Cllr John Rudge has featured in the local news, highlighting his and other volunteers efforts to stop the pond at Corfe Avenue from becoming an overgrown and stagnant swamp. Cllr Rudge and a neighbour have made it their mission to help the pond in Warndon Villages retain its importance as a habitat for a wide range of wildlife. One of the main jobs for the hard working team has been digging out the bullrushes before the pond is ‘suffocated’ so wildlife can continue to thrive there. Cllr Rudge, a city councillor for St Nicholas ward, told Worcester News: “The pond is the driest I’ve seen it in years, since we moved here in 1996. If we had left it, it would just have turned into a swamp. “Now we just need some rain so the pond can fill up. It has not been this dry in the last 30 years. It’s an important watering hole. There will be so much more open water there now (following the removal of the bull rushes) – the ducks will come back. “With the water levels so low over the summer, we could get in quite far to clean the pond out. Hopefully, when water levels rise, it will be a great habitat for the ducks to enjoy as well as all the birds that come to drink there.” As part of the work, the team made five piles of bullrushes removing an estimated 200 or so. The job took around 40 hours over the last few months. Cllr Rudge also pointed out that the pond supports a wide range of wildlife from herons and ducks to frogs, newts, dragonflies and songbirds. The removed bullrushes were left for a while, allowing any animals sheltering in amongst them to reach safety and so help to conserve the wildlife.
Former Conservative Leader James Stanley Joins Worcester Liberal Democrats
The Worcester Lib Dems have today welcomed the news that former Conservative group leader James Stanley is to join their ranks. Mr Stanley said his move was driven by frustration with the direction of politics nationally and locally. He said “I have had enough of the extreme, click-bait style of politics that has come to dominate. People want common sense, fairness, and genuine solutions to local issues. The Liberal Democrats are the only party that reflect that sensible, central middle ground, and I am proud to be joining them.” Liberal Democrat group co-leaders, Councillors Mel Allcott and Jessie Jagger, welcomed Mr Stanley warmly. Cllr Allcott said “James’s decision shows that moderation and constructive politics are the way forward. We’re delighted to have him on board as we continue to listen to residents and stand up for Worcester.” Cllr Jagger added “Our city deserves calm, thoughtful leadership — not division or posturing. By working together in the centre ground, we can provide a strong voice for local people and deliver the change Worcester needs.” The move further strengthens the Liberal Democrats in Worcester, where the party continues to play a key role in promoting fairness, sustainability, and community wellbeing.
SARAHS BLOG: ‘When violent, misogynistic threats are made online, women shouldn’t have to fight to prove they are serious….’
When violent, misogynistic threats are made online, women shouldn’t have to fight to prove they are serious. I reported a public comment inciting sexual violence and provided screenshots. Yet I was told no crime would be recorded — because the victim hadn’t reported it herself, and because the offence was classed as ‘non-notifiable’ for statistics. But this is not about statistics. It’s about safety, dignity, and the kind of society we want to live in. I have now received confirmation from PCC John Campion that the misogynistic threats I reported are subject to a police investigation, and I am grateful to the officers progressing the case. But one investigation after public pressure is not enough. Since speaking out, I’ve heard from far too many women who were dismissed or let down when reporting abuse to West Mercia Police. Their voices cannot be ignored. West Mercia Police and the PCC’s office are White Ribbon accredited. That badge must mean more than words. It must mean every woman’s safety is taken seriously, and that threats of sexual violence are treated as crimes from the outset — not only after escalation. I will keep pressing for change, because public trust in policing depends not on slogans but on action.
MEL USES CONFERENCE SPEECH TO BACK UKRAINE CHILDREN MIGRANT RIGHTS
Cllr Mel Allcott has used her third speech at the Lib Dem Conference to back a motion submitted by the Young Liberal Democrats designed to help protect the rights and freedoms of Ukrainian migrants who came to the UK to escape the war with Russia. After making her debut speeches last year, Cllr Allcott on Monday (22nd Sep) urged the conference to get behind the motion which called for: The UK Government to automatically extend visas for Ukrainians already granted status and residing in the UK. The UK Government to establish a pathway to indefinite leave to remain for Ukrainians who have integrated into life in the UK and wish to remain long–term. The Government to work to ensure that Ukrainian pupils and other children with experience of forced displacement do not face delays in school enrolment and have access to trauma–informed support. The re–establishment of GCSEs and A–levels in Ukrainian language. Ukrainian–language books and educational materials to be available in schools and libraries. The Government to support Ukrainian cultural, educational, and linguistic initiatives for Ukrainian children whilst they reside in the UK. The Government to provide guidance and support for Ukrainians living in the UK to access further and higher education, including apprenticeships. The UK Government to provide support to displaced Ukrainians residing in the UK who wish to voluntarily resettle in safe areas of Ukraine. In her speech Cllr Allcott said ‘I have had the privilege to both support and spend time with the Worcestershire Ukrainian community. I believe they know they have our support. What they need now is certainty. Certainty the UK government will automatically extend visas. Certainty for the future of their children. The UK government needs to step up and provide certainty, which must include certainty of education. A place in a school without delay, a clear pathway and a curriculum which includes being able to study their Ukrainian language and culture. Children need stability to grow, to learn, to thrive. Let’s show we always stand with Ukraine, not just on the world stage but here, in our communities, in our classrooms and in the lives of children who deserve to flourish.’ **CLLR MEL ALLCOTTS SPEECH IN FULL** Conference Good Afternoon, I am here to speak in strong support of this motion, I have had the privilege to both support and spend time with the Worcestershire Ukranian Community. In Summer we commemorated Ukrainian Independence Day, at Christmas we celebrated St Nicholas and in February of this year we marked the 3rd anniversary of the Russian war on Ukraine. For Independence day traditional Ukrainian dress was worn, a feast of traditional food provided and there was a lot of dancing. The national anthem was played and in a moving circle we held hands and sang. For St Nicholas day there was a Christmas party and the children, including the first “Worcester born” Ukranian baby, enjoyed dressing up, singing, dancing, and joke telling. St Nicholas (Santa or Father Christmas to some of us) made an appearance and all the children received a stocking. For the 3rd anniversary of the war we stood and sang the national anthem and the flag was paraded. A heart wrenching video was played in tribute to the late brother of the chair of the association, yet another casualty of this dreadful war. The children performed songs and dance and the adults made speeches and gave out thank you certificates to Worcestershire residents, for all the help received including in one case, unusually, for car maintenance. In the worst of times, the Ukrainian community took the time, to say thank you. I see how kind, resilient and strong they are and my heart goes out to them. I believe they know they have our support. What they need now is certainty. Certainty the UK government will automatically extend visas. Certainty for the future of their children. Certainty of education for their children. First arriving in March 2022 some children will be embarking on a fifth academic year at school, some will be starting college and some will be starting University. In Worcestershire the community set up a Sunday school project which has enabled educational trips, regular classes in art and music and support in local events. These activities alone have noticeably increased the children’s confidence and helped with integration into our society. The UK government needs to step up and provide certainty, which must include certainty of education. A place in a school without delay, a clear pathway and a curriculum which includes being able to study their Ukrainian language and culture. Children need stability to grow, to learn, to thrive. Conference, as Liberal Democrats, let’s show we always stand with Ukraine, not just on the world stage but here, in our communities, in our classrooms and in the lives of children who deserve to flourish. Conference I urge you, support this motion. Thank you.
Victory for Healthcare Workers as County Council Backs Parking Permit Scheme
Worcestershire County Council has today voted to support a new Healthcare Worker Parking Permit scheme, following a campaign led by Worcester City Councillor Sarah Murray (Lib Dem, St Nicholas). The decision comes after more than 440 residents signed a petition calling for fair treatment for community nurses and healthcare staff, who currently risk parking fines while visiting patients in their homes — including end-of-life care visits and urgent interventions. Cllr Sarah Murray said: “This is about fairness and common sense. Healthcare workers should be able to spend their time with patients, not worrying about parking fines. I’m proud that today Worcestershire has shown it values the people who deliver vital care in our communities.” Cllr Mel Allcott (Lib Dem), who proposed the motion, said: “I was proud to bring this motion forward on behalf of healthcare workers and the residents who rely on them. The stories we’ve heard from nurses and carers make it clear that the current situation is unfair and unsafe. This scheme will make a real difference.” Debbie Handley, a local nursing manager who addressed councillors during the debate, said: “This decision is a huge relief for healthcare workers. It means we can reach patients more quickly and focus on providing care without the added stress of parking fines.”
Worcester Lib Dems to propose motion for Healthcare Worker Parking Permits
Worcestershire County Councillors will this week debate a motion to introduce a Healthcare Worker Parking Permit scheme, following a long-running campaign by Worcester City Councillor Sarah Murray (Lib Dem, St Nicholas). The motion will be debated at the Full Council meeting on Thursday 11 September. Over 440 residents have signed a petition backing the scheme, with nurses and healthcare staff describing the daily struggle of parking while delivering essential care in the community. Testimony includes reports of fines received while attending patients, and the risks of walking long distances with heavy equipment — sometimes at night, sometimes to end-of-life patients. Cllr Sarah Murray said: “Healthcare workers should not be punished for delivering care in our communities. I hope councillors across the chamber will back this motion on Thursday.” The motion will be proposed by Cllr Mel Allcott (Lib Dem, Worcester), with Debbie Handley, a local nursing manager, attending to address councillors directly.
SARAHS BLOG: “Those who do not remember the past…..”
Operation Raise the Colours has left me uneasy. I have no objection to our national flag being flown when appropriate — on civic buildings, at Jubilees, Coronations, Royal Weddings, or great sporting moments. I am proud of our nation and happily wave the flag when the occasion calls for it. But to see flags hung from every other lamppost across Worcester, with no special event to mark, feels excessive. Like too many sweets, what begins as enjoyable is starting to feel a little sickly. I have recently returned from visiting Dresden, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Kraków (including Auschwitz), and Berlin. Each city is filled with reminders of the horrors of the Second World War and the Holocaust. The memorial of shoes on the Danube in Budapest was profoundly moving. Auschwitz itself was almost beyond comprehension. On the walls of one hut I read two quotes that have stayed with me: “We must free the German nation of Poles, Russians, Jews and Gypsies.” George Santayana’s famous warning: “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” The Holocaust did not begin in the gas chambers — it began with words, symbols, and the slow normalisation of hate. That is why I feel uneasy when I see a proliferation of flags with no occasion to justify them. It is not the flag itself I fear — it is what such saturation of symbolism has meant in darker chapters of history. In pre-war Germany, flags were not flown to celebrate, but to condition. To me, true patriotism is not measured by how many flags line a street. It is shown in how we care for one another and our shared community. As a City Councillor, a magistrate, a special educational needs teacher, a Trustee of a community centre, the organiser of a volunteer litter-picking group, a campaigner against domestic abuse, and Worcester City Council’s Member Champion for Personal Safety and Civility in Public Office, I try to live that out daily. Serving others, supporting those in need, and working for fairness and safety is, in my view, a far more powerful statement of love for one’s country than a thousand banners on a lamppost. I love my country. But I do not wish Worcester to start resembling something it should never be. Patriotism is best expressed not by the sheer number of flags, but by how we remember our history and uphold the values of freedom, tolerance and dignity for all.
Worcester Liberal Democrats: “Protesting is not the same as sitting on your hands. We are standing against the erosion of local democracy”
At yesterday’s (2nd Sep) council meeting, Worcester Liberal Democrat councillors voiced strong opposition to government-driven plans to abolish Worcester City Council as part of local government reorganisation. Speaking after the debate, Liberal Democrat Co-Group Leader Jessie Jagger said: “First, I want to thank our officers for their work on this report, and also thank our Labour and Green colleagues here in Worcester for engaging openly with us. As Liberal Democrats we have taken part in this process in good faith. But what we are being asked to do tonight is not a real choice. Both options abolish Worcester City Council and take the local voice further away from the people we represent. If pressed, we recognise that two authorities with shared services is the least damaging option – but what is the point when the County Council has already spent £350,000 on PwC consultants to make the case for one giant authority? This consultation feels like it has been designed to defend a foregone conclusion.” The group highlighted serious flaws in the financial case being presented for reorganisation. The Liberal Democrats also raised concerns about new powers contained in the government’s English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (2025). “This Bill doesn’t just invite councils to reorganise – it gives Ministers the power to direct us to submit proposals. Either we do what we are told, or we are told anyway. That strips local democracy away with the stroke of a pen. We are being ordered by a minister. We do not have a choice ” On the proposed introduction of “super mayors”, the group warned that the new roles could hand unprecedented powers to one individual. “Ministers assume these posts will always be held by progressives. That is dangerously naïve. A populist could sweep in and hold more power than any Member of Parliament, with fewer checks and balances.” The Worcester Liberal Democrat group confirmed they would abstain on all votes yesterday as an act of protest.
Cllr Rudge Urges Dog Owners to Keep Pavements Clean
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/
