‘Danger’ lane action

A Blackwell road described by residents as “the Black Hole of Calcutta” is to have new warning signs after a campaign to make the road safer.

Height barrier to keep gates open at park

The gates to The Meadows playing fields in Alvechurch, locked for much of the summer last year to keep travellers out, are to be fitted with a height restriction system.

‘Hell-bent’ on Hearn

Hopes that any consideration of a proposed “garden village” between Alvechurch and Barnt Green would be shelved were dashed when Conservative councillors got together to keep it on the agenda.

Road to be resurfaced

The plague of potholes in Barnt Green may soon be over, at least on Sandhills Lane.

New kids on the block

Village reader Paul Wilde sent us these pictures showing a new brood of cygnets that hatched in May near Abbey Meadows in Bordesley.

Council considers cycle rack

Lickey and Blackwell parish councillors agreed to consider the possibility of installing a bench or a cycle rack by the horse trough outside the Trinity Centre.

No more slime

Tennis players should find firmer footing at the Rowney Green courts after the parish council agreed to jet wash the surface which has become “slimy”.

Still in charge

Andy Humphries, the long-serving Chairman of Alvechurch Parish Council, has been elected to the role for a sixth year by fellow councillors, despite having said the past year would “probably” be the last.

Forum suspended

Alvechurch Community Safety Forum, which succeeded PACT meetings in the parish, is to be suspended.

Plans to save pets

Pet owners will be able to take their animals to centres at Hopwood and Rowney Green under the Emergency Plan being drawn up by Alvechurch Parish Council.

Choir joins in with joyful duo

While millions of people watched a certain royal event on TV, a somewhat smaller but no less special wedding was taking place that same day in Alvechurch.

The money-spinners!

A sponsored spinathon in Alvechurch raised money for the Pituitary Foundation in memory of a young villager.

Fun Run rescheduled

After being cancelled because of snow in March, the Barnt Green Fun Run in aid of Sport Relief has been rescheduled for Sunday June 24.

New film aims to scare

Barnt Green film company Walktall Productions is getting ready to scare audiences with its current project, a Hammer-style horror thriller.

John’s an inspiration

Alvechurch resident John Davies has been shortlisted in a nationwide competition to find inspirational people aged over 60.

Environment Agency gets ready for tip application

The Environment Agency has completed a survey of the former Marlbrook Tip in the Lickey Hills and is now preparing to apply for planning permission to carry out work to make the site safe.

Victory in close-run road race

Alvechurch cyclist Cameron Biddle is celebrating his latest win, after snatching victory at the last moment of an exciting road race.

On target for team GB

An Oakalls youngster represented Great Britain in archery in her first international competition.

Colts crowned champions

Barnt Green Colts U12s enjoyed a fantastic season of football, ending with them being crowned league champions.

Hockey debut

We usually report on Barnt Green teenager Siena Horton’s skiing success, but she’s also a rising star in the hockey world.