Cllr Andrew Southall

01/11/2026

🚧 BRIDGNORTH ROAD, WOLLASTON: ROADWORKS OVERRUN

National Grid's works on Bridgnorth Road have now overrun by two days, causing continued disruption to motorists, residents and local businesses.

I've been contacted by local shopkeepers who are understandably frustrated about the impact on their trade.

I've already raised the matter with Dudley Council, seeking answers about the delays, the management of the works and what compensation may be available to affected businesses.

Of course, essential infrastructure works need to happen. But that doesn't mean local traders should simply be expected to absorb the financial consequences without question.

Small businesses are the backbone of the village. They deserve proper communication, consideration and accountability.

I'll continue pursuing this on their behalf and will provide an update when I receive a response.

27/10/2026

🚦 BRIDGNORTH ROAD, WOLLASTON: TRAFFIC DISRUPTION UPDATE

I've received an update from Dudley Council regarding the ongoing utility works on Bridgnorth Road, near the island by Aldi, which have been causing traffic delays.

Here's what residents need to know:

🔹 What's happening? National Grid is carrying out work to install a new electricity supply connection.

🔹 How long will it take? The works are scheduled from Monday to Friday this week, with the intention of completing them by Friday 30th October.

🔹 Why this week? The works have deliberately been scheduled during half-term to minimise disruption.

🔹 What about the traffic lights? As a condition of the permit, the temporary traffic lights must be manually controlled between 7am and 7pm to help manage traffic flow. Council inspectors have confirmed this is happening.

🔹 Can the works finish sooner? The Council has contacted National Grid to request that the road reinstatement is expedited, potentially allowing the works to finish ahead of Friday.

Unfortunately, the sheer volume of traffic using this stretch of road means delays are still occurring despite these measures.

I'll continue to keep an eye on progress and share any further updates.

I appreciate how frustrating these delays are for residents and motorists, particularly on such a busy route through Wollaston.

Cllr Andrew Southall

24/10/2026

My next two councillor advice surgeries are coming up! ☕

Around 20% of all the casework I've raised has been in the last week alone.

No problem is too small or too complex. Whether it's a minor neighbourhood nuisance or a longstanding issue that's gone unresolved, I'm happy to help.

I maintain my own casework ledger, track progress and chase up outstanding issues. Raising a concern is only the beginning. Following it through matters just as much.

📍 Saturday 5th December, 2:30pm–3:30pm
Wollaston Village Hall

📍 Saturday 9th January, 12pm–1pm
The Island Cafe, Wollaston

No appointment necessary. Come along, have a chat and I'll do my best to help.

You can also email me on [email protected]

23/10/2026

Tomorrow ☕️

My next advice surgery is this Saturday at The Island Cafe. ☕

Come along, say hello, and if there's anything I can help you with, I'll do my best.

No appointment necessary!

22/10/2026

Yesterday, I was joined by local residents and council officers for a walkabout along the Kingsway in Wollaston.

We identified a number of issues, which I have now logged with the Council for further investigation and action.

One proposal I'm particularly keen to explore is making better use of the existing hardstanding area behind the low brick wall, adjacent to Norfolk Road.

I've requested a feasibility assessment into whether this space could be converted into additional parking, with a single entrance and exit point from Norfolk Road.

With vehicles currently parking on pavements and restricting pedestrian access, this could offer a practical solution to a longstanding problem.

Of course, any proposal would be subject to the necessary safety, highways and planning checks, as well as consultation with residents directly affected.

It's about making better use of the space we already have and finding sensible, practical solutions to local problems.

I'd welcome residents' thoughts on the idea.

19/10/2026

My next advice surgery is this Saturday at The Island Cafe. ☕

Come along, say hello, and if there's anything I can help you with, I'll do my best.

No appointment necessary!

17/10/2026

Thank you to Stourbridge Navigation Trust for a trip on "The Black Country Man" this afternoon as we cruised in from Wordsley to the Open Weekend. Make sure to come along, there is plenty going on!

16/10/2026

🌳 WOLLASTON REC:

Following the sale of The Dell Open Space to Aldi, a Section 106 agreement secured £47,500 for local improvements, including £38,000 towards open space and recreation and £9,500 towards public realm improvements.

The original proposals included installing seven pieces of static gym equipment on Wollaston Recreation Ground.

Residents made their feelings known, and those concerns have helped bring about a change of direction.

The static gym equipment proposal is no longer being pursued. However, the existing agreement still places restrictions on how the funding can be used, and Dudley Council has indicated that it will not amend its wording.

Whilst we cannot promise that every suggestion will be possible, we want residents to have a genuine opportunity to tell us what improvements they would like to see.

That's why I'm pleased to be working alongside Cllrs Kam MacLeod and Andrew Tromans to gather residents' views and help find the best possible way forward.

Whether you regularly visit the Rec, take your children or grandchildren there, or simply value our local green spaces, we want to hear from you.

📢 Please read the information on the poster and share your thoughts.

Cllr Andrew Southall
Wollaston & Stourbridge Town

14/10/2026

I was recently contacted by a door supervisor working in Stourbridge Town Centre. He raised serious concerns about escalating disorder on weekend evenings, coupled with a police response that simply isn't delivering.

He is right to speak up.

The hardworking men and women on the doors of our pubs and bars are on the sharp end of antisocial behaviour and violence. They put in an honest shift to keep people safe, and they shouldn't be left out on a limb when trouble starts.

The very first duty of the state, and the sole justification for the taxes squeezed out of law-abiding citizens, is basic public order and safety. If the authorities can't get that right, what are people actually paying for?

The proposal put forward is practical and straight to the point: a dedicated town centre radio-link connecting licensed venues directly with each other and the CCTV control room.

It is pure common sense. It allows venues to coordinate privately, manage emerging threats, and stop trouble before it spills out into the street. It shouldn't take a committee of bureaucrats six months to realise this works.

I will be pressing Dudley Council’s Community Safety Team to find out what is currently in place, why it isn’t working, and what it takes to get this sorted.

Stourbridge’s independent pubs, bars, and hospitality venues take the financial risks, create local jobs, and drive our evening economy. They should be backed, not burdened, and decent people who spend their hard-earned money in our town deserve to do so without fear of a tiny minority running riot.

If you work in or run a venue in Stourbridge’s night-time economy, I want to hear your direct experiences.

Let’s back our local wealth-creators and make Stourbridge work for the people who actually pay the bills.

Cllr Andrew Southall
Wollaston & Stourbridge Town