Lauren Chaloner

A Kidderminster family is seeking an unidentified man who drove a doctor to their home during an emergency birth. Jasmine Hughes, 31 weeks pregnant, gave birth to her son Lincoln-Jaiie Riley in her bathroom after going into sudden labour. Emergency services dispatched several ambulances and an air ambulance, while the unknown driver helped a doctor reach the address more quickly. Jasmine and her premature baby were taken to Worcester hospital and are reported to be well. The family wants to thank the man, who drove a dark-coloured car, and has also praised Louise Riley for supporting Jasmine during the birth.

Leanne Vaughan is campaigning against the planned early release of Logan Addison, who was sentenced to five and a half years for causing the death of her 17-year-old daughter, Lily-May Vaughan, by dangerous driving. Vaughan says the release scheme is unjust to bereaved families and is urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to ensure that people convicted of death by dangerous driving serve their full sentences. Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion supports her campaign. The Ministry of Justice says it is fast-tracking measures to keep more dangerous offenders in prison while expanding prison capacity, electronic tagging and probation services.

Olivia Turner, a 25-year-old autistic woman from Astley Burf near Stourport, says she was told two door locks would cost £50 each but was charged £900 after a locksmith completed the work. She paid because she feared the locks would be drilled out if she refused. Her father, Paul Turner, questioned the invoice and the lack of clear labour charges, arguing that the pricing exploited a vulnerable customer. United Locksmiths UK said the work was performed by an independent subcontractor, expressed concern that the pricing did not meet its standards, ended the subcontractor’s relationship with the company and offered Turner a full refund.

A fire in the Sandbourne Wood area near Bewdley generated large plumes of smoke over the town. Fire crews attended at around 4 p.m. on Saturday, contained the blaze and scaled down their response by 5 p.m.; no properties were affected. Residents were advised to close windows and doors and avoid the area, while police assisted with road closures.

Ten-year-old Lezhi Xie, known as Timmy, from Foley Park Primary Academy in Kidderminster, earned an A grade in AS Level Mathematics with 132 marks. The achievement has been celebrated by his school and Victoria Academies Trust, with headteacher Soneeta Reynolds praising his exceptional ability and thanking those who supported him.

The Vinten family lost their Stourbridge home, described as completely gutted, after a wildfire spread from a nearby field along Racecourse Lane. Richard Vinten, his wife Rose-Anne and their two children escaped safely but are traumatized and staying temporarily in a hotel. The family had moved into the property only five months earlier. Local residents, Oldswinford Hospital School and emergency workers have provided donations and support, while friend Stuart Henry organized a GoFundMe campaign that had raised more than £2,000.

Donna Wilson launched Kidderminster-based bookkeeping and accountancy firm Focus Financials in September 2024 after redundancy, having first entered accountancy through an Association of Accounting Technicians course as a teenage single mother. The business has since received multiple award nominations and wins, including Business Entrepreneur of the Year at the Female Boss Awards and a Woman Who Achieves Award. Focus Financials is expanding by tripling its office space and taking on an apprentice, while Wilson continues to receive nominations in several business categories.

Martyn and Jane Amatt have taken over as landlords of The Bay Horse pub on Hartlebury Road in Stourport-on-Severn. Having lived locally and regularly visited the pub, they say they are excited to begin a new chapter and want the venue to be a warm, friendly place where residents and visitors can meet. Local customers have welcomed the couple and praised the pub’s atmosphere.

The Severn Valley Railway hosted a Vintage Transport Extravaganza featuring vintage vehicles and traction engines across its heritage stations, including Bewdley, Arley, Highley, Hampton Loade and Bridgnorth. Visitors viewed vehicles from different eras, while traction engines took part in a road run up Comberton Hill. The railway promoted the event as a celebration of steam-powered road transport and said it would return in 2026.

The Three Degrees, featuring Valerie Holiday, Freddie Pool and Jessie Wagner, are scheduled to perform at Kidderminster Town Hall on Sunday, September 13 at 7:30 p.m. The article recounts the Philadelphia-founded group’s six-decade career, international success with songs including “When Will I See You Again,” and collaborations with Gamble and Huff and Giorgio Moroder. Tickets are available through the town hall’s box office.

The third annual Kidderminster Canal & Food Festival at Weavers Wharf drew large crowds with street food, live tribute performances, an artisan market and family activities. Organized by Kidderminster BID in partnership with FAB Food, the event was scheduled to continue through Saturday evening and the following Sunday.

Costa Coffee has opened a new shop at the former HSBC building at 37 High Street in Stourport-on-Severn. The store is intended to provide a welcoming community space and will create 10 jobs.

The King and Castle pub in Kidderminster was named runner-up in CAMRA’s 2026 West Central Region Pub of the Year awards. Judges praised the railway-themed venue’s selection of cask ales and traditional ciders, welcoming atmosphere and connection to the Severn Valley Railway. The Alma in Linton, Herefordshire, won the overall Pub of the Year title, while Dursley’s The Hoptician won Cider Pub of the Year and Cookley Sports Club in Kidderminster was named Club of the Year.

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 played casual chess with participants. The event, organized by local chess organizers and supported by Chess in Schools and Communities, attracted 32 junior players, with Jack Jenkinson winning the Under-18 section and Oscar Evans-Muldoon taking the Under-12 title. Bewdley Mayor Sharon Harvey and Kidderminster Mayor Shazu Miah also attended, while organizers described the event as a positive day for players, families and local residents.

Construction has begun on Stourport-on-Severn’s first Aldi supermarket at the former Minerva Point building on Worcester Road. The site was cleared after planning permission was approved in March 2025 despite objections from rival supermarkets Tesco and Lidl. Supporters cited improved access for people without cars, more walking opportunities and reduced traffic on Silverwoods Way. Aldi says the store will create up to 40 jobs and enable residents to shop closer to home.

Hurcott Road in Kidderminster is scheduled to close from Monday, August 10, through Thursday, August 13, while Cadent Gas installs a new service connection. Drivers should expect delays and plan journeys in advance. The footway will also remain closed, with an alternative pedestrian route provided.

Church Restaurant & Bar in Kidderminster is marking its first anniversary after a two-and-a-half-year transformation led by owner Wayne Barber. The venue occupies a former church schoolhouse, while the adjacent church has become an events and live-music space. Anniversary celebrations will include performances by Sunset Levels and Grace Summers, alongside fusion pizzas from Curry King.

Olivia was the most popular girls' name in Wyre Forest in 2025, given to eight babies, while Noah topped the boys' list with 13. Olivia replaced Poppy and Noah replaced Jack as the district's leading names. The article also highlights differing top names across Worcestershire, including Theodore and Willow in Worcester, Oscar and Lily in Wychavon, and several joint leaders in Bromsgrove and Redditch.

Kidderminster schoolboy Arthur donated more than 16 inches of hair to the Little Princess Trust after growing it for six years. His mother, Samantha Paxton, said she was proud of his decision to support children who have lost their hair through cancer treatment, alopecia or other conditions. Arthur also raised more than £900 through a JustGiving page for the charity, which provides real-hair wigs and funds childhood cancer research in the UK.

Wyre Forest District Council has approved illuminated signage plans for the vacant former Pizza Hut site at Weavers Wharf in Kidderminster. The application, submitted by Clokken Limited, indicates that the building is likely to become a KFC restaurant, featuring the chain’s branding and a neon-style bucket sign. The site is near listed buildings and a conservation area, but the plans received approval on July 27. The former Pizza Hut closed amid the administration of its UK dine-in restaurant operator, DC London Pie.

Nineteen cross-party councillors from Wyre Forest and Worcestershire are opposing Wyre Forest District Council’s proposed private sale of part of Burlish Meadows to Kidderminster Harriers FC for training pitches. They argue that the restored acidic grassland supports rare and threatened species and is valued by local visitors. Councillor Vicky Caulfield warned that replacing 21% of the habitat with plastic pitches could harm protected species and disrupt wildlife connectivity, while the councillors said the club should consider alternative sites. They are urging residents to object to the council’s land-disposal consultation.

An untaxed car was seized on Stourport High Street during a joint patrol by the Stourport Safer Neighbourhood Team and Wyre Forest District Council’s civil enforcement team. The driver received a community protection notice over multiple unpaid fines, and an investigation is underway. Police said the operation was part of continuing efforts to improve road safety and ensure vehicles comply with legal requirements.

The article lists three recent Wyre Forest magistrates' court cases. Joshua Sankey pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and driving without insurance and received six penalty points and a £120 fine. Bobby Tustin pleaded guilty to criminal damage and was ordered to pay £200 compensation and given a restraining order. Hung Le pleaded guilty to speeding on the A451 Stourbridge Road and received three penalty points, a £107 fine, £85 in prosecution costs and a £43 surcharge.

A plan to formalise and expand the informal car park at Wolverley CofE Secondary School has been approved by Wyre Forest District Council. The project will increase parking capacity from 43 spaces across the campus to 82 spaces, addressing staff parking demand and reducing sporadic parking on grassed and tree-lined areas. Worcestershire County Council, which owns and governs the school, approved the business case and agreed to fund the scheme. The application was approved on July 14.

Police are appealing for witnesses and doorbell-camera footage after an orange Ford Fiesta ST was stolen from Wood Street in Kidderminster at around 1:46 a.m. on Saturday, July 25. Information can be provided to West Mercia Police or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

More than 400 people attended a Kidderminster Harriers takeover event at Kidderminster Town Hall, where supporters met the club’s mascot, viewed the trophy, learned about community projects and purchased discounted merchandise and season tickets. The town hall praised the club for its involvement and highlighted the continuing partnership between the venue and the football team.

National property group LRG has acquired the family-run Kidderminster estate agency Doolittle & Dalley, which also operates in Bridgnorth. The agency, founded more than 130 years ago and offering sales, lettings and property management services, will retain its name and entire team. The deal expands LRG into a new region west of Birmingham and forms part of its strategy to grow through partnerships with established regional agencies.

A planning application has been submitted to Wyre Forest District Council for a Pepe's Piri Piri fast-food restaurant at the former William Hill premises in Kidderminster's 3 Towers Buildings on Blackwell Street. The proposal includes a new shopfront, advertising signs and a rear extraction canopy, with 10 full-time and five part-time jobs and opening hours from 11am to 11pm daily. Residents are divided: some welcome the replacement of an empty shop and are enthusiastic about Pepe's, while others argue that Kidderminster needs better retail, entertainment and affordable leisure options rather than another restaurant.

Wyre Forest District Council has approved plans to convert the vacant former Mentor Link charity shop at 24–25 High Street in Stourport-on-Severn into a cocktail bar. The proposal includes an internal bar, customer seating, preparation and staff areas, and a managed rear smoking shelter, with no external music or primary outdoor drinking terrace. The venue is scheduled to operate from noon to 11 p.m. daily.

Stourport Medical Centre has received an overall rating of Good from Care Quality Commission inspectors. The practice was praised for its learning culture, safety-event reporting, continuity of care, safeguarding procedures, accessible facilities, compassionate treatment of patients and support for staff development. The centre expressed pride in the findings, thanked its staff and acknowledged patients for their feedback.

Multi-way traffic lights are scheduled to operate on Hoo Road in Kidderminster for three weeks from Monday, July 27, under a permit running until Friday, August 21. National Grid utility asset works are expected to cause delays, and drivers are advised to plan journeys and consult Worcestershire County Council updates.

Close-up photographs show trees growing through the brickwork of the railway viaduct over Chester Road South in Kidderminster. Councillor John Aston warned that the vegetation could dislodge bricks and endanger motorists and pedestrians, following concerns raised by local residents. Network Rail said the structure is routinely inspected, currently presents no safety concerns, and will continue to be monitored.

A planning application submitted to Wyre Forest District Council details proposals for a new Pepe’s Piri Piri restaurant on Blackwell Street in Kidderminster, including a new shopfront, signage, and an extraction canopy. The project would create 15 jobs and operate daily from 11am to 11pm. The site was previously occupied by a William Hill betting shop.

Kidderminster Harriers will host a community event at Kidderminster Town Hall on July 22, offering fans photo opportunities with the club trophy and mascot, showcasing and selling new kits, and providing discounts on merchandise and season tickets. The Foundation will outline community projects, and the initiative aims to boost engagement with both the club and the Town Hall.

A councillor warned that neglected tree growth on a railway viaduct in Spennells could dislodge bricks and endanger drivers and pedestrians, urging Network Rail to take action. Network Rail stated that inspections show no current safety concerns but confirmed the structure will continue to be monitored and encouraged residents to report issues.

Harpist Laima Kasatkina will lead a free interactive session at Kidderminster Library on July 22 as part of the Summer Reading Challenge, featuring live harp music, a reading of The Gruffalo, and hands‑on opportunities for children to try the instrument. The event supports this year’s “Read to the Beat” theme, which links storytelling and music, and the challenge runs through September 12 with both in‑person and online participation options.

Stourport Farm Shop & Kitchen is relocating to a larger premises at 2–2a High Street, formerly Caldicott's Antique Shop, and will operate under the new name Canalside Cafe with daily hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local residents reacted positively on social media, welcoming the addition of fresh produce and expressing support for the move.

Two‑way traffic signals will be installed on the A456 Birmingham Road in Blakedown from July 21 to July 24 to support highway repair and maintenance work, with expected delays and advice for drivers to plan journeys accordingly.

A 13‑year‑old from Kidderminster, Jackson Teale, is cycling 310km to raise funds for his friend Jack Banner, who is undergoing treatment for an aggressive cancer following brain‑tumour removal. Inspired by a fundraising page set up by Jack’s sister, Jackson aims to ride 10km daily through July and has already raised £700. Supported by his parents and tracked via Strava, he is determined to complete the challenge, with donations contributing to Jack’s recovery and family support.

Kidderminster Foodbank has moved to a larger premises in the former Peacocks unit on Worcester Street, marking the first step toward establishing The Nest, a community wellbeing hub offering support beyond emergency food provision. Manager Nina Price highlighted the move as an important milestone for expanding services to residents across Wyre Forest. The Nest aims to host a range of partner-led services including health checks, counselling, housing advice, financial guidance and employment support. The relocation, supported by several local organisations, has not disrupted core foodbank operations, and opening hours remain unchanged. Donations continue to be welcomed through the foodbank’s online channels.

Residents in Stourport-on-Severn report going more than three weeks without receiving post, raising fears about missed hospital appointments. Andy Rowles states letters were left stacking up due to a lack of delivery staff. MP Mark Garnier says he is engaging with Royal Mail over complaints, while the company acknowledges local issues but maintains most mail is delivered on time and promises efforts to improve reliability.

A pub in Chaddesley Corbett celebrates its 35th inclusion in the Good Beer Guide, thanking CAMRA and long‑standing customers for their support. The Swan highlights its 75‑year tradition of serving Bathams beer and expresses hopes for continued future recognition, while customers share positive reactions on social media.

Pubs in Kidderminster and Stourport report strong business and lively atmospheres driven by England’s progress in the World Cup, with venues experiencing heavy bookings and increased footfall. Pub owners describe the surge as a vital boost for the hospitality sector amid financial pressures and express hope that renewed community engagement will continue through the summer.

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust urges Wyre Forest District Council to halt plans to sell eight hectares of Burlish Meadows to Kidderminster Harriers Football Club for training pitches, warning that the development would irreversibly damage one of the county’s rarest habitats. The Trust stresses the ecological importance of Burlish Meadows and calls for public participation in the upcoming consultation. The council will gather local feedback before deciding whether to dispose of part of the protected green space.

A house on Waresley Court Road in Hartlebury partially collapsed after residents heard a loud bang, prompting a fire service response on the evening of July 12. The resident was reported safe and helped by neighbours. Platform Housing Group, which owns the property, is working with emergency services and has arranged for a surveyor and structural engineer to assess the damage. The organisation plans further remedial work once the site is confirmed safe. Fire crews closed the incident after securing the area.

Recent Wyre Forest court cases resulted in penalties ranging from fines to suspended sentences. Darren Shakells was fined and given penalty points for speeding. Craig Yeomans received suspended sentences and compensation orders for multiple thefts from Tesco. Fynley Carse was disqualified from driving and given suspended sentences for drug driving and criminal damage, along with compensation requirements.

A change of use for 86 Lea Street in Kidderminster has been approved, allowing the property to operate as a six-person HMO under permitted development rules. Wyre Forest District Council confirmed the proposal met Class L requirements and issued a Certificate of Lawfulness. The application, referenced 26/0312/CLP, was approved on July 8.

A442 Worcester Road in Kidderminster will close overnight from July 13 to July 24 for ducting work, with closures running 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. A diversion route will operate, and drivers are advised to expect delays and plan ahead. Updates are available from Worcestershire County Council.

Kidderminster Pride will not take place this year due to high running costs and a lack of sufficient funding, including the loss of council support that previously helped sustain the event. Organisers expressed gratitude for past community involvement and said smaller‑scale activities may still be planned. Local residents shared disappointment but pledged to support any future events.

A new BBC drama, The Hairdresser Mysteries, starring Sally Phillips and filmed partly in Redditch and other Worcestershire locations, is set to air on July 17. The production, created by Jim Cartwright and involving several media companies, focuses on a hairdresser who uncovers village secrets. The filming supports the BBC’s push to expand programming from the West Midlands, with BBC representatives highlighting regional talent and industry growth.

Wyre Forest District Council agreed to proceed to public consultation on selling part of Burlish Country Park to Kidderminster Harriers for football pitch development, prompting strong objections from the Friends of Burlish Meadows. Campaigners warn of ecological damage to a rare habitat and argue that alternative sites exist, while the club emphasizes community benefits and biodiversity mitigation. The council plans to issue a statutory notice and notes that any development will still require planning permission and further consultation.

Wyre Forest District Council released a map showing 105 sites submitted for potential inclusion in its new Local Plan following public calls for development proposals, including a separate call for Gypsy and Traveller sites. Councillor Dan Morehead emphasized that the mapped locations are only suggestions, not selected development sites, and that public consultation on specific locations will occur later in the plan‑making process. Each proposed site will undergo detailed assessment before any decisions are made.

Wyre Forest District Council is set to decide on whether to sell part of Burlish Country Park to Kidderminster Harriers Football Club for new pitches. Supporters of the plan emphasize community benefits and commitments to biodiversity mitigation, while local campaigners warn of major environmental harm to rare acid grassland. The proposal would involve about one‑fifth of the park and remains subject to planning permission and public consultation. A final decision is expected at a cabinet meeting.

The Sportsman Arms in Redditch has reopened following a £130,000 refurbishment funded jointly by licensees Jo and Tony Wade and Admiral Taverns, introducing updated interiors, new entertainment features and enhanced outdoor areas. The licensees aim to establish the pub as a family‑ and dog‑friendly community hub with regular live music, potential darts leagues and fundraising events supporting Macmillan Cancer Support. Admiral Taverns praised the transformation and expressed support for the team’s future plans.

A renovated 300-year-old canalside cottage in Stourport-on-Severn was featured on the BBC show Homes Under the Hammer. Originally purchased in 2019 for £110,000, the property underwent a lengthy transformation costing nearly £100,000 and was later valued between £350,000 and £370,000. The episode highlighted the extensive redesign and improvements, and local estate agents Hayden Estates expressed their surprise and delight at seeing the recently sold property showcased on the programme.

Community members in Stourport-on-Severn have left flowers and cards in memory of Paul Jeffries, the well-liked owner of Oliver's Coffee Bar and Lounge, who died shortly after a cancer diagnosis. Tributes describe him as a unique character known for his stories, strong coffee, and warm presence. Friends and customers expressed sadness and shared memories, with plans for funeral updates to be provided to the community.

A multi‑storey car park at the Swan Centre in Kidderminster has been closed for several days while a new contractor installs updated IT systems. The facility, formerly operated by NCP before the company entered administration, had been previously marked for permanent closure but will now reopen under new management. Signs have been posted notifying customers of the temporary closure and apologising for the disruption, following reports that the site had remained in use after NCP’s withdrawal.

Police established a 100‑metre cordon in the Broadwaters area of Kidderminster after an unexploded device was found inside an unoccupied property on Ismere Way. Residents within the cordoned area were evacuated, road closures were implemented, and explosive ordnance experts were deployed to assess the device. Authorities advised the public to avoid the area while awaiting further updates.

Tributes from friends, customers, and the local community honor Paul Jeffries, a well‑known Stourport coffee bar owner and former TV prop man who died shortly after a cancer diagnosis. Known for his homemade drinks, storytelling, and involvement in the biker community, he is remembered for his character, warmth, and strong friendships. Flowers and messages have been left at his boat‑based coffee bar as the community awaits funeral details.

The Post Office is seeking a new retailer to host a Post Office Local branch in Bewdley after the Morrisons Daily store on Load Street, which currently houses the branch, is set to close on August 1 due to long-term unprofitability. Post Office Ltd has opened franchise applications, emphasizing urgency and preference for experienced operators with suitable premises. The closure follows Morrisons’ decision to shut around 100 former McColl’s stores. A local petition led by MP Mark Garnier and Bewdley councillors received over 1,500 signatures advocating for continued access to essential postal services.

Co-op Travel has opened a new branch inside the Morrisons store on Green Street in Kidderminster following the closure of its former location. The store offers a range of holiday services supported by travel consultants and features digital displays showcasing travel deals. A ribbon-cutting event will formally mark the opening, and Co-op Travel is promoting a summer discount offer on qualifying bookings. Each booking also supports the charity Go Beyond.

Kidderminster Harriers FC seek community backing for plans to purchase and redevelop part of Burlish Meadows to expand training facilities amid rapid youth-program growth. Supporters highlight opportunities for enhanced sports access, while the Friends of Burlish Meadows warn of biodiversity loss and damage to rare habitats. The club pledges to protect key areas, implement mitigation measures and ensure continued public access. Wyre Forest District Council is reviewing the land sale, with a cabinet decision expected soon and any future development requiring planning approval and public consultation.

Park Butts Ringway and Bewdley Road in Kidderminster will close for three nights to allow carriageway resurfacing, with a valid permit running from July 10 to July 21. Drivers are advised to expect delays and use a diversion route through several nearby roads, with further details available via Worcestershire County Council’s roadworks updates.

England’s upcoming World Cup match against Mexico will be shown at several Wyre Forest pubs after a government decision allowing venues to stay open until 5am. While some pubs opted out due to staffing or residential concerns, multiple locations in Stourport, Kidderminster and Bewdley confirmed they will screen the 1am kickoff.

A new One Stop convenience store has opened on The Horsefair in Kidderminster in partnership with retailer Bill Sidhu, featuring giveaways for early customers and a refreshed layout. The store offers One Stop branded products, well‑known brands, meal deals, and services including the Post Office, PayPoint and the National Lottery. The opening represents local investment and aims to continue supporting the community with extended daily hours and a broad product range.

A youth cast from Wyre Forest Theatre Academy will present an outdoor performance of Wonderland at Bewdley Museum Gardens, offering a family-friendly reimagining of Alice’s adventures. Organisers highlight the young performers’ creativity and preparation, inviting audiences to enjoy the relaxed open‑air setting. Tickets are available through TicketSource.

Local business owners and residents are opposing plans to sell part of Burlish Country Park to Kidderminster Harriers FC for new football pitches, arguing the development would harm rare acid grassland and biodiversity. Friends of Burlish Meadows expressed disappointment after a council committee supported the land sale recommendation, with campaigners planning further representations ahead of the cabinet decision. The football club asserts that only a portion of the park is affected and pledges biodiversity mitigation, while campaigners maintain the environmental loss would be significant.

A newly formed music group, Bass Assembly, was forced to relocate its drum and bass event in Redditch after noise complaints from a nearby resident put The Rising Sun pub’s music licence at risk. Organizers expressed shock and disappointment, praising the success of their first event and stressing their goal of reviving the local music scene. The Rising Sun also voiced regret over losing the events despite strong community support. Bass Assembly is seeking a new venue, aiming to keep the event in Redditch while continuing efforts to promote live music and local talent.

A campaign group is opposing the proposed sale of part of Burlish Meadows to Kidderminster Harriers for new football pitches, arguing the development would cause irreversible damage to rare habitats and wildlife. Supporters of the meadow highlight its ecological importance as part of a wider green corridor linking conservation areas and stress that mitigation measures cannot compensate for habitat loss. The football club maintains that the project would deliver major community benefits and pledges biodiversity mitigation, while the district council states no decision has been made and any sale would depend on consultation and planning approval. The proposal will be reviewed by the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee before proceeding to cabinet for a final decision.

A Stourport pub has received a special licence to stay open until 5am to show the Mexico v England World Cup match, which kicks off at 1am and falls outside normal extended hours for England games. The venue will allow entry until 1.30am and serve drinks to existing customers until closing. Councils currently decide on late-opening permissions, while the government is considering broader measures to allow all pubs to remain open for the match.

A 14‑year‑old boy was seriously injured and three others were taken to hospital after a Ford Fiesta left the A442 in Oldington and came to rest in a nearby field. West Mercia Police arrested a 20‑year‑old man on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage as enquiries continue.

Elderly and disabled residents of Berrington Court in Kidderminster endured extreme heat during a recent heatwave after being instructed not to open corridor windows linked to the fire alarm system. Temperatures exceeded 32°C indoors, prompting ambulance visits and raising health concerns among residents with conditions such as asthma and COPD. After initially dismissing a temperature survey conducted by a resident’s son, Community Housing commissioned an independent assessment that confirmed the findings. The organization apologised for delays and said it is working with a specialist consultant to identify solutions while ensuring fire safety compliance.

Oritsé Williams of JLS will headline Redditch SummerFest, a free community event featuring live music and family entertainment. Redditch BID highlights the festival as a celebration aimed at bringing people together and supporting the town, with additional acts and activities planned throughout the afternoon and evening.

A two‑car collision on the A456 Bewdley Hill in Kidderminster partially blocked the road near West Midlands Safari Park. West Mercia Police responded around 5pm, managing traffic while emergency services handled the incident.

A section of the A442 Worcester Road near Silverwoods Way in Kidderminster will close from July 13 to July 24 to allow a utility company to install new ducting. The closure will affect both the road and footway, with a pedestrian route provided and a diversion in place. Drivers are advised to expect delays and check Worcestershire County Council’s updates for further information.

A man suffered a critical medical emergency at the B&M store on Spennells Valley Road in Kidderminster. West Midlands Ambulance Service dispatched multiple crews, including an air ambulance, who took over CPR from bystanders, restarted the man's heart, and transported him to Worcestershire Royal Hospital in critical condition.