Townsfolk were complaining of being disturbed by low-flying jets. Bromsgrove's MP, Hal Miller, had written to the Ministry of Defence asking why the aircraft were training over the district. The planes had spooked farmyard animals, set infants screaming and frightened residents. Landlord of the Country Girl pub, Mark Harman, said the jets had regularly been flying lower than the Droitwich radio masts. The RAF claimed it knew nothing of the training.

Schoolboys in Bromsgrove had a lucky escape after their bedroom set on fire. Children had to be evacuated from the residential Hunter's Hill School, in Spirehouse Lane, and when the fire service arrived, flames could be seen coming from the first floor window. Luckily, the boys were already at their first lessons so no one was hurt. Firefighters spent five hours examining the scene but could not determine what started the fire.

A traffic-free High Street could be less than a year away, according to Bromsgrove District Council. Negotiations with traders had lead to a compromise where deliveries could be made outside peak hours. A council spokesman said it seemed like the best way to keep everyone happy.

More than 600 people turned out for the Belbroughton fete and £650 was raised for church funds and charities. The money was to be split between the church -- 75 per cent -- and overseas charities would get the rest.