STIFF competition from the new Fine Fare in Bromsgrove and Tesco in Redditch proved too much for Pricerite Supermarket in Bromsgrove, which was to close after trading for less than a year. It had been rebranded from an International store of which Pricerite was part. Freezer store Bejam was to take over the premise.

TV and film star Ian Carmichael in his recently published book recalled his days as a pupil at Bromsgrove School and his joy at playing cricket there. Another Old Bromsgroveian, fellow actor Trevor Eve in his book also spoke of his enjoyment playing the game, but added if you were poor at sport, life at the school 'could be hell.'

A PROPOSAL to merge health services in Bromsgrove, Redditch and Kidderminster was criticised by health watchdog Bromsgrove Community Health Council. It was claimed Kidderminster spent as much on health as Bromsgrove and Redditch combined and it was feared it would seize the largest slice of the cake.

A BROMSGROVE farmer's three-year battle to convert his 105-acres into an 18-hole golf course was set to take yet another turn. Town planners were set to meet next week to discuss Ted Morris' £250,000 plan to convert his Slideslow farm into a golf course. While many district councillors were in favour of the scheme, Mr Morris' plans had been bunkered several times in the past by the Ministry of Agriculture.