Cllr Jessie Jagger has welcomed the announcement of a possible phased return for ground and first floor residents at Barbourne Works following the recent evacuation, but says support must continue for those still unable to return home. “While it’s positive that some residents may soon be able to return, many still face huge uncertainty. I want to thank everyone involved so far, but we must keep working together to ensure clear communication, safe accommodation, and practical help until all residents can return home safely.” Anne Eason, one of the residents’ spokespeople, added “We’re really pleased that progress is being made and that some of our neighbours are hopeful they can return. But for many, the uncertainty continues. We hope the companies involved will keep working with us to find solutions and provide the clarity and support we all need during this difficult time.” A dedicated council webpage has now been set up to provide residents with the latest updates and guidance: 👉 https://www.worcester.gov.uk/housing/support-and-guidance-for-barbourne-works-apartments-residents A dedicated FirstPort phone line is also available for building-related queries: 📞 0333 321 4080 ENDS
CLLR ALLCOTT RESPONDS TO GOVERNMENT SPENDING REVIEW
Cllr Mel Allcott has major concerns for both social care and the NHS following Chancellor of the Exchequer MP Rachel Reeves spending review. As the newly elected Chair of Adult Care and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Panel, Mel is alarmed local government is having its funding cut by 1.4% during the period of the review. Cllr Allcott said ‘Adult Services are 39% of the gross expenditure budget for the county council and councils have a statutory duty to provide social care. Cuts to government budgets already at breaking point are negligent and will leave a massive black hole.’ ‘The Labour government had real opportunity to repair damage done by the Conservatives and deliver on a promise of change. Putting money into the NHS but not social care is a recipe for disaster.’ ‘Health and Social Care Secretary MP Wes Streeting kicked the can down the road with an independent commission on social care, starting April this year, to end 3 years later in 2028. We need joined up thinking and action now on both and health and social care. Endless reviews have been undertaken but not taken on board.’ ‘Only by working on health and social care together will we put an end to ambulance queues, corridor care and long appointment and treatment wait times.’ I’n my new role I will be doing all I can locally plus lobbying government nationally to fix social care.’
Barbourne Residents Hold Powerful Meeting as Accommodation Extended
Residents of Barbourne Works have received a temporary reprieve in their fight for an answer to the ongoing situation surrounding their living status. Accommodation for evacuated residents has now been extended until Tuesday. FirstPort has agreed to fund an extra night in hotels as a gesture of goodwill, though the company maintains it does not accept liability. This news follows a well-attended resident-led meeting held on Sunday, where spokespeople updated the group, shared key information, and discussed next steps. The mood was determined and collaborative, with residents expressing pride in how the community has come together in the face of uncertainty. While the extension offers short-term relief, concerns remain. Residents staying with friends and family remain unsupported, and those booked into hotels by FirstPort have not received meals — unlike those placed by the council. With food costs mounting, many are finding the situation increasingly difficult to manage. Cllr Jessie Jagger, who has been assisting residents, said “I’m glad that FirstPort has done the right thing by extending accommodation while the question of liability remains unresolved. What’s been truly inspiring is how residents have come together: a group of highly educated, motivated, and well-organised individuals supporting one another through an incredibly difficult time. They deserve answers, and they deserve better.” Residents are now calling for a formal public forum where the companies involved — including FirstPort, Wallace Partnership Group, and Simarc — can respond to their questions on the public record.
“Clock Is Ticking”: Councillor Urges FirstPort and Freeholder to Guarantee Accommodation as Thursday Deadline Looms
Worcester City Councillor Jessie Jagger has warned that dozens of residents evacuated from Barbourne Works could be left without accommodation from Thursday, unless immediate action is taken by property management company FirstPort and the building’s freeholder, Wallace Partnership Group. The evacuation took place last week following a prohibition notice issued by Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, which identified serious fire safety risks relating to cladding and escape routes. While emergency accommodation was arranged, the temporary stays offered to many residents are now coming to an end — and no long-term plan has yet been agreed. “The most urgent issue right now is that many residents still don’t know where they’ll sleep on Thursday night,” said Cllr Jessie Jagger, who has been working to support affected residents. “FirstPort, Simarc, and Wallace Partnership Group are debating liability — but in the meantime, real people are stuck in limbo. That’s not acceptable. These are families, older people, and working individuals who deserve certainty and dignity.” Cllr Jagger has visited the site multiple times and has been in direct contact with residents, council officers, and company representatives. She says the council is doing everything it can with limited resources but cannot cover ongoing costs such as parking, food, or extended hotel stays indefinitely. “FirstPort is the UK’s largest managing agent. Wallace Partnership Group owns over 100,000 freeholds. Simarc manages their portfolio. Between them, they have the resources to act. Guaranteeing accommodation for all residents until the inspection is complete — and ideally until a full resolution is found — is the minimum that should be expected. If they are not ultimately liable, they can claim the cost back through insurance or the responsible party. But people must not be left to pay the price while companies debate responsibility.” A new council webpage is being developed to centralise updates and support for residents. Households affected by the evacuation will also be eligible for council tax exemptions for the period they are unable to live in their homes. “This is a test of corporate responsibility,” added Cllr Jagger. “There’s still time to do the right thing — but the clock is ticking.”
Cllr Jagger and Holmes make statement after Evictions forced at Barbourne Works apartments
Two WLD councillors have today reacted to the news that residents have been forced to leave their homes due to fire safety concerns. Sixty people, including eight children, had to leave the flats at Barbourne Works in Worcester after inspectors found significant dangers leaving the residents ‘at risk forcing them to issue a prohibition notice. Residents affected included 52 adults and eight children. Management firm First Port said the concerns related to defects from when the former factory was converted 20 years ago. Claines City Councillors Jessie Jagger and Karen Holmes today issued statements regarding the situation. Cllr Jagger said ‘I want to thank everyone involved in the swift and coordinated response to the urgent evacuation of Barbourne Works. I visited the site and Perdiswell Leisure Centre last night to speak with residents and to make sure they knew they could reach out for help. Several have already been in touch with me, and I encourage others to do the same if they need support. While Perdiswell was set up as a rest centre, I’m pleased to say that everyone who came there last night was found suitable temporary accommodation and did not need to stay overnight at the centre. I want to thank the council staff for their tireless work in making that happen. I also understand that many residents chose to stay with family or friends in the immediate aftermath, but may now need additional support to find a more suitable long-term solution. We are very mindful of the number of young families affected, and we are doing everything we can to work with partner agencies to make sure the right people take responsibility for finding appropriate interim housing solutions. I will continue to work closely with Worcester City Council, the fire authority and housing teams to support residents. After Grenfell, no council can afford to take these concerns lightly. Safety must always come first. If you have been affected and would like to speak with me directly, please get in touch on 07912 650701 or jessie.jagger@worcester.gov.uk. We are here to help.” Cllr Holmes said ‘I visited Barbourne Works to see the building for myself and understand the scale of the fire safety concerns. The extent of the timber panelling—from the ground floor up to level four—raises serious questions. If flammable cladding is present behind that structure, as indicated, then we are looking at a major and complex issue that cannot be resolved overnight. Residents deserve honest communication and practical solutions. Many acted quickly and calmly in response to the evacuation, but I know this has left families in an incredibly difficult position. Some are now in temporary accommodation, while others who stayed with friends or relatives may soon need more secure options. My priority is ensuring that all residents are properly supported and that the necessary agencies take responsibility for both the short-term housing needs and the long-term remediation work. These concerns must be treated with the seriousness they warrant—not just as a matter of safety, but of trust and responsibility.”
Your Councils are Changing……
Major changes are planned to councils across Worcestershire as part of the biggest shake-up of local government in more than 50 years. The Government is requiring 21 areas of England to restructure their system of local government before 2029. There are two parts to the Government’s proposed changes: Local government reorganisation – where the Government is looking to replace borough/district/city and county councils with fewer councils. Devolution – where the Government is looking to transfer powers and funding to new Strategic Authorities (also called Combined Authorities) that cover a number of new council areas and are responsible for large projects such as transport, infrastructure and economic development. The six borough, city and district councils across Worcestershire are now asking for your help to piece together who in future should deliver the services you rely on every day. The public engagement on local government reorganisation runs from 1 to 29 June 2025. Local Government Reorganisation is happening. Have your say by clicking HERE
Cllr Mel Allcott helps raise £22,000 for Charity as Mayor term finishes
WLD’s Cllr Mel Allcott managed to help raise £22,000 for charity in her mayoral year. Cllr Allcott ran a host of charity functions during her mayoral tenure, all whilst balancing her duties as a City and County Councillor. As reported in the Worcester News, the money will go to her chosen charity – Perdiswell Young People’s Leisure Centre. Cllr Allcott pledged to continue with her youth work and thanked people for supporting the charity. Fellow Claines Councillor Karen Holmes said: “Mel’s charity for the year reflects her concern for youth. Her term was initially interrupted by her standing for Parliament and being witness at my wedding!” “But she soon got into her stride,” said Cllr Holmes, “undertaking various mayoral duties with grace, fairness and firmness. “There have been many highlights this mayoral year for Mel, like the Pride and Prejudice banquet, getting re-elected to county council with a resounding victory, and meeting the King and Queen last week at the garden party.” Cllr Allcott herself was full of thanks for being given the chance. She said “it has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to have been Mayor of Worcester over this past year. I would like to thank all those who helped and supported me and who gave so generously for the charity.”
“The Tone of Politics Matters” – Councillor Sarah Murray Highlights the Need for Civility After Election Campaign
Worcester City Councillor Sarah Murray, who serves as the Council’s Member Champion for Personal Safety and Civility in Public Office, has spoken about the need to improve the tone of political debate following a challenging County Council election campaign. Cllr Murray said she made a considered effort to run a civil, community-focused campaign — but was nonetheless met with personal insults, misrepresentation, and name-calling, both in person and on social media. “In my role as Member Champion, I’ve worked to promote dignity, safety and accountability in public life,” she said. “Through our White Ribbon accreditation and other initiatives, we’ve taken steps to build a more inclusive and respectful political culture.” Reflecting on her experience, she said: “Despite doing everything I could to stay positive and focused on local issues, I encountered hostility that crossed a line. These moments were difficult — not just for me, but for what they suggest about the environment we’re creating for public debate.” She made a conscious decision not to respond to personal attacks during the campaign. “Choosing not to engage with negativity allowed me to stay focused on the issues that matter to residents. I know others made the same choice, in the interest of keeping the conversation constructive.” Cllr Murray stressed that her concern goes beyond the result of any one election. “This isn’t about winning or losing — it’s about whether we’re making politics accessible and fair. If standing for election means opening yourself up to personal abuse, many good people will simply decide it’s not worth it.” She is calling for renewed efforts across all parties to foster a respectful and inclusive political culture. “We need to talk seriously about the barriers to participation. Because if this is how we treat those who step forward, we risk losing capable and compassionate people — particularly women — before they ever get the chance to lead.” Cllr Murray continues to serve as a City Councillor and says her commitment to public service remains strong. “I’ll keep speaking up — not just for myself, but for the next person watching and wondering if public life is for them. It can be — but only if we work together to make it safe, respectful and truly open for all.’’
Cllr Mel Allcott re-elected to Worcestershire County Council
Councillor Mel Allcott has received a emphatic endorsement from the voters in Claines in the Worcestershire County Council elections. Cllr Allcott, who also represents Claines on the city council, received over 50% of the total votes in Claines which also saw the highest turnout across the City with just over 40% of residents making their voices heard. With 1,656 votes, Mel finished well clear of the second placed candidate and narrowly beat her own total from 2021. It was a fine display and a ringing endorsement of the hard work that Mel and the team had put in to the area in the last 4 years. Before the vote, Mel had highlighted the need for an agreement on moving the Social Care situation forward in Worcester seeking a consensus across the political divide. She also drew attention to the long running saga surrounding the footpath around the Claines River which she intends to follow through on when it’s brought on the Council agenda in June. After receiving the results, Mel said ‘I can’t thank the people of Claines enough for their votes and for the faith they continue to place in me. I am obviously very grateful to everyone for their support and its so important to see that people still feel we are doing a good job and have given us the nod to keep going. ‘We are entering into a period now where things are going to change as the Government brings in their devolution plans, but being across County and City I hope to be able to face those challenges head on.’
Cllr Allcott Seeks Solution to Claines River Footpath Debacle
Cllr Mel Allcott has today pledged to finally put an end to the long running saga of the Claines River Footpath. The area in question involves the much loved and used public footpath on the riverside at Northwick Marina, Neweys Hill linking Cove Gardens, which is in proximity to the newly built Kepax Bridge and the the Slip at Northwick. Since its closure in March of 2021, the future of the footpath has been in limbo together with the retrospective planning application for the two already constructed bungalows sited above the footpath currently being let as an Airbnb and a holiday “cottage.” Confusion has continued to grow over responsibility and costs for reinstating a public right of way. The saga began in 2016, when a title was registered at the Marina Site and planning permission approved for a residential mooring. One year later planning permission was granted for a floating house and two marina bungalows. Drainage conditions were applied. In 2019 construction began according to the latest retrospective planning application. Yet public records state it commenced in 2020. Around this time a letter from the Ramblers Association to the council states that a diversion of the footpath had been discussed for some months. The county council were in touch with consultants regarding the erosion of the footpath and by March 2021 the footpath was closed for safety reasons. The cost of repair to the footpath was placed at £500,000. This cost was more than the budget for all footpaths across the county and no approval for spend was given. At one point a diversion was looked at in great detail but even this proved unsuccessful. Cllr Allcott requested funds from the Kepax Bridge project be used to repair the footpath and Cllr Jessie Jagger requested clarification on the landslip at a county council meeting. Funds were not approved and suitable clarification not provided. Cllr Allcott requested planning enforcement visit the site and as a direct result the city council requested a retrospective planning application. The application became valid in July 2024 and the consultation ended in 2025. Cllr Allcott then requested this go to planning committee and it is anticipated to be on the June 2025 agenda after the County Elections Cllr Allcott has committed more time to this case than any other since being first elected in 2019. Many residents have been in contact and endless meetings have taken place. Cllr Allcott said ‘I intend to speak at the relevant planning committee and in detail around the concerns and evidence submitted about the construction of this site and the corresponding river bank erosion. I’d like to express a huge amount of thanks to all the residents who have put in a significant amount of time and input to this. I’m hoping this will resolve and “put right” the river bank footpath for residents and also put an end to this long running and confusing saga once and for all’
