HORDES of 'invaders' driving across the Birmingham city boundary into the Bromsgrove district are believed to be largely responsible for vandalism, excessive noise and even arson in the Rednal area at weekends, the Messenger reported. It was reported that most of the visitors were said to come for one purpose only - to "play" the gaming machines or enjoy bingo in amusement arcades in Lickey Road. The allegations surfaced after an application by Smarts Automatics (Birmingham) Ltd to add a two-storey extension to the rear of their much criticised arcade brought a storm of protest at a meeting on Bromsgrove District Council's planning committee. The application was rejected.

A 41-YEAR-OLD Catshill woman hit the jackpot with a £45,000 win and a car in a Spot the Ball competition. After four years of trying, Brenda Gough, of Stourbridge Road, Catshill, struck it lucky in the Littlewoods contest for just a £1 stake.

A CONSULTATIVE document outlining proposals for the first phase of the new £7.4m hospital for Bromsgrove and Redditch was made public. It was prepared by the West Midlands Regional Health Authority and although the obvious emphasis was on Woodrow, in Redditch, as the site offering the best prospects - the matter was still under discussion.

RESIDENTS and traders in Rubery were up-in-arms about a ten-day fair which had just opened on the Recreation Ground amidst a storm of protest from local people and the 50-strong Chamber of Trade. People feared the sanitary arrangements were a health hazard and were worried about noise, vandalism and environmental damage.

THE national slump in High Street trading was being transferred to manufacturers and two town factories were feeling the pinch. At HB Goodman's, in Aston Fields, which had been producing gents clothing for almost 100 years, the 120 strong staff were threatened with redundancy unless the Government stepped in to save the factory with an employment grant. At the Solitaire furniture factory, in Worcester Road, redundancy had already struck - the staff of 35 had been trimmed to 26.

MEMBERS of Bromsgrove Methodist Circuit met at Catshill to say farewell to Rev Tom Rumley, his wife, Ros, and their three children. Tributes were paid for their work in the church and the community during the last six years. Mr Rumley had been manager at Catshill First School and the chairman, while Mr Rumley was largely responsible for starting a playgroup and mother and toddler group.