Bromsgrove District Council's crackdown on rent defaulters was paying off. Over the last year the council had warned tenants about the prospect of having their goods impounded by the bailiffs and the result was a £3,000 drop in arrears.

Five hopefuls were battling it out for the title of 'Miss Hospital', which was to be held at the Engine House, Tardebigge. Contestants included Nancy Doyle who was then the nursing officer at Hill Top Hospital.

There had been many complaints about the disorderly behaviour of gangs of youths in the Catshill area, including late night disturbances and the underage consumption intoxicating liquor.

A stormy meeting of Stoke Heath residents took place about the southern extension to the Bromsgrove eastern by-pass. The meeting was called by residents concerned at the increase in traffic, which would result from repairs to M5 and the building of the by-pass. While it was being built, it was planned that the traffic would be diverted along Redditch Road, which would amount to a 45 per cent increase in traffic. Town MP Hal Miller said he would make representation to the Minister in charge, but could not promise it would bring about any change in plan.