THE death occurred of the much loved Catshill resident Hector Stokes at the age of 82. He had worked in the family shop – Stokes Stores – for 30 years and had been a chorister at Christ Church. His father, Thomas, had been the village postmaster for 40 years and Hector had joined him in the business at the age of 14.

BOSSES at Breme House old peoples’ home in Providence Road, Bromsgrove, denied allegations that due to staff shortages the 51 tenants were woken up at 5.30am to give workers more time to cope with their needs. The officer in charge said there had never been a shortage of staff in the ten years the home had been open, and in any event residents were free to retire and get up at any time they wished.

THE rubbish tip at Madeley Heath, which served 82,000 Bromsgrove residents, would, in future, open until 1pm on Sundays, as well as in the week. The idea was to try to combat the rising menace of illegal tipping in the area.