Lauren Chaloner

Studley tenant Chloe Minett has been without a usable bath for almost two months after it cracked and leaked into her neighbour’s ceiling. Orbit arranged repairs, but non-waterproof sealant, a rotten support structure, a six-week replacement wait and an incorrectly sized bath caused further delays, leaving Minett travelling to Bromsgrove to shower. Orbit apologized and said it was working with contractor Fortem to bring forward a new installation, while Fortem had not yet commented.

Schools across Bromsgrove and surrounding areas reported strong GCSE results, with South Bromsgrove High School recording more than 70% of students achieving grade 4 or above in English and maths and 10% gaining grades 8 and 9 in every subject. Waseley Hills High School highlighted several exceptional individual performances, while Hagley Catholic High School reported strong English and maths pass rates. Heart of Worcestershire College celebrated a record year for Level 2 vocational qualifications, including 100% achievement in creative media, construction, plumbing, health and social care, beauty therapy, and hospitality and catering.

Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant attended the Mayor of Bewdley’s Charity Junior Chess Tournament and Worcestershire Junior Rapid-Play Championships at St George’s Hall, where he joined players for casual chess. The event featured 32 junior competitors, primarily from Worcestershire, with Jack Jenkinson winning the Under-18 section and Oscar Evans-Muldoon taking the Under-12 title. Local mayors Sharon Harvey and Shazu Miah also attended, while parents and other residents played friendly games. Organizers described the event as a positive and successful day.

A historic Dakota aircraft flew over the Far Forest Countryside Show in Worcestershire on Saturday, August 8, delighting visitors and prompting enthusiastic reactions. The weekend event featured horticulture, art exhibitions, trade and craft stalls, wildlife displays and classic cars. The aircraft also flew over the Severn Valley Railway in Bridgnorth during its Vintage Transport Extravaganza.

Councillor Karen May and MP Bradley Thomas have raised safety concerns about the Sandy Lane junction near Bromsgrove, citing heavy traffic, limited traffic-calming measures and vehicles approaching at high speed. They warned that housing development in Wyre Forest and surrounding areas, combined with increased housing targets, could worsen congestion and safety risks if infrastructure is not provided first. They urged Worcestershire County Council to investigate the junction, while the council said it would continue liaising with local county councillors about highway issues.

Bromsgrove MP Bradley Thomas is seeking answers from Worcestershire County Council after the A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme was delayed for a second time, with overall completion now expected in spring 2027. Thomas wants to know whether the contractor will face financial penalties and cover the additional costs rather than taxpayers. The council said some Phase 3 activities will continue into spring 2027 because of construction challenges, while clarifying that the date refers to completion of the overall programme rather than every individual scheme.

Sanders Park’s overflow car park in Bromsgrove will be extended, with works beginning on August 17 and expected to last six to eight weeks. The project will add approximately 23 standard parking bays and six disabled bays, alongside new drainage, improved kerbs and footpaths, and resurfacing. Bromsgrove District Council contractor Macdonald Surfacing will work weekdays from 8am to 5pm, with temporary disruption, traffic controls, noise, dust and muddy conditions expected.

Official data shows that Bonnie, Isla and Sienna were the most popular girls’ names in Bromsgrove in 2025, with seven babies given each name. Leo and Theo led boys’ names, with nine babies receiving each name. The results differed across Worcestershire: Theodore and Willow topped the lists in Worcester, Oscar and Lily in Wychavon, several names tied for boys’ top spot in Redditch with Maisie leading for girls, and Noah and Olivia were most popular in Wyre Forest.

Whitbread will permanently close its Beefeater restaurants, including sites in Redditch and Longbridge, on September 10. Its 89 Brewers Fayre outlets will close after service on September 7, while Bar + Block, Table Table and Cookhouse + Pub locations will close on September 3. The closures form part of a five-year strategy to save £250 million, eliminate around 3,800 jobs across the UK and Ireland, and refocus Whitbread on operating restaurants within Premier Inn hotels. The company plans to expand its hotel-room capacity from about 86,600 to 96,000 by the 2031 financial year.

A multi-agency operation at Hopwood Services on the M42 detained a 34-year-old man on suspicion of drug driving, who was later released under investigation. Officers stopped 22 vehicles, seized three that were unroadworthy or lacked tax or insurance, and issued multiple traffic-offence reports. Agencies also identified 12 waste-carrier and documentation issues and two cases for HMRC follow-up. Although no organised rural-crime groups were found, police said the operation improved road safety and reassured the local community.

SEW-Eurodrive Ltd has taken a five-year lease on Units 15 and 16 at Aston Fields Trading Estate in Bromsgrove, covering 8,642 square feet at an annual rent of £77,500. The move will combine its existing sales office with its service centre, increasing repair capacity and supporting further growth. John Truslove and GJS Dillon acted as joint agents, with SEW-Eurodrive citing Bromsgrove’s access to the M42 and M5 as an advantage.

The Woodland Burial Group Ltd has applied to create a natural woodland burial ground at Brockhill Wood in Redditch, within Bromsgrove District Council’s planning jurisdiction. The proposal promises low-impact burials without buildings, permanent structures or external lighting and is intended to expand local burial provision. Opponents argue that the site is ancient woodland and an irreplaceable habitat, raising concerns about ecological damage, wildlife, traffic and the character of the area. Other residents support the scheme, calling it a good or brilliant idea. The application is registered with Bromsgrove District Council under reference 26/00482/FUL.

Delays and potential cost increases to Worcestershire County Council’s Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme have prompted renewed criticism from councillors. The project was previously promised for completion by the end of the year and within budget, but a formal extension request was made in April without being communicated to residents. Councillors Sam Evans and Josh Robinson blamed the former Reform-led administration for poor oversight, wasted time and inadequate transparency, comparing the project to HS2 because of its delays and escalating costs.

Brockencote Hall Hotel has relaunched its 3 AA Rosette restaurant as the Malvern Restaurant following a £150,000 refurbishment that introduces a nature‑inspired contemporary design. Head chef Tim Jenkins continues to lead the kitchen, offering seasonal menus sourced locally, alongside a tasting menu and the return of the cheese trolley. General manager Dan Brennan said the investment aims to elevate the dining experience and reflect the restaurant’s connection to the nearby Malvern Hills, marking a new chapter for the hotel’s hospitality.

A large field fire between Norton and Hagley produced significant smoke and prompted multiple fire crews to respond. Images shared on social media showed flames and later a scorched field after crews extinguished the blaze. The fire service has been contacted for additional details.

A planning application by The Woodland Burial Group Ltd proposes creating a natural woodland burial ground in Brockhill Wood, Redditch, using low‑impact land changes without new infrastructure. Several residents have lodged objections, raising concerns about impacts on the ancient woodland designation, wildlife, access safety, and traffic constraints. National planning policy protecting ancient woodland features prominently in the objections. The application can be viewed under reference 26/00482/FUL with Bromsgrove District Council and Redditch Borough Council.

A grass snake was photographed swimming and sunbathing at Severn Valley Country Park in Shropshire, with the images captured by Jill Bunn and shared through the News Group Camera Club. The sighting adds to the range of wildlife commonly observed in the park, which is currently running a calendar photo competition open until July 31.

A Worcester-based florist, Kennedy Luton, is opening her first shop, Second Hand Rose, on Bromsgrove High Street, naming it in tribute to her late grandmother. With over a decade of floristry experience, she aims to build the business from grab‑and‑go bouquets to larger events such as weddings and funerals. She highlights strong support from her family and appreciation for Bromsgrove’s community and efforts to encourage independent businesses. The shop opens on July 10, with plans for workshops and collaborations with local artists.

A Bromsgrove mother criticises a letter from Bromsgrove District Housing Trust banning trampolines and paddling pools from communal gardens, arguing the policy overlooks children’s needs, particularly those with disabilities. She and other residents express concerns about potential charges for removal, delays in repairs, and poor workmanship. BDHT says the restrictions are due to safety and insurance requirements but maintains it supports outdoor play and encourages residents with concerns to contact the organisation directly.

Travel consultant Sally Ward of Bromsgrove has received the Global Piton Award from the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority for her strong sales performance and expertise in promoting the island. She travelled to Saint Lucia to accept the award, which recognises top international travel advisors. Ward credited her clients for their loyalty and support, noting that the recognition reflects her dedication to creating tailored travel experiences.