Sandwell consists of six main towns; Oldbury, Smethwick, Rowley Regis, Tipton, Wednesbury and West Bromwich.
Sandwell’s estimated population is approximately 287,500 people (2007 mid year estimates, Office of National Statistics) with 26% (75,000) of people falling below the age of 19. This population is diverse with 29% of under 19s coming from black or minority ethnic backgrounds.
Sandwell has good access to the motorway network and rail network however most journeys in the West Midlands Metropolitan Area are by car (70%), with only 15% by walking or cycling. This, along with large volumes of private and commercial traffic passing through the West Midlands on the M5 and M6 motorways, has contributed to high levels of traffic congestion in the borough.
The area plays host to a large number of parks and green spaces, such as the Rowley Hills and Sandwell Valley.
Traditionally the local economy has been focused on manufacturing, a sector that is forecast to decline. The productivity of the economy is below the national average, business success is low and self employment levels are low. Weekly full-time earnings are also below regional and national averages.
Average house prices in Sandwell are considerably lower than those reported nationally. The availability of housing is constrained and there is a legacy of poor quality housing in the public sector, although significant recent progress has been made in addressing this.
Educational attainment levels are improving fast, but from a low starting point. The 2007 annual population survey by the Office of National Statistics revealed that 25.8% of those of working age (males 16-64, females 16-59) had no qualifications compared to 13.1% in Great Britain.
Overall levels of crime in Sandwell have fallen by 28% between 2003/2004 and 2006/2007, although public concerns about community safety remain. Violent crime in Sandwell is above average in comparison to similar areas.
Wednesbury Fire Station is running a new cycling initiative targeted at 10-12 years olds during August. For further information on the scheme please view the downloadable leaflet at the bottom of this page.
