HERE are a few stories that have featured on our websites today.

A PENSIONER from Netherton fatally stabbed himself three times in the chest after his girlfriend kicked him out of her Wollaston home.

An inquest heard how retired chemist Brian Smith, aged 72, had been living with his partner of five years Jacqueline Roberts in Park Road West at the time of his death in March this year.

You can read the full story here.

DEVELOPERS have appealed to the Secretary of State to overturn Bromsgrove planning committee’s decision to refuse their proposal to build a crematorium in a Rubery cemetery.

The plans, submitted by H2 Land Ltd, suggested the chapel maintenance building at Waseley Hill Cemetery, which lies on Green Belt land, be developed to allow cremations to take place.

You can read the full story here.

DUDLEY Council’s leader has announced a dramatic u-turn on plans for leisure centre provision in the borough.

Councillor Pete Lowe, who is at the helm of the Labour-run authority, told Monday’s full council meeting that his group aspires to keep three leisure centres in Dudley’s three big towns - Stourbridge, Halesowen and Dudley.

You can read the full story here.

TRIBUTES have been paid to a Redditch community hero who helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for local good causes.

Phillip Lawrence, known as Phil, served as Redditch Lions president three times in 17 years, dedicating his life to raising cash for the less fortunate.

You can read the full story here.