FINANCES had so improved at Bromsgrove Parish Church that the vicar had to 'blink and look twice' at them. The Rev FG Shepherd said he was grateful for the help and kindness - in the form of gifts and co-operation.

A CONTROVERSIAL move to raise the price of school meals from 7d (3p) to 9d (4p) was opposed by Messrs Grant, Harrison, Howarth, Hudson and Goode. They called it 'a Tory move to put up the cost of living'.

A LORRY driver who left his engine running while he went to have a cup of tea in a Bromsgrove caf was fined £2. The driver said he had had trouble with the ignition and feared if he stopped the engine, he might not be able to start it again.

BELBROUGHTON Parish Council voted unanimously in favour of an offer made by Mr BH Bate of a field to be turned into a park. The council agreed the park should be simple in style rather than a city type of park.

AN invitation to the public to submit suggestions for a new common seal of Bromsgrove District Council had brought in ten designs from four people. The council decided to accept the design created by Mr L Meakin Jones, son of Councillor RE Jones.

COFTON Parish Council heard they were to lose the services of clerk Mr T Harris, of Barnt Green, who had been with them for 35 years. Mr Harris told the council that his doctor had told him to give up some of his council activities.

THERE was a suggestion to members of the local Bromsgrove Coronation Committee that they should reconsider their decision to have fireworks display as part of the town celebrations. Mr Wyers, of Rubery, stated: "Fireworks are throwing money in the air for nothing."

THE East Worcestershire Waterworks Company issued a reminder to all those who lived on lower ground: "When there is a full flow from your taps the people in houses on rising ground may be getting barely a trickle. Have a thought for those other busy housewives!"