HEAVY snow, ice and gales combined to wreak havoc throughout Bromsgrove on Sunday. The weight of snow and branches blown onto overhead power lines combined to black out 30,000 homes in the district. Many events had to be cancelled due to the severe unseasonal weather and 1,000 Scouts, who were set to take part in a St George's Day parade in the town, were disappointed when it was called off.

A PLAN by Lord Cobham to sell off a large area of his land at Hagley Hall for housing development was met with dismay by many, including the parish council and local residents. The Viscount claimed that the sale was necessary as last year the estate had made a loss of £45,000.

A THREE-YEAR determined fundraising effort by villagers to raise the money to build a recreation centre in Hartle Lane, Belbroughton, meant that the dream looked set to become a reality by the end of the summer. It would be built on a four-acre site and cost around £34,000.

THE future of Bromsgrove's Norton Museum in Birmingham Road looked bleak. Its owner, Dennis Norton, said he would have to close if the district council insisted on him paying outstanding rates of £1,000 within 14 days. It appeared the museum did not qualify for rate relief.