Mary Stenson

Malvern residents Amy Brown and Bradley Barber say drug use, vandalism and other anti-social behaviour outside their Platform Housing flat have made them fear for their safety and worry about raising their seven-month-old daughter there. They report cannabis smells entering the home, alleged cocaine use on the doorstep, smashed car windows and a lack of progress after repeated complaints, including a request for CCTV. The couple also raised concerns about a stair handrail after Barber fell while carrying their daughter. Platform Housing said it was supporting the couple, would investigate the communal staircase, take action where tenancy breaches are evidenced and work with partner agencies to address the anti-social behaviour.

Students across Malvern celebrated strong A-level and BTEC results, with schools reporting high proportions of top grades and record numbers progressing to first-choice universities, apprenticeships and careers. The Chase recorded its highest average point score, Hanley Castle High School reported particularly strong mathematics and vocational results, and Malvern College highlighted exceptional A-level and International Baccalaureate performance.

Firefighters are searching the Malvern Hills after residents reported smelling smoke across Malvern, Worcester and parts of Gloucestershire. Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service believes the smoke drifted from a wildfire near Ebbw Vale in South Wales, but crews are conducting precautionary investigations. The public has been advised to call 999 if they see fire, smoke from a specific location or an immediate risk.

West Mercia Police seized a Mercedes in Malvern after officers observed it being driven oddly and stopped the vehicle. Checks found that the sole occupant held only a provisional licence and was uninsured to drive the car, prompting a traffic offence report and the vehicle’s seizure.

A truck carrying a trailer full of bricks was found severely damaged by fire on the A38 near Worcester’s Ketch Roundabout on August 8. Firefighters attended, taped off the vehicle near the Ketch Viewpoint car park and had left by 1pm. The cause of the fire was not reported, and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service had not responded to requests for comment.

Malvern Hills District Council has warned people not to enter a cordoned-off section of Priory Park after a mature cedar tree showed significant drought stress, increasing the risk of falling branches. Specialist assessments are underway to determine the appropriate action before the cordon can be removed.

Suleman Hussain, 32, has been charged with two counts of exposure and one count of sex-based harassment following an alleged indecent exposure near Black Hill car park off Jubilee Drive in the Malvern Hills. He is due to appear at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on August 4.

Victoria Park’s main playground in Malvern has reopened after a major refurbishment was delayed by record-breaking June heat, which prevented surfacing work. New facilities include a uniplay structure with slide, inclusive seesaw, titan, whizzer, trampoline, play panels and sensory tokens, although some wooden equipment required final work. Malvern Town Council planned an official reopening event with music, activities and workshops, while Bilberry Café continued operating throughout the refurbishment.