Castle Road development

Consultation closes today (Monday 6 June) on plans for a new three-storey residential building for short-term accommodation.

We are looking to build it on the corner of Castle Road and New Road in Kidderminster. It is for single people and small families who have lost their accommodation and are waiting for a longer term offer of permanent housing.

The plans include 20 ensuite accommodation units along with office space, associated car parking and landscaping. There would also be a shared kitchen diner and lounge area on each floor.

We have sent letters and information leaflets to properties surround the proposed site. The demand for temporary accommodation is growing and this development would help the council offer people somewhere to live while we help them secure longer term housing.

New chairman

Councillor Peter Dyke was made chairman of Wyre Forest District Council at the meeting on Wednesday 11 May.

He has been a councillor for 24 years and currently represents Aggborough and Spennells. He takes over from outgoing chairman Councillor John Aston.

Read more about the Chairman, his role and how you can invite him to attend events by clicking on the button below.

Elections update

A by-election is being held on Thursday 16 June in Franche and Habberley North ward of Wyre Forest District Council. This is to fill the vacancy made by the resignation of Councillor Anna L’Huillier.

The polling stations being used are Kidderminster Baptist Church on Franche Road (entrance in Marlpool Place), Franche Community Church in Chestnut Grove and St Barnabas Community Hall on Wolverley Road. Electors are asked to check their poll cards for details of their polling station. Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm.

The count will take place after polling stations close on Thursday 16 June.

Pollinator patches creating a buzz in Wyre Forest

Wildflowers are springing to life across the district as we trial four pollinator patches.

Attracting insects, bees and butterflies the patches are encouraging a wide variety of native wildflowers and grasses to thrive.

The trial, planned in partnership with the Butterfly Conservation and Friends of the Earth, has seen pollinator patches created in Stourport, Bewdley and Kidderminster.

The chosen wildflower areas include Stourport Road near the fire station, a section of the central reservation near the bus depot in Kidderminster, a piece of the verge along Dunley Road in Stourport and the small park at Lingfield Crescent in Bewdley.

Go Electric!

Would you like to know more about electric vehicles?

We have worked in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust to offer an ultra-low emission vehicle information event on Thursday 14 July, 7pm-8pm.

During the online session you can learn about electric vehicles, including types, charging options and the financial incentives available. Independent specialist will answer your questions and you can learn about the benefits of choosing a Zero emission vehicle.

Boiler scheme

Homeowners across England and Wales can now benefit from government grants to fit clean heating systems when they come to replace their oil and gas boilers. This includes clean heating systems installed from 1 April this year.

The scheme will improve the energy efficiency of homes, reduce energy bills and cut emissions in the long-term.

Property owners will be able to get:

New payment system

Later this Summer our payment systems are changing.  

You will see a new look webpage for online payments. It will allow you to make your payments more quickly and you can check your balance and store card details without having to register for an account.

Our telephone payment system is also changing. It will offer you a more streamlined process and you will be able to use it to make more types of payments.

Queen’s Baton Relay

The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay is coming to the district. It’s going to be travelling on the Severn Valley Railway as part of the final build-up to the Commonwealth Games. You can be part of it too. 

The Baton will arrive at Kidderminster Station on Saturday 23 July and then journey along the full length of the line to Bridgnorth on a special train hauled by No.70 ‘Elizabeth II’, the SVR’s now-famous purple locomotive.

Hundreds of people have applied for free seats on the special train which will be allocated in the coming weeks. Viewing spaces at Kidderminster station will also be allocated by ballot.

Vikings: fact or fiction exhibition

Visit Bewdley Museum and explore all things Viking!

You can find out about how they impacted the world, not just through raiding and conquering. The exhibition looks at how their craft-making and trading brought change too. From the clothes they wore to the activities they did for fun; experience 1,000-year-old artefacts that help paint a vivid picture of Viking life.

Awful Auntie

On Sunday 12 June from 5pm, an open-air theatre production of Awful Auntie by David Walliams will be performed by Heartbreak Productions.

The show tells the tale of Stella who spends her days evading her menacing Aunt!

Make sure you bring a blanket or chair to sit on, weather-appropriate gear, and a picnic, as the tale could take some time to tell, and storytelling can be hungry work!

Tickets are £14 per adult and £9 per child.