Tamworth Herald

FREEDOM OF THE BOROUGH

A BELOVED community stalwart who goes above and beyond for Tamworth and its people through the kindness of his heart has been awarded Freedom of the Borough. Rob Bowker, whose name is synonymous with the town, was formally handed the honour at last...

NEW NAMES IN TOWN SPACE ARE REVEALED

NEW shops including pottery painting, haberdashery, a health and wellness café and a multicultural grocery store are among the first independent businesses confirmed for the Town Hall Place retail hub with the names expected to either open this month...

‘SADNESS’ AT SUNDAY PARKING CHARGES IN 2026

‘SADNESS’ and ‘disappointment’ are among the reactions to Tamworth Borough Council implementing Sunday car parking charges for 2026. Cabinet has now approved proceeding with the introduction of a flat £2 charge for all-day parking on Sundays from...

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES

Sarah Edwards, Tamworth’s MP AS 2025 draws to a close, I want to take a moment to wish everyone in Tamworth and our villages a very Merry Christmas. This time of year gives us the chance to come together and to spend time with family, with friends...

DOORS ARE SHUT FOR TOWN STORE AFTER ILLEGAL SALES WERE MADE

A TOWN centre shop was shut down after it repeatedly sold illegal goods. Fake cigarettes and tobacco products were found at Ezee Shop in Bolebridge Street. Staffordshire Trading Standards officers recovered illicit items from the store ‘on more than...

Council leader kicked out over alleged social media posts

REFORM UK has revoked the party membership of Staffordshire County Council leader Ian Cooper following allegations over racist social media posts. Campaign group Hope Not Hate claimed that the Tamworth Perrycrofts councillor had posted dozens of...

Plans for two new authorities entered

PLANS for the creation of two new authorities of Staffordshire East and Staffordshire West featuring Tamworth in the former have been submitted. Staffordshire County Council submitted its final plan to Government last Friday. The east-west proposal is...

MAN IS CHARGED WITH MURDER OF STEPBROTHER

A MAN has been charged with the murder of his stepbrother three years after the victim died in Tamworth. Staffordshire Police officers were sent to an address in Tamworth following concerns about the welfare of a man on November 27, 2022. Rubin...

MURDER ARREST MADE AFTER THE DEATH OF DENNIS

A TEENAGE boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of Dennis Whiston in Tamworth. Officers were called to Hayle, Belgrave at about 7.10pm on Friday, October 31 following reports of an assault. Dennis, 73, suffered an injury to...

NO PLANS FOR MOSQUE AS CLLR HITS OUT AT RACIST COMMENTS

A SENIOR councillor has confirmed there are no active plans for a mosque in Tamworth and called out ‘racially motivated’ comments. This comes as an online petition against the non-existent plans attracted more than 900 signatures opposing a rumoured...

HALLOWEEN HORROR AS PENSIONER WAS ATTACKED BY TRIO

THREE men in orange prison jumpsuit outfits assaulted a 73-year-old in a Halloween horror attack in Tamworth. The shocking incident happened at 7pm in Hayle, Belgrave. Officers have launched an investigation in an attempt to find the perpetrators and...

‘ASBESTOS’ FOUND IN AN ACCESS TRACK

WASTE material, including asbestos, has reportedly been identified in Tamworth. It was found in Moor Lane, Bolehall and the council and Environment Agency are aware. A statement obtained by the Herald reads: “Tamworth Borough Council is aware of...

HERO GYM BOSS SAVES MAN’S LIFE

News Reporters A GYM manager who survived a cardiac arrest has formed an unlikely bond with one of his members after he “saved his life” from the same condition during a spin class. Andy Palmer, 35, who lives with his wife, Danielle, also 35, had...

THE ORIENT EXPRESS

TAMWORTH were handed a blockbuster home tie with League One Leyton Orient in the next round of the FA Cup. The first round proper of the 2025/26 competition will get underway in just over a fortnight, and this is the stage at which the first EFL clubs...

LET THERE BE LIGHT

The Christmas lights switch-on is BACK after its cancellation last year with an afternoon of fun - turn to page five for more

20 MILLION REASONS TO BE HAPPY

TWENTY million pounds worth of long-term funding will go to areas of Tamworth, £2 million every year for the next decade, in a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to change lives for the better. The Pride in Place Programme gives control to local...

SCHOOL SITE PUT INTO LOCKDOWN

A SECONDARY school site in Tamworth was placed into lockdown after a report of someone ‘potentially carrying a weapon.’ Police were called to the incident at Rawlett School car park near to the sports centre off Comberford Road last Wednesday night,...

NEARLY THERE

TOWN Hall Place, a brand-new hub for small, independent retailers, has been officially handed over in a “big milestone” for Tamworth town centre. Inspired by Tamworth’s nearby historic town hall, the new building will be home to seven independent...

FREE TOWN FIREWORKS FIZZLE OUT

TAMWORTH’S much-loved annual fireworks display will move to a new format and location from November and the formerly free event will now become ticketed. The new event, previously held in front of thousands inside Tamworth Castle Grounds, will be at...

GCSE RESULTS CELEBRATION TIME FOR YOUNGSTERS

FREE£2 SHOP BET

VALID ON YORK EBOR On Saturday August 23, ONLY

TRIBUTES ARE PAID TO ‘ONE OF OUR OWN’

TRIBUTES have been paid after Tamworth Boxing Club ‘lost one of their own’ last week. Stewart Maclean passed suddenly last Wednesday. Heartfelt messages have poured in ever since. Tamworth Boxing Club said: “It’s with a heavy heart I am informing...

PLANS FOR UP TO 250 NEW HOMES

A CONSULTATION asking residents for feedback on plans for up to 250 homes as part of a new neighbourhood in Mile Oak has been launched. Bloor Homes has launched a consultation website and released details of a new neighbourhood of ‘high-quality homes...

SO IT BEGINS

NOT even the rain could dampen spirits as a ‘magical’ King’s coronation puppet parade helped kick off Athelstan 1100 week in style. Bright colours, loud sounds and big crowds were the order of the day as Saturday saw the official opening of the...

TRIBUTES PAID TO DAD WHO DIED AGED 29

TRIBUTES have been paid to a devoted dad who died suddenly aged just 29. Harry Loxton, from Fazeley, near Tamworth, died on June 28 leaving behind his partner and three-year-old son, Oakley, who was said to have been his “entire world”. His friend...

DEVASTATION

SEE page five as a devastating arson attack caused the complete destruction of vehicles, equipment and records at a cherished family business.

TRIBUTES PAID TO ‘KIND, CARING AND BUBBLY’ FORMER NURSE

A WOMAN found dead at a Tamworth home - sparking a murder probe - has been named as a “kind, caring and bubbly” former nurse. Christina Alexander, 60, was discovered at an address in Ascot Drive, Dosthill, early on Monday, June 23. Robert Alexander,...

BODY WAS FOUND IN WATER IN TOWN

A BODY was found after an “incident in the water” in Tamworth this week. Multiple emergency service resources including police cars, a land ambulance and the air ambulance and police helicopter were seen. Police officers were pictured off Lichfield...

POLICE HUNTING FOR BALACLAVA GANGS IN TOWN

BALACLAVA gangs terrorising Tamworth and parts of North Warwickshire are being hunted by police. Both forces in Staffordshire and Warwickshire say they are aware of incidents of masked gangs stealing bikes in recent weeks and Tamworth officers are...

FIRST LOOK INSIDE NEW COLLEGE IN TOWN CENTRE

A NEW shop will be opening in Tamworth town centre, filling a vacant prominent space - and it’s a familiar name. St Giles Hospice will be opening at the old Burton store in George Street near to Costa and the Ankerside entrance with a second store in...

PETITION IS LAUNCHED TO HELP SAVE TAMWORTH

BOY ARRESTED AFTER TOWN CHASE DRAMA

DUO ARE ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF CHILD NEGLECT AND ANIMAL CRUELTY

TWO people have been arrested in Tamworth on suspicion of child neglect and animal cruelty after a dog was found dead at a home. Staffordshire Police officers visited a property near Wilnecote Lane in the Belgrave area of the town last Thursday, May...

TOWN IS TOP SIX FOR OBESITY IN ENGLAND

REFORM TAKE EVERY SEAT GOING IN TOWN

VOTERS in Tamworth decided that Reform UK should now run the county council with every division declaring for the party. In the early hours of Friday morning, May 2, after all ballots had been counted, Reform came out on top. They managed to not only...

Today is the day to have YOUR say in final county election before wholesale changes decided

THIS year’s county council elections are taking place in Tamworth and across Staffordshire today. On Thursday, May 1, people in Tamworth will have their say at the Staffordshire County Council elections. Staffordshire County Council elections are...

SCHOOL STOPS TRIP FOR STUDENT AFTER AUTISM DIAGNOSIS

‘INADEQUATE’

THE Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated Tamworth Home Care Limited as inadequate and placed it into special measures to protect people following an inspection. Inspectors found staff lacked the skills, knowledge and training needed to support...

‘ARMED’ TEEN AT THE STATION

A GIRL aged just 15 was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article in a public place after police were called to Tamworth train station over reports of someone with a knife. A host of police officers and vehicles were seen at the station...

Third of councillors set to call it a day after elections

MORE than a third of Staffordshire County Council’s current members including some in Tamworth will not be returning to the chamber after May’s election due to retirement. The 26 councillors standing down at the end of April have clocked up more than...

VICAR CALLS IT A DAY AT TOWN CHURCH AFTER NEARLY 20 YEARS

A VICAR is set to leave Wilnecote after almost two decades, saying both he and the church need a new challenge. Rev Oliver Harrison, of Holy Trinity, has been a mainstay in the local community but is set to move to Kidlington in the summer. He said:...

Former Conservative cllr has rejoined the party now

A FORMER Conservative cabinet member who left to become an independent Tamworth borough councillor has rejoined the party as the fallout from last week’s extraordinary devolution meeting continues. Longstanding Stonydelph ward councillor Stephen Doyle...

12 MASKED THUGS TARGET TEEN AND STEAL BIKE

TWELVE masked moped thugs set upon a teenager and stole his bike in a terrifying Tamworth town centre robbery in broad daylight. Footage shows the moment the group box in the 16 year old at the traffic lights opposite Marmion House council...

PETITION OVER SUNDAY PARKING CHARGES

HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition against Sunday parking charges in Tamworth. The petition, created by independent Mercian councillor Richard Kingstone, comes in the wake of the budget proposals which were passed at full council. It has...

WORK SET TO START ON NEW BRIDGE LINKING TOWN TO CASTLE

WORK to demolish the old Nationwide building and create a new wider walkway between Tamworth Castle Grounds and the town centre gets officially underway next week as the council ‘really start to bring the final Future High Street Fund projects...

TOWN TO FINALLY HAVE HERITAGE CENTRE?

TAMWORTH has an exciting and realistic prospect of finally having a heritage centre in the town centre - a “once in a generation opportunity” to come together and do something incredible that will have a lasting impact for years to come. The ‘Tamworth...

MAN CHARGED WITH RAPE AFTER ASSAULT BY TOWN CANAL

A MAN has been charged after a woman was assaulted in Tamworth. The attack allegedly took place on a canal towpath just off Glascote Lane in the early hours of Saturday, February 8. On Monday, February 10, a 26-yearold man was charged with three...

WEDDINGS ARE OFF

A LANDMARK hotel and wedding venue has shut suddenly after going bust. The Castle Hotel in Tamworth has ceased operating after owners The Rest House Limited entered into a creditors’ voluntary liquidation. The historic Grade-ii listed hotel, which...

RIGHT ROYAL HONOUR

TAMWORTH Street Angels, a local group of volunteers helping to keep our high streets safe, officially received their King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and equivalent to an MBE, during a...

‘THANK YOU MUMMY’

A BELOVED mum tragically died from breast cancer after finding a lump under her arm just months before. Hannah Whitsell tried to hide her diagnosis from her 11-year-old twin daughters, Isabelle and Emmy, as they had already lost their dad the year...

Local hero speaks of pride during ‘pinch me’ moment in FA Cup tie

LOCAL hero Jordan Cullinaneliburd says reaching extra time and seeing Spurs’ big name substitutes come off the bench was a real “pinch me” moment. Cullinane-liburd was a rock at the back alongside the likes of Haydn Hollis and did not put a foot wrong...

New homes plan is set to go before committee soon

PLANS to build more than 100 new homes including 20 per cent affordable, an 80-bed care home, public open space, landscaping and associated infrastructure at a Tamworth college will go before committee next week. An application for outline permission...

CLUB BACKED OVER CUP TICKET PRICES

TAMWORTH FC have come under fire this week after announcing a huge ticket price hike ahead of one of the biggest games in their history - but the Lambs have been defended by the chairman of the supporters club as well as some fans. Tamworth have...

CHRISTMAS MIRACLE

See page five as tears of sadness turned to appreciation when selfless volunteers cleaned up Community Together CIC’S Commonwealth in Commonhealth Centre at Tamworth Castle Grounds ahead of their festive Holiday Activities and Food programme after it...

ZOMBIE KNIFE IS FOUND DURING POLICE STOP

POLICE found a zombie knife and cannabis after stopping a masked man riding an e-bike in Tamworth. Officers stopped the man in Amington Road on Monday afternoon, December 9. The 31-year-old, from Tamworth, was set to be interviewed when we went to...

60% OFF

TWO EASY TO WAYS CLAIM INSIDE

BROADBAND POLES TO FACE NEW MEETING

A PUBLIC meeting in Tamworth tonight will tackle new telegraph pole installations. It will take place at Rawlett School in the theatre from 6.30pm until 8pm on Thursday, November 28. It centres around Lightspeed’s plans to roll out full fibre...

Council workers looking into big cracks in busy main road

COUNCIL workers are looking into big cracks in a busy main road in and out of Tamworth town centre and Ventura Park. A huge crack and smaller ones have developed in Tamedrive over recent days and have been talk of the town. Staffordshire County...

THE CASTLE IS ‘AT RISK’

FA CUP HEROES

LOCAL hero Jordan Cullinane-liburd knows exactly what the FA Cup first round win over Huddersfield meant to the people of Tamworth - as he is one himself. Not for the first time this season Cullinaneliburd, who lives in Tamworth, was a rock at the...

TOWN SET FOR FIREWORKS

A STUNNING sound and light show drew more than 1,000 people to St Editha’s Church, bringing visitors to the town centre from far and wide and putting Tamworth “on the map”. The renowned ‘Luxmuralis Scriptorium - the Ancient Histories,’ as widely...

ANGER AS MERCIAN FLAG STOLEN FROM OUTSIDE THE CHURCH

MARMION HOUSE IS GOOD TO GO

A “LAST ditch attempt” to persuade the council not to reopen Marmion House front desk and instead consider other options including a former school has failed. The opposition called for an extraordinary meeting, which took place inside the town hall on...

‘OPEN SEASON ON HOUSING’

Extraordinary meeting to discuss council reception

AN EXTRAORDINARY council meeting will take place later this month to discuss Labour’s plans to reopen a front desk at Marmion House, move gatherings back there and explore new community uses for the town hall. The meeting, called for by Conservative...

SLEIGH RIDES SET TO COME TO AN END AS ROTARY CLOSE

CHERISHED community group Tamworth Rotary Club has announced its closure after 75 years of service to the town in shock sad news this week. Members broke the news with “heavy hearts” due to a significant decline in membership as they also confirmed...