Local News

One in eight Britons could be using weight-loss medication by next year, according to a new report which predicts the number of adults taking GLP-1 drugs will more than double to seven million. Analysis by consulting firm PwC Strategy& forecasts that the number of UK adults using glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications will rise from around three million today to seven million by 2027, equivalent to approximately 13 per cent of the population. The projected growth is expected to be…

Sir Keir Starmer has announced that he will resign as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party, bringing to an end a tumultuous period in British politics less than two years after Labour’s landslide general election victory. Speaking outside Number 10 Downing Street on Monday morning, an emotional Sir Keir reflected on his time in office and the journey that brought Labour back to power after years in opposition. At points during the statement, the Prime Minister appeared…

Downing Street staff have been seen bringing speakers and audio equipment into position outside Number 10 this morning, with preparations appearing to be underway for a prime ministerial statement. While there has been no official confirmation that Sir Keir Starmer intends to resign, speculation is mounting in Westminster that the Prime Minister could use a statement later today to set out plans for his departure from office. The Prime Minister’s team has remained notably quiet throughout the morning, declining…

ALCESTER town centre was transformed into a vibrant celebration of colour, music and community spirit last Sunday (June 14) as the town’s Mardi Gras-themed street market drew crowds from across the district. Blessed with glorious sunshine, visitors enjoyed a fun-packed day filled with entertainment, street food and attractions for young and old. Music filled every corner of the town, with performances ranging from the White Hart Morris dancers, Alcester Male Voice Choir and Alcester Victoria Silver Band to the…

A REDDITCH gym owner has raised more than £3,300 for the family of a client who lost his life while competing in a motorcycle race. Dan Allen, co-owner of Athena Performance, covered an extraordinary 78.6miles by running just over 2.8miles every hour, on the hour, for 28 consecutive hours. The number 28 is relevant as relevant as motorcycle racer Shane Richardson, raced under the number 28. Dan began the challenge at midday tomorrow (Saturday June 13), setting out from…

WORCESTERSHIRE has reached a major digital connectivity milestone, with more than 88% of homes and businesses across the county now able to access gigabit-capable broadband. The latest figures show that, as of May 2026, over 270,000 residential and business premises in Worcestershire can benefit from gigabit-capable connections. This progress has been driven by significant commercial investment alongside the Government’s Project Gigabit programme, which is helping to extend coverage to some of the county’s hardest-to-reach communities. The £41million contract between…

MORE than 100 volunteers have been praised for giving their time to support local healthcare services in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust celebrated its dedicated volunteers and Participation Partners as part of Volunteers’ Week at the beginning of the month. Collectively, they have contributed more than 5,500 hours of service during 2025/26. To mark the occasion, the Trust hosted a special thank you event, bringing volunteers and Participation Partners together for a celebratory…

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing renewed questions about his future after a senior Cabinet minister said he is reflecting on the “political realities” facing his government amid growing pressure from within the Labour Party. Business Secretary Peter Kyle revealed he had held a “thoughtful conversation” with the Prime Minister on Friday and said Sir Keir was focused on acting in the country’s best interests. However, Mr Kyle stopped short of giving a clear assurance that the Prime…

Today is Father’s Day, a special occasion dedicated to celebrating fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers and the many father figures who help shape our lives. For many families, it is a day of cards, gifts, family meals and perhaps the occasional questionable tie or pair of novelty socks. Yet behind the traditions lies a heartfelt opportunity to recognise the men who have supported, guided and encouraged us through life’s ups and downs. While there are various traditions associated with honouring fathers…

A SINGER and songwriter with iconic band Dodgy, came home to Headless Cross for the sold-out first night of Redditch Revival. The new intimate live music and comedy series is backed by headline sponsors Fly By Nite, OJW Associates and Wins Wins Wins, with a different local charity supported every month, starting with the Palace Drum Clinic. Redditch Revival, the new monthly live music and comedy night founded by local entrepreneurs Ian Prowse and Adam Barry, launched on June…