Vote YES to your Plan

Lickey & Blackwell and Cofton Hackett parish councillors are encouraging all residents to say “Yes” to their Neighbourhood Development Plan in a referendum on Thursday December 12.

Gates-gate escalates

The dispute over the locked gates blocking public access through a new village housing estate has escalated and could end up going to the Local Government Ombudsman.

Will Foxlydiate homes lift pressure?

Plans for more than 2,500 homes have been approved, mainly on former Bromsgrove Green Belt land at the border with Redditch.

Post Office calls in, for two hours

A mobile post office is now visiting Alvechurch once a week after the closure of the village post office.

Moment of silence

Pupils from Alvechurch Middle School laid crosses at the war memorial on the village green during the Remembrance Day service.

Station still waiting . . .

Installation of the long-awaited lifts at Barnt Green railway station may have moved a step closer, parish councillors heard.

Villagers go to the polls. . . again!

Your guide to the candidates hoping to be elected MP for Bromsgrove in the General Election on December 12 . . .

Traffic survey planned

After residents and parish councillors expressed concerns about traffic on Greenhill in Blackwell, Highways is planning a survey to assess the scale of the problem.

Tip report awaited

A new panel engineer has been appointed for Marlbrook Tip, but Lickey & Blackwell Parish Council has not yet seen a copy of his report.

Defibrillator signs

Signs pointing to the defibrillator at Blackwell Club will soon be installed by the parish council, while a new defibrillator has been installed at Tesco in Marlbrook.

Village-made film released

New film 7 Days, the story of Midlands marathon man “Blind Dave” Heeley, is now on Amazon Prime.

Speed limit not enforceable

The 30mph speed limit through Weatheroak Hill is not enforceable, county councillor Charlie Hotham told Alvechurch Parish Council.

Ready for Christmas!

Our guide to the celebrations taking place in the Village area.

Crafters unite for festive fair

The biannual Blackwell Craft Fair, now in its 40th year, saw plenty of visitors stocking up on Christmas gifts at Blackwell Methodist Hall.

New life for village green

The village green in Alvechurch where the Remembrance service always takes place was looking in tip-top condition this year, thanks to the hard work of parish councillor Alan Helmore and his wife Linda (right).

Beoley lights up

Beoley Parish Council has agreed to “light up” Beoley village this Christmas by approving the purchase of festive lights.

Beoley flood concern

Recent heavy rain has highlighted the problems of flooding on Alcester Road.

Wendy wins a Vinny!

Wendy Cooper, of Rednal, was the latest winner of a Mini Vinny in our monthly competition.

Dance stars light up stage

A group of village dancers raised funds for a charity close to their hearts with a spectacular annual performance.

Harvest helpers

Pupils and staff at Crown Meadow First School in Alvechurch enjoyed a traditional Harvest Festival.