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The Ditch National coverage & local news for Redditch & the wider Worcestershire area. Events, insights, opinions & updates. Supporting local businesses.

Local life does not stop at the town boundary. Get in touch: WhatsApp: or at theditch.co.uk/contact ABOUT THE DITCH

The Ditch covers news, information and conversation from across Redditch and Worcestershire. From local events, new businesses and planning decisions to education, transport, community issues and breaking news, we report on the stories that matter to local people. Our aim is simple: to keep readers informed, involved and part of the conversation. TALKINGPOINT

TalkingPoint is our regular discussion feature, designed to encourage debate around local issues. It may challenge opinions and explore differing viewpoints, but its purpose is always to promote discussion on matters affecting the community. ONLINE

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The Ditch is an independently and privately operated local news and information platform. The Ditch is not affiliated with any political party, public authority, campaign group or commercial organisation. Editorial decisions are made independently and in the interests of our audience. The Ditch is not a member of any press regulator or industry complaints body. Complaints about content should be directed to the Editor or Sub Editor using the contact details provided below. The Ditch does not endorse any political party, campaign or candidate. We will report on and scrutinise political matters where they affect local life. We will report on elections, candidates and political developments as part of our commitment to keeping readers informed. The Ditch does not promote or endorse political campaigns, demonstrations or causes. Our role is to report on matters of public interest, not to campaign on them. COMMENTS POLICY

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EVESHAM TRAFFIC CONGESTION PROMPTS CALLS FOR INVESTIGATIONCouncillors are calling for action over worsening traffic cong...
09/09/2026

EVESHAM TRAFFIC CONGESTION PROMPTS CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION

Councillors are calling for action over worsening traffic congestion in Evesham, amid concerns about the impact on residents, businesses and visitors.

Residents have reported increasingly lengthy journeys through the town, with some saying trips which should take a matter of minutes can take as long as 45 minutes during particularly busy periods.

High Street is among the areas where congestion has caused concern, with queues affecting traffic moving through the town centre.

Councillors are now calling for the causes of the problem to be investigated and for potential measures to improve traffic flow to be considered.

The issue comes as a number of roadworks are taking place across Evesham and surrounding routes. Current works include High Street, Worcester Road and other locations, adding to pressure on parts of the local road network.

However, concerns about Evesham's traffic are not limited to temporary roadworks, with the town's location and the volume of vehicles travelling through it creating longer term challenges.

There are concerns that persistent congestion could discourage people from visiting the town centre and have a knock on effect on local businesses and tourism.

Councillors want the authorities responsible for the road network to look at what can realistically be done to ease the problem and improve journeys through Evesham.

The calls come as residents continue to raise concerns about the amount of time it can take to travel relatively short distances across the town.

📷Google Maps

LOCAL ELECTIONS TO GO AHEAD AFTER LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION PAUSEDVoter are set to return to the polls for borough...
09/09/2026

LOCAL ELECTIONS TO GO AHEAD AFTER LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION PAUSED

Voter are set to return to the polls for borough council elections in May 2027 after the Government paused its plans to reorganise local government across Worcestershire.

The elections were not expected to take place in their usual form.

Under the previous timetable, Redditch Borough Council and Worcestershire County Council were among seven existing authorities due to be abolished and replaced by two new unitary councils.

Elections in May 2027 were expected to be for the new councils, ahead of them taking over responsibility for services in April 2028.

However, following the Government’s decision to review the local government reorganisation programme, it has confirmed that elections scheduled for May 2027 will instead go ahead on existing council boundaries.

It means Redditch could now see another third of its existing borough council contested, just a year after an election which substantially changed its political make up.

Redditch Borough Council has 27 councillors representing nine wards and normally elects by thirds, with one councillor in each ward coming up for election at a time.

In May 2026, Reform UK won eight of the nine seats being contested, with Labour winning the remaining seat.

One of those eight councillors elected for Reform, Ashley Monk in Batchley and Brockhill, has since left the party and now sits as a non aligned Independent.

The result of the 2026 elections ended Labour’s overall majority and left Redditch Borough Council under no overall control.

Another nine seats being contested in 2027 could therefore alter the political balance of the council again.

It does not necessarily follow that the pattern seen in 2026 would be repeated.

A different group of councillors would be due for election, candidates could change and the political circumstances in May 2027 could be different from those voters faced a year earlier.

The results could see the existing balance largely maintained, parties gaining or losing representation, independent candidates being elected, or potentially a change in which group, if any, is able to command an overall majority.

The situation is particularly unusual because Redditch Borough Council had previously asked for its May 2026 elections to be postponed.

At the time, councillors were being elected to an authority which was expected to disappear in April 2028, meaning their terms would have been shorter than usual.

The Government decided the 2026 elections should go ahead, and they subsequently produced one of the biggest changes in the political make up of Redditch Borough Council in recent years.

May 2027 was then expected to mark the beginning of a different system, with voters electing representatives to the proposed new unitary authority rather than another third of Redditch Borough Council.

That position has now changed.

The Government has not said that local government reorganisation in Worcestershire has been abandoned. The programme is being reviewed, and Worcestershire’s councils are seeking clarification about what the decision means for the proposals and the timetable.

For now, the existing councils continue to operate and the Government has confirmed that elections scheduled for May 2027 will go ahead on their existing boundaries.

For Redditch, that means voters could have another opportunity to determine the political make up of the existing Borough Council, less than twelve months after the 2026 elections significantly changed the balance at the Town Hall.

ADD YOUR EVENT TO THE GUIDE.Do you have an event you want everyone to know about? 📣Not too keen on blowing your own trum...
09/09/2026

ADD YOUR EVENT TO THE GUIDE.

Do you have an event you want everyone to know about? 📣
Not too keen on blowing your own trumpet? Then let The Ditch do it for you. FREE!

Whether you’re hosting a fete, charity car wash, open day, jumble sale, quiz night, live music night, big band event, community gathering or something else entirely, The Guide has got you covered.

Just drop us a line with all the details, and we’ll make sure to SHOUT all about it for you.

Submit your event here 👉 https://www.theditch.co.uk/local-events/submit-your-event or email [email protected]

BIRMINGHAM COUNCIL FLAG INJUNCTION BID DELAYED AFTER JUDGE QUESTIONS CASEBirmingham City Council’s attempt to secure an ...
09/09/2026

BIRMINGHAM COUNCIL FLAG INJUNCTION BID DELAYED AFTER JUDGE QUESTIONS CASE

Birmingham City Council’s attempt to secure an injunction over the unauthorised placing of flags across the city has been delayed after a judge raised concerns about the clarity of its case.

Judge Emma Kelly, sitting at Birmingham Civil Courts on Tuesday, adjourned proceedings until September 30 after saying she was “troubled” by the lack of clarity surrounding allegations made against individual defendants.

The council is seeking an injunction against seven named men, including Raise the Colours organiser Ryan Bridge, from Bromsgrove, as well as “persons unknown” who intend to attach flags to lampposts, street signs and other street furniture.

The other named defendants are Julian Keane, also known as Elon, Elliot Stanley, Ross Child, also known as Ross the Don, Billy Allison, Ben Cullen and Mark Keating.

During the hearing, Judge Kelly questioned whether those named had been given a sufficiently clear account of what they were individually alleged to have done.

The council had submitted a bundle containing 281 pages of evidence, but the judge said greater clarity was needed about the allegations against each defendant so they had a fair opportunity to respond.

She also questioned why an urgent interim injunction was being sought when the flagging activity had been taking place for several months and did not appear to have significantly escalated.

Ryan Bridge told the court that he had only had a matter of days to prepare for the hearing after receiving the bundle of documents last week.

He said he would give an undertaking not to put up further flags in Birmingham, although the council was not prepared to accept an undertaking from him at this stage.

The council did accept interim undertakings from Julian Keane and Elliot Stanley. They agreed not to attach flags without council consent, organise or publicise related events, interfere with the removal of flags or obstruct the highway.

Birmingham City Council argues that the unauthorised flags pose concerns around public safety, community cohesion and road safety. Large numbers of Union Flags and St George’s flags have appeared on lampposts and other street furniture across Birmingham.

The council will now have to provide greater detail about its case against each named defendant, allowing them an opportunity to consider the evidence and respond.

Following the hearing, Birmingham City Council said the adjournment would allow all parties to attend the proceedings and consider all of the evidence.

The case is due to return to Birmingham Civil Courts on September 30.

The injunction application has not been dismissed and no final decision has been made. Tuesday’s hearing instead resulted in the council being required to clarify its case before proceedings continue.

COUNCIL ENCOURAGES TENANT FARMERS TO BUY LAND AS FINANCIAL PRESSURES CONTINUEWorcestershire County Council is encouragin...
09/09/2026

COUNCIL ENCOURAGES TENANT FARMERS TO BUY LAND AS FINANCIAL PRESSURES CONTINUE

Worcestershire County Council is encouraging tenant farmers to come forward if they are interested in buying the farmland they currently rent from the authority.

The council owns a rural estate of around 2,000 acres across Worcestershire, supporting approximately 65 tenants and licensees.

It says the estate ranges from fully equipped farms to horticultural units and smaller parcels of agricultural land. Most are smaller or secondary holdings, with fewer than a third estimated to be a tenant’s main holding or primary source of income.

The announcement comes as the County Council continues to review its assets as part of efforts to tackle significant financial pressures, particularly the rising cost of adult and children’s social care.

Councillor Adam Kent, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate Services and Business, said the authority wanted to give farmers who had spent years developing their businesses an opportunity to secure their future.

He said: “We recognise that many tenant farmers have spent years building their businesses on these holdings and encourage those who wish to discuss the purchase of the land, to discuss with the council how that can be made a reality.”

Councillor Kent said the council wanted to give successful farmers an opportunity to own their land, invest with greater confidence and create a lasting legacy for their families.

The authority has also been holding discussions with the National Farmers’ Union and says it has asked the organisation to help longstanding tenants who may be interested in purchasing their holdings.

Councillor Kent said farmland previously sold by the council had typically remained in agricultural use, including land purchased by neighbouring farms which continued to support local food production.

However, the council has also made clear that its financial position forms part of the reason its assets are being reviewed.

Councillor Kent said: “Like all local authorities, we continue to face significant financial pressures with specifically Adult and Children’s care and must review all assets responsibly as part of our wider savings programme.”

He added that the authority had to balance its support for Worcestershire’s rural communities with its statutory responsibilities and the need to achieve best value for residents.

The County Council has previously warned of substantial pressures on its finances as demand for statutory services has increased.

Its financial plans identified a £74.3 million funding gap for 2026/27, with the council saying it must reduce its reliance on reserves and Government support and accelerate savings.

The latest announcement does not say that the entire 2,000 acre rural estate is being put up for sale, nor does it specify how many holdings the council intends to sell.

Instead, the authority is inviting existing tenant farmers who are interested in buying the land they have farmed to begin discussions with the council.

The council says it will continue working with tenants, the NFU and Worcestershire’s wider farming community as it manages the estate while dealing with its financial pressures.

Tenant farmers who are interested in discussing the possibility of purchasing the land they currently farm are being encouraged to contact Worcestershire County Council.

More information about the announcement and the council’s rural estate can be found here:

https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/county-council-highlights-opportunity-worcestershire-farmers-invest-long-farmed-holdings

Cloud breaking up, leaving clear spells for many. Winds also die down into the early hours. Feeling cool overnight for m...
08/09/2026

Cloud breaking up, leaving clear spells for many. Winds also die down into the early hours. Feeling cool overnight for many. Minimum temperature 11 °C.

Any showers will clear through Wednesday morning, leaving a mostly dry and bright day with sunny spells. Light winds making it feel slightly warmer than Tuesday.
Maximum temperature 19 °C.

GOVERNMENT REJECTS MP’S CALL FOR NATIONAL HIGHWAYS TO TAKE OVER TROUBLED BROMSGROVE A38 IMPROVEMENT PROJECTThe Governmen...
08/09/2026

GOVERNMENT REJECTS MP’S CALL FOR NATIONAL HIGHWAYS TO TAKE OVER TROUBLED BROMSGROVE A38 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

The Government has rejected a call for National Highways to step in and take over the delivery of the delayed £50 million A38 improvement programme in Bromsgrove.

The Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme (BREP) is a major investment designed to build network resilience by improving traffic flow, reducing delays, and make travel safer and more reliable for everyone who uses the route.

Bromsgrove and the Villages MP Bradley Thomas wrote to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander last month following growing concerns over delays to the Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme, known as BREP.

He asked for National Highways to review the scheme and oversee it through to completion, arguing that Worcestershire County Council lacked the expertise needed to deliver a project of its importance.

However, Roads Minister Justin Madders has rejected the request. The Department for Transport says it will continue to monitor the programme and work with Worcestershire County Council.

Mr Thomas has strongly criticised the decision.

He said: “It’s clear that the Government is washing its hands of any responsibility and absolving itself of its duty to ensure BREP is completed as soon as possible and with respect to taxpayers.”

He added: “The Minister has simply regurgitated the information he’s been provided by Worcestershire County Council. That’s not accountability, this is capitulation.”

The MP described the project as a “complete shambles” and said residents and businesses were “at the end of their tether” with the continuing delays and roadworks.

Mr Thomas said the disruption was hampering the local economy and damaging Bromsgrove’s reputation, adding that he still believed the impact on the town justified what would be an unprecedented intervention by National Highways.

There is also fresh uncertainty over exactly when all of the work will be finished.

Worcestershire County Council had previously said that some activities associated with the third phase would continue into spring 2027.

However, Mr Madders has now told the MP that while the majority of the programme is expected to be completed in early 2027, work at Oakalls Roundabout is scheduled to continue until summer 2027.

Mr Thomas has questioned why the Government appears to have been given a different completion date.

He said: “I don’t understand why the County Council has provided the Minister with a different completion date to the one they gave me only two months ago. This is a complete farce.”

Worcestershire County Council has defended its handling of the project and says it has a strong record of delivering major Department for Transport funded infrastructure schemes.

The council says one of the biggest challenges has been the discovery of previously unidentified utility equipment within the work areas, particularly Cadent gas infrastructure.

This has required further investigation, redesign and diversion work, with some of that work having to be undertaken by utility companies rather than the main contractor.

The council says these issues have affected progress but it remains confident in its ability to deliver the programme.

BREP is intended to improve traffic flow and journey reliability along the A38 through Bromsgrove, with changes to a number of junctions as well as improvements for buses, pedestrians and cyclists.

The scheme has now been delayed more than once. Residents and businesses were originally told it would be completed by December 2025 or early 2026. That was subsequently pushed back to December 2026 and then into 2027.

Mr Thomas says he will continue to hold both the Government and Worcestershire County Council to account over the project and its eventual cost.

📷 Bradley Thomas MP

PINK TRIBUTE ALMOST PINK RETURNS TO THE OAST HOUSE THIS SATURDAYFans of Pink are in for a treat this weekend as popular ...
08/09/2026

PINK TRIBUTE ALMOST PINK RETURNS TO THE OAST HOUSE THIS SATURDAY

Fans of Pink are in for a treat this weekend as popular tribute act Almost Pink returns to The Oast House in Redditch for a Saturday night of live entertainment.

Kyla Porter will take to the stage as Almost Pink on Saturday, 12 September, bringing the music and energy of Pink to The Oast House for her first appearance at the venue in several years.

Described by the venue as one of the best Pink tribute acts in the business, Kyla has previously performed to crowds in Redditch, including an appearance on the main stage at Redditch Summer Fest.

So, if you’re ready to Get the Party Started, Saturday night promises plenty of familiar Pink hits, a chance to sing along and a lively night out at The Oast House.

Almost Pink takes to the stage from 9pm, with entry costing £5.

Those planning to make a night of it can reserve a table in advance by calling The Oast House on 01527 596037.

The Oast House
Saturday 12 September 2026
Almost Pink, performed by Kyla Porter
9pm start
£5 entry
Table reservations: 01527 596037

SMALL BUSINESS TUESDAYRun a small business in Redditch or Worcestershire? Drop your details in the comments below and te...
08/09/2026

SMALL BUSINESS TUESDAY

Run a small business in Redditch or Worcestershire? Drop your details in the comments below and tell everyone what you do. 👇


It might be a wet start to Tuesday, but the rain is expected to ease by lunchtime, which happens to be rather convenient...
08/09/2026

It might be a wet start to Tuesday, but the rain is expected to ease by lunchtime, which happens to be rather convenient because The Oast House starts serving lunch at 12 noon.

There’s plenty to tempt you, from freshly prepared sandwiches and toasted paninis to b**r battered cod and chips, homemade burgers and loaded Street Fries.

Or try something different with Caribbean jerk chicken, tandoori chicken masala or golden breaded scampi, with plenty of other favourites on the menu.

And if the weather brightens up enough, there’s always the b**r garden for a drink afterwards.

Lunch is served from 12 noon until 2pm today, with food returning from 5pm until 7pm this evening.

To reserve a table or request a takeaway, call or message 01527 596037.

The Oast House
Paper Mill Drive, Redditch, B98 8JQ

The rain can do what it likes. Lunch has a much more reliable timetable.

Address

Bromsgrove

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

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