A proposal by Bromsgrove Urban District Council to acquire a piece of land at Marlbrook for housing development which private enterprise was willing to carry out was described "an abuse of the power entrusted by Parliament to local authorities". The site concerned was just under two-and-a-half acres of backland between Birmingham and Old Birmingham Roads near Hazelton Road, It belonged to Mr R A Gillman, of Golden Cross Lane, Catshill. He wanted to sell the land to his cousins, partners in a Birmingham building business, who had proposed to erect 18 semi-detached homes. But the council wanted to buy the site for sale in plots to people to build their own homes similar to the recent development in Hazelton Road frontages.

The arrangements for the counting of votes at Bromsgrove resulted in an announcement of the General Election result at a few minutes before 1am on Friday was praised. The result was out four hours after the close of polls, which was a big improvement on the two previous elections when the count took seven-and-a-half hours in 1951 and ten hours in 1950. Larger staff numbers and new methods were employed. On winning, James Dance said the decision of the electorate was a reflection of satisfaction aroused by what the Conservative government had done in office. Out the total electorate of 60,898 in Bromsgrove division 49,808 votes meaning a 81.8 per cent turnout.

IN Hanbury, beautiful decorations were again carried out in the traditional manner in the three places of worship in the parish for Whitsuntide. Seven services were held by the rector.

Belbroughton Cricket Club officially opened its new ground in Blakedown Road. The Messenger said the pleasant ground was set amid truly delightful surroundings. More than 250 people congregated at the ground and almost 100 cars parked nearby. After 30 years of sharing the facilities of the recreation ground the club, established in 1871, secured a home of its own. The handsome new pavilion was put up entirely by members under the guidance of skipper W Hemming.