To be frank, I salute Ruth Sault’s honesty last month (Village Views “Overrun by affordable homes”).

Reading about the protest over affordable homes in Hopwood and people worrying about the community getting too big too quickly – what bothers people the most: 20 new homes or a rendering plant?

To those who turn a blind eye when their dogs are walking out with them: if dog mess is left behind, your duty to your canine and to the environment is to “bag it and bin it”.

Further to the article “Balancing Act for Barnt Green”: I was horrified by the remark: “we will only know the actual story if closing down signs appear in the shop windows”.

Regarding your photo of the new sign for “Bob Hopping Street” (The Village July 2016). As a child growing up in Alvechurch in the 1950s, I distinctly remember that there was a road sign by the chip shop naming the alley from Red Lion Street to Bear Hill as “London Road”.

It is with regret that I once again have to write to you as a means of replying to an article written in the Alvechurch parish magazine Grapevine by the Rev David Martin, questioning the morality of people who, like myself, have no religious beliefs.

On behalf of the members of Alvechurch Ex-Services Association I would like to draw your readers’ attention to the exemplary manner in which the memorials to those who served, and to those who lost their lives, in the service of this country situated at Alvechurch and Rowney Green are cared for . . .

JUNE 2015

The Ark is a magnificent building – the answer to years of prayer for this need to be fulfilled.