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TONIGHT TOMORROW

45p 75p Thursday September 19, 2019

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MIDLANDS NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR

WIFE FOUND NOT GUILTY OF KILLING Report by Marion Brennan

A PENSIONER has been

cleared of murdering her terminally ill husband in a “mercy killing” after they took an overdose of drugs in a suicide pact.

Mavis Eccleston, aged 80, broke down in the dock as the jury also found her not guilty of the manslaughter of 81-year-old Dennis Cleared – Mavis Eccleston Eccleston at their Cannock home the overdose administered by Mavis last year. The couple, who were married for nearly 60 years, had talked constantly to their family of “going together” after Dennis was diagnosed with endstage bowel cancer in 2015, and left a suicide note explaining their intention. But the prosecution based their case around an admission by Mavis to nurses the day after Dennis’ death that he had not known she was giving him a lethal cocktail of tablets. She later told police he had told her to do it and was fully aware of what he was taking. The couple were discovered unconscious at their bungalow in Raven Close, Huntington, on February 19 last year. Former pitman Dennis, who had signed ‘do not resuscitate’ forms, died the following day but his wife survived after being given an antidote in hospital. Stafford Crown Court heard that the couple were put in adjoining beds and held hands as Dennis passed away. The defence argued that this had been a suicide pact, ruling out murder although allowing a verdict of manslaughter. However a medical expert cast doubt on the prosecution’s assertion that death had been caused by

Eccleston. Professor Safa Al-Sarraj, a consultant neurologist, told the jury it was more likely that death was caused by the palliative use of morphine in hospital to ease Mr Eccleston’s pain, or a combination of the two lots of drugs. Giving evidence during the 10-day trial, Mavis Eccleston described how on the night of the overdose her husband had begged her to fetch medication from the cupboard and that it was “understood between them” what that meant. He had kissed her hand in thanks after she had told him she would “go with his wishes” to die. After they had both taken the medication, she had kissed her husband and said “goodnight darling” before going to lie on the sofa. The jury of eight men and four women took four hours to reach their unanimous decisions on both counts, which mean they believe that Dennis Eccleston took the lethal overdose himself in the full knowledge of the outcome. His wife gasped as the verdicts were announced before breaking into sobs. After the verdict, daughter Joy

Munn read a statement in behalf of the family saying their parents were “absolutely devoted to each other”. She said: “In February last year our dad was terminally ill with bowel cancer. He had been extremely ill for some time and was suffering intense physical pain, alongside symptoms he found distressing and undignified. He had expressed for many months a wish to end his life in order to avoid more suffering and a prolonged death, but he was too ill to travel to Switzerland. “Our mom did not wish to live without him, her husband, the love of her life, and so she took an overdose together with him. Our parents’ love for each other was so clear that hospital staff pushed their beds together so that mom and dad could hold hands and face each other during our dad’s final hours. “Our family are grateful and relieved that the jury in this case could also recognise our mom’s love for our dad. But since dad’s death our family has been through a terrible ordeal, waiting over 18 months for this court case, worrying that having already lost our dad to cancer, we might now see our mom imprisoned.” She added: “We do not believe this needed to happen. If there had been an assisted dying law here in the UK our dad would have been able to have the choice to end his suffering, with medical support and with his loved ones around him. “Our dad would have been devastated at the thought of his beloved wife waiting to find out if, at the age of 80, she would face a life sentence in prison simply for respecting his wishes. We believe there must be a change in the law so that dying people are not forced to suffer, to make plans in secret or ask loved ones to risk prosecution by helping them, and so that no other family has to experience the pain our family has had to endure.” l Devoted couple – Page 4

www.expressandstar.com

Kristian now a first MP joins fight class graduate on green belt NEWS BRIEFING

Dudley North MP Ian Austin is set to attend a public meeting over controversial plans to build 1,300 homes on green belt land tonight. Mr Austin is urging Dudley, Wolverhampton and Staffordshire councils to block plans to build on the land in Seven Cornfields between his constituency in Sedgley, Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire. The greenbelt land has been put forward for review as part of the Black Country Plan, which is looking at new areas for homes in the region to address a shortage. However the proposals have attracted strong opposition from residents. Mr Austin will be attending the public meeting tonight at 8pm at St Bart’s Church in Penn. He is writing to every resident in the area, to the local authorities involved urging them to oppose these plans and he is asking to meet Barratt Homes. Mr Austin said: “I am completely opposed to these plans and promise I will do everything I can to support local residents.”

PLANS

£22m i54 funding wins full approval

Council chiefs have given their full backing to £22.75 million funding for the next two stages of the i54 Western Extension site – a major development set to create 1,700 new jobs for the city. Leaders at Wolverhampton Council’s full council meeting last night gave complete approval to phases 4 and 5 of the development, which will provide 100 acres of industrial employment floor space on land to the west of the existing i54 estate. The latest stage of the development will occupy land north of Wobaston Road between Pendeford Hall Lane and the i54 site. The council’s cabinet approved a funding strategy and and budget for the first three phases of the development in January this year.

POLICE Hat’s off – Gymnast Kristian Thomas at his university graduation Olympic gymnast Kristian Report by Thomas Parkes Thomas has graduated with first class honours. is where I would like to end up – I Kristian finished his three-year was out of it but it’s nice to keep in bachelor of science in strength and touch with something I’m very pasconditioning at the University of sionate about.” Wolverhampton. He also won a speThe 30-year-old, who claimed cial Cranlea Dissertation Prize for bronze at the 2012 Olympics in the the best dissertation in the Depart- men’s artistic team and gold at the ment of Sport. 2014 Commonwealth Games, added: Now he plans on returning to “The staff were great, really supgymnastics as a sport practitioner. portive, encouraging and helpful. He said: “It feels pretty good actu- They definitely helped and showed ally. It’s a nice feeling to go there their expertise – I’m very grateful and connect with the people you’ve for their help.” Kristian was born in Wolverspent three years with. “The course was very similar to hampton and now lives near Cansports science and hopefully it gives nock. He used to train in Halesowen me an opportunity to go into the and retired in 2017, but is now a sport as a practitioner. Elite sport coach at Telford’s Park Wrekin club.

Arrest after gun found

A man has been arrested and a loaded gun was recovered after reports of a gang gathering in Wolverhampton. The handgun will be forensically examined to determine if it is linked to any shootings. The 36-year-old man remained in police custody last night on suspicion of making threats to kill and firearms offences.

THOUSANDS OF HOMES TO BE BUILT IN REGION – PAGE 5

25 Express & Star Thursday, September 19, 2019

t h g i e ards

Awegories Cat

CATEGORIES INCLUDE: Amateur Power of Sport Ambassador of the year Beyond the call of duty / Emergency Services Carer of the year Community Champion (individual or Group) Fundraiser / Volunteer of the Year Hero of the NHS Young Star

thanks to our sponsors

Nominate your hero now!

Express & Star Thursday, September 19, 2019

introduction What’s it all about?

nomination form Please select one of the following categories to nominate an individual for:

Amateur Power of Sport Ambassador of the year Beyond the call of duty / Emergency Services Carer of the year Community Champion (individual or Group) Fundraiser / Volunteer of the Year Hero of the NHS Young Star YOUR DETAILS: Full name: _______________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________ ___________________________________ Postcode: ____________ Email address: ___________________________________________ Daytime telephone number: ______________________________

NOMINEES DETAILS: Full name: _______________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________ ___________________________________ Postcode: ____________ Email address: ___________________________________________ Daytime telephone number: ______________________________ If you are nominating someone under the age of 16 please tick the box to conﬁrm you have Parent/Guardian consent. Parent/Guardian full name in block capitals: __________________________________________________________ Your signature: Tell us in no more than 100 words why you think the person you are nominating deserves to win (alternatively, write your comments on a blank piece of A4 paper) _____________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Midland News Association (Express & Star and Shropshire Star) will contact you for the purpose of this campaign only, by providing contact details you agree to be contacted if required. Please note: If you do not provide us with contact details, we will be unable to contact you regarding this campaign should there be a query, your nomination therefore may not be accepted. I acknowledge I have read and accepted the terms and conditions for this entry. For full terms and conditions visit heroes.expressandstar.com

Do you know someone who is constantly putting others before themselves by going above and beyond to provide a helping hand? Is there a volunteer who has clocked up decades of work in the community or a teacher or coach who goes the extra mile to inspire their pupils? Are you aware of a good neighbour who has helped your area to improve and ﬂourish against the odds or a health worker who is always looking to make their patients’ lives easier? We think it’s about time they receive the recognition they deserve. The Express & Star Heroes Awards 2019 will celebrate the unsung heroes of our community and shine a spotlight on the people and organisations that bind it together. The Express & Star has teamed up with a number of key businesses to

reward the heroes of the Black Country and South Staffordshire. We want to ﬁnd individuals and groups from across the region who make a difference on a day to day basis to the people around them, and to recognise their efforts. From the volunteers, to the young stars, from the helping hands, to sports men and women and for all those who step up when they are needed are encouraged to enter. They may be members of your family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, someone you see regularly or someone who you have heard about and found their story inspirational. In order to keep the local community at the heart of the awards, we are asking you our readers to nominate potential winners via the newspaper and online now.

How to nominate

If you know someone who deserves to be recognised for making a difference in their local community, nominate them now:

Go to heroes.expressandstar.co.uk and enter online or complete the nomination form opposite. Category details can be found below. Don’t worry if you’re not sure which one they ﬁt into; the judges can help decide where they belong. If you prefer, write your reasons why you think the person you are nominating should be considered on a separate piece of A4 paper and attach it to the form. You can nominate more than one person, but please put each one on a separate form. ALL nominations must be received by Sunday, October 27. Candidates may nominate themselves.

Categories 1. Amateur Power of Sport Award Sponsored by McDonalds

This award will be made to an individual or team that is using sport to make a signiﬁcant difference within their local community by helping people to overcome challenges they face on a day to day basis.

2. Ambassador of the year Sponsored by Paycare

This award recognises the person who has done the most to promote their Black Country roots within their chosen charity, team or hobby and play a vital role within the community.

3. Beyond the call of duty/ Emergency Services Sponsored by HomeServe

This award is for 999 workers and members of the Armed Forces.

4. Carer of the year

5. Community Champion (Individual or Group) Sponsored by HomeServe

This is an individual or group who has served, inspired or performed and have given something back to their community over the course of the year.

6. Fundraiser/ Volunteer of the Year

Sponsored by McDonald’s

This award recognises someone who helps to support other people, a family member, friend or relative.

This award celebrates the young person, aged 16 or under, who has gone above and beyond in achieving their goals in the past 12 months.

9. Special Recognition Award Sponsored by whg

Chosen by Martin Wright, Express & Star Editor-in-Chief, this award will be given to an individual or group deserving special recognition within the local community.

Send your entry to:

What happens next?

Express & Star Heroes Awards Promotions Department Express & Star 51- 53 Queen Street Wolverhampton WV1 1ES

At the start of November, a panel of judges will decide the winners in each of the eight categories. The winners will be invited along with a selected number of guests, to an awards presentation being held at the beginning of next year at Marston’s.

Terms and conditions The closing date for entries is Sunday, October 27 2019. Proposers must be aged 18 years or over. Nominees should be living or working in the Black Country or South Staffordshire, reﬂecting the Express & Star circulation area. All nominees’ contact information must be on an ofﬁcial nomination form, either in print (and signed by the proposer) or online. You should tell your nominee that you are putting their name forward. If the nominee is under the age of 16, then you must inform their parent/guardian,

whose signature will be required for the print form or if nominating online, selecting the tick box on the electronic form to indicate you have done so. If making more than one nomination, please use separate forms. All proposers and nominees must be prepared to take part in any relevant publicity including photographic and video coverage in print and online. If selected as a winner your nominee will be contacted by post, email or telephone and asked if they wish to take part in the campaign. All contact

information will be held for the purpose of this campaign only and all personal data will be deleted three months after the campaign ﬁnishes. Information (excluding contact details) on the person you have nominated will be used in-paper and online. Employees and their immediate relatives of the MNA group of companies and campaign sponsors are not permitted to nominate in their own category. The Editor’s decision is ﬁnal.

@ExpressandStar #Heroesawards

27 Express & Star Thursday, September 19, 2019

headline sponsor

whg is supporting older members of the community live independently for longer, with the back-up of a tailored wellbeing service , and is also helping families get on the housing ladder by building homes for shared ownership whg is one of the Midlands’ leading and most successful providers of high quality homes, owning and managing around 21,000 affordable and good quality homes across the region. Last year the landlord completed 551 new homes. These included the 62-apartment Ellum Pointe in Brownhills, the firm’s third wellbeing scheme for the over 55s. This development offers customers the opportunity to live independently for longer, with the back-up of a tailored wellbeing service which can offer support when needed. whg is also helping families get on the housing ladder by building homes for shared ownership. Schemes such as the recently

completed School Road, on the site of a former Victorian school in Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, allow first-time buyers, who may not have a large deposit, the opportunity to buy a share in a property and pay rent on the remaining amount. This year, whg is continuing to forge ahead with its ambitious development plans. Work is set to start soon on the final phase of the ambitious Goscote Regeneration Corridor, Walsall’s biggest ever regeneration scheme, which is bringing 800 new, energy-efficient homes to North Walsall. Meanwhile, in Wolverhampton, whg is working with Lovell to regenerate Saints Quarter, on Steelhouse Lane, which has lain derelict for

more than a decade. The 151-home scheme will include 62 affordable homes by whg. However, whg is much more than just a provider of houses. The landlord plays a vital role in creating neighbourhoods people can be proud of, and has developed a range of services that go beyond its traditional role. These include employment and training support, money advice, and health and wellbeing activities. Chief Executive Gary Fulford said: “We are proud to be the lead sponsor of the Express & Star’s Heroes Awards. We know that communities are not just created with bricks and mortar, but by the people that live in them, and are committed to working with

Proud to be sponsoring Express & Star Heroes Awards

our customers to create thriving, sustainable communities where people want to live. “These awards capture the spirit of thriving communities; celebrating the hard work and dedication of local people who make a real difference to their neighbourhoods.” “We are also delighted to be sponsoring the Special Recognition Award, chosen by the Express & Star’s Editor-In-Chief Martin Wright. This award celebrates an individual or organisation that has done something truly amazing over the past 12 months or beyond.” As part of whg’s commitment to improving local communities, the organisation has spearheaded a range of innovative initiatives to help transform the lives of residents. In the

last 12 months its Employment and Training Team has helped 1271 people improve their job prospects through a range of work-related training programmes. whg’s Health and Wellbeing Team worked with 2,038 customers to deliver a range of creative programmes which tackle health problems from obesity to high blood pressure. Meanwhile its Money Advice Team offered financial support to more than 600 households. Gary added: “Investing in building strong communities remain at the heart of our success – and that is why awards like the Express & Star Heroes Awards, which recognise those that play their part in creating places people are proud to live in, are so important.”

Express & Star Thursday, September 19, 2019

THE FACTS

putting it on the line for you

6 61 We operate

Breweries

We export to

COUNTRIES

36 We’ve received

AWARDS for our beers in 2018-19

From the heart of Wolverhampton, we’ve built one of the UK’s best brewing businesses, our people are the key to our success.

4.8 1 4UK PUBS We sell

BOTTLES EVERY SECOND

We have direct distribution to

3.6 We sell

PINTS

EVERY SECOND

31 We brew

CASK ALES

ON THE UK MARKET

Proud Sponsors of the Express & Star Heroes Awards 2019

29 Express & Star Thursday, September 19, 2019

Beyond the call of duty / Emergency Services Community Champion (individual or Group)

Community is very important to everyone at HomeServe and the company is proud to have been part of the Walsall and Black Country community for the last 26 years All of the team at HomeServe UK are once again very proud to be a supporter of the Express & Star Heroes Awards. Greg Reed, CEO, HomeServe UK, said: “Community is very important to us. The Walsall and Black Country community has given us a place to live and to grow over the last 26 years. “Our People are very much part of that

community. We live here, we work here, we are recipients of all the support the community gives us. And up and down the UK, through our regional hubs and with our 1,000-plusstrong team of engineers, we are active in local communities every single day of the year, 24-hours-a-day. “These awards are a celebration of the people who make our communities great: the heroes

who do their thing because they can and because their thing is the right thing to do. “These heroes expect no thanks and no recognition. Which is why it’s wonderful to give them the thanks and recognition they absolutely deserve. Our community heroes walk among us. We don’t always see them, we don’t take the time to show our gratitude. But on one special night, we can and we will.

“This year we are sponsoring two awards – for the third time, Community Champion of the Year and for the first time, Beyond the Call of Duty/ Emergency Services Award. Over the last couple of years, we have met and made great friends through supporting the Community Champion Award and we know the same will be true this year. “Beyond the Call of Duty is a very special

award, recognising the incredible selflessness and bravery of our ‘blue light’ heroes. Again, people who never expect thanks or praise but deserve both. “Finally, thank you from me and from all of my teammates at HomeServe for everything our heroes do – to keep us safe, to give us support and help and for making our communities better.”

We are recruiting! Come and visit one of our open days. Visit homeserve.com/uk/careers-hub for more details #WeAreHomeServe 8.7

4.4

Express & Star Thursday, September 19, 2019

Ambassador of the year Hero of the NHS

Kevin Rogers with Cheryl Glover, who raised £900 from her charity quiz night as part of Paycare’s incentive for staff, MyGiving As a not-for-profit, Paycare prides itself on not only enhancing the health and wellbeing of its policyholders across the UK, but in making a real difference within the communities that it serves. As a Health Cash Plan provider, Paycare is thrilled to be extending its support by coming on board as a sponsor of the Express & Star’s Heroes Awards 2019 – an awards scheme which recognises and celebrates the region’s many volunteers, fundraisers, brave individuals, young stars, and helping hands. Of the eight awards on offer, Paycare is the proud sponsor of two: one is the Hero of the NHS Award for people who work or volunteer

The ‘Paycare Pirates’ took to the waters at the Dragon Boat Race at Himley Hall, raising funds for the Rotary Club of Wolverhampton and Compton Hospice

within the NHS and make a real difference to the lives of the patients they care for every day. The second is the Ambassador of the Year Award, which celebrates an individual who has achieved incredible work by promoting their Black Country roots within their chosen charity, hobby, or team, and who has acted as a beacon of light within the community. Kevin Rogers, CEO of Paycare, explained: “We’re hugely proud to put people at the heart of everything we do and it’s a statement we’ve lived by since our inception in 1874. Over this time we’ve helped charities, initiatives and worthwhile causes across the UK in the form of direct donations, sponsorships and

collaborations, from grassroots sports clubs to homelessness and mental health charities. “The Express & Star Heroes Awards 2019 is no exception as we’re immensely proud to be sponsoring two very special awards which will be presented to individuals who absolutely deserve every ounce of recognition.” Paycare works with businesses, individuals and families to help them benefit from optimum physical, mental and financial health. It offers a range of cashback plans covering a wealth of treatments including dental and optical, an exclusive online discount platform, Paycare Perks, as well as its 24-hour MyPocketGP app and Employee Assistance

Wolves player Conor Coady, left, and former Managing Director Laurie Dalrymple, right, presented Kevin with the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Award for work within the community

Programmes / Counselling Helpline. The organisation has been a long-standing proud supporter for a wide range of local causes, including the Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation, the Faculty of Engineering & Biosciences Award at Wolverhampton University, Founding Patron of The Way Youth Zone, as well as many local clubs including Wednesfield Ladies FC and Penn Cricket Club. The team took part in the Dragon Boat Race at Himley Hall earlier this year as the ‘Paycare Pirates’, which saw them raise over £660 for two local charities – The Rotary Club of Wolverhampton and Bliss. Founded in 1874 by the foremen of some of

Wolverhampton’s largest factories in a bid to protect their employees from crippling medical bills, Paycare has grown to become one of the most well-respected Health Cash Plan providers in the UK. Paycare is a not-for-profit Health Cash Plan provider which helps businesses recognise, reward and retain their employees, and provides preventative support covering their physical, mental and financial health and wellbeing needs. For more information about its range of corporate plans and how they benefit both businesses and employees, please visit www.paycare.org or call 01902 371000.

Supp Su porting rting your lloc call c commun ty mm nity He care,, pe eople are e at the art of ere at P Payc e hear w d do. And, A as a not-ffor-p every ything we proﬁt, we hav ha ve bee b en p ur loca ommunit n supp porrting you cal co nity for 14 45 ye ears. From F m charitab ar ble e do ona ation ns to t sspon rships and onsorsh d ssio bout pa tne part ersshiipss, we w arre hugely huge pa ass onate ab ou Wolverhamp our Wo ve ha pto on rroo ots su supp portin ting g th those in need eed, and nd we're w re immens mm sely y proud ud to o be sponsoring sponsor ng these he e two very ver spe pecial al aw wards..

We’re proud to have donated over

Ambassador of the Year Award

Hero of the NHS Award

£2.2 MILLION to good causes!

Good for you, good for the community 01902 371 000

www.paycare.org

Paycare is a not for profit company limited by guarantee. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Company Registration Number 820791

Express & Star

Everyday Health Cover since 1874

31 Express & Star Thursday, September 19, 2019

Amateur Power of Sport Carer of the year

McDonalds franchisee Abdul Sirkhot has done a lot of work to support people getting involved with football at a grassroots level, with each of his 12 restaurants twinned with a local team and as a sponsor of the Young Wolves membership Wolverhampton McDonald’s franchisee Abdul Sirkhot, who owns 12 restaurants across the local area, will be sponsoring two categories at the upcoming Express & Star Heroes Awards 2019 – the Amateur Power of Sport Award and Carer of the Year. A franchisee for several years, Abdul is particularly committed to supporting football at a grassroots level and each of his 12 restaurants is twinned with a local youth amateur team, providing them with support and funding across the season – from buying

the teams new kits and equipment, to working with the coaches and team managers (some of which are also McDonald’s employees!). The age groups of the teams Abdul sponsors range from under-eight to under-18, ensuring that youngsters across the Black Country all get access to quality football at a grassroots level. Local McDonald’s franchisee Abdul Sirkhot said “I’m delighted to be in a position where I am able to support local football to such an extent. Grassroots football is a key part of the

local community and I’m extremely proud to support the teams season to season. “Sponsoring the Amateur Power of Sport and Carer of the Year Awards at the Express & Star Heroes Awards gives us a chance to recognise local people who go above and beyond and it’s fantastic to be a part of it.” McDonald’s has been community partner with The Football Association for the past 16 years. During this time, they have helped support hundreds of clubs to raise the standards of grassroots football across the country.

As part of McDonald’s continued commitment to improving the standard of grassroots football across the UK the partnership will focus on supporting Quality Mark clubs, to help raise the standards of grassroots football through better safety, advice, training for coaches, plus improved kit, support and recognition for volunteers. Last year, McDonald’s announced a new deal with the four home nation Football Associations to bring five million hours of fun football for children across the UK by 2022.

Through ‘turn up and play’ coaching sessions and more Fun Football Festivals than ever before, McDonald’s will provide more than 500,000 children with the opportunity to try football for the first time. The wider focus of the programme will remain to encourage participation, helping to support grassroots clubs and their volunteers, raising the standards of grassroots football across the United Kingdom and improving the grassroots experience for all of our young, aspiring footballers.

Express & Star Thursday, September 19, 2019

Fundraiser / Volunteer of the Year young star

The Mander Centre has completed the signing of four new major tenants this year, where over 100,000 sq ft of space has been leased. Crowds of shoppers queued for the opening of both Matalan and One Below. The Mander Centre is the dominant retail destination in the centre of Wolverhampton. The recently redeveloped and revitalised centre presents retailers with the opportunity to trade and capitalise on a modern and repositioned retail destination. In a major statement of confidence in Wolverhampton, the Mander Centre has completed the signing of four new major tenants this year, where over 100,000 sq ft of space has been leased. Leading fashion and homeware retailer, Matalan, opened the doors to its 23,000 sq ft

store in early May to crowds of shoppers. The launch was one of Matalan’s most successful new openings this year and is the company’s first in Wolverhampton’s city centre. One Below, the UK’s newest value retailer, opened an 8,000 sq ft store at the centre in March. The brand is the brainchild of Poundworld founder Chris Edwards, who is targeting the opening of 100 stores in the UK this year. Established national brands Wilko and B&M will both open later this year in the 550,000 sq ft centre which attracts over 12 million visitors

per annum. B&M, one of the leading variety retailers in the UK, will occupy 52,000 sq ft on the upper mall, taking space in a large unit formerly occupied by BHS. The store is set to open in October/November. Wilko, the one stop shop that helps families get their day-to-day lives sorted, will open a 24,000 sq ft unit on the lower mall around the same time. Richard Scharenguivel, the manager of the Mander Centre, said: “Four major national retailers, hugely popular with shoppers, is a significant boost to our brand line-up.

“It signifies the confidence that retailers have in both Wolverhampton and the Mander Centre as the city’s dominant retail destination. “We are giving our customers four more reasons to shop locally in the city where they live and work.” The Mander Centre is working closely with the City of Wolverhampton Council and other stakeholders to deliver a number of city-wide initiatives, and prides itself on its role in the community. Not only does the shopping centre support national brands, but also works with a number

Autumn is all around AT MANDER CENTRE STAY UP TO DATE AT MANDERCENTRE.CO.UK @MANDERCENTRE

of independent retailers, championing local businesses in the community. In addition to Matalan, Wilko, B&M and One Below, the Mander Centre is also in discussion with a number of prominent retailers about further new openings in the 103-unit shopping centre. For more information about the Mander Centre and upcoming new store openings, visit www.mandercentre.co.uk Alternatively, follow updates on social media by searching Mander Centre on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.