AnonymousFox

AN OVERGROWN planted barrier between two roads in Redditch is set to be brought back into a manageable condition. The council’s tree team have written to residents near Barnwood Close and Rickyard Lane ahead of the works to explain why they are needed and what they will involve. The work will retain and protect the higher-quality trees within the planting area, while reducing shrubs, bushes, self-seeded growth, and poorer-quality trees to around two metres in height. Some individual trees…

A NEW scheme which targets harassing behaviour aimed at female runners is being launched across Worcestershire by West Merica Police, writes Seren Mathews. ‘Jog On’ started off as a pilot scheme in Wyre Forest, in areas such as Kidderminster, and was started after 68 per cent of women said they had experienced some form of harassing behaviour. The scheme sees female officers in plain clothes running in key locations and any time they are subject to harassment of any…

Andy Burnham has been Prime Minister for just over a week, and already he is fighting the same battle that helped bring down his predecessor. The plan taking shape is straightforward enough on paper: young benefit claimants who refuse training or volunteering placements would risk losing their support, part of a broader effort to rein in a welfare bill that hit £333.7 billion last year and is forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility to climb past £400 billion…

THE INDUSTRIAL action which was due to take place this weekend has been suspended, the region’s rail operator has confirmed. The strikes, due to take place on Friday, July 31, and Saturday, August 1, would have led to a reduced service on the West Midlands Railway network during the two days. Members of the TSSA were planning to undertake the action over rest day working payments. But, following further talks with the trade union, a full service will operate…

REDDITCH-based Oakland International has been crowned winner of the Excellence in Sustainability Award at the UKWA Awards for Excellence 2026, recognising its industry-leading commitment to delivering practical, measurable sustainability across the supply chain sector. Presented during the UK Warehousing Association’s prestigious Awards for Excellence celebration in London, the accolade marks a significant achievement for the company, highlighting the impact of its long-term environmental, social and governance strategy. Oakland international sustainability officer Elinor Smith said: “Winning this award is fantastic…