CAR-STARVED British Leyland dealers who could not get their hands on enough of the firm's best seller, the popular Mini range produced at Longbridge, were having to turn customers away. This was having a detrimental effect on sales and which resulted in Ford models occupying the top five places. But help was on the way. Minis were to be made in Belgium from kits despatched from Longbridge and then shipped back to the UK.

BELBROUGHTON was said to be entering a new era. Plans had been passed for 13 new private dwellings in Hartle Lane which it was hoped would encourage young people to remain in the village.

AN old timber-framed barn rescued from Wychbold was to be Avoncroft Museum of Buildings' latest acquisition. Plans were passed for it to be removed and re-erected at the Stoke Heath site, probably next to the Cholstrey barn and granary.