Matthew O’Hara

West Mercia Police are appealing for witnesses after a red Citroen C1 was stolen from Church Road in Bromsgrove between 3:15 p.m. on July 31 and August 3. Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Nikki Payne by email.

Five boys aged 14 to 18 were arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft in Northfield, Birmingham, after West Midlands Police’s Skybridge team saw a group acting suspiciously in a car that failed to stop. The boys were later detained following a short foot chase on Open Field Close and remained in custody for questioning.

Environet data identifies 738 verified Japanese knotweed sightings in Worcestershire, ranking it the 20th worst-affected county in England. Worcester has the highest number of cases, followed by Bewdley, Kidderminster, Redditch and Bromsgrove. Environet director Emily Grant urges homeowners in hotspot areas to monitor their gardens and seek professional help early to prevent further spread and protect property values.

A refurbished playground at Upland Grove in Norton has officially opened, providing new inclusive play equipment such as sensory panels, climbing frames and swings. The project marks the first major investment at the site in decades and was delivered by Bromsgrove District Council following sustained efforts by Liberal Democrat councillors Rob Hunter and Josh Robinson. Community input shaped the redesign, and the initiative forms part of a wider £1.5 million council programme to upgrade parks and playgrounds across the district, following similar improvements in Charford and Lickey End.

Bromsgrove Sporting FC and on-site food business Hangry Moose were broken into after the club’s sold-out World Cup watch-along event. The suspects attempted to disable security systems but were thwarted by backup measures. No cash was taken as the club operates cashless, leaving only repair costs and temporary closure. Police received a report of the burglary and continue to investigate. The club urges anyone with information to contact authorities and is preparing to host another fanzone event despite the disruption.

A volunteer-run two-day carnival in Bromsgrove transformed Sanders Park with film screenings, live music, school performances, funfair rides, and community stalls. The Grand Parade brought together numerous local schools and community groups, with North Bromsgrove High School’s Dixie Band winning the top float. Participants expressed pride and gratitude for the community support and involvement.

A World War II–era Mk V Spitfire AB910 from the Royal Air Force’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight performed a flypast over the Astwood Bank Carnival in Worcestershire, honoring the event and commemorating military history. The aircraft, which flew numerous operational missions during the war, now bears D-Day invasion markings. Organizers thanked the RAF for the tribute and reminded attendees of safety restrictions to protect the aircraft and crowd. The flypast served as a continuation of efforts to preserve and showcase Britain’s aviation heritage.

Speed data from a sign on Alcester Road in Lickey End recorded a vehicle travelling more than 100mph near a primary school and playground, prompting renewed calls for improved road safety. Councillors Josh Robinson and Rob Hunter cited longstanding concerns and tens of thousands of recorded speeding incidents over 40mph despite a 30mph limit. Worcestershire County Council stated that existing traffic‑calming measures show generally good compliance but acknowledged the need to review additional options and encouraged sharing data with police for potential enforcement. Officials will continue monitoring conditions and working with partners to improve safety.