Rachel Elwell says she is facing bankruptcy after losing money to a scammer.

West Midlands elections come along like busespublished at 12:14 British Summer Time 5 May 2021

12:14 BST 5 May 2021

Elizabeth Glinka
Political Editor, BBC Midlands

The prime minister has been campaigning in the West Midlands this morning.

Here in the region, it feels like elections arrive like buses; you wait for one and then 25 come along at once.

Tomorrow's vote brings a combination of those postponed last year due to the coronavirus outbreak, and those due this year.

All county council seats are up for grabs in Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.

All are Conservative controlled, and are unlikely to deliver any surprises. Likewise Unitary Shropshire.

Warwickshire has traditionally been most likely to swing, but with the Conservatives holding more than double the seats of Labour and the Lib Dems combined, recent revelations about the prime minister would have to have some serious cut through for either party to make inroads.

Normally, the big Metropolitan Boroughs that elect by thirds are less likely to have a change of control.

This time Solihull, Coventry, Dudley, Walsall and Sandwell all have elections, but there are definitely some ones to watch, not least because of the changing voting behaviour, which saw Labour’s ‘red wall’ collapse across the Black Country at the last general election.

Conservative-run Walsall and, to an even greater extent, Dudley, are finely balanced between blue and red.

Solihull, too, is currently Conservative-led, but the loss of just one seat, would mean losing control.

The Greens who are the main opposition party, have been building their base here for the last decade.In our smaller district councils - Nuneaton and Bedworth, Cannock Chase and Worcester are all on a knife edge.

Musicians and experienced marchers are being sought to help run West Midlands Police's new Cadet Corps of Drums.

The force said the unit, for up to 30 teenagers aged 13 to 17, will open as soon as it recruits enough volunteers as cadet leaders.

Image source, West Midlands Police

Liz Curran, cadet youth engagement officer, said the role may suit ex-military drummers or people with a drill background.

"We’re also keen to hear from anyone who’d like to get involved who doesn’t have specific experience, but who is interested in learning. The more people we have the better," she said.

The unit will meet in Chelmsley Wood Police Station's gym and take part in parades.

Anyone interested can email cadets@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk, external

The event will include a broadcast of the opening of the British Normandy Memorial in France.

It's a nippy start to Wednesday following a cold night. Today we'll see highs of around 12C but it will feel a little bit warmer than yesterday as the winds drop.

There will be some heavy, sharp showers developing throughout the day and possibly even thunder in some areas.

By this evening those showers should stop and clear skies could leave some frost overnight but scope for lots of sunshine on Thursday.

A number of people have been injured after a two-car collision, which then saw shots fired.

West Midlands Police said a silver 4x4 crashed into a stationary black VW Golf at the junction of King Street and Cobden Street in Walsall, just after 13:00 on Tuesday.

One of the occupants of the vehicle was injured, as was a female pedestrian, the force said.

Seconds later shots were fired from another vehicle and the occupants of the 4x4 set their vehicle alight before making off, the force said.

The fire then spread to the Golf and a nearby house, it added.

A man has been taken to hospital with a gunshot injury and the woman hurt in the collision has injuries to her legs.

Both are in a serious but stable condition while two other people were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.

Det Insp Chris Fox said it was a "a confusing series of events, which we’re trying to understand" and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Michael Maloney pitched caravans on land in Cheshire without planning permission, a court hears.

Dalian Atkinson was Tasered for six times longer than standard by PC Benjamin Monk, a court is told.

Kimberley Deakin, 29, was stabbed multiple times in the face, neck and chest, police say.

The Duke of Cambridge has praised Aston Villa's new elite training facilities, calling them "amazing".

Prince William, a Villa fan, opened the club's high-performance centre in Bodymoor Heath, north Warwickshire.

Image source, Reuters

He toured the facilities, which are reported to have cost £6m, and chatted and joked with staff and players.

The club says the site, external, which has several pitches and large gym areas, is suited to "21st Century elite sports".

Abbie Quinnen says trolls targeted her after she suffered burns when a social media stunt went wrong.

Hereford Times

Here are some of the stories on the Hereford Times website today:

• Fallen tree closed a road in Herefordshire this morning after heavy winds and rain hit the county, external
• Three-year ban for man who refused to give blood sample, external
• Herefordshire-born singer Ellie Goulding welcomes first child, external

Gareeca Gordon stabbed Phoenix Netts four times and attempted to dispose of the remains in woodland.

Gunner has a rare genetic condition which means he cannot break down his body's natural sugars.

Local Democracy Reporting Service

A former pub which once housed Walsall's first cinema may be converted into 21 flats.

Image source, J Mason Associates

Walsall Council is considering an application to turn The Imperial pub, which closed five years ago, into one-bedroom flats over four floors.

Developers Lodge House Ltd said it would bring a vacant building back into life and provide high quality, affordable accommodation in the town centre.

The Darwall Street landmark was built as an agricultural hall in 1868 and was later a theatre before its role as the Imperial Picture House for 60 years.

Developers said it meant little change to the outside of the 19th century building, which was a JD Wetherspoon pub for nearly 20 years.

Planning agents J Mason Associates said the change of use would "ensure the building does not fall into disrepair" and help maintain the area's "sense of community".

The Duke of Cambridge paid tribute as he opened the club's high-performance centre in Warwickshire.

Saskia Jones told her mum she was unsure about going to the event where she died, an inquest hears.

A man was later arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop, police say.

A man has been remanded in custody after being charged with murdering 17-year-old Derlarno Samuels.

Image source, Family handout

Derlarno died from a stab wound after being found in a car that crashed in Heath Street, Smethwick on Saturday, police said.

Camron Dunn, 18, of Sketchley Close, Smethwick, was charged with his murder at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court and will appear before the city's crown court on Wednesday.

In a family tribute, Derlarno was described as "ambitious, inquisitive and full of life".

"He was a generous young man who is much loved and missed by his family and friends," their statement added.

Christopher Guest More was accused of murdering Brian Waters who was tortured and killed in 2003.