Daniel Kelly

An anonymous resident attached a sign reading “Gaza Strip, mind your step” to the Windsor Gardens development sign in Drakes Broughton, apparently protesting unfinished roads, potholes and ongoing construction. Local residents and Councillor Liz Turier condemned the comparison as offensive and disproportionate to the conditions at the estate. Sanctuary Housing removed the sign and said it was working with Worcestershire County Council Highways and local partners to complete the development and address residents’ concerns.

Cotswold District Council rejected plans for ten bungalows beside the Esmere Gardens nursing home in Moreton-in-Marsh. Councillors cited the site’s location outside the development boundary and within the Cotswold Natural Landscape, as well as the proposal’s failure to provide affordable or socially rented homes. Supporters argued that Moreton needs more bungalows and that the council lacks a five-year housing land supply. Opponents, including local councillors and representatives concerned about Esmere Gardens’ vulnerable residents, warned that development would harm the landscape and cause prolonged disruption.

A motorcyclist in his 40s from the Cotswolds died after a collision on the A429 Fosseway near The Old Prison in Northleach. The crash involved a green and black Kawasaki ZX900 motorcycle, a Scania tipper lorry and a Nissan Juke. The road was temporarily closed for the investigation, and Gloucestershire Constabulary is appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.

Two suspected burglars reportedly fled a home on Priory Lane in Pebworth by car after one man tried to enter through a door while covering his hand with his T-shirt. West Mercia Police are appealing for witnesses and information about the incident, which occurred at around 10:40 a.m. on August 11.

A deep partial solar eclipse will be visible from Worcester, with approximately 93% of the Sun covered. It is expected to begin around 6:15 p.m., peak at 7:11 p.m. and finish shortly after 8 p.m. Recommended viewing locations include the Malvern Hills, Worcester Racecourse, Pitchcroft, Holt Heath, Top Barn, Worcester Woods County Park and Ketch View Point. Because the eclipse will not be total and the Sun will be low in the western sky, viewers should find an unobstructed horizon and wear certified eclipse glasses.

Dexter, a five-year-old German Shepherd crossbreed and former stray, was adopted by Father Martin after spending 329 days at Dogs Trust Evesham. Initially anxious and overwhelmed by everyday situations, Dexter gradually regained confidence with support from the charity. He now lives with Father Martin and his dog Nandi and has become part of the church community. The adoption followed an earlier placement that fell through shortly before rehoming.

Sports Direct is set to close its Bridge Street store in Evesham in October, according to signage displayed in the shop, which is currently holding a closing-down sale. Frasers Group has not disclosed the official reason, though the closure may be linked to the Riverside Project, a planned redevelopment of the Riverside Shopping Centre into residential, retail and leisure facilities.

Tesco will temporarily close its Worcester Road petrol station in Evesham from August 2 for about two weeks. The refurbishment will include new kiosk flooring and shelving, new fridges and freezers, LED canopy lighting, refreshed line painting and new signage. Tesco apologised for the disruption and said the station would reopen in mid-August.

Benjamin Clarke, a 40-year-old from Newnham in the Forest of Dean, was apprehended in Broadway after a public appeal. He had failed to attend police and probation appointments and was wanted for failing to appear at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court. West Mercia Police thanked residents for sharing information that assisted officers in locating him.

A 13-year-old boy was robbed of his bicycle in an alleyway between Fountain Court and Evesham Hospital on March 8. West Mercia Police later released CCTV images of two men sought in connection with the incident, leading to the April arrest of a 26-year-old man on suspicion of robbery. The man was released under investigation, and no one had been charged by July 29 while enquiries continued.