PREPARATIONS for the opening of the new infants' department at Charford School was being hampered by the refusal of parents to reply to letters asking them if they wished to send their children there. The authorities said it was impossible to plan ahead and engage staff and order desks and seats without having the information to hand.

FIRE chiefs in Worcestershire planned to protest to the Home Secretary about the new style of uniforms they were being asked to wear. They claimed their patrol dress, comprising 'petty officer' type jackets, shirts, ties and collars, were a waste of money. It had only been five years since the last change.

A SCHEME to extend mains water to parts of Hanbury which were still reliant on wells, pumps and springs was to cost more than originally planned. The East Worcestershire Waterworks Company said it would now cost £9,357 against an earlier estimate of £7,727.

BROMSGROVE Rovers bosses were wondering why so few spectators turned up to watch the local derby with Stourbridge at the Victoria Ground last week. Only around 1,000 paid at the turnstiles, due, it was thought, to the cold weather. But with the Green's expenses running at £70 per week larger crowds than this were needed if the club was to remain solvent.