The NSPCC is urging parents in the West Midlands to talk to their children before leaving them home alone.
The charity says nearly 500 referrals were made in the region over safety concerns.
It recommends under-12s are never left alone and highlights a spike in summer cases.
The NSPCC stresses the importance of listening to children's worries and preparing them for what to do if something unexpected happens.
Rent to rise by £400 per month at Ludlow council house
Tenants at a Ludlow council house are to see their rent increase by hundreds of pounds of month – with one councillor calling it “abhorrent”.
Council justifies chief exec salary
Shropshire Council has justified the huge salary for its new chief executive – saying its the market rate for such an important role.
New commercial park granted
Plans to build a new commercial park on the outskirts of a north Shropshire town have finally been approved.
Potholes issue – task and finish group to be set up
A task and finish group is to be set up to try and sort out the pothole epidemic in Shropshire.
Ludlow Town Council told to fund parking order
Ludlow councillors were left in “stunned silence” after being told the town council will have to fund a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) in the market square.
Eight-figure sum quoted to fix Ledbury station access
A long-standing problem at a Herefordshire railway station could cost £10 million to put right.
Pothole chaos on Shropshire’s rural roads
Potholes are continuing to cause havoc across Shropshire, not least in rural villages where people are struggling to go about their daily lives.
Shropshire Council wants to link up with Telford and Wrekin
Shropshire Council wants to link up with Telford and Wrekin as part of the Government’s aim “to get Britain building again.”
