Stories for 15 February 2008

Ask The Vet

Obse pets - a growing problem

The problem of overweight children and parents seems to be constantly in the news these days, but what about our pets? A recent survey showed that over 50 per cent* of dogs and cats in the UK are overweight with a large proportion of these considered at risk of premature death.  more...

Obese pets - a growing problem

The problem of overweight children and parents seems to be constantly in the news these days, but what about our pets? A recent survey showed that over 50 per cent* of dogs and cats in the UK are overweight with a large proportion of these considered at risk of premature death.  more...

Business

Buyerscautious ashouseprices continue to fall

HOUSE prices in Worcestershire are continuing to fall and even the traditional spring property surge could be tempered by caution this year.  more...

Buyers cautious as house prices continue to fall

HOUSE prices in Worcestershire are continuing to fall and even the traditional spring property surge could be tempered by caution this year.  more...

Italian event is a success

DELICIOUS dishes just like mamma used to make were cooked up at a special Italian themed cookery event organised by two Worcester businesses.  more...

Caution over eco-friendly housing

THE NHBC Foundation, the joint research venture between NHBC and BRE, has launched its analysis of carbon saving technologies for the UK housing industry, with a caution that more work needs to be done to avoid the potentially significant risks associated with their implementation.  more...

Bin bins for a day

NEXT Thursday sees Envirowise's annual One Bin Day take place across the UK - and companies in the West Midlands are again being asked to get on board.  more...

Automotive talent in awards running

THE best automotive talent in Wyre Forest could be in the running for high profile awards, with the promise of promoting the region as a world leader in car parts supply.  more...

General

Parents fear kids' web safety

FEARS about online safety are keeping mums and dads across the West Midlands up at night and could be keeping whole families offline.  more...

Parents fear kids' web safety

FEARS about online safety are keeping mums and dads across the West Midlands up at night and could be keeping whole families offline.  more...

Kidder News Latest

Alarm alerts firefighters

FIREFIGHTERS responded to a false alarm at sheltered accommodation, yesterday.  more...

More pedestrians and cyclists hurt or killed

WEST Mercia Constabulary's seven deadly sins road safety campaign has been updated because of an increase in the number of pedestrians and cyclists hurt or killed over the last year.  more...

Council wants more swap shops

WORCESTERSHIRE County Council is encouraging Wyre Forest residents to exchange more unwanted items and to set up their own swap shops.  more...

Kidderminster town centre shutdown

TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of theft after part of Kidderminster town centre was closed in a major police operation, yesterday.  more...

Leg broken in pub fight

A MAN tripped during an angry confrontation in a Kidderminster pub and broke his leg, Worcester Crown Court was told.  more...

Graffiti attack was 'revenge'

A 35-year-old man broke into an unoccupied house in Kidderminster and scrawled graffiti on the walls, Worcester Crown Court was told.  more...

Stolen equipment was sold

A £12,227 sewage pump stolen by a Kidderminster man from a trading estate near Droitwich was later sold to a Brierley Hill scrap merchant for £90, Worcester Crown Court was told.  more...

Copper piping thief jailed

A BURGLAR spotted stripping copper piping from a block of vacant flats in Kidderminster has been sent to detention for 15 months.  more...

Town shutdown man released

A MAN arrested on suspicion of theft following a major police operation in Kidderminster has been released without charge.  more...

Town shutdown man released

A MAN arrested on suspicion of theft following a major police operation in Kidderminster has been released without charge.  more...

Puzzlement over pay-and-display

THIS was the scene at a pay-and-display car park which left several Wyre Forest drivers scratching their heads, today.  more...

Jabs amnesty for pets

THE Vale Veterinary Group, with branches in both Kidderminster and Stourport, will be running a vaccination amnesty scheme during March.  more...

Jabs amnesty for pets

THE Vale Veterinary Group, with branches in both Kidderminster and Stourport, will be running a vaccination amnesty scheme during March.  more...

Latest

Worcester News weather watch

Keep up to date with the latest weather forecast and travel news with your Worcester News.  more...

Latest travel news

Check out the latest travel news before you leave for work.  more...

Latest travel news

Check out the latest travel news before you head home.  more...

Closure will rock my poor brother

THE brother of a disabled man who attends a Worcester day care centre has condemned a decision to close it.  more...

Jailbreak event is revived again

PEOPLE wanting a unique challenge can sign up for a special kind of escape this weekend.  more...

Father and daughter team raise cash

A FATHER and daughter team has raised over £1,000 to go towards a new £1 million breast cancer treatment unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.  more...

Mum in plea for help to stop suicide

A MOTHER who has made several suicide attempts because of mental health problems is desperate for help but says she can’t get the specialist care she needs locally on the NHS.  more...

Green greenhouse houses for school

FORMER Victorian greenhouses at a Worcestershire school are being converted into eco-friendly homes.  more...

First gay festival to fight prejudice

HEREFORDSHIRE is to host its first gay festival this month.  more...

First gay festival to fight prejudice

HEREFORDSHIRE is to host its first gay festival this month.  more...

Katy's hoping to be the one and only in TV show

A DUSTY Springfield sound-a-like with Worcestershire connections has reached the final of a BBC reality show.  more...

Back to basics to boost rail service

MANAGERS at train operator First Great Western (FGW) are going back to basics to try and improve the performance of their notoriously unreliable services on the Cotswold Line.  more...

Back to basics to boost rail service

MANAGERS at train operator First Great Western (FGW) are going back to basics to try and improve the performance of their notoriously unreliable services on the Cotswold Line.  more...

Signing the wall to keep children safe on internet

SPORTS personalities from Worcester's rugby, cricket and basketball clubs were among dozens of people to sign a special graffiti wall in the city.  more...

Family flee burning farmhouse

THE fifth generation of a family to live in a Worcestershire farmhouse watched as it burnt down, leaving them homeless.  more...

COMMENT: Civic leaders should swap roles for a day

OUR story on Saturday about the closure of Perryfields Day Centre and Pershore Care Centre will have saddened many people - us included.  more...

Bike auctioned on eBay in Chris’s memory

AN online auction which closes this weekend is hoping to raise thousands of pounds in memory of a talented Worcestershire motorcyclist killed during a race.  more...

Council does U-turn on parking permits

PEOPLE power has won the day after Malvern Hills District Council backed down from plans to stop drivers using parking permits in short-stay car parks.  more...

Drop in your scam mail at the local library

MEMBERS of the public are being asked to drop off any scam mail at their local library.  more...

Flying doctor joins charity sale for flood heroes

FLOOD heroes who helped people hit by torrential rain will receive more than £1,500 thanks to a charity sale in their honour.  more...

Youngsters cook up treats for charity

Olivia Seabourne, aged five, and Leo Stanley, aged six, take a big bite into a cookie they have been baking and selling to raise money for Little Hearts Matter at Cradley CE Primary School, near Malvern.  more...

Jools' concert guests announced

THE special guests set to perform alongside Jools Holland at Eastnor Castle this summer have been announced.  more...

Youngsters cook up treats for charity

Olivia Seabourne, aged five, and Leo Stanley, aged six, take a big bite into a cookie they have been baking and selling to raise money for Little Hearts Matter at Cradley CE Primary School, near Malvern.  more...

Youngsters cook up treats for charity

Olivia Seabourne, aged five, and Leo Stanley, aged six, take a big bite into a cookie they have been baking and selling to raise money for Little Hearts Matter at Cradley CE Primary School, near Malvern.  more...

Kidderminster town centre closed due to fuel leak

KIDDERMINSTER town centre was closed for three hours yesterday while police carried out a major operation.  more...

Car crime down - despite latest incident

A THIEF who stole over £1,000 worth of goods from one car "would not have been able to believe his luck", police have said.  more...

Car crime down - despite latest incident

A THIEF who stole over £1,000 worth of goods from one car "would not have been able to believe his luck", police have said.  more...

Car crime down - despite latest incident

A THIEF who stole over £1,000 worth of goods from one car "would not have been able to believe his luck", police have said.  more...

Car crime down - despite latest incident

A THIEF who stole over £1,000 worth of goods from one car "would not have been able to believe his luck", police have said.  more...

Car crime down - despite latest incident

A THIEF who stole over £1,000 worth of goods from one car "would not have been able to believe his luck", police have said.  more...

Car crime down - despite latest incident

A THIEF who stole over £1,000 worth of goods from one car "would not have been able to believe his luck", police have said.  more...

Car crime down - despite latest incident

A THIEF who stole over £1,000 worth of goods from one car "would not have been able to believe his luck", police have said.  more...

Drink driver "had drink spiked" - court

A DROITWICH man has been disqualified from driving for two-and-a-half-years after he crashed into a parked vehicle while more than three times the legal drink-drive limit.  more...

Politicians join forces for cancer care

CANCER patients in Worcestershire could avoid long journeys for life-saving treatment if local Conservative politicians get their way.  more...

Worcester News weather watch

Keep up to date with the latest weather forecast and travel news with your Worcester News.  more...

Join us on Facebook

DID you know that your Worcester News now has its own Facebook page?  more...

Restaurant reviews from your Worcester News

HOPING to go out for a meal this weekend? Check out our review section here.  more...

Restaurant reviews from your Worcester News

HOPING to go out for a meal this weekend? Check out our review section here.  more...

Major plan to change the face of High St is given nod

A MAJOR scheme to demolish buildings in Pershore High Street and rebuild six shops and 37 apartments on the land has been agreed by Wychavon District Councillors.  more...

Creepy time for kids

CREEPY crawlies from all over the world descended on the Vale yesterday as part of a children's show at the Public Hall in Evesham.  more...

Good school reports

TWO Evesham pre-schools have received favourable inspection reports from government inspectors.  more...

Prize for poet

A VALE of Evesham poet has won a prize in a national competition and is looking forward to seeing his work in print.  more...

Neighbour averts distraction burglary

A QUICK thinking neighbour from Honeybourne prevented a potential distraction burglary after a man tried to trick his way into a woman's home.  more...

Letters

Come to my slimming group – run by a man

SIR - I felt I must write to you regarding the article Give us men-only slimming classes' on February 6.  more...

Don’t think Labour will keep promises

SIR - Many readers may not be informed that UKIP took Gorden Brown to court on Thursday, February 7.  more...

We’re at the mercy of yobs in this city

SIR - It appears that we are at the mercy of the "yobs" in the city. Worst drinking record in the Midlands - a culture that threatens and demands.  more...

Consultation was with too few people

SIR - I was mildly amused to read of the city council's £8,000 public consultation of 222 people (February 6).  more...

Please log on and help our heroes

SIR - Might I draw Worcester News readers' attention to the Help For Heroes website www.helpforheroes.org.uk.  more...

Mr Straw saw the best of Worcester

SIR - On a trip along Worcester High Street recently I noticed there were none of the usual beggars and about half a dozen police where normally there would be none. This was pleasing and reassuring to see but proved to be short lived!  more...

The Prince should have worn uniform

SIR - I was very pleased to read that our gallant local lads were formally presented with their well- earned medals. It is a moment they can remember with pride. But, it was unfortunate the Prince wore civilian attire.  more...

Third World roads better than ours

I WAS driving my Honda Prelude from Kidderminster to Stourport when upon approaching the Severn Valley Railway bridge in Kidderminster, I was greeted with an enormous thud from the right side of my vehicle.  more...

Perils of recycling

CAN anyone please tell me, am I the only one who finds empty recycling boxes a danger?  more...

Yes to town Tesco

HOW many Stourport people have to go out of town to shop to get everythign they need?  more...

Park and ride rethink

BOTH of us have used the park and ride in Kidderminster twice a week since the service started.  more...

Flagpole plea

IN the Malvern Gazette dated February 1 there was a small write up on the re-installation of the flag pole on the village green at Welland.  more...

Flagpole plea

IN the Malvern Gazette dated February 1 there was a small write up on the re-installation of the flag pole on the village green at Welland.  more...

Flagpole plea

IN the Malvern Gazette dated February 1 there was a small write up on the re-installation of the flag pole on the village green at Welland.  more...

Train troubles

THE problems with our Cotswold Line London train service will not vanish as long as First Great Western is responsible for it.  more...

Ballet treat

I AM writing to say how much my five year old daughter and myself enjoyed the matinee of balletLORENT's Angelmoth at the Forum theatre on February 12.  more...

Music

Award-winner’s city date

AWARD-winning folk musicians are flocking to Worcester.  more...

David returns to make a lasting impact

THE last time David Celia performed in Worcester the crowd was small. Fortunately for those who were there, the Canadian singer was unfazed, and fortunately for those who were not, he is now planning to return.  more...

Wallowing in the blues

ECLECTIC acoustic blues courtesy of Mumbo Jumbo, pictured right, comes to Worcester this weekend.  more...

News

Hants linked with swoop for Bond

WORCESTERSHIRE chief executive Mark Newton does not believe the County will have wrapped up the signing of Shane Bond prior to Monday night's annual general meeting.  more...

Boss plays in reserves defeat

MANAGER Richard Dryden and his assistant boss Carl Heeley played as Worcester City reserves lost 3-0 at home to Burton Albion last night.  more...

Warriors axe for Crichton and Powell

SCRUM-HALF Ryan Powell and fly-half James Brown are both given starts as Worcester Warriors make four changes for the Guinness Premiership clash against Harlequins at The Stoop tomorrow (3pm).  more...

Belford delighted with his City stay

CAMERON Belford says his time at Worcester City has hel-ped develop his ability as a goalkeeper.  more...

Love was in the air for table toppers

EVESHAM United manager Paul West has given his league leaders a well-earned break as they prepare to continue their quest for the British Gas Business Division One Midlands championship.  more...

Robins pleased with team’s display

MALVERN Rugby Club maintained their five-point lead at the top of the Midlands two west table with a hard-fought victory at Cheltenham North by 39-23.  more...

Reader'S Pictures

River Rubbish

Post-flood debris under Worcester Bridge over the Severn. Picture by reader John Church.  more...

Silhouette

Japanese Akita dog Simba during a beautiful sunset near Martley. Picture by reader Katy Watkinson.  more...

Sunset

The sun sets over Rainbow Hill. Picture by reader Martin Lawrence from St Peters.  more...

Dead of Night

The unusual subject of the Homebase store in Warndon. Picture by reader Martin Lawrence from St Peters.  more...

Postcard

Eastnor Castle. Picture by reader Martin Lawrence from St Peters.  more...

Bathed in sunlight

Pershore Abbey, by reader Stan Parr.  more...

Recipes

Steak Au 'Poivre (pepper steak)

Shake that pepper, grind those corns, but whatever you do don't take this common seasoning for granted. It's led one woman on an adventure across the world to discover its intriguing secrets and power.  more...

Round-Up

Whitwick Manor to see nine-race card

POINT-to-point racing this weekend centres on the North Hereford Hunt fixture at Whitwick Manor near Newtown tomorrow.  more...

Second victory in row for ace Davis

COLIN Davis continued his excellent run in Halfway Angling Club matches by recording his second consecutive win on the club's Church Farm Pool.  more...

Robins calling for focus on title

MALVERN director of rugby Dave Robins is urging his side to remain focused for the rest of the season to secure the title.  more...

Classified adverts prove to be path to true romance

LOVE really was in the air for a Worcester couple on St Valentine's Day with a shock proposal through the pages of your Worcester News.  more...

In-form United set on sweet Spireites revenge

HEREFORD United's impressive return to form in Coca-Cola League Two has delighted manager Graham Turner.  more...

Jenkins downs The Power

TERRY Jenkins picked up his first win in the Whyte & Mackay Premier Darts season beating 13-time world champion Phil Taylor 8-5 at the MEN Arena last night.  more...

Jenkins downs The Power

TERRY Jenkins picked up his first win in the Whyte & Mackay Premier Darts season beating 13-time world champion Phil Taylor 8-5 at the MEN Arena last night.  more...

Tigers denied by unbeaten Lions in league thriller

OLDBURY Park Tigers Under 13s were clawed back by unbeaten high-fliers Kidderminster Lions in a 2-2 Stourport Youth League Division One draw.  more...

Sharks earn a bite at honours in cup

WARNDON Villages Sharks Under 10s booked a place in the Stourport Youth League Cup final for the second successive season.  more...

Jenkins bounces back with super Power win

ANY thoughts that Terry Jenkins was going to need a year to get back to his best went out of the window with an impressive victory over 13-time world champion Phil Taylor.  more...

Guild put out fire of the Dragons to cement top spot

CRIPPLEGATE Guild maintained top spot in Worcester League Division Two with a 7-3 win at second-placed St George's Dragons.  more...

Guild put out fire of the Dragons to cement top spot

CRIPPLEGATE Guild maintained top spot in Worcester Table Tennis League Division Two with a 7-3 win at second-placed St George's Dragons.  more...

European aim for county duo

TWO county pool stars are heading to Malta next week to compete in the European Eight-ball Championships.  more...

Cardents keep up fine run to beat Countymen

CARDENTS continued their good form with a 33-pin victory over Countymen in Heenans Worcester Friendly League Monday Division One.  more...

Cardents keep up fine run to beat Countymen

CARDENTS continued their good form with a 33-pin victory over Countymen in Heenans Worcester Friendly Skittles League Monday Division One.  more...

Agents get no joy from Bulls’ boss Turner

HEREFORD United have reiterated their policy of not paying agents for their role in player transfers.  more...

Nomads impress with big run tally

WORCESTER Nomads A' defeated RGSAO Worcester by 54 runs in the Worcestershire Cricket Board Indoor League Sunday Division.  more...

Rewards for city sporting stars

THE 2008 Worcester sports awards proved sporting prowess, courage and dedication can all be found in abundance in the Faithful City.  more...

Going to the polls

FOUR candidates are to stand for a seat on the district council to represent the Slideslow ward.  more...

Investigation of councillors

THREE prominent Tory district councillors are facing an investigation by the powerful national watchdog' group which oversees standards of people in public life.  more...

Man trapped by granite slabs

A FORTY-SIX-YEAR-OLD man suffered serious leg injuries and faces a wait to see if his feet can be saved after being crushed by three and a half tonnes of granite slabs.  more...

Nice to see you again ref

A FORMER Sidemoor referee was the invited guest at a Premiership football match of a player he refereed back in the 1970s.  more...

Nice to see you again ref

A FORMER Sidemoor referee was the invited guest at a Premiership football match of a player he refereed back in the 1970s.  more...

Jess sniffs out a great deal

A FIRE service rescue dog, which will be used to find trapped and injured people, will be trained in Droitwich Spa Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has welcomed the announcement that it will receive government funding for specialist sniffer dog Jess.  more...

Title talk banned as Robins seek to cement top spot

THE Southern League Division One Midlands title is Evesham's to throw away.  more...

Town opens its doors after refurbishment

PERSHORE Town are opening their doors to the public to end months of rebuilding work following the summer floods.  more...

Town opens its doors after refurbishment

PERSHORE Town are opening their doors to the public to end months of rebuilding work following the summer floods.  more...

Recognition for sporting aces

THE winners of Wychavon District Council's Sports Recognition Awards have been celebrated at a special presentation evening held at the Civic Centre in Pershore.  more...

Today's events

Friday Winterschool - mixed media and collage workshop with Angie and Jeanette at Ledbury Artplace, 5a Worcester Road,Ledbury. £210. 01531 633100.  more...

Today's events

Friday Winterschool - mixed media and collage workshop with Angie and Jeanette at Ledbury Artplace, 5a Worcester Road,Ledbury. £210. 01531 633100.  more...

Today's events

Friday Winterschool - mixed media and collage workshop with Angie and Jeanette at Ledbury Artplace, 5a Worcester Road,Ledbury. £210. 01531 633100.  more...

U-turn on residents parking permits

PEOPLE power has won the day after Malvern Hills District Council backed down from plans to stop residents using parking permits in short-stay car parks.  more...

Big moment for singing sensation Katy

SINGER Katy Setterfield is hoping to wow audiences with her take on Dusty Springfield in the final of the BBC One tribute show, The One and Only'.  more...

Big moment for singing sensation Katy

SINGER Katy Setterfield is hoping to wow audiences with her take on Dusty Springfield in the final of the BBC One tribute show, The One and Only'.  more...

Hyde opts to stay with the Town

JAMIE Hyde has handed Malvern Town a boost by agreeing to stay with the club until the end of the season.  more...

Hewitt hoping to retain singles title at championships

THE 2008 Malvern Table Tennis League Championships will be held on Sunday, February 24 at the Forum, Malvern Theatres.  more...

Malvern v Whitchurch live report

Welcome to the first ever match report brought to you live over the internet by the Malvern Gazette and Ledbury Reporter.  more...

Malvern v Whitchurch live report

Welcome to the first ever match report brought to you live over the internet by the Malvern Gazette and Ledbury Reporter.  more...

Malvern v Whitchurch live report

Welcome to the first ever match report brought to you live over the internet by the Malvern Gazette and Ledbury Reporter.  more...

Opportunist thief lands 'perfect haul'

AN opportunistic thief landed what police describe as an almost perfect haul' after breaking into a car in Upton.  more...

Choir reaches finals of BBC contest

LONGDON'S junior church choir is celebrating after reaching the regional finals of the prestigious BBC Choir of the Year competition.  more...

Arts Council grants for local groups

ARTS Council grants totalling more than £1.9 million have been awarded to arts organisations in Worcestershire and Herefordshire.  more...

Theatre

Hard Times is brought to life

WHAT happens when two very different worlds collide?  more...

Live laughs at the city’s new comedy

A NEW comedy club will soon be up and running.  more...

Very British screen star appears in The Club

VERY British screen star James Fleet comes to Malvern Theatres next week.  more...

Renowned drummers are in town

THUNDEROUS drumming will entertain audiences at Pershore's Number 8 later this month.  more...

CENTRE STAGE Chris Jaegger of Worcester Live

YOU may well have read in the national press about the Arts Council cuts to regularly funded organisations.  more...

Robin legend gets revamp

ARELEY Kings Village Hall will be filled with laughter when members of the Areley Kings Players stage their interpretation of Robin Hood.  more...

Robin legend gets revamp

ARELEY Kings Village Hall will be filled with laughter when members of the Areley Kings Players stage their interpretation of Robin Hood.  more...

This Life - Special Reports

Will Throckmorton be a new ‘eco-town’?

THE village of Throckmorton, it's fair to say, is not really the most futuristic of places. A small, sleepy hamlet just a few miles north of Pershore, at first sight it appears noteworthy only for its charming 13th century church.  more...

Upton

Opportunist thief lands 'perfect haul'

AN opportunist thief landed what police describe as an almost perfect haul' after breaking into a car in Upton.  more...

  
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