Sandwell Council has closed another shop in Cradley Heath High Street as part of a crackdown on retailers selling illegal goods. The closure brings the total number of shops shut in the area this July to six, following an eight-month investigation led by the council's Trading Standards team working with West Midlands Police.
The council said it is taking a serious approach to tackling illegal activity on high streets across the borough, with active investigations continuing in other parts of Sandwell. The authority said it wants to protect legitimate traders and ensure town centres remain safe, welcoming and vibrant for residents.
Fly-tipping prosecution
Sandwell Council also highlighted enforcement action against fly-tipping. A Rowley Regis resident was prosecuted after failing to ensure household waste was passed to an authorised waste carrier. Environmental Enforcement investigated dumped waste in West Bromwich and found the resident had paid an individual contacted online to remove waste but had not checked whether they were a registered waste carrier or obtained a receipt.
The resident has been ordered to pay £563.60. The council advised residents to check that anyone paid to remove waste holds a waste carrier licence before handing over materials.
Green Flag Awards
Sandwell achieved 17 Green Flag Awards for parks and green spaces this month, its best-ever result. Britannia Park in Rowley Regis received the award for the first time, with 16 existing Green Flags retained across the borough.
