Local News

WORCESTER Cathedral has welcomed back its family of peregrine falcons this week. After showing promising signs of nesting and the Cathedral’s livestream launching earlier this year, the mated pair – named Peter and Peggy by Cathedral followers (Mr and Mrs P for short) – seemingly rejected the old nest site and disappeared for a time. The livestream was shut down, and following weeks of speculation, the ‘Peregrine Falcons in Worcester’ team announced that the pair had in fact nested…

A MAN has gone missing from Redditch, police have said. Officers are appealing for information to help find Christopher Hawkes who was last seen in Landor Road at around 11am last Thursday. Christopher is white, around 5fi 9in tall, with thin dark hair and of a slim build. He was last seen wearing dark trousers, yellow trainers and blue anorak. Officers are concerned for Christopher’s welfare and ask if anyone has seen him, or knows of his whereabouts, to…

Children under the age of 16 will be banned from accessing major social media platforms under sweeping new measures announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The plans, which are expected to affect platforms including X, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and Reddit, represent one of the most significant government interventions in online activity ever proposed in the UK. Announcing the policy, Sir Keir said: “We are banning social media access for under 16s. “These days kids must find…

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has congratulated US President Donald Trump after Washington and Tehran agreed a peace framework aimed at ending months of conflict in the Middle East. Sir Keir described the agreement as “a hugely important step forward” for regional stability and the global economy, as world leaders welcomed the diplomatic breakthrough announced by President Trump on Sunday evening. The deal has already prompted a sharp fall in oil prices and raised hopes of greater stability across the…

A HOMELESSNESS charity is appealing for volunteers after data showed there were over 39,000 spare rooms available in Redditch, which could help keep a young person safe for the night. Analysis of the most recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) census data revealed an estimated 70 per cent of households across the borough having at least one spare bedroom. Nightstop, which receives funding from players of the Postcode Lottery, provides emergency short-term accommodation for young people at risk of…

The Government is preparing to review its targets for electric vehicle (EV) sales, amid growing pressure from car manufacturers and trade unions who argue that current requirements are placing significant strain on the industry. Under existing rules, 80 per cent of all new cars sold in the UK must be fully electric by 2030. However, ministers are now expected to consult on whether that target should be lowered, with figures between 50 and 70 per cent reportedly under consideration…

A COMMANDING performance by top helm Josh Beardshaw saw him clinch top spot at the inaugural Paul Fuller Memorial Regatta at Redditch Sailing Club. The event, held over two days at Arrow Valley Lake, saw both juniors and grizzled old sea dogs – and all ages in between – compete against each other over five demanding races with four to count. The expected high winds of Saturday failed to materialise and instead all competitors were put to the test…

RESIDENTS across Worcestershire are being encouraged to get in touch with a local wildlife charity if they see a large green beetle in their gardens or local green spaces. Rose chafer beetles are moving northwards from their strongholds in the south of England and staff at Worcestershire Wildlife Trust are keen to chart the species arrival in the county. The metallic-green beetles grow to about an inch in length and have cream markings on their wing cases. They are…

BROMSGROVE  and Redditch Re-Engage groups are celebrating a remarkable milestone this year, marking their 10th anniversary of bringing companionship, friendship and joy to older people across the local community. Founded by Gill Talbot and Alan Wodzynski in June 2016, the groups were established to tackle loneliness and social isolation among people aged 75 and over. Over the past decade, the groups have welcomed more than 50 guests, providing a warm and welcoming environment where older people can enjoy companionship,…

The very best of Britain was on display in London on Saturday as thousands of people gathered to celebrate Trooping the Colour, the King’s Birthday Parade, a spectacular showcase of military excellence, royal tradition and national pride. Against the backdrop of Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards Parade and The Mall, around 1,500 soldiers, hundreds of horses and military musicians came together in o ne of the world’s most famous ceremonial events, demonstrating the precision, discipline and professionalism for which Britain’s…