Latest news with #LindaLeach
BBC News
09-07-2025
- BBC News
Vandalised school in Bilston to reopen as fundraiser started
A school targeted by vandals in a "violent rampage" that caused damage estimated at £100,000 is to Park School and nearby Stowlawn Primary School in Bilston were broken into and vandalised last Thursday before the intruders were disturbed by a caretaker and fled the have returned to Stowlawn on Wednesday in preparation for it to fully open on Thursday, the council said. Green Park reopened on teenagers arrested over the incident have since been released on bail. A fundraiser has also been set up to help both schools. The vandals smashed computer equipment, doors and whiteboards. They also let off fire extinguishers and attempted to start fires inside the schools which are both on the same road.A GoFundMe page set up by Linda Leach said the community was "deeply upset" by the damage and appealed for donations to replace equipment."These schools are more than just buildings - they are places of learning, growth, and community. To see it disrespected like this is painful," she said."This fundraiser is being set up to show the students, teachers, and staff that we support them. "Acts of destruction will never overpower the spirit of education and unity that lives within those walls."West Midlands Police said on Monday a 15 and 16-year-old were arrested on suspicion of burglary over the weekend and had since been released on bail pending further inquiries. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
08-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Wolverhampton to join nation in Covid-19 day of reflection
The city of Wolverhampton is set to join a nationwide day of reflection to mark the fifth anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic being in places of worship across the city will pause for moments of reflection during their services on day is an opportunity for people in the city to remember those who lost their lives, and pay tribute to all frontline workers and volunteers who played crucial roles. "This is our opportunity to remember those who lost their lives to Covid-19, and to reflect on the impact the pandemic had on every single one of us," said Councillor Linda Leach, mayor of Wolverhampton. "We went through tough times, we were separated from friends and loved ones. Tragically, we lost friends and loved ones.""But our city's motto has always been Out of Darkness Cometh Light and, through those dark days, as a city, we came together."We found new heroes, we found ways to make each other smile but, most of all, we looked after our own." 'A sense of community' Events will be taking place across the UK on Sunday to mark the milestone, on which then Prime Minister Boris Johnson held a press conference to confirm there had been four deaths in the UK and outline an action plan to tackle the Friday, a minute's silence was held across the Royal Wolverhampton and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trusts, as well as a short service being held at the New Cross Hospital's heart and lung Linford Davis, from the trust's chaplaincy service, said the effects of the pandemic would be felt across generations."People lost loved ones and colleagues, healthcare, social care and emergency response staff were separated from their own family and friends because of working arrangements at that time."But there were also moments that uplifted us all too."Rediscovering a sense of community is one example I bring to mind when so many generous people wanted to support those working through the pandemic in healthcare settings or simply through acts of kindness towards their own neighbours." Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
