Local News

GRITTERS have been out across Worcestershire spreading crushed stone to help prevent road surfaces from melting during the current heatwave. When temperatures exceed 30C for prolonged periods, road surfaces can become vulnerable to melting. With the county currently under a red weather warning, Worcestershire County Council has confirmed gritters have already been deployed to treat roads showing signs of heat stress. Coun Tom Wells, cabinet member with responsibility for highways and transport at Worcestershire County Council, said: “We know that…

PARENTS are reminded that there’s just one week left to apply for school and college transport for the start of the autumn term in September. Applications need to be submitted to Worcestershire County Council by June 30 2026. Applications received after that time may not be assessed and parents/carers may need to make alternative arrangements. Where post-16 students are unsure of which sixth form or college they will be attending until they receive their results, an application should still…

FORMER West Mercia Police Chief Constable David Blakey has passed away aged 82. Mr Blakey, who passed away on June 11, served as West Mercia Police Chief Constable between 1991 and his retirement in 1999. In total, he served in the police for 35 years. Mr Blakey was appointed by the Durham County Constabulary in 1960, and during his career, he rose to the rank of Superintendent. He later transferred on promotion to Northumbria Police, West Mercia Police and…

AS THE Flat season enters July, horse racing fans are now speculating about the potential winners at Newmarket’s famous July Festival. The premier three-day event, hosted at the iconic July Course, often features some of the best sprinters in Europe and makes for special viewing. Although multiple Group 1 races can be seen over the course of the festival, none is more thrilling than the July Cup. First run in 1876, the winner of the six-furlong sprint is frequently…

More than 1,000 schools across England and Wales have been forced to close fully or partially as Britain experiences one of its most intense heatwaves in recent years. The widespread disruption comes as a rare red warning for extreme heat has been issued by the Met Office, covering London, the South East, parts of the South West, the Midlands and south Wales. The warning, the highest level available, remains in force until 9pm on Thursday and warns of possible…

While many of us look forward to sunshine and warmer temperatures, hot weather can be far more challenging for our pets. Unlike humans, dogs and cats have limited ways of cooling themselves down. Dogs primarily regulate their temperature through panting, while cats seek out cool surfaces and shaded areas. During periods of prolonged heat, pets can quickly become uncomfortable and, in severe cases, suffer from heatstroke. Veterinary experts say there are several simple steps owners can take to help…

When temperatures soar, many British homes can quickly become uncomfortable. Unlike countries where air conditioning is commonplace, most UK homes are designed to keep heat in rather than out. The good news is that you do not need expensive equipment to stay cool. A few simple changes can make a significant difference during hot weather. 1. Keep Windows Closed During the Hottest Part of the Day It may seem counterintuitive, but opening windows when the air outside is hotter…

AN AUTHOR who grew up in Wychbold is releasing her much-anticipated second book in her popular series. S M Hinton’s Vikrin Revenge is the second of the Mercia Chronicles and has been published by independent Redditch-based Brewin Books. Following several months of peace, an old adversary reappears and threatens to once again throw Mercia into chaos. As more surprising secrets and disturbing betrayals are revealed, the kingdom must now unite under a new leader in a bid to overthrow…

The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup is underway and, in even better news, England are off to a winning start. The Three Lions were impressive as they beat Croatia 4-2. A brace of goals from captain Harry Kane, plus efforts from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford, put England top of Group L after the first set of matches. England may only have played one game, but the performance was enough to put them back among the World Cup favourites…

BATCHLEY Support Group has launched its Summer Fun Packs, designed to encourage family play, creativity, learning, and quality time together during the school summer holidays. The free packs have been created to provide families with engaging activities that promote fun, interaction, and shared experiences at home and outdoors. A range of themed packs will be available, including baking, nature, art, and reading. The scheme aims to help families make lasting memories during the summer break while supporting children’s learning,…