Green Belt roll-back keeps Barntchurch on table

The controversial GL Hearn study, which outlines the concept of a “garden town” in the Village area, is still on the table as Bromsgrove moves into the next stage of its District Plan.

Litter-pick boost for green village

The campaign for a Cleaner, Greener Alvechurch, launched by independent district councillor Kate Van Der Plank this summer, received a boost with the introduction of a “Two-Minute Litter Pick” board at The Meadows.

Lickey parking fears

Residential streets around Lickey Hills Country Park could become clogged with parked cars if charges are introduced at car parks serving the popular visitor attraction.

Price-check on nature site sale

The Friends of High House Woods, formed after the Lickey wildlife area was put up for sale, are applying to Lickey & Blackwell Parish Council for a grant to pay for an independent valuation of the site.

Station lacks information

Barnt Green Parish Council took the opportunity to reiterate its “wish-list” for the village station during a visit by West Midlands Railway representatives.

Pumpkins at the ready

It’s nearly time for Alvechurch’s annual Pumpkin Festival, which takes place this year on Saturday October 26 from 10.30am to 4pm in the village hall.

Vacancies filled

Lickey & Blackwell Parish Council has co-opted two new councillors.

Library future uncertain

The future of Worcestershire’s libraries, including in Alvechurch, remains unknown.

Dogs run wild

Over the summer, Beoley Parish Council has referred more than 20 incidents of uncontrolled dogs in the parish to Bromsgrove District Council’s dog warden.

Fence funding denied

Barnt Green Parish Council agreed to fund seeds for new planting in its wildflower patch on Hewell Road.

HGV concerns continue

Blackwell residents are urging the parish council to press for “no HGVs” signs on Greenhill.

Gang of four

Barnt Green Parish Council almost had to downgrade their full council meeting to an informal discussion when only three councillors were present.

Council shock over bill

The lights could go out for Beoley residents in Watery Lane if the parish council decides to call time on the parish’s only owned lamp post.

Plan close to approval

A Neighbourhood Plan for Lickey & Blackwell and Cofton Hackett parishes is close to being approved by an independent examiner.

Beoley bin

With the “worst winter for 30” years predicted, Beoley Parish Council has approved the purchase of a grit bin for residents in Portway.

Seniors find friendship

The Friendship Matters group that began at The Lounge in Alvechurch this spring has proved a great success.

Path pressure grows

Almost half of the designated public open space on the CALA Homes “Foxhills” development in Barnt Green is behind locked gates, a councillor has revealed.

Madeleine meets Vinny!

Madeleine Paterson, of Alvechurch, was the latest winner of a Mini Vinny in our monthly competition – and she got the good news on her ninth birthday!

Car park plan ‘still a benefit’

A new parish car park at Rowney Green is still on the agenda, despite a change of heart by a youth football team which had inspired the idea in the first place.

Wind pump rises again

Work has begun on restoring the derelict wind pump at the top of Cobley Hill between Tutnall and Alvechurch.