Cllr John Rudge has appeared in the local media recently in a plea to dog owners in Warndon Villages. The frustrated councillor was forced to clear up around 20 bags of dog mess on a short walk around Corfe Avenue just recently and took to the Worcester News to complain about what he sees as a lazy attitude among some canine owners. Failure to pick up after your dog can result in a £70 on the spot fine but can cost up to £1,000 if the case goes to court. Cllr Rudge, also a Warndon Villages Parish councillor and deputy portfolio holder for the environment is himself a dog owner and said he believed it was a selfish minority of dog walkers that were responsible. Cllr Rudge, said there were four dog bins ‘within a small area’ around Corfe Avenue and Hastings Drive, He added: “People just don’t want to make the effort to walk another 50 metres at most. They know if their dog poos and they’re seen not to pick it up, they will be in trouble so they take the bag with them, pick it up rather than be caught red-handed. But as soon as they see no-one is looking, they chuck it in the hedge which is a real shame.” “A minority of people either don’t know or don’t recognise how antisocial the behaviour is. For example, residents in Corfe Avenue have reported a very unpleasant smell in the summer that wafts across their garden.”
‘Youth Engagement Matters’
Worcester’s former Mayor, Cllr Mel Allcott is continuing in her promotion of the theme ‘Youth Matters’, a cause which she championed during her mayoralty. This Summer, Mel donated to the Youth Engagement Partnership and has been able to spend some time with its director, Peter Martin on site at Redditch Self Defence. One of the things that stood out for the Lib Dem councillor was a course entitled “Jab don’t Stab”. These free classes are offered to vulnerable and disadvantaged young people at risk of offending. It is given to young people who are referred to it because they will fit a strict criteria and is performed in a non-contact gym setting. Cllr Allcott said Mr Martin was a real inspiration with all the youth safety work he does and was not surprised he had received the West Mercia High Sheriff Award, the BBC Make a Difference Trophy. He has also won the Community Hero Business award, has received two Quality Policing Awards as well as the Points of Light Award from the Prime Minister. The money will be used to provide education to young people on the dangers of knife crime within the county. The education will include the consequences of being involved with knife crime and the impact on communities. Sessions will also reassure young people that Worcestershire is a safe place. Cllr Allcott is also using the opportunity to raise awareness of the Bleed Kit Campaign that Mr Martin is running. Bleed kits provide vital aid in preventing severe blood loss from traumatic injuries such as stabbings, accidents and falls. Once purchased and sited, their location is stored in a national database and accessed by 999 operators. If anyone is involved in an emergency and call 999 and a Bleed Kit is nearby they will direct you as appropriate. These inexpensive kits are endorsed by West Midlands Ambulance Service and allow bystanders to control severe blood loss before an ambulance arrives. You can find details about the campaign by going to https://redditchselfdefence.co.uk/bleed-kit-campaign/
‘Patriots’ Don’t Know Which Way Is Up
Liberal Democrat campaigner Paul Jagger has poked fun at the so-called “Raise the Colours” campaign after spotting that a majority of the Union Flags outside Perdiswell have been put up the wrong way up. A photo taken this week clearly shows one of the flags flying upside down — traditionally used as a maritime distress signal. “The Union Flag has been flown the wrong way up on most of the poles,” Paul said. “Traditionally, that’s actually a distress signal – so perhaps it’s more accurate than they intended!” He added: “If you’re going to wrap yourself in patriotism, the least you can do is know which way up the flag goes. Getting it wrong doesn’t show national pride – it shows national parody. And to those who genuinely care about our heritage, this kind of ignorance is more insulting than patriotic. Maybe these self-styled patriots need to do their homework.” Paul stressed that Worcester has every reason to be proud of its community and heritage, but suggested that the flag-raisers might want to brush up on the basics before telling others what patriotism looks like.
“Worcester Deserves Better Than Delay and Disrespect,” Say Lib Dems
The Worcester Liberal Democrats have responded to comments from Cllr David Taylor, Deputy Leader of Worcestershire County Council, (Worcester News Story HERE) accusing the Reform-led administration of making excuses and dragging its feet over the future of local government in the county. Liberal Democrat Co-Leader, Cllr Jessie Jagger, said: “While residents face rising costs and local services are under pressure, the administration seems unable — or unwilling — to make a decision. It’s hard not to notice that as summer holidays rolls on, there’s a distinct lack of urgency.” Reform has cited a lack of detail from the districts as the reason for delay, but the Liberal Democrats say Worcester and its neighbouring councils have not been treated as equal partners in the process. “District voices have been sidelined. This isn’t how good governance works. Residents deserve transparency and respect, not a top-down approach that shuts them out,” Cllr Jagger said. The Lib Dems also warned against the push for a single unitary authority, calling it the “cheap option” that would risk erasing Worcester’s identity and voice. “We cannot allow a cut-price solution to wipe away centuries of local heritage. Nobody wants to see the Guildhall turned into a nail parlour. If Worcester is absorbed into a distant mega-authority, we lose the ability to shape our future and protect what makes our city special.” With final proposals due to go to government in November, the Liberal Democrats are calling for clarity, urgency, and real leadership. “Worcester can’t afford to wait for politicians to return from their summer break to start having serious conversations. This is too important. Reform need to step up.”
Lib Dems Demand Transparency Over Devolution Spending
The Worcester Liberal Democrats are calling on the Reform administration to provide clarity on its devolution plans and to reveal how much public money has been spent on consultants exploring these proposals. Liberal Democrat Co-Leader, Cllr Jessie Jagger, has submitted a Freedom of Information request to uncover the total amount spent, committed, and expected to be spent on consultancy work linked to devolution since the last local election. Cllr Jagger said: “Reform doesn’t seem to know what direction it wants to take – one week it talks about a single unitary authority, the next it hints at two. This uncertainty risks wasting taxpayers’ money, and residents deserve to know how much is being spent on consultants rather than improving local services. So much for promises of cutting waste and being accountable.” The Liberal Democrats have warned that any devolution deal must protect local democracy and ensure vital services, such as waste collection, remain under strong and local oversight. “We need a clear plan, not mixed messages,” Cllr Jagger added. “As Liberal Democrats, we will keep challenging this confusion and push for full transparency on how public money is used.”
Campaigner Raises Safety Concerns on Cherry Tree Walk and Infirmary Walk
Local campaigner Paul Jagger has raised concerns about safety on Cherry Tree Walk and Infirmary Walk, describing the area as “chaotic and unwelcoming” for pedestrians. Paul, who regularly uses the route with his elderly mother in a wheelchair and his baby daughter in a sling, has highlighted how confused drivers often end up in Infirmary Walk, unaware that it is a dead end. This frequently results in cars trying to reverse out of narrow spaces, putting pedestrians at risk. Paul Jagger said: “This route should be one of the most welcoming entrances to Worcester, but instead it feels unsafe. Too many drivers are ending up in the wrong place, often having to reverse around pedestrians. It’s not just inconvenient — it’s dangerous.” Paul has spoken to businesses along Cherry Tree Walk, many of whom would like to see the area prioritised for pedestrians and local residents, with fewer unnecessary vehicles. In addition to safety concerns, Paul has pointed out the neglected appearance of the area, with weeds growing over the railway arches and a general lack of upkeep. “This is the first impression many visitors get of Worcester, and right now it’s not a good one. With a few simple changes, this could be a much safer and more attractive part of the city,” Paul added.
JESSIE’S BLOG: A Historic Step Towards Modern and Accessible Local Government
I am thrilled to share an important update on the campaign for remote participation in council meetings — an issue that has been close to my heart, especially since becoming a mum. The government has now confirmed it plans to legislate to allow local councils to create their own remote and hybrid attendance policies. This means councils will soon have the freedom to decide how and when councillors can attend meetings online. Proxy voting will also be introduced in certain circumstances, such as parental leave or long-term illness, making it easier for councillors to continue serving their communities during challenging times. This change comes after an extensive consultation, which received an incredible 5,844 responses from councillors, councils, and members of the public. 86% of respondents supported allowing remote attendance, with many highlighting how it would open up local politics to a more diverse range of candidates — particularly those of working age, with disabilities, or with caring responsibilities. Minister for Local Government, Jim McMahon OBE MP, stated: “We want to ensure that local authorities can develop their own remote and hybrid attendance policies, with local knowledge, and to respond to local need… These reforms will improve the experience of elected members serving their communities and encourage more people to consider locally elected office.” For me, this victory is about more than convenience. It’s about breaking down barriers that prevent talented, passionate people from standing as councillors. Whether you’re caring for a newborn, recovering from illness, or balancing work and public service, you should not have to step back from representing your community. As someone who has pushed for this reform locally and nationally, I’m delighted to see the government listening. Worcester City Council unanimously supported my motion on this issue, and it’s fantastic to know that this campaign has contributed to real, positive change. This is the start of a more inclusive and forward-looking approach to local democracy. I’ll continue working to ensure councils across the country are ready to adopt these new policies as soon as they become law. What do you think about remote council meetings? Would hybrid meetings encourage more people in your community to step forward and represent local voices? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Contact me HERE
Liberal Democrats Welcome Bid to Modernise Worcester’s Planning Services
Worcester City Council has submitted a bid to the Government’s Digital Planning Improvement Fund to upgrade and modernise the city’s planning services. The project, called “Worcester Goes Digital,” aims to make planning information easier for residents and businesses to access, while supporting faster and more transparent decision-making. Cllr Jessie Jagger, Co-Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: “This is a fantastic step forward. Our planning team already does excellent work, and this project will give them the tools to make services even more user-friendly and accessible for the public. I’m proud that our Liberal Democrat team’s push for smarter, more open planning services has helped secure this application. Now we’re waiting for the outcome, and we’re hopeful Worcester will get the support it deserves.” The funding decision is expected later this year. This work reflects the Liberal Democrat team’s wider commitment to modernising council services and ensuring residents have better, easier access to the information they need
“Left Out and Let Down” — Warndon Villages Councillors Demand Action on A4440 Speeding and Street Racing
Liberal Democrat councillors in Warndon Villages are urging immediate action to tackle dangerous speeding and street racing along the A4440 — and are warning that current plans to address these issues elsewhere on the road risk ignoring a community that is already suffering disruption, danger, and anti-social driving. A meeting has been arranged to discuss road safety and speeding along the A4440 between Whittington and Powick, but councillors Sarah Murray and John Rudge have voiced frustration that the stretch through Warndon Villages — where these issues are already a major problem – has been left out. Cllr Sarah Murray said: “We’ve already brought a motion to City Council on the urgent need for stronger roads policing, and I’ve met with the Police and Crime Commissioner to press for more enforcement from West Mercia Police. Yet we’ve seen no real action taken to address the escalating issues in our area.” Residents have reported street racers using Parsonage Way and other parts of the A4440 through Warndon Villages almost every night. The councillors warn that by focusing efforts solely on teh southern stretch of the A4440, current plans ignore the fact that these dangerous behaviours are already a persistent issue in their area. “This isn’t a case of the problem moving into Warndon Villages – it’s already here,” said Cllr John Rudge. “By leaving our stretch out of the conversation, the County Council is ignoring residents who deal with this every night. We need a joined-up approach that tackles the whole road, not just parts of it.” Despite the fact that highways are a County Council responsibility, there has been little visible action from the County Councillor representing Warndon Villages. “The County Council is responsible for highways,” added Cllr Rudge. “So why isn’t our County Councillor taking the lead on this? Residents are being let down.” Cllr Murray added: “Residents are rightly asking: what is actually being done to tackle this? We shouldn’t have to wait for a tragedy before something changes.” The councillors are calling for Warndon Villages to be included in all future A4440 safety discussions and for West Mercia Police to prioritise enforcement in the area before lives are put at risk.
Cllr Sarah Murray: “We Must Safeguard the Beating Hearts of Our Communities”
Following the Full Council meeting on July 8th, Cllr Sarah Murray, Liberal Democrat City Councillor for St Nicholas ward, called for urgent consideration of long-term funding for Worcester’s vital community centres, many of which have relied on temporary UKSPF grants that end next year. Cllr Murray said: “Community centres like Lyppard Hub and others across the city are the beating hearts of our neighbourhoods. They support families, older people, young people, and volunteers every single day — tackling isolation, supporting mental health, and providing spaces that nurture belonging. At tonight’s Council meeting, I asked the Leader to commit to a cross‑party discussion over the summer about how we can secure sustainable, long‑term funding for these vital spaces, especially as the UKSPF grants end. I also sought an assurance that the role and value of these centres will be clearly advocated for in any future talks about local government reorganisation. The response I received tonight gives me cautious optimism. I will continue to work with colleagues across the Council to make sure we have a strong, viable plan for the future of these vital services. Our community centres save the council money in the long run — they are an investment, not a cost. We owe it to our residents to protect and support them.” Cllr Murray, who is also a Trustee of Lyppard Community Centre in Warndon Villages, added: “I am grateful for the work of staff, volunteers and trustees across the city who make spaces like Lyppard Hub so welcoming and inclusive. I will continue to advocate for their interests — and for the communities that rely on them every day.” The question was well received in the chamber. Cllr Denham affirmed Worcester City Council’s ongoing support for community centres across the city, acknowledging their crucial role in supporting local residents. While the details of future funding are not yet confirmed, she indicated that more clarity is expected by November, at which point the Council will work to ensure resources are directed where they are most needed. Although we cannot yet predict what a future unitary authority might look like, Cllr Denham was clear that, in its current form, Worcester City Council values and recognises the importance of our community centres.
