IT was feared a temporary secure unit a Barnsley Hall Hospital could turn out to be permanent. After learning from the regional health authority, Community Health Council secretary Brian Thomas, stressed the unit at Barnsley Hall was only meant to be temporary until a new 100 bed regional centre was opened at Rubery Hill.

A LEGAL technicality cost two Bromsgrove school pupils £20 each in fines when Bromsgrove Magistrates found them guilty of driving without insurance. Charles Richards and Christopher Warfield pleaded not guilty after being spotted by police riding a moped with L-plates along the A38 Worcester Road. Both had their own insurance but it did not cover for two passengers. Magistrates' chairman John Bryant endorsed both boys' licences, fining them £20 each. "It maybe a technical point but it is still a serious offence," he said.

A BROMSGROVE man jumped from a moving train when he missed his stop, hit his head against the tracks and later died of his injuries, a Birmingham inquest heard. Jonathon Denton, 23, of Kidderminster Road, died seven days after the accident. His father said his son was not familiar with the station at Bromsgrove as he had just returned home after a few years abroad. The jury ruled he died of misadventure.

A SUCCESSFUL Christmas fair at Rubery United Church, in Whetty Lane, raised more than £900 for the church. The event included stalls, games and a grocery sale.