Matthew O’Hara

The article revisits Kidderminster Shuttle reports from the 1976 heatwave. Local residents near Wyre Forest warned that heavy traffic and careless motorists posed a serious wildfire risk, while firefighters tackled fires in the area. Drought also reduced Llyn Clywedog reservoir’s output to the River Severn, leaving an estimated 40 days of water supplies and raising the possibility of rationing. The piece also recounts the fine imposed on Keith Frederick Davies after he performed a nude rain dance for a bet.

Wyre Forest District Council activated the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol from August 11 to August 13 in response to forecast high temperatures. Maggs outreach teams will support rough sleepers and vulnerable people, while residents are encouraged to report sightings and contact emergency services in medical emergencies.

A six-bedroom detached country residence on Northwood Lane in Bewdley is being marketed by Nock Deighton for £1.1 million. The property includes multiple reception rooms, six bedrooms, mature gardens, river frontage, a swimming pool, tennis court and a detached outbuilding with a three-car garage. Its secluded countryside setting, period features and extensive grounds are highlighted as key selling points.

Costa Coffee will open a new store in the former HSBC building at 37 High Street, Stourport, on Friday, August 7. The company describes the venue as a welcoming community space offering handcrafted drinks and says its baristas are ready to greet customers. The store is expected to create 10 jobs.

Damian Badger, 39, of Stourport, was sentenced to six months in prison after being convicted of four shop thefts committed shortly after he received a suspended sentence for 24 similar offences. Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court also issued a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from several Co-op, Tesco Express, Post Office and B&M stores in Stourport and Kidderminster, and from entering any retail store with a named individual. West Mercia Police said the order aims to protect retailers and communities from repeat shoplifting.

West Mercia Police said an alleged dog-beating incident on Barnetts Lane in Kidderminster remained under investigation. The RSPCA was also seeking first-hand information and urged witnesses to contact the charity or police.

A six-bedroom property on Sutton Park Road in Kidderminster is being marketed by Nock Deighton for £850,000. The house includes three bathrooms, a spacious living room, kitchen, utility room, study and a mature rear garden with a paved terrace, lawn and timber storage building. The property is described as suitable for a large or multigenerational family.

The Kidderminster Shuttle revisits stories published during past Commonwealth Games, including a 1978 case in which coverage helped reunite Yorkshire Terrier George with owner Yvonne Corbett and his companion Mildred. A 1994 report featured Joyce Bird’s appeal for the return of her grandson Christian’s stolen tricycle, while a 2014 story followed Hartlebury’s Sophie Howard as she prepared for a 10km race supporting Crohn’s research after recovering from severe Crohn’s disease. The pieces are drawn from the newspaper’s digitised archive ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Kidderminster teaching assistant Jill Heaselgrave plans to run the London Marathon in April 2027, nearly 19 years after donating a kidney to her husband, Phil, who had developed kidney failure. The transplant was successfully carried out at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham in May 2008 despite the couple not being a blood or tissue match. Jill is pursuing the marathon as a lifelong ambition and aims to raise money for Kidney Research UK, while her daughter Millie praises her selflessness and determination.

A National Police Air Service helicopter from Birmingham was deployed over Kidderminster at 1:01 a.m. on Friday, July 31, to assist West Mercia Police with a missing person search. The aircraft remained in the area for 38 minutes, with 26 minutes of total flying time.

More than 90 residents have objected to a proposal to demolish the Select & Save convenience store, flats and garages at 6 Queens Road in Stourport. The scheme would replace the buildings with 18 affordable homes, including flats and houses. Residents argue that the store is the heart of the Walshes Estate and an essential lifeline for older people and others who cannot easily travel to larger shops.

Roadworks and utility projects are scheduled or underway across Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley. The works involve Severn Trent, National Grid, Cadent and highway maintenance, with temporary two-way, three-way or four-way traffic lights at several junctions and completion dates ranging from July 28 to around three weeks later.

Damian Badger, 36, of Stourport, was convicted of 24 shoplifting offences at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court and sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. He must pay £1,355.74 in compensation, complete a six-month non-residential drug rehabilitation course and perform 20 hours of unpaid work. Police warned that further offending could activate the suspended custodial sentence.

The article revisits Kidderminster Shuttle front-page stories published after Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair and Boris Johnson became UK prime ministers. It recounts a Leyland Princess damaged by a collapsing wall in 1979, five Wolverley High School pupils disciplined after a disorderly 1997 school disco, and a 2019 property in Kidderminster reportedly damaged after squatters turned it into a crack den. The piece promotes access to the newspaper’s digitised archive.

Four friends from Kidderminster—Scott Boraston, his cousins Graham and Steven, and Daniel—visited Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm Shop in Oxfordshire before beginning a 1,300-mile drive to Benidorm in a low-cost van styled as Scooby-Doo’s Mystery Machine. They hope to have the van signed by Clarkson and will travel through Paris, Bordeaux, Zaragoza and Valencia in costume as part of The Rat Run. The journey is dedicated to their friend John Wilde, who died by suicide, and aims to raise money for men’s mental health charities.

Four men from Kidderminster plan to drive more than 1,300 miles to Benidorm in a low-cost van styled as Scooby-Doo’s Mystery Machine for The Rat Run 2026. Traveling through France and Spain in character costumes, they are dedicating the September journey to the memory of John Wilde, who died by suicide, and raising money for men’s mental health charities. The group has raised more than £550 and received support from local businesses, with plans to livestream the trip.

Kidderminster Town Hall temporarily closed the customer toilets at The Courtyard after a member of the public allegedly deliberately made a mess on the floor. The venue said it was the third such incident in a week, reminded visitors that the toilets are for customers only, directed others to public toilets on Market Street, and asked the public to respect the building and its small local team.

Joe Lloyd, a student from Bewdley and an orange-belt martial artist at Young Gloves Karate, has been selected to represent England at the ICO World Karate Championships in October. Although he is the least experienced member of the England squad and his club’s selected representatives, coaches praised his work ethic, determination and rapid improvement. He also volunteers at club events, supports fundraisers, participates in charity runs and helps at inter-club competitions. Club chief instructor Justin Thomas said the selection reflects Lloyd’s commitment and will be a lasting personal achievement.

Wyre Forest District Council leader Marcus Hart has asked West Mercia Police to conduct speed-enforcement checks on several roads near Kidderminster, including the A450, A448 and Drayton Road, following residents’ complaints about speeding. He also welcomed plans for additional bend-warning and speed-reduction signs at Mustow Green after lobbying Worcestershire County Council over a series of recent collisions.

Wyre Forest District Council apologised after vehicle issues prevented bin collections across several Kidderminster streets, advising residents to leave unemptied bins out for collection as soon as possible.

An eight‑week trial will run heritage Severn Valley Railway trains between Bewdley and Kidderminster to connect passengers with West Midlands Railway services to Birmingham and Worcester. The service includes morning and evening commuter options and allows main line ticket holders to travel partly on a heritage railway. The initiative follows regional discussions on enhancing local rail links and is supported by the West Midlands mayor and Severn Valley Railway leadership, who describe the arrangement as both innovative and historically meaningful.

A fire at St George's Park in Kidderminster caused significant damage to a meadow field, with authorities stating it may have been started deliberately. Fire crews extinguished the blaze within about half an hour, and the town council is assessing damage and planning recovery efforts while prioritizing visitor safety.

A sinkhole that appeared on Sutton Road in Kidderminster has led Worcestershire County Council to close the road while working with utility companies to determine the cause and carry out repairs. The council reports no confirmed reopening date but says work is underway to restore access as quickly as possible.

Yvette Fielding will host a live event at Kidderminster Town Hall, sharing stories and experiences from her years presenting the paranormal TV series Most Haunted. The November 19 event is described as a rare chance to hear insights and behind‑the‑scenes accounts from her long career investigating unexplained phenomena.

A look back at Kidderminster Shuttle reports from June and July 1998 highlights three local stories: a military armoured vehicle breaking down and being towed to the TA Centre, a fire that damaged part of the Stone Manor Hotel without disrupting weddings and events, and the closure of a long-running Kung-Fu club that left its instructor seeking a new venue. These pieces reflect local events surrounding England’s 1998 World Cup exit to Argentina.

A police ride‑along operation in Kidderminster tested efforts to counter harassment of female runners through West Mercia Police’s ‘Jog On’ initiative. Female officers ran a set route while supported by plainclothes and uniformed colleagues prepared to intervene if harassment occurred. No incidents happened during this operation, though officers noted problems in previous runs. The initiative aims to improve safety for women and girls in public spaces, and the reporter concludes that it is a worthwhile use of police resources.

A technical fault has forced the closure of the Brinton Park splashpad in Kidderminster, with Wyre Forest District Council confirming the facility will remain shut until repairs are completed. The council said work is underway to resolve the issue and updates will be provided once the splashpad can reopen.

Wyre Forest District Council attributed recent missed waste collections in Stourport to extreme heat, ageing vehicles and staffing issues, prompting resident complaints over foul-smelling bins. Affected households reported repeated delays, though the council apologised, cited worker welfare measures and said new refuse vehicles would improve reliability. Crews are prioritising backlogged areas while monitoring recurring issues to prevent further disruption.

Kidderminster Harriers’ new 2026–27 home and away kits were showcased nationally when LBC presenter James O’Brien wore the home shirt on air. The updated designs feature modern cuts, upgraded trims, and embroidered logos, with the home shirt retaining its red and white identity and the away kit adopting a black and neon yellow scheme. The Harriers Foundation branding is included to emphasise community ties, and fans can now order personalised replica shirts online for the first time.

Costa Coffee has not yet confirmed the official opening date for its new store at the former HSBC building on Stourport’s High Street, despite signage indicating it will open soon. The chain has reiterated its plans to launch the store this summer, create up to ten jobs, and provide a modern setting for visitors. Local reporters sought an update, but the company stated it could not provide a firm date at this time.

Pub owners George Taylor and Carly Ellis were verbally abused, spat at and had drinks thrown over them after asking a group who brought their own alcohol to leave during England’s World Cup quarter-final win over Norway. The pair reported property damage and staff abuse, later stressing on social media their disappointment but confirming enhanced security for the upcoming semi-final screening to ensure a safe, family-friendly environment.

A father and daughter from Kidderminster’s Young Gloves Karate Club have been selected to represent England at the 2026 ICO World Combat Martial Arts Championships in France. Steve and Annalise Wentworth-Pollock, both brown belts with national successes, will compete internationally after years of training together. Their coach, Justin Thomas, praised the achievement, noting that six athletes from the volunteer-led club will represent England. The community is supporting the pair as they prepare for the October event.

A 14‑year‑old boy riding an e‑bike was taken to hospital after colliding with a van on Park Lane in Kidderminster. Police arrested a 21‑year‑old man on suspicion of dangerous driving and issued an appeal for witnesses or relevant footage, directing information to PC Kevan Mcnamee.

A Kidderminster furniture retailer challenges Rick Gannon’s portrayal of the town’s high street, arguing that his depiction of widespread closures harms remaining businesses. Buy Sofas Direct representative Steve John acknowledges high vacancy levels but stresses that many shops are still operating and rely on local footfall, urging the public not to dismiss the town based on Gannon’s widely viewed assessment.

More than 300 people attended the funeral of businessman Steven Finney at Wyre Forest Crematorium, where a procession of his vintage vehicles accompanied floral tributes. His son Rob expressed gratitude for the community’s support and acknowledged the professionalism of funeral directors Edwin Harris and Sons Ltd. Finney, a long‑established caravan transporter and owner of two caravan parks, was remembered for his lifelong involvement in the caravan industry and his passion for vintage vehicles showcased at regional events.

Rising temperatures are forecast across Worcestershire and the Black Country, with highs of 32–33°C expected on Thursday and Friday before cooling slightly over the weekend. An amber heat health alert remains in effect for the West Midlands until Sunday evening due to expected impacts on health and social care services.

Nineteen‑year‑old Paulina Makazlieva from Kidderminster has been selected to represent England at the ICO World Combat Martial Arts Championships in Thonon‑les‑Bains, France, joining five other students from Young Gloves Karate Club. She expresses determination to honour her family, including her late father, through her performance. School staff commend her dedication and achievements, describing her as destined for success.

A new Channel 5 drama titled Suspect: The Road Rage Killer will depict the 1996 murder of Lee Harvey by his partner, Tracie Andrews, who was later convicted and served 14 years in prison. The programme, starring Emma Rigby as Andrews, uses first-hand accounts and police records to chart how Andrews initially presented herself as a traumatised witness before inconsistencies in her story shifted police suspicion toward her. The drama airs on July 13 at 9pm.

Local archives recount Kidderminster stories from July and August 1966 as England secured the World Cup, highlighting a youth club’s attempt to organise an international quiz tournament and Kidderminster Harriers’ financial difficulties while planning a new social headquarters amid rising costs and the national economic crisis.

A reviewer visits the newly opened Nando’s in Kidderminster, praising the friendly service, extensive PERi-PERi menu, and enjoyable meal, particularly highlighting the Fino Pitta and sides. The restaurant is portrayed as a welcome addition to the town and a recommended spot for lunch or dinner.

A high‑risk missing person in the Kidderminster area was found in Cookley after West Mercia Search & Rescue deployed teams and used a drone to locate the individual, who is now receiving support.

Wyre Forest District Council invited property investor and Channel 5 personality Rick Gannon to revisit Kidderminster following his critical assessment of the town’s high street, recorded for his social media series on retail decline. Gannon highlighted widespread shop closures and vacant units during a recent visit. Councillor Dan Morehead proposed an in‑person walkabout to explain local regeneration efforts, while Councillor Leigh Whitehouse called for coordinated action among officials, businesses and the community to address ongoing deterioration in the town centre.

Residents respond to Rick Gannon’s critique of Kidderminster’s high street after he highlighted the number of empty shops as part of his social media series examining town-centre decline. Locals cite rising parking costs, shifting shopping habits and reduced incentives to visit the town centre as factors contributing to the current state while offering mixed views on the town’s vibrancy and potential for change.

Severn Valley Railway removed German military re‑enactors and cancelled military reenactments for the second weekend of its 1940s event after visitor concerns about uniforms and insignia. The Railway Society cited the sensitivity of Second World War and Holocaust symbolism. Event organisers expressed disappointment but said they would continue aiming to present the period sensitively and encouraged visitors to support the event.

A new Nando’s restaurant has opened on Riverside Walk in Kidderminster, drawing queues of customers on launch day. Managers Rachel Jenkins and Tara Hanney highlighted strong anticipation from residents, while council leader Marcus Hart welcomed the chain as a significant addition to the town centre. The first 70 visitors received limited-edition bottles of Nando’s hot sauce created for the opening, following earlier unanimous planning approval by Wyre Forest District Council.

Residents applauded as the coffin of Steven Richards, known locally as Stickman Steve, was carried through Stourport toward his funeral at Wyre Forest Crematorium. Tributes from local groups, businesses, and residents highlighted his popularity and the affection the community held for him following the announcement of his death in May.

Bromsgrove District Council announced that the Nailers Yard redevelopment of the former Market Hall site is expected to be completed in the autumn, creating a mixed-use commercial and community hub projected to generate about 170 jobs. Deputy Leader Sue Baxter highlighted progress, continued interest from prospective tenants, and the project’s role in the wider town centre regeneration effort.

An air raid siren heard in Kidderminster was part of Severn Valley Railway’s Step Back to the 1940s event, which included historical recreations and a Spitfire flypast. Despite reduced scale due to heatwave conditions and fire risk precautions, the event drew thousands of visitors and ran smoothly, with organizers preparing for a second weekend of activities.

Brayden Clarke, an 18-year-old defender from Stourbridge, became the first player to be selected for three UEFA youth Euro finals tournaments after joining Wales’ Under‑19 squad for the championship in North Wales, following previous appearances at Under‑17 level. Clarke, now with Arsenal after leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers, has progressed rapidly and earned his first senior call‑up for a Premier League match against Bournemouth in 2025.

A woman was taken to Worcester Royal Hospital with injuries not believed to be serious after a collision with a car at the junction of High Street and Bridge Street in Stourport-on-Severn. Emergency crews, including an ambulance and a critical care car, responded and found the pedestrian already being helped by an off-duty technician. Police attended to manage a road closure following the incident.

A visit by Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith to the Black Country Skills Shop highlighted the centre’s role in supporting jobseekers through training, careers advice and CV guidance. Operated by Dudley College of Technology, the centre has assisted more than 2,300 learners in five years. The visit aligned with government efforts to expand youth employability through the Youth Guarantee, including 300,000 new work experience and training placements. The trip followed a report showing high NEET levels among 16- and 17-year-olds in Dudley, underscoring the need for targeted support.

Emergency services responded to a collision between a car and a pedestrian on High Street in Stourport around 5:30 p.m. Police attended the scene, managed a road closure and confirmed the involvement of a pedestrian and a vehicle, while the ambulance service was contacted for further information.

Arrow Valley Visitor Centre warned visitors to keep themselves and their dogs out of the water after a fishing line became caught on a powerline. All water activities and fishing have been suspended until further notice, with the centre apologising for the disruption and promising further updates.

A woman in her 20s suffered serious injuries after her BMW struck the central reservation on the M5 between Junctions 1 and 2 around 2:20 a.m. The motorway was closed for about three hours while emergency services responded, and the driver was taken to Midland Metropolitan University Hospital. Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.

British Transport Police released a CCTV image of a woman sought after allegedly shouting at a man and spitting in his face on a train from Birmingham New Street on April 8. Officers believe she may have information useful to the ongoing investigation.

A serious early morning collision closed the southbound M5 between West Bromwich and Oldbury, causing delays of around 20 minutes and two miles of congestion before all lanes reopened shortly before 6 a.m. Emergency services responded and traffic was temporarily released via the hard shoulder, with residual delays following the incident first reported at 3:17 a.m.

A historical novel set in Edwardian Kidderminster will launch at Kidderminster Town Hall on July 11. Written by A J Hobart and commissioned by the John Weston Stretton Trust, the book follows the Stretton family amid social tensions and industrial change. Inspired by local archives and real events, it features characters rooted in the town’s heritage. The launch event will include a reading, discussion, and a talk by Chris Stretton on the family’s history, with attendance free but requiring booking.