Stratford District Review of the Year 2024: December Highlights

Stratford: A lot happened in December, and it’s worth chatting about. First off, there was a pretty serious incident at Johnsons Coaches in Henley. A suspected arson attack led to the destruction of 10 coaches and six cars. Yikes!

Residents nearby heard loud bangs and quickly called the emergency services. The fire brigade and police were on the scene in no time. They arrested a 29-year-old man from Redditch, Christopher White, on suspicion of arson. He’s facing charges and will be in court soon.

On a brighter note, Stratford residents can look forward to free entry to Shakespeare properties starting in February. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is bringing this back to keep the historic sites connected to the community. If you live in the CV37 postcode, you can visit places like Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage for free all year round.

SBT’s interim CEO, Rachael North, emphasized the importance of local audiences. It’s all about keeping the Shakespeare story alive in Stratford, where it all began.

Lastly, there’s a new plan to tackle drugs and anti-social behavior in the area. CCTV cameras are being installed at four hotspots known for these issues. The funding for this comes from a significant grant aimed at crime prevention. It’s a step towards making Stratford a safer place for everyone.