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Notices

Tips for keeping your home safe this summer

During the hot weather people understandably like to have their windows and doors open, however this can make a home more vulnerable to intruders.

Here’s some advice to keep in mind during warmer weather: 

·  Ensure all windows and doors are locked when you leave the house – even if you’re only popping out for a few minutes!

·  Make sure to lock away ladders at all times

·  Keep front, patio and back doors closed and locked when you are elsewhere in the house or the garden

·  Trimming hedges and trees at the front of your property removes opportunities for burglars to hide out of sight

·  Consider growing prickly hedges or roses around the perimeter of your back garden – these are known as defensive plants and provide a level of deterrence

·  Installing a dusk to dawn security light (at head height by front and back doors) – this increases levels of surveillance and will deter offenders 

·  Intruder alarm systems and CCTV will improve security – not to be replaced of basic security methods!

·  Make sure to keep garden sheds and other outbuildings locked at all times

·  Secure side gates and keep them well maintained with padlocks on

·  Keep valuables out of sight and away from windows and doors

·  Lock your bike away in a secure shed or garage

·  Clear or hide heavy, loose debris from garden areas such as bricks, slabs etc. as these can be used to access your home

The West Mercia Police website offers further crime prevention advice: 

Crime prevention advice | West Mercia Police

Neighbourhood Watch | West Mercia Police

You can also reply to this email if you have any questions, and I will get back in touch.

To report a crime follow the link below or call 101.

https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime

In an emergency, please call 999.

Don’t Put Off The Switch

We have previously mentioned through our various media strands (eNewsletter, quarterly newsletter & social media) that landlines are changing and the UK’s telephone network is being upgraded to a digital service to support the communication needs of the modern age.

Many residents in our community have already made the switch, some have not. Please the read below and discuss with your elderly neighbours & friends.

These changes will affect everyone who has a landline they’d like to keep using.

If you or someone you know has additional needs, such as elderly relatives or someone who uses a telecare device or pendant alarm, enhanced protections including free engineer visits and backup power is available where needed.

Here’s everything you need to know.

By January 2027, the old analogue phone network will be completely switched off, replaced by new digital landlines which work using broadband. As the programme enters its final phase, BT and other home phone providers continue to switch customers over to the new technology ahead of the deadline.

For most customers, the switch is incredibly simple, but the change can be daunting for some people. That’s why BT have been working closely with the UK Government and wider industry to ensure that everyone gets the support they need to take action when contacted by their provider.

Ahead of your switch over, you will be contacted by your landline provider. If you don’t respond to your provider, your services could be disrupted, so it’s important you take action when contacted about the switch. They are there to support you every step of the way.


Clare Balding meets BT Digital Voice customer, John Garrard, and chats about his switch

Customers with additional needs

If you need extra support making the switch to Digital Voice, please contact your service providers customer service team.

If you have Telecare, and are a BT or EE customer, please call 0800 077 8813. If you are a Plusnet customer, please call 0800 079 0009.

What if you don’t have broadband?

You will be offered a dedicated landline service, allowing you to use your landline in the same way they do today.

Start Planning

Download the below checklist from Worcestershire County Council.

PSTN Checklist WCC pdfDownload

Protecting Your Shed From Burglary

Although theft from outbuildings and sheds is uncommon there have been a few over recent months across the West Mercia Police area. Therefore police are asking residents to remain vigilant.

Police have seen a number of sheds and outbuildings across Shropshire being targeted and the Police do need people to take precautions to protect their property. Please ensure you keep Valuable tools out of sight lock buildings, fit good security lights and alarms where possible.

If you have CCTV look at using it to cover your sheds and outbuilding as well as the house.

Whitewash the shed window or put a curtain across to stop any one looking inside the shed.

Fit good locks and attach the fittings with bolts. Cover the screw heads on hinges so they can’t be taken out.

Remember, sheds that are not attached to homes or are out of sight at the bottom of a garden can be quite vulnerable. Look at making sure that your boundary fences and hedges are in good condition and grow shrubs such as Firethorn or Hawthorne in your hedges. Don’t make it easy for the thief.

Put tools away and out of sight after use and don’t forget to lock the shed up before popping off to the shops.

Home and Property Security Advice

 

There’s no place like home, and it’s important to make your home as protected as possible to ensure that it is a safe place for you, your property, and your loved ones. Follow our advice on keeping your home and property secure from most criminal threats:

Make sure all points of entry to your home or property have locks.

When you leave the property, no matter for how long, make sure that these entry points are all locked. Also make sure you lock up before going to bed at night.

There’s no point leaving your keys in an accessible place – don’t leave them in doors/windows or hanging within easy reach of the front door.

Think about further security measures – a fence, burglar alarm or security lights can be a good investment and are much more likely to deter burglars. They may also decrease your insurance payments.

When leaving the property to go on holiday, use timers on lights and radios to create an impression that someone is still in the property, or ask neighbours to make occasional visits to your property or park in your driveway.

Finally, to ensure you feel secure when answering your door, fit a “spy hole” so you can see who is calling. You should also fit a door chain. Don’t let anyone into the property that you feel unsure about, and always ask to see identification – if they don’t have any, do not let them in.

Doorstep Pedlars – It could be a scam

Who are Nottingham Knockers?

They are doorstep callers who target areas offering small household products for sale. These callers may claim to be ex-convicts attempting to mend their ways, however they are not part of any recognised rehabilitation scheme.

Please warn your neighbours, particularly elderly or vulnerable neighbours, not to open the door to strangers or buy or sell on the doorstep. Some doorstep callers may offer poor quality goods at inflated prices and if a caller is not genuine, they may be gathering information for future crime.
Please keep in mind that if cold callers don’t get any sales in your area, they are less likely to return.

How they work

The sellers may say that they are on a “rehabilitation course” arranged by probation services or other organisations trying to find people work. This is not the case and often they are known criminals. Probation services do not run such schemes.

They may show a card which claims to be a “Pedlars Licence” or work permit.

A bag of household products (including the typical tea-towels!) is supplied at a minimal sum by the person who employs them. Once they sell enough to cover the cost of the products they get to keep anything else earned.

Usually they are deposited in an area from a transit van and given a list of streets to work. An hour or so later they are picked up and dropped off in another location. They often work from 9am to 9pm.

They will knock on a door, offering cleaning items which they know are cheap and of very poor quality; the householder also knows they are rubbish but that is part of the scam. Many people will purchase items and pay them something, just to get rid of them. There have been cases of elderly residents handing over large sums as these lads can be very persistent and confrontational.

The price for whatever has been purchased usually comes to a note; usually £10. The householder disappears to get the money, this is when the scam begins. When the note is handed over, the lad examines the condition and how long it took the person to get it. If it is crumpled, they accept it and move on. If it is crisp flat and new, they are much more interested and may engage the person in more conversation, to obtain details about them. As they leave they will smell the note. If it is slightly musty, this is an indication that there is more in the property. Those addresses are noted. The addresses of elderly / vulnerable / gullible people are all noted.

These are handed to the employer and there is a small amount of cash handed over for each one.

These addresses are then sold in prisons and pubs. If there is a later break-in, the employer expects a further cut of the proceeds.

These lists are purchased by all sorts of people including; tarmaccers, tree workers, roofers, dodgy builders etc., and can be shared amongst the travelling community. Once on a list, your address could be sold on and on. Hence the repeat nature of these persistent callers.

TURN THEM AWAY

REMEMBER if cold callers don’t get any sales in your area, they are less likely to return.

Operation Snap – report poor driving and dangerous behaviour

 

Road users across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Warwickshire can report incidents using footage from dashcams or other devices

As part of Operation Snap, members of the public can submit (via a secure online form ) digital footage showing potential traffic offences. This can range from driving dangerously or carelessly to overtaking on solid white lines, using a mobile phone while driving, ignoring traffic lights or dangerous driving around other road users, such as horse riders and cyclists.

Your submission will be sent to West Mercia Police and Warwickshire Police where the evidence will be reviewed by one of our road traffic officers, who will enforce against any offences committed. Any footage submitted through the portal can also be used by us to help educate other road users and to advise on case results.

See the Frequently Asked Questions section (https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/article/47353/National-Dashcam-Safety-Portal-NDSP-FAQs)

For further information regarding the Safer Roads Partnership please visit the West Mercia Police Website, (Crime & Safety Section) Safer Roads Partnership

https://www.westmercia.police.uk/article/38869/About-Safer-Roads-Partnership

Say No to Marketing Call – The Telephone Preference Service

The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is a free service. It is the official central opt out register on which you can record your preference not to receive unsolicited sales or marketing calls. It is a legal requirement that all organisations (including charities, voluntary organisations and political parties) do not make such calls to numbers registered on the TPS unless they have your consent to do so.

Organisations with which you have an ongoing relationship, for example those who regard you as a customer, (or in the case of charities – a donor) may well gather your consent during the early stages of your relationship with them and will therefore be entitled to call you even if your number is registered on TPS, unless you have previously told them specifically that you object to them calling you for marketing purposes.

The TPS can accept the registration of mobile telephone numbers, however it is important to note that this will prevent the receipt of marketing voice calls but not SMS (text) messages. If you wish to stop receiving SMS marketing messages, please send an ‘opt-out’ request to the company involved.
As TPS registration only prevents marketing calls, organisations will still be able to call you for the purposes of genuine market research.

To register your number or make a complaint the quickest and easiest way is to do this online by visiting: www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps/number_type.html

Alternatively you can phone the Registration Line on: 0345 070 0707. You can call this number to register your number, discuss your concerns or request a complaint form to report receipt of unsolicited direct marketing calls.

For more information visit: www.tpsonline.org.uk

Planning Application – Harpalyce, Stourbridge Road

The following planning application is available to view and comment on. Please use this
link to take you to the home page of Public Access
https://publicaccess.bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk/online-applications/ which is the tool for
viewing applications and making comment electronically.

  • Click on the link above
  • Type in the application number and click, this will take you to the summary page of Public
    Access.
  • When at the summary page
  • To view the documents you will need to click on the tab, then
    the .
  • To make a comment click on the tab,
  • Fill out your details and make your comment and press submit, this will go straight to the
    relevant planning officer and be immediately viewable in the comments tab.
  • If you have provided an email you can request a confirmation email.
APPLICATION REFERENCE :26/00523/LBC
APPLICATION TYPE:Listed Building Consent
DATE ACCEPTED:04.05.2026
LOCATION:Harpalyce , Stourbridge Road Fairfield Worcestershire B61 9NG
PROPOSAL:To install an EV charger to external wall at Harpalyce, Stourbridge Road, Fairfield.
APPLICANTS NAME:
PARISH COUNCIL:Belbroughton Parish
WARD:Belbroughton And Romsley Ward
CASE OFFICER:Mary Worsfold
TELEPHONE:01527 881329
EMAILm.worsfold@bromsgrove.gov.uk

Planning Application – The Cottage, Top Road

The following planning application is available to view and comment on. Please use this
link to take you to the home page of Public Access
https://publicaccess.bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk/online-applications/ which is the tool for
viewing applications and making comment electronically.

  • Click on the link above
  • Type in the application number and click, this will take you to the summary page of Public
    Access.
  • When at the summary page
  • To view the documents you will need to click on the tab, then
    the .
  • To make a comment click on the tab,
  • Fill out your details and make your comment and press submit, this will go straight to the
    relevant planning officer and be immediately viewable in the comments tab.
  • If you have provided an email you can request a confirmation email.
APPLICATION REFERENCE :25/01083/FUL
APPLICATION TYPE:Full Application
DATE ACCEPTED:06.05.2026
LOCATION:The Cottage, Top Road Wildmoor Worcestershire B61 0RB
PROPOSAL:First floor and ground floor extensions to main house, partial removal of stable block, and change of use of existing concrete hard standing area to residential use
APPLICANTS NAME:
PARISH COUNCIL:Belbroughton Parish
WARD:Belbroughton And Romsley Ward
CASE OFFICER:Laura Russ
TELEPHONE:01527 534122
EMAILl.russ@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk

Brilliant Blitz Ball

Two Top Performances from the Midland Concert Orchestra & Guests

Over the weekend of 9th – 10th May, the Village Hall hosted THE BLITZ BALL, with music from the Midland Concert Orchestra and their guests; on Saturday vocalist Keith Phillips & compere Peter Tomlinson, and on Sunday a trio of vocalists THE DC3s with navigation of the evening by Patrick Murphy.

Feedback from people leaving the Village Hall and on social media has been very complementary; the two evenings did not disappoint.

The Midland Concert Orchestra will be back on Sunday 13 December with a festive concert.

When the Bishop & some Lambs came to lunch

Sounds like the start of a joke, but it isn’t.

A brilliant, uplifting, Rogation Service was held on Sunday 10 May, followed by our Community Spring & Share Lunch, with so much food that people will not need to eat for the next few days.

We went outside and blessed the fields & livestock, wishing our farmers a good harvest later in the year, and back in the hall there was lots of chatter.

Joining us were two week old lambs, which made the service interesting with their bleating (keeping people laughing) and we were also joined by the Bishop of Church of England Diocese of Worcester , Bishop Hugh, who took time to speak to everyone present, and he enjoyed the warmth he received from our community.

Some people came just to see the lambs, some just for lunch and others attended both events. It was nice to see people, young and not so young, coming together to keep this annual event alive.

To remind Bishop Hugh of his visit to our community, he was give one of our Fairfield Coffee Mugs.

Get Ready for the Fairbourne Dodders 2026 Summer Show

Join the Fairbourne Dodders for an evening of laughter, drama, and brilliant local talent as they bring you THREE plays in one unforgettable night.

There are two performances, 5th & 6th June, both starting at 7.30pm.

There will be a Licensed bar also selling Light snacks

A perfect night out with friends and family

Come along, take your seat, and support your local drama group!

https://ticketlab.app/series/2649

Our News May 2026 is here!

Another bumper crop of interesting news from the Neighbourhood Watch network to share this month.

Highlights this month include:

•  The police have new powers to tackle antisocial behaviour

•  New guidance advises using passkeys rather than passwords online

•  Get a sneak peek of the Neighbourhood Watch podcast – coming soon!

•  NW updates from Blackpool and Suffolk

•  Learn how community grants are being used in Nuneaton

•  Catch up on the knife crime webinarhttps://www.ourwatchmember.org.uk/Alerts/A/438182

Bishop Hugh coming to Fairfield

The Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Revd Hugh Nelson, will be joining us on Sunday for our rogation service and community lunch at Fairfield Village Hall!  

Do please join us and give Bishop Hugh a warm welcome to our community.   The short family service is at 11.15am, hopefully, with lambs in attendance, followed by our annual Bring & Share Lunch at 12.15pm; you do not have to attend both.  

Village Hall AGM 2026 Update

6 people attended Wednesday’s Village Hall AGM, five residents (who are on the committee) and the vicar.  There were a handful of apologies. 

It does make you wonder why we bother, when people cannot attend an AGM or email in an apology; it is, as usual, a small group of people working hard to maintain an asset that members of the community can benefit from, and for people living in the community, hiring the building at a discounted rate. 

A committee for the year ahead was elected; but there are still vacancies and volunteers are urgently needed.  Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month, except August & December, starting 7pm, and are usually around 45 minutes long.  If you are interested in becoming a Village Hall trustee, email chair@fvh.org.uk

Please support your Village Hall.  If committee member numbers continue to fall, we will soon be in the position that managing the Village Hall will not be possible.

Getting Ready To Buzz

The wildflower zone on the Recreation Ground around the War Memorial Orchard is coming along nicely, amongst the wildflowers that are growing are Oxeye Daisies and Common Knapweed, all good for our pollinators.

What wildflowers can you find growing in the zone?

Community Spring Lunch

Will You Help Keep This Village Tradition Alive?

Rogation comes from the Latin “rogare” which means to ask. And so, on Rogation Sunday we ask God’s blessing for the seed, for the soil, for those who labour in the fields and for all of God’s creation . . . this includes you.

Please join us on Sunday 10 May (11.15am) as we bless the fields, animals and farmers, and ask that they have a good harvest later in the year. There will be some uplifting songs and some bleating lambs (come along and stroke them but then wash your hands afterwards).

Following the service, at noon, there will be our annual Spring Bring & Share lunch; bring a plate of something, or a bowl or a packet of crisps, and let’s enjoy each other’s company.

You don’t have to attend both, it would be nice to see you at the service or lunch, please help keep this rural tradition alive.

Identifying Coronation Orchard Trees

Which Tree Bears Which Fruit?

Thanks to match funding from our County Councillor’s Divisional Fund, we have been able to buy an information lectern that is now sited near the Millennium Garden. The lectern, which was installed by volunteers Nick & Paul, contains a plan of the Coronation & War Memorial Orchards and details the trees that have been planted.  The plan was produced with the support of Wade Muggleton at Worcestershire County Council.

A Night With The Pronounced

With hit songs from the 1950s to present day, THE PRONOUNCED provided non-stop entertainment when they took to the stage at the Village Hall on Saturday 18 April.  

Their THROUGH THE DECADES SHOW included songs from Chuck Berry, Dusty Springfield, The Beetles, Abba, Donna Summer, Elton John, Guns & Roses, Robbie Williams, Dolly Parton, Mark Ronson, Oasis and many more artists.  The show included humour, props, hats, a costume change, and many people taking to the dance floor.  

Everyone left the building saying how good the band was and asking if we will have them back; they will be returning on Saturday 22nd May 2027.

Videos from the show can be found on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/fairfieldinformation

The Pronounced before the show enjoying the view from the Village Hall car park

Coronation Orchard Update

The Coronation Orchard is starting to bloom, and looks lovely.  Like last year, the blooms will need to be picked before they turn into applets, this allows the trees to retain energy and grow stronger; this may be the last year we have to do this, next year we may be able to let the apples form.   Thanks you Carol H for the photos.

Vandalism

A resident has reported some vandalism on their land; property has been moved and it looks like someone has tried to make a small encampment, using logs and corrugated sheeting.  Debris left including vape and deodorant can.  The police have been notified.  Residents are reminder to check and review their land and property security.   If you encounter similar incidents, please report to the police, and if you feel safe to do so with us admin@fvca.org.uk https://fvca.org.uk/neighbourhood-watch/

Theft of Fuel

You are likely to be aware that due to the conflict in the middle east, the cost of fuel has risen significantly. It is probably due to this that there has been a recent spike in theft of fuel from businesses / farms that hold stocks of fuel.

In some cases 5000 litres of fuel have been stolen utilising appropriate equipment to syphon from tanks.

If you have your own fuel stocks please take additional security measures to create a deterrent or reduce the risk of thefts. Please also pass this message on to anyone you are aware of that is not on this forum that have their own stocks.

For example – utilise padlocks and alarm systems where possible to secure the locations, install notifiable cameras that alert your phone to the presence of any intruders and sensor lighting to highlight any intrusion.

Please do not approach any suspects and call 999 immediately if you suspect a theft is taking place.

Your Community Needs You!

Committee Member (4 meetings a year, scrutinising wat we are doing, putting forward ideas and helping to run events)

Litter picking (2nd Saturday in each month, 10.30am – 11.30am)

Foodie Fairfield (first Saturday in each month, 9.00am – 12noon)

  • Serving in the Café
  • Helping on the bread stall
  • Putting out tables (Friday evening 8.40pm – 9.15pm)
  • Tidying the Hall after the event

Bromsgrove Arts/Fairfield Flicks (various dates)

  • Putting out table & chairs
  • Helping front of house/serving behind the bar

Email: admin@fvca.org.uk for further details

Community Association AGM Update

On Wednesday 25 March 14 people enjoyed the Association’s Community Challenge (included One Foot in the Grave & Disney) and short AGM, celebrating Fairfield, Wildmoor & Stoneybridge.

Once again, the numbers attending this annual event was disappointing and can be very deflating for the volunteers that help make our community a brilliant place to live.  

A committee was formed for the year ahead, if you would like to be part of this steering group – meet 3 or 4 times a year – email chair@fvca.org.uk.

PLEASE keep YOUR community alive, we need YOU.

Draft minutes, for last night’s meeting, have been prepared, to read CLICK HERE

Planning Application – Inglenook, Third Road

The following planning application is available to view and comment on. Please use this
link to take you to the home page of Public Access
https://publicaccess.bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk/online-applications/ which is the tool for
viewing applications and making comment electronically.

  • Click on the link above
  • Type in the application number and click, this will take you to the summary page of Public
    Access.
  • When at the summary page
  • To view the documents you will need to click on the tab, then
    the .
  • To make a comment click on the tab,
  • Fill out your details and make your comment and press submit, this will go straight to the
    relevant planning officer and be immediately viewable in the comments tab.
  • If you have provided an email you can request a confirmation email.
APPLICATION REFERENCE :26/00120/CPL
APPLICATION TYPE:Certificate Proposed Lawful Use/Dev
DATE ACCEPTED:04.03.2026
LOCATION:Inglenook , Third Road Wildmoor Worcestershire B61 0BP
PROPOSAL:Detached garage.
APPLICANTS NAME:
PARISH COUNCIL:Belbroughton Parish
WARD:Belbroughton And Romsley Ward
CASE OFFICER:Kyle Lander
TELEPHONE:01527 881444
EMAILkyle.lander@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk

Council Tax to Rise: 2026-27

Parish Precept to increase by 6.67%, as well as other elements of your Council Tax

At January’s Parish Council meeting, Councillors approved the increase of the Parish Precept, which is used to fund the Parish Council by £10000 for the year 2026-27 to £80000.  It is understood that in the year 2025-26, the current fiscal year, the amount was £75000. 

According to the Parish Council minutes:

“Approve the precept for 2026/2027 – After a robust discussion about the finances and the changes that will be occurring in councils, it was approved for the council to increase the precept to £80,000. This will mean an increase of £3.48 per year on Band D property.”

https://belbroughtonandfairfield-pc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BFPC-MINUTES-FROM-MONDAY-5th-JANUARY-2026-1.pdf

Currently Band D properties pay, as part of their Council Tax, a Parish Precept of £60.22 per year, an increase of £3.48 per year is equivalent to an annual rise of 5.79%.

According to the 2024/25 published Annual Accounts, the Parish Council has, excluding land assets, balances and reserves totalling £380,064. In addition to the precept, the Council received additional income of £29,918. The Council generates an income from land/property rental charges. https://belbroughtonandfairfield-pc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Completed-and-signed-AGAR-2024-2025-1.pdf

According to a BBC News report, published today (27 February), the County Council element of the Council tax is set to rise by almost 9%, adding about £145 a year to Band D bills. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y68r40yzgo

Currently a Band D property pays a County Council element of £1,615.71 per annum.

The District Council element of the Council Tax that residential properties will have to pay will increase by 2.99%.  District Councillors agreed the increase at their meeting on Wednesday 25th February.

According to the District Council:

“The rise will mean the council’s part of the average Band D Council Tax will cost £265.18”.  https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/news/posts/resilient-budget-agreed-for-bromsgrove

Currently, the District Council element of the Council Tax charged to Band D properties is £257.48.

The precept set by the Police and Crime Commissioner will rise by 5.15% (£15.00 increase) for a Band D Property for the 2026/27 financial year. The precept proposed is £306.50. https://www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk/transparency/statutory-information/decision-making/decisions-2026/decision-notice—setting-the-precept-2026-2027

We currently do not know what the Council Tax element for Hereford & Worcester Fire & Rescue Authority will be.  For the year 2025/26 is was £ 102.22.

Bromsgrove District Council collects the whole bill on behalf of Worcestershire County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner, Fire and Rescue Service and parish councils.

Due to a delay in the County Council’s setting of its precept, an extraordinary meeting of the District Council will be held on March 6. This is to incorporate the County Council’s agreed increases to complete the final council tax setting position and enable council tax billing to be generated.

Then the whole bill can be collated and send out to residents.

Nominated Neighbour Scheme

The Nominated Neighbour Scheme is a community initiative designed to protect vulnerable individuals from unwanted and unverified callers. It involves a trusted neighbour, friend, or relative who can check the identity of callers and accompany them to the homeowner’s address if necessary. This scheme aims to enhance safety and reduce the risk of scams and burglaries by ensuring that genuine callers do not have to speak to the homeowner directly.

To participate in the scheme, individuals can nominate a trusted neighbour or offer to be their Nominated Neighbour. The nominated neighbour will then be able to handle any unrecognised callers on behalf of the homeowner, ensuring their safety and security. The scheme is particularly beneficial for elderly or vulnerable members of the community, providing them with peace of mind and protection from potential threats.

For further information: https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/residents/keeping-safe/nominated-neighbour-scheme/

8 Hills Regional Park Update

Following consultation with neighbouring local authorities, there is now a new proposed boundary for 8 Hills. This revised area includes parts of Dudley, Birmingham and Solihull, covering approximately 58 square miles.

The project to establish the 8 Hills Regional Park is being led by the National Trust, with the support of various stakeholders, including Fairfield Village Community Association, representing Fairfield, Wildmoor & Stoneybridge.

As part of the project a pipeline of footpaths are being created and we would like to hear your suggestions, email chair@fvca.org.uk. It is hoped, working with local landowners, permissive footpaths can be created, with the landowner receiving a Payment for Access, funded by Cotswold Outdoors; landowners being fairly compensated based on the number of people using the path, ensuring that both the community and the landowner benefit from improved access to nature. Cotswold Outdoor has produced a short film for their social media channels, highlighting their role in the Payments for Access paths and how their sponsorship is being used: CLICK HERE

As an active partner in ReNEW, the Cultural Compact for North East Worcestershire, we look forward to collaborative working with 8 Hills community and local creatives to develop a cultural identity for the 8 Hills Regional Park which celebrates local people’s connectedness to the landscape. This will inform the production of a public art gateway that will act as the first physical marker for access to the regional park. Once further information is known we look forward to people in our community being part of this initiative.

Planning Application – Bluebell Barn, Dordale Road

The following planning application is available to view and comment on. Please use this
link to take you to the home page of Public Access
https://publicaccess.bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk/online-applications/ which is the tool for
viewing applications and making comment electronically.

  • Click on the link above
  • Type in the application number and click, this will take you to the summary page of Public
    Access.
  • When at the summary page
  • To view the documents you will need to click on the tab, then
    the .
  • To make a comment click on the tab,
  • Fill out your details and make your comment and press submit, this will go straight to the
    relevant planning officer and be immediately viewable in the comments tab.
  • If you have provided an email you can request a confirmation email.
APPLICATION REFERENCE :26/00106/FUL
APPLICATION TYPE:Full Application
DATE ACCEPTED:05.02.2026
LOCATION:Bluebell Barn , Dordale Road Bournheath Worcestershire DY9 0AJ
PROPOSAL:Change of use from agricultural barn to residential annexe
APPLICANTS NAME:
PARISH COUNCIL:Belbroughton Parish
WARD:Belbroughton And Romsley Ward
CASE OFFICER:Laura Russ
TELEPHONE:01527 534122
EMAILl.russ@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk

Nearly a Premier for Fairfield

From Everlock Productions, the feature length documentary ‘Our Planet, The People, My Blood’ will be having one of it’s first public UK screenings at Bromsgrove Arts @ Fairfield Village Hall on the 8th and 15th March 2026. The screening on the 8th will be joined by a select few participants from the documentary who will be available for a Q&A session after the screening.

After 3 years of filming, Director, Daniel Everitt-Lock is proud to present this global expos? of the effects of nuclear weapons testing.

Logline: “Alan Owen, a descendant of an Atomic Soldier, has fought tirelessly for the rights of those affected by Nuclear Weapons Testing around the world. Through global first hand accounts, we follow Alan on his journey, as he takes on the UK’s Ministry of Defence, in a landmark legal battle that seeks recognition and compensation for millions.”

The film was recently sponsored by Sir John Hayes, CBE MP, and Rebecca Long Bailey MP, for a special parliamentary screening on the 13th January, that saw the UK’s Atomic Test Veterans, who are the main subject of the documentary, gain cross party recognition and support from multiple MP’s.

Sir John Hayes said: “This outstanding film chronicles a decades-long campaign for the recognition of those who witnessed the first nuclear tests. Recognition must go beyond a medal, it must include acceptance of the effects of radiation on them and their descendants. The work addressed in this film will, in the end, deliver what these people deserve: justice.”

The film took Daniel and his team 3 years to complete, travelling over 100,000 miles across the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. They interviewed over 50 people with first hand accounts of the effects of nuclear weapons testing. Though most testing ceased in 1996, Trump and other have condoned a restart to testing.

Daniel is quoted as saying: “The injustice that these people have suffered by multiple governments for decades, cannot be left unnoticed any longer. It is my hope that this film brings to light the plight of these people, and the strength they have had to endure such suffering for so long. In the UK particularly, the nuclear test veterans have been denied justice and compensation for almost 70 years. Something needs to be done!”

The film will be beginning its theatrical run in March 2026.

For tickets:  https://bromsgrovearts.org.uk/event/our-planet-the-people-my-blood/

The production company will donate 50% of the ticket sales to LABRATS International, an organisation that represents nuclear veterans, atomic veterans, scientists, civilians, and their families across the world who have been affected by the Atomic / Nuclear Testing program.

Skills for Life – First Aid

If we organised another BASIC EMERGENCY FIRST AID course, on a Wednesday evening, 6pm – 10pm, with a course cost, to be confirmed, likely £55.00 to £65.00, would this be of interest to you? 

If yes, which of these dates would best 15th July, 22nd July, 26th August? 

Please email admin@fvca.org.uk to register your interest and your preferred date(s).

Yuck!

Accidents do happen…but…to leave the soiled hand towel and paper towels next to the Wood Lane bench, not far from a dog waste bin (which is in sight), words fail us or cannot be repeated. Our volunteers should not be clearing this mess.

New Dog Waste Bin

A new dog waste bin has been sited in the Swan Inn car park, thanks to the Swan Inn and the Community Association.

Report Fraud launches

Tell the police about cyber crime and fraud by visiting www.reportfraud.police.uk or calling 0300 123 2040.

The City of London Police, the national lead force for fraud, today announces the full public launch of Report Fraud – a new national service designed to transform how victims and businesses across England, Wales and Northern Ireland report cyber crime and fraud, and how law enforcement and industry respond.

Cyber crime and fraud are now the most common crime in the UK, accounting for around 50 per cent of all offences and costing the economy billions of pounds each year. Cyber-enabled crime and fraud continues to grow in both scale and sophistication, targeting individuals, small businesses and major organisations alike. Report Fraud has been created to meet this challenge head-on, providing a single, modern national gateway for reporting and intelligence that will strengthen the collective response of policing, government and the private sector.

Report Fraud is the most significant evolution of our national capability. It provides, for the first time, a single, modern national reporting, triage and intelligence platform for both cyber crime and fraud, enabling the City of London Police to lead policing’s 4Ps response – pursue, protect, prevent and prepare – at a national level. Through the new service, intelligence will be assessed and disseminated across forces, serious and complex cases will be identified for specialist investigation, and victims will be directed into a consistent national standard of care and support.

The service also reflects the City of London Police’s position at the heart of the UK’s financial centre, with unparalleled access to industry, regulators and international partners. This proximity enables real-time collaboration, faster disruption of criminal networks, and a stronger collective defence of the UK’s economic security, supported by specialist capabilities and training delivered through the force’s Economic and Cyber Crime Academy.

More than just technology, Report Fraud is the result of one of the largest transformation programmes ever undertaken by the City of London Police. Built from the ground up around the victim journey, it brings together the reporting of both cyber crime and fraud in one place for the first time, making it quicker, clearer and more supportive for people and businesses to come forward – and ensuring that every report counts, helping to protect others.

The City of London Corporation has provided significant financial support to the development and launch of Report Fraud, including a £13.2 million contribution. In addition, the organisation will contribute £2.5 million per year towards the ongoing running costs of the service, underlining its long-term commitment to tackling fraud, supporting victims, and strengthening the UK’s economic security.

Wildmoor Wombles Tackle Grot

On Saturday, a couple of Wildmoor Wombles went out with the Community Association’s litter picking sticks and filled 8 bags of rubbish; litter picked up from roads in the Wildmoor area. Huge thanks to these fantastic volunteers.

Dog Mess Risk to Livestock

In recent months there has been a increase in dog faeces being left in fields that are used by livestock, with a very noticeable rise in the fields leading to the Fairfield Forest, especially in the field from Pepperwood Close.

Dog faeces can pose significant risks to livestock, particularly when they are contaminated with infectious sporocysts. These sporocysts can cause serious health issues in cattle, sheep, and other livestock, leading to conditions such as fever, anorexia, and even death. The spread of neosporosis, a disease caused by these sporocysts, can result in abortions and other health problems for affected animals. To prevent these risks, it is crucial to ensure that dogs are kept under control and that their faeces are properly managed.

To prevent illness and abortions, please pick up and bag dog mess, and carry with you until you reach a waste bin.

Planning Application – 122 Stourbridge Road

The following planning application is available to view and comment on. Please use this
link to take you to the home page of Public Access
https://publicaccess.bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk/online-applications/ which is the tool for
viewing applications and making comment electronically.

  • Click on the link above
  • Type in the application number and click, this will take you to the summary page of Public
    Access.
  • When at the summary page
  • To view the documents you will need to click on the tab, then
    the .
  • To make a comment click on the tab,
  • Fill out your details and make your comment and press submit, this will go straight to the
    relevant planning officer and be immediately viewable in the comments tab.
  • If you have provided an email you can request a confirmation email.
APPLICATION REFERENCE :25/01444/FUL
APPLICATION TYPE:Full Application
DATE ACCEPTED:06.01.2026
LOCATION:122 Stourbridge Road, Fairfield Worcestershire B61 9LZ 
PROPOSAL:Proposed 4 bed detached house
APPLICANTS NAME:
PARISH COUNCIL:Belbroughton Parish
WARD:Belbroughton And Romsley Ward
CASE OFFICER:Laura Russ
TELEPHONE:01527 534122
EMAILl.russ@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk

Planning Application – Spring Cottage, Third Road

The following planning application is available to view and comment on. Please use this
link to take you to the home page of Public Access
https://publicaccess.bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk/online-applications/ which is the tool for
viewing applications and making comment electronically.

  • Click on the link above
  • Type in the application number and click, this will take you to the summary page of Public
    Access.
  • When at the summary page
  • To view the documents you will need to click on the tab, then
    the .
  • To make a comment click on the tab,
  • Fill out your details and make your comment and press submit, this will go straight to the
    relevant planning officer and be immediately viewable in the comments tab.
  • If you have provided an email you can request a confirmation email.
APPLICATION REFERENCE :25/01492/CPL
APPLICATION TYPE:Certificate Proposed Lawful Use/Dev
DATE ACCEPTED:17.12.2025
LOCATION:Spring Cottage , Third Road Wildmoor Worcestershire B61 0BT
PROPOSAL:PROPOSED SINGLE STOREY PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT OUTBUILDING TO PROVIDE GYM WITH ABOVE GROUND ENDLESS EXERCISE POOL, SHOWER AND TOILET, HOBBY BENCH AND SMALL HOME RECORDS STORE WITH WORK DESK.
APPLICANTS NAME:
PARISH COUNCIL:Belbroughton Parish
WARD:Belbroughton And Romsley Ward
CASE OFFICER:Paul Murphy
TELEPHONE:01527 881201
EMAILp.murphy@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk

Thank You for 2025

Huge thanks to all our fantastic supporters over the past 12 months.

2025 has been another good year for the Community Association, with monthly Foodie Fairfield, over 80 BARTS events, Wednesday socials, including table tennis, village picnic, heritage event, litter picks, maintaining the Yew Tree Lane planter, maintaining the area around the Wood Lane bench, producing & distributing a quarterly newsletter, a full Festive Fairfield programme, planting the Coronation Orchard and spring bulbs, plus part funding the information lectern, which will be installed next year, purchasing shelving for the shop, procuring a library trolley (Book Swap goes live in January), and much more. Unfortunately, during the summer the Dining Group ended, with there being no coordinator, perhaps, one day, this initiative will be resurrected.

People not from Fairfield, Wildmoor & Stoneybridge often comment how active and vibrant our community is. For a small community – just over 400 dwellings – we do punch above our weight.

All this doesn’t just happen; it can only happen with a team of amazing volunteers, and to each and every volunteer, thank you.

We would like to wish you and those that you love all the very best this Christmastide; may the spirit if Christmas bring you great joy and may 2026 be kind to you all.

Planning Application – Fairfield Police Station, 198 Stourbridge Road

The following planning application is available to view and comment on. Please use this
link to take you to the home page of Public Access
https://publicaccess.bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk/online-applications/ which is the tool for
viewing applications and making comment electronically.

  • Click on the link above
  • Type in the application number and click, this will take you to the summary page of Public
    Access.
  • When at the summary page
  • To view the documents you will need to click on the tab, then
    the .
  • To make a comment click on the tab,
  • Fill out your details and make your comment and press submit, this will go straight to the
    relevant planning officer and be immediately viewable in the comments tab.
  • If you have provided an email you can request a confirmation email.
APPLICATION REFERENCE :25/01442/FUL
APPLICATION TYPE:Full Application
DATE ACCEPTED:16.12.2025
LOCATION:Fairfield Police Station , 198 Stourbridge Road Fairfield Worcestershire B61 9NQ
PROPOSAL:Use of Outbuilding as Independent Dwelling
APPLICANTS NAME:
PARISH COUNCIL:Belbroughton Parish
WARD:Belbroughton And Romsley Ward
CASE OFFICER:Jonathan Pavey-Smith
TELEPHONE:01527 881689 EXT 1689
EMAILjonathan.pavey-smith@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk

Carol Service rings in the Christmas Season

With traditional Christmas carols, Festive songs and entertaining bell ringing, a wonderful Christmas Carol Service was held on Sunday 14 December, followed by an enjoyable social afterwards. Thanks to residents, friends of our Community and the Clent Bell Ringers for coming.

E-scooters: Do you know the law?

Although electric scooters are available to buy, they are currently illegal to use on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes and pedestrian-only areas unless part of a legal e-scooter loan scheme. As there are no legal schemes in place in Herefordshire or Worcestershire, e-scooters can only be ridden on private land with the permission of the land-owner.

West Mercia Police are actively trying to reduce the anti-social behaviour caused in the community by the illegal use of e-scooters, as well as raising awareness of the law. Anyone found using them in public areas risks having the e-scooter seized by the police. Get smart on e-scooters and watch this video to find out more: https://orlo.uk/Df0Ni

Please Refrain from Setting Off Fireworks

In recent years, there have been an increase in the use of fireworks as part of Christmas and New Year celebrations.

As a rural area with livestock, horses and pets, can we ask that you refrain from setting off fireworks, as the loud bangs and flashes can be very frightening, and can cause injury, and in some cases death, which happened a few years ago.

Support at Christmas

For many the festive season is a period of good cheer, however, it is not as joyous for some people, and that it can be a difficult time of year. If you need a chat, try calling one of the following who are available to listen:

  • Victim Advice Line – 0800 952 3000
  • West Mercia Women’s Aid Helpline (available to help all victims) – 0800 980 3331
  • Men’s Advice Line – 0808 801 0327
  • The Mix (for under 25s) – 0808 808 4994
  • National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428
  • Samaritans – 116 123

Festive Fairfield Rocked

With band members only 15 years of age, Dead Spirit Music led last ROCK AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE on Wednesday 17 December, with vocal support from the audience.

Huge thanks to everyone who came to our Festive Fairfield event. We hope you enjoyed the evening.

Christmas concert, what a brilliant evening!

With tunes from the Great American Songbook, a sprinkling of festive songs and, at the end of the show, an unexpected audience participation, singing and dancing’s to New York, New York (written by John Kander and Fred Ebb and popularized by Frank Sinatra), the Midland Concert Orchestra’s A Hint of Christmas, held on Sunday 30 November, did not disappoint.

Huge thanks to the very talented Midland Concert Orchestra and to our wonderful audience.

December’s Our News – 2025

Christmas is just around the corner, and there’s a bumper crop of interesting stories this month.  From keeping your home safe over the festive period, to celebrating wonderful Neighbourhood Watch volunteers, and a free webinar on Domestic Abuse.

To read this month’s issue, CLICK HERE