I googled and I found that Wolverhampton is in the UK so that might help if one can figure out what shrubs grow in your area. A photo of the plant itself, leaves or possibly a flower could help in correctly identifying but without those all we can do is guess. The only shrub that comes to my mind is the Leatherleaf Mahonia; it has prickly leaves (somewhat fern looking) and purple berries. Here are a few links with photo's of one that grows in my area of the U.S. although I don't know if it's a familiar plant in the UK.
Loulou!
