before completing Three Minutes.”

#MadeAtUni is a new campaign to bring to life the impact of universities up and down the country on people, lives and communities.

As part of the MadeAtUni campaign, universities around the country were invited to nominate the one thing from their institution which they believe has had the biggest impact on people, lives or communities.

Over 100 universities submitted a nomination and the entries cover health, technology, environment, family, community and culture & sport.

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