Local News

WORCESTERSHIRE Royal Hospital has been criticised by regulators after inspectors found human bodies were being stored in outdoor fridge units in a car park. The Human Tissue Authority (HTA), which regulates mortuary services, carried out an unannounced inspection of the hospital in May and issued five major and four minor shortfalls against national standards. Inspectors raised concerns that the location and access arrangements of the external fridge bank in the car park did not sufficiently safeguard the “dignity of…

Students across Worcestershire are celebrating today as they receive their GCSE results, with early data showing a strong performance across the county. According to initial figures provided by 20 of Worcestershire’s 35 state-funded secondary schools, 66.3 per cent of students achieved a grade 4 or above across all subjects — outperforming the West Midlands regional average of 62.9 per cent and coming close to the national average for England (67.1per cent). In English and Maths, 40.2 per cent of…

THE REDDITCH community gathered together on Saturday to remember and mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Japan (VJ) Day, honouring the end of the Second World War and the sacrifices of those who served in the Far East campaign. The commemorations began at 11.30am outside the Palace Theatre, where Armed Forces veterans, civic leaders and residents assembled for a solemn procession. At midday, a short but poignant service was held. Pictures by Martin Attewell. s Wreaths were laid…

The Chinese government has rejected a formal request from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner to explain why key parts of its proposed “mega-embassy” in central London remain redacted, escalating tensions over the highly sensitive planning application. China plans to build its largest embassy in Europe at Royal Mint Court, an historic five-acre site opposite the Tower of London. But parts of the design, including several internal layouts and basement areas, remain hidden from UK officials under the label of…

A WEST Mercia Police fog is currently undergoing training for one of the most demanding roles in policing. PD Indy is set to become a Victim Recovery Dog (VRD). The training will enable her to learn to detect human scent beneath the surface of the water. It is a skill so rare that only a handful of dogs in the UK are qualified to do it. Once trained, she will be able to assist officers in searching lakes, rivers…

RESIDENTS are being reminded to make sure they choose the best-placed healthcare option for them this bank holiday Monday. People are urged to think about using pharmacies or Minor Injury Units for minor incidents and illnesses. Local pharmacists can also give expert confidential advice, as well as medicines for a range of minor ailments. No appointment is necessary, people should just check which branches are open as times differ on public holidays. The opening times for this bank holiday…

WHEN reviewing Children’s theatre, I believe it’s important to get the verdict of someone seeing it through child’s eyes as well as your own, so I took along my theatre-seasoned five-year-old grandson Jacob to help me review ‘The Boy With Wings’ at The REP. He sat enthralled for the entire 65 minutes of the two acts with no fidgeting and a thorough grasp of the story. His review was that he: “liked the cat best, but it was strange…

REDDITCH Borough Council’s opposition Conservative Group has added its support to the number of St George Cross and Union Flags going up across the borough. The party said the move had ‘sparked a wave of pride and unity among residents’. Coun Matt Dormer, leader of the opposition, said he had proudly raised two flags at his business premises, setting the tone for a celebration of shared identity. He said: “It’s fantastic to see the flags going up. “They’re a…

SHEEP have been stolen from a field in Rowney Green. The thieves struck on Thursday in Rowney Green Lane and took all 20 of the animals. The incident was reported at 2.20pm so would have happened before that. The thieves would have needed a vehicle to take them away. Witnesses or anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A RED Vauxhall Corsa GS was stolen from Alvechurch last weekend. The raiders struck in Coopers Hill Farm, Coopers Hill, between 8pm last Saturday and 1.25am on Sunday. They took the vehicle which had the the partial registration number ‘DP73’. Computers and personal items were in the car at the time. Witnesses or anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.