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Network Rail warns of potential disruptions to train services in the West Midlands over Christmas, with engineering work causing delays on the Chiltern main line and other routes. Passengers are advised to check train times before traveling, especially on December 28th and January 1st. A major upgrade project on the West Coast Main Line will also impact services from Christmas Eve to January 5th, aiming to improve reliability for thousands of weekly passenger and freight trains.

Experience a Victorian Christmas at Charles Dickens former home, the Dickens Museum in London. Discover the era where Dickens penned masterpieces like A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist. Immerse yourself in period decorations and learn about Dickens love for Christmas traditions. The museum, marking its centenary, offers a unique way to connect with Dickens joyful legacy during the festive season.

Major engineering work at Londons busiest train stations, Waterloo and Liverpool Street, will cause closures over the Christmas period. Liverpool Street will shut from Christmas Day to New Years Day, while Waterloo will have no trains from Christmas Day until December 28th. The work includes installing new glass panels and replacing the drainage system at Liverpool Street, costing £23 million. At Waterloo, new points near Queenstown Road require line closures, along with disruptions on the West Coast main line and other stations. Passengers are advised to check with their operator or Transport for London before traveling.

Get your winter ailments sorted this Christmas season with open pharmacies in West Midlands. Ridgeacre House Pharmacy, N D Chemist, Beeches Pharmacy, and more offer limited hours on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Asda pharmacies and independent ones like Bradley Chemist are open on Boxing Day. New Years Day follows suit with Asda, Selcroft Pharmacy, and Boots offering limited hours. Quick access to advice and meds without ER dash, easing pressure. Check NHS website for full list and stay merry.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker is thrilled about the upcoming changes in 2026, promising new railway services, thousands of homes, and significant job boosts. Hes focusing on transport, housing, and employment, with new stations opening and the first phase of the Midland Metro extension to Dudley nearing completion. Parker is also advocating for Investment Zones, like the green innovation corridor in Wolverhampton, and has delivered and plans to deliver thousands of homes and jobs. Hes committed to improving public transport, active travel options, and reviving high streets in struggling towns. Taskforces and a Mayoral Development Corporation are set to bring fresh ideas and speed up big projects. Parker emphasizes working with whoever gets elected in the upcoming council elections to ensure real progress for everyone.

Birminghams Iconic Landmarks Undergo Major Transformations: Villa Park Expands, Edgbaston Stadium Revamped, Botanical Gardens Saved, and Jewellery Quarter Apartment Blocks Added.

Birmingham City Council rejects 16-story student housing project, citing heritage concerns and prioritizing general housing needs, despite potential economic benefits and scaled-down design.

Birmingham City Council, facing financial strain, approves sale of iconic Alpha Tower to boost recovery. The Grade II listed skyscraper, originally built for an independent TV company, now houses dynamic businesses. Council members express mixed feelings, acknowledging the loss of an iconic spot but necessity of the sale. The tower is already leased, making reuse or redevelopment impossible. The sale highlights tough choices local governments face in tough times, reshaping the citys skyline.