birmingham (dudley)

[f1nut]

hi everyone, i hopfully will soon be moving to birmingham (dudley) will be coming from london and moving from family and friends, wont know anyone, its a housing exchange. basically what i need to know its whats the area like? whats schools like? crime? basicall the in and outs, has anyone moved like me fron an outer area and how well did they setle? and the bigst thing, whta nhs like there, have a disabled son who needs regular speech therapy, phisio, occupational health. so need to consider this aswell. would be so gratfull if anyone could help me, thank you so much xxx

Hi f1nut

I am from near Dudley and actually work in the town at the Higher Ed college. The town itself is no Tonbridge Wells, put it that way. It's full of bargain shops and a bit on the scruffy side. Crime wise, I would avoid the town after dark as a woman on her own, and the night life is none existant. Sorry if I've put you off totally, that's the bad news. NHS wise, had my son in the local hospital (Russells Hall) and it was great - no problems with any of the health service but I have had no real need for more extensive services such as you listed so not sure how they measure up. A lot of money has been invested in it though, so hopefully you will find it perfectly adequate. A friend of mine works with disabled children and she feels the service provided in this area is second to none. Dudley is very multi-racial, people are friendly (in general) and it's cheaper than London - countryside is a bus ride away and you can get to B'Ham in 30 mins or London in 2hrs easy if you are missing city life. Hope it goes well - when are you coming? Also be prepared to learn the lingo - Black Country dialect!!

There's lots to do locally. The zoo and the Black Country Museum will be on your doorstep and it's close to the beautiful Sandwell Valley in west brom and Birmingham of course. People in dudley are very friendly ...just don't call us yam yams!!!

when are you moving? i am in kingswinford about 10 mins from dudley. would be great to have a meet up when you're here. i agree nightlife and good shops - non existent. for that bham is your best bet or there is the merry hill centre which is good for shops - about 10 mins from dudley. russells hall hospital on the outskirts of dudley has recently been expanded and from what i hear is quite good.