Worcester City Council has praised its customer service team after new performance data showed that 98.7% of calls to the main council number were answered within 90 seconds, with live calls picked up in an average of just 15 seconds. Between July and September, the council received 5,769 calls to its main line. While many residents successfully used automated options to self-serve online or access county-level services, 735 callers chose to speak directly with an officer—and were met with swift, reliable support. Speaking at the Policy & Resources Committee, Cllr Jessie Jagger, Vice Chair, highlighted the significance of these results: “Technology is brilliant and has its place, but we must protect human jobs and the simple reassurance of having someone at the other end of the phone. Not everyone can or wants to navigate an app or a website—human contact matters.” Cllr Jagger urged that, as discussions progress around creating a new unitary authority for Worcestershire, the preservation of accessible, human-centred customer services must remain a priority. She added: “Our staff have delivered outstanding service. As structures change, we cannot lose the people behind this success. Residents deserve real voices, real conversations, and real support.” Worcester City Council is committed to ensuring any future local government reorganisation strengthens—not weakens—the quality of public contact and the protection of frontline staff.
Lib Dem West Mercia spokesperson warns of “dangerous accountability gap” following Government decision to abolish PCCs
Cllr Sarah Murray, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for West Mercia and the Party’s former PCC candidate, has issued a response to the Government’s announcement that Police & Crime Commissioners will be abolished by 2028. Cllr Murray said: “The Liberal Democrats have long argued that the PCC model is flawed, and that savings would be better directed into frontline policing. In that sense, the principle of reform is welcome — particularly the removal of costly deputy and assistant PCC roles. But the Government has still provided no detail on what will replace PCCs in West Mercia. The public deserves to know who will hold the Chief Constable to account once this system ends. Without clear oversight arrangements, this change risks creating a dangerous accountability gap.” The current PCC for West Mercia, John Campion, told the BBC he was “surprised” by the announcement and confirmed PCCs had not been consulted. Cllr Murray added: “When even the serving PCC was not informed or engaged, it shows how unclear and rushed this decision is. Liberal Democrat policy is clear: policing must remain locally accountable, transparent and community-focused. Any reform must protect that — not weaken it.” ⸻ What is known? • PCC roles will end in May 2028 at the conclusion of current terms. • The Government expects reforms to save around £100 million, with £20 million per year to be reinvested in frontline policing. • PCC powers will be transferred to elected mayors or council leaders. What remains unclear for West Mercia • The future structure for holding the Chief Constable to account. • How victims’ services, domestic abuse support, and serious violence programmes will be protected. • How local policing priorities will be set across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire. • How rural areas will maintain a local voice under more centralised management. • Whether promised savings will genuinely reach neighbourhood policing. ⸻ Cllr Murray concluded: “People across West Mercia want visible policing, safer communities and clear accountability. The Government must publish detailed transition plans, protect victims’ services, and ensure that local voices are not lost as PCCs are abolished.”
Cllr Sarah Murray: Let’s Strengthen Safeguards for Children in Temporary Accommodation
At the Communities Committee on the 5th November, Worcester City Councillor Sarah Murray welcomed reassurance from officers about the quality of the city’s temporary accommodation — but urged the Council to go further by adopting the national SAFE protocol, which ensures housing for families is Safe, Accessible, Family-focused, and in the right Environment. “Our temporary accommodation is certainly not the worst — and I thank officers for their hard work,” said Cllr Murray. “But across the country over 130,000 children are in temporary housing, and we know the risks that come with unsuitable placements. We should formalise the high standards we already aim for in Worcester and commit to putting children’s wellbeing at the heart of every decision.” Cllr Murray cited the Shared Health Foundation’s national call for councils to adopt the SAFE framework, and called for a report back to the committee on how Worcester is meeting these standards — and what more can be done. She also noted the importance of acting now, ahead of potential changes to local authority structures: “With reorganisation and a possible move to a unitary authority on the horizon, it’s vital that we embed good practice while we still can. Once a framework like SAFE is adopted, it’s much harder to undo. This is about safeguarding children and strengthening the work we’re already doing.”
Major Investment and Long-Term Stability Secured for Perdiswell and St John’s Leisure Centres
Worcester City Council has agreed a five-year extension to its management contract with Freedom Leisure, securing the future of Perdiswell Leisure Centre and St John’s Sports Centre as the city prepares for the transition to a new Unitary authority in 2028. Worcester City Council — currently a District Council set to be dissolved as part of national devolution plans — owns both Perdiswell and St John’s Leisure Centres. The Council had previously leased the sites to Freedom Leisure under a ten-year agreement. This lease has now been extended seamlessly to run until 31 December 2030, ensuring continuity throughout the handover from the existing District and County Councils to the new Unitary structure. Freedom Leisure, a not-for-profit operator known for inclusive services for people of all ages and abilities, has continued to perform strongly, especially during a period when many leisure centres with large swimming pools are struggling with rising energy costs. Their track record in Worcester compares favourably with national trends, where some pools have been forced to close. Significant upgrades and sustainability improvements Both Perdiswell and St John’s have benefitted from major energy-efficiency investments this year, including the installation of solar panels and destratification fans funded through the Sport England Swimming Pool Support Fund. These improvements were completed over the summer and are already reducing operational costs. At Perdiswell, further upgrades have been made to the swimming pool system to reduce chemical and energy use, reflecting the Council’s commitment to sustainability and long-term financial resilience. This week, Perdiswell also received a full refresh of its gym equipment — a long-overdue upgrade made possible through the newly extended contract. In addition, the centre is undergoing a full conversion to LED lighting, further reducing energy consumption. These enhancements were agreed by the Council’s Policy & Resources Committee in May 2025. Councillor Karen Holmes praised the investment, saying: “As we move toward the new Unitary authority, it was vital to secure stability for our much-loved leisure centres. Extending the Freedom Leisure contract gives us the continuity we need and ensures these facilities remain at the heart of community life. I’m delighted to see major investment in renewable energy, modern gym equipment and smarter, more efficient systems — all of which will benefit residents for years to come. Perdiswell and St John’s are thriving, accessible spaces for people of all ages and abilities, and these improvements show our ongoing commitment to keeping them that way.” The Council will continue working closely with Freedom Leisure to ensure the city’s leisure facilities remain sustainable, inclusive, and well-maintained throughout the transition to the new Unitary authority in 2028 and beyond.
Work Set to Begin on New Pump Track at Perdiswell Following Success at Battenhall
Claines councillors are delighted to confirm that the contract for the new pump track at Perdiswell Leisure Centre has been formally awarded to Four One Four Limited, with work due to begin on site from 5 January 2026. The project, part of the Worcester Play Plan, will create the largest and most challenging pump track in the area, giving young people a fantastic place to cycle, skate, and scoot in a safe and purpose-built environment. The new facility follows the success of the Battenhall pump track, which local councillors — including the Liberal Democrats — strongly supported and helped move forward through cross-party collaboration. Building on that progress, the Perdiswell track represents another important step in expanding opportunities for young people across Worcester. In a joint statement, Claines councillors Mel Allcott, Karen Holmes, and Jessie Jagger said: “We’re thrilled to see work on the Perdiswell pump track about to begin. The success of the Battenhall track showed how much young people value these spaces, and we’ve been proud to support that progress and push for more facilities like it. This will be the biggest and most exciting pump track in the area, and we can’t wait to see local families enjoying it by the spring. We’d also like to sincerely thank the city council officers who have worked tirelessly with the community to make this project possible — their dedication and professionalism have been outstanding.” Ground investigations will take place in early December, followed by a public consultation in mid-December. Construction will start in January and is expected to be completed by the end of March 2026, with the aim of opening in early April, ready for a full spring and summer season of use. For more updates on the project, visit the Worcester City Council website HERE
Councillor Mel Allcott warns of “high-risk retreat” from Worcester’s secondary school plans
Liberal Democrat County Councillor for Claines, Mel Allcott, has raised serious concerns over the Reform-led County Council’s decision making over plans for secondary school places calling it “a high-risk retreat from long-term education sufficiency.” The decision, made by the Reform Cabinet has stopped work on a long-planned school on Newtown Road and removes £33.6 million from the county’s capital programme. The cabinet instead agreed to further investigation into other options, with a follow-up report expected within six months. At the Full Council meeting on 6th November, Cllr Allcott said: “This reversal leaves Worcester City without a confirmed capacity plan for secondary places beyond 2028. Simply investigating whether pupils can be sent elsewhere is not a deliverable strategy. Worcester’s families deserve a clear, credible plan — not uncertainty.” Four options were originally considered by the council: 1. Continuing with the Newtown Road secondary school (£63.3 million projected cost). 2. Expanding existing Worcester secondary schools (limited feasibility). 3. Developing provision on the County Hall site (ruled out as ‘not viable’). 4. Using capacity in schools outside the city, such as Malvern, Droitwich, Pershore, and Upton. Cllr Allcott outlined seven major concerns with the cabinet’s approach, including a failure to meet statutory duties, over-reliance on out-of-area schools, and a lack of transparency or evidence behind the decision. “The council risks breaching its legal duty under the Education Act to ensure sufficient school places,” she said. “Halting the principal project over a modest 5–7% cost increase, without any published value-for-money analysis, is a false economy.” She also criticised the feasibility work that ruled out County Hall as a possible site for additional education provision: “The report dismisses County Hall without showing the evidence. Its proximity to Nunnery Wood High School could allow for shared facilities or an annex model — but that’s not been properly explored.” Cllr Allcott warned that immediate sufficiency risks exist for the 2026–2028 academic years, with only £2.6 million allocated to secure extra places. “Without short-term capacity measures — such as modular classrooms — the council will fall short of providing enough places. We must act now to avoid disruption for families.” The Liberal Democrat councillor concluded by calling for urgent transparency and a credible recovery plan: “Education planning must be based on evidence, not politics. The council should immediately publish a clear risk register showing expected shortfalls and mitigation plans, and re-evaluate the Newtown Road project within three months, including phased or co-funded delivery. Worcester’s children cannot afford more delay.” Watch Councillor Allcott’s comments:
Cllr Jessie Jagger Urges Council to Act on City Centre Mobile Signal Blackspots After Dismissal of Practical Solution
Cllr Jessie Jagger Urges Council to Act on City Centre Mobile Signal Blackspots After Dismissal of Practical Solution Cllr Jessie Jagger, has called for renewed focus on tackling mobile signal blackspots in the city centre, after the council’s official response to her motion dismissed small cell technology without properly considering or trying to understand it. Cllr Jagger’s motion, passed earlier this year, asked the council to look at ways to improve mobile coverage in specific city-centre locations such as Angel Place, The Hive, and parts of the High Street — areas where poor signal regularly affects residents, visitors, and businesses. “This is a micro-scale project — we are talking about a handful of streets, not a city-wide infrastructure scheme,” said Cllr Jagger. “I’m not asking for a huge investment or a major commitment. I’m simply asking the council to reach out to a few providers, explore whether our buildings could host small cell equipment, and bring back some realistic options.” ⸻ 🧠 What is small cell technology? Small cells are miniature mobile signal boosters, about the size of a shoebox, that can be mounted discreetly on buildings or street furniture. They help improve signal in places where traditional masts struggle — such as pedestrianised areas, streets with thick-walled buildings, or busy public spaces. They are already used in cities like Westminster and Sunderland and are often installed and maintained by providers at no cost to councils, with the potential for modest rental income. In its response, the council acknowledged the importance of connectivity but offered no action, instead pointing to the role of national providers and county council lobbying. “What we received was a polite dismissal of the idea, with no real effort to explore it seriously,” said Jagger. “This was never about shifting major infrastructure. It was about doing something practical and useful with what we already have — and at the very least, we should have been willing to pick up the phone to a few experts and ask for advice.” The Lib Dem joint leader on the Worcester City Council also warned that the chance to take local action is running out. “With the city council due to be abolished in under two years, we risk losing sight of issues like this — ones that really matter to people on the ground. A unitary authority may not have the time or focus to deal with a few blackspots in the middle of Worcester. If we don’t act now, no one else will.” She is urging the Place and Economic Development Committee to take the next step by: Identifying 1–2 council-owned buildings near blackspot areas Reaching out to mobile infrastructure providers for informal feasibility feedback Bringing back a short, practical report with options for improvement “We have the ability to fix a real, visible issue that affects people every day. We just need to show the initiative. This is small-scale, low-cost, and entirely within reach — if we take it seriously.”
Worcester Liberal Democrats Congratulate Sam Ammar on Bromsgrove South By-Election Win
The Worcester Liberal Democrats have congratulated Councillor Sam Ammar and her team following their impressive victory in the Bromsgrove South by-election yesterday. The result marks another significant gain for the Liberal Democrats across Worcestershire, reflecting growing support for a fairer, more inclusive, and community-focused approach to local politics. Stuart Wild, Chair of Worcester Liberal Democrats, said “This outstanding result demonstrates that people are waking up to Reform, a party with extreme right-wing views that seeks to divide people. People are starting to realise that the Liberal Democrats are the sensible alternative to failing Labour and Conservative administrations.” Worcester County Councillor Mel Allcott expressed her delight at Councillor Ammar’s success, praising her hard work and commitment throughout the campaign. Cllr Allcott, who along with Councillors Sarah Murray, Karen Holmes and John Rudge assisted Cllr Ammar in her campaign said “This is a fantastic achievement for Sam and the rest of her team, It shows that voters across Worcestershire want a fresh start — one that puts community, compassion, and common sense at the heart of decision-making.’ ‘We look forward to working closely with Councillor Ammar and other Liberal Democrat representatives across the county to continue delivering positive change for local residents.” Cllr Sarah Murray said “It was a real privilege to be part of the team supporting Sam Ammar in South Bromsgrove. The energy and commitment on the ground were incredible — from early morning until long after dark. Voters told us they wanted a sensible alternative to the noise and division of Reform, and that’s exactly what Sam and the Liberal Democrats offered: a campaign rooted in listening, respect and community. This result shows that when we stay positive and focused on local people’s priorities, the Liberal Democrats can win anywhere.”
SARAHS BLOG: 💛 An inspiring evening in Cheltenham! 💛
Cllr Mel Allcott and I joined fellow Lib Dems in Cheltenham for their annual dinner, where they had the pleasure of meeting Josh Babarinde MP, guest of Max Wilkinson MP. Josh — the former Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Justice — spoke passionately about the need for community activism as the antidote to populism. He reminded us that the real fight for hope and progress happens on our doorsteps, in our schools, and across our communities — not in shouting matches or soundbites. From Eastbourne to Cheltenham to Worcester, Liberal Democrats are the only ones who will stand up for kindness, community, and common sense. 💛 #LibDems #TeamWorcester #CommunityPolitics #JoshBabarinde #MaxWilkinson #Cheltenham #StrongerTogether
Cllr Mel Allcott Condemns Council Decision to Send Worcester Pupils to Malvern Schools
Cllr Mel Allcott has condemned the decision by Reform councillors at Worcestershire County Council to approve plans that will see Worcester pupils sent to schools in Malvern next academic year — a move she describes as “deeply flawed, disruptive, and wholly avoidable.” “This decision makes no sense — not educationally, not logistically, and certainly not for the wellbeing of Worcester families,” said Cllr Allcott. “Children will face longer journeys, increased travel costs, and unnecessary upheaval simply because the Council has failed to plan ahead for local school capacity. It’s an appalling example of poor leadership and short-term thinking.” The closing date to apply for a place in a Worcester secondary school is 31st October 2025 and Cllr Allcott believes no parents have been made aware of this. The numbers are 90 Worcester pupils to go to Malvern schools in 2026 and 45 in 2027. Cllr Allcott is now urgently calling for the Council to reconsider its approach immediately and to work proactively with Worcester schools to create additional local places, including through the rapid deployment of mobile classrooms where necessary. “Instead of forcing Worcester pupils out of their communities, the Council should be working with local schools right now to find solutions,” Cllr Allcott continued. “Mobile classrooms can provide a quick, practical fix to keep children learning close to home while permanent expansion plans are developed. We need decisive, compassionate leadership — not bureaucratic box-ticking.” Cllr Allcott added: “Families deserve better than to have their children shipped out of the city because of a lack of foresight. I’m calling on the Reform Council to pause this ill-conceived plan and do what’s right for Worcester’s young people.”
