Evening news round-up for the Black Country and north Worcestershire

THE organisers of Velo Birmingham have branded the brand new 100-mile cycle challenge a big success which has the “potential to be one of the world’s most iconic cycling events”.

Some 15,000 cyclists from across the country took to the streets yesterday (Sunday September 24) for the first-ever Velo Birmingham sportive which started and finished in the city but took riders on a picturesque course through the Black Country, South Staffordshire and Worcestershire.

To read the full story click here.

A man arrested in connection with the death of a Lower Gornal woman following a collision on Friday has been bailed.

Police were called to Wood Road at around 10.10pm on Friday night (September 22) following reports of a collision between two cars.

A 30-year-old woman, who has been named as Vikki Jones, was treated at the scene by paramedics but despite their best efforts was pronounced dead at the scene.

To read more click here.

A consultation to close the Post Office in Alvechurch and downsize the site into a convenience store has been given the stamp of approval by villagers.

Residents voted in favour of a smaller ‘local’ service which will open an extra 57 hours and 30 minutes a week compared to the existing Bear Hill store.

To read more click here.

Police are urging people to surrender knives anonymously and to think about the consequences of carrying a bladed weapon.

On September 18, West Mercia Police launched a knife surrender campaign aimed at making the region's streets safer by encouraging people to hand their weapons in anonymously at a police station.

Knife bins have been located at police stations around the area including one at the station Redditch police station where people can surrender their knives anonymously.

To read more click here.

Angry unions are to lobby Wyre Forest councillors urging them to reject “unfair and divisive” pay proposals for hundreds of workers.

Members of UNISON and GMB want the district council to get back around the negotiating table and avoid a potential collective dispute – such as the withdrawal of goodwill working - over the issue.

To read the full story click here.

Two of Stourbridge’s finest exports, The Wonder Stuff and Ned’s Atomic Dustbin, have confirmed they are to head out together on a one-off, 12-date double-headline UK tour in spring 2018 – 27 years after they last shared a stage.

The two bands grew up alongside one another in the heyday of the ‘Stourbridge Scene’ in the 1980s and 90s - and now, almost 30 years on, both bands say the time is right for a reunion.

To read the full story and find out how to get tickets for their forthcoming tour click here.

A Dudley man who was caught with a kitchen knife has been given a suspended sentence.

Ian Joseph Oliver, aged 47, of Wolverhampton Street, was sent to prison for six months, suspended for 12 months, for possessing the weapon in Wednesbury on August 15.

He must pay a victim surcharge of £115 and £180 court costs.

To see who else has appeared in court click here.