The Worcester Liberal Democrats are thrilled to announce that the Policy and Economic Development Committee has unanimously approved officer recommendations to update and improve the much-loved splash pad at Gheluvelt Park. The decision to invest in this facility, without depleting council reserves, is a major win for the community and a testament to thoughtful financial planning. Cllr Jessie Jagger, who attended the committee especially to support this proposal, extended her gratitude to Lloyd Griffiths, Corporate Director of Operations, Homes, and Communities, for finding a way to finance the repairs without drawing from council reserves and without disadvantaging other areas. She emphasised, “The team has done the impossible to find a way to finance the repairs without going into our reserves and in a way that doesn’t appear to disadvantage other areas. I know this facility is technically in the Claines/Arboretum area, but it’s enjoyed by children all over the city, and it would be a shame to see it close or endure another year of frequent breakdowns. So, I came here today simply to thank officers for all the work that went into creating this report. I like the recommendations made and hope members will support them this evening.” Cllr Karen Holmes also expressed her appreciation, noting the splash pad’s significance for Worcester families and visitors alike. “This facility brings joy to so many in our community, and it’s wonderful to see this cross-party support for a project that enhances our city for all,” she said. The approved plan will see the much-needed repairs to the splash pad prioritised, with a total budget of £366,000 sourced through the Community Infrastructure Levy and s.106 allocations. This budget will cover essential updates to the infrastructure, including water filtration systems and safety surfaces, ensuring the facility’s longevity and reliability for years to come. The Liberal Democrats are particularly pleased with the cross-party support for this initiative, which highlights the city’s shared commitment to enhancing community spaces. This project now heads to the Environment Committee for an update on 5th November 2024, marking a significant step in progressing the Worcester Play Plan.
Worcester Liberal Democrats celebrate as Pump Track at Battenhall Park Officially Opens
WLD are happy to see that the Battenhall Park pump track has finally opened in Worcester. This new facility which opened on Fri 1st November provides an exciting space for children and teenagers to enjoy biking and skating in our community. The successful completion of the pump track is the result of collaborative efforts among councillors, particularly Lib Dem Councillor Jessie Jagger, who made an important amendment during council discussions to secure crossparty support. We are grateful for the backing from Green Party councillors Hannah Cooper and Katie Collier, as well as support from Labour and Conservative members. Despite attempts by some members of the Green Party to block the project, the commitment from various parties allowed us to address resident concerns while providing valuable recreational opportunities for young people. Long-term Lib Dem campaigner John Renshaw has also played a key role, tirelessly advocating for this project to become a reality. Additionally, we extend our thanks to the city council officers who worked diligently with the community amid criticism and complaints to bring this project to fruition. We are glad to see this important facility now available and look forward to the positive experiences it will bring to local youth. Thank you to everyone involved, including Bike Worcester, for helping make this project happen.
Jessie Welcomes Remote Working Announcement: ‘A Victory for Modern Local Democracy’
Councillor Jessie Jagger, a leading voice in the campaign for remote participation in council meetings, has welcomed Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s announcement that councillors in England will soon be allowed to participate in debates from home. This change reverses outdated policies requiring all councillors to attend meetings in person, a restriction that was only temporarily lifted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rayner’s announcement at the Local Government Association’s annual conference introduces provisions for remote attendance and proxy voting, enabling councillors to take part even if they face challenges due to caregiving or health concerns. A public consultation on these new rules has also been launched. Following the unanimous passing of a motion in her local council in support of remote participation, Councillor Jagger has been busy working with councillors from other parts of the country, helping them pass similar motions in their own councils. She has also been actively lobbying members of the House of Lords in anticipation of the LGA conference. “I am thrilled to see this issue finally gaining momentum,” said Councillor Jagger, who is seven months pregnant. “I’ve been working closely with councillors across the political spectrum and directly lobbying members of the House of Lords to keep this issue front and centre. To see such a quick response from the government is encouraging, and I believe we are finally on the path to making local government more accessible and inclusive for all.” Lord Newby, Leader of the Liberal Democrat group in the House of Lords, recently confirmed in an email that they had previously supported similar proposals in local government legislation. He explained that while the opportunity to introduce a Private Members’ Bill in the Lords would not arise until the next parliamentary session, but there may be opportunities to include remote working provisions in other upcoming legislation. “I can assure you that if we get the chance to do so, we will take it,” he stated. Jessie featured in the Worcester News this week and was also interviewed on Tammy Gooding’s morning show on BBC Hereford and Worcester where she shared her delight at the announcement. Jessie has also expressed her gratitude to Daisy Cooper, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, for her unwavering support throughout the campaign. “Daisy has been incredibly supportive of this campaign from the start, and I’m so pleased that we’ve had such a fast response from the government. This is a significant step forward for making local government more flexible and accessible for everyone, especially those with caregiving responsibilities or health concerns.” To see the article from the Worcester News click HERE To hear the BBC Interview, click HERE and scroll to 1:52:40
MELS BLOG: In the News…..
Unfortunately this week I had to feature in a story in the Worcester News concerning the use of residential roads in Ombersley Road. Some residents had made me aware that they believed the Listers SEAT dealership might have been using neighbouring residential roads as an “overflow” car park. Residents have expressed safety concerns to me and I believe the business’s actions have caused increased congestion in the area, with a large volume of cars parked along Colin Road and further up into Leslie Avenue. People living nearby have also told me they struggle to park their cars in the area. I live just around the corner and use the small Co-op often and there is a danger factor when people are parking on corners or close to the lines near a junction – it is a very congested area, especially before and after school. I think it is disappointing they are being really inconsiderate (for using the neighbouring roads to park their cars). They need to recognise they are in a residential area and other garages accommodate their fleet. West Mercia Police and Worcester City Council have tried to solve the issue. Residents are annoyed because it has been a garage for a long time, and where there used to be an occasional car, there are now many more, so there isn’t anywhere for the residents to park as well. There are clearly too many cars and the site is not big enough to accommodate them We are seeking to find a resolution to this as quickly as possible. Go to the Worcester News story HERE
JOHNS BLOG: Pond works Continue!
CORFE AVENUE POND It was great to be able to get back to clearing the Corfe Avenue pond today with a fantastic team of local volunteers. As you may recall in my last blog we were able to start on the Harlech Close project to alleviate the flooding there by clearing and deepening the ditches on either side. Today we got to work at Corfe Avenue with the aim being to let the light in and cut back some of the reeds and rushes. It was great to see some open water reappearing but there is much work still to be done. I want to extend a big thank you to one and all who came to join us this weekend, your efforts are so appreciated by all of us at the Worcester Lib Dem’s as well as I’m sure by the other residents in the area. If you want to join us for another round next Saturday (2nd Nov) at 10.00, you would be very welcome, for however long you can afford to give. Equipment is supplied – but wellies or boots are DEFINATELY advised. Also feel free to join our Facebook Group ‘Warndon Woodland Warriors’, or drop Sarah Murray or myself an email.
Worcester Liberal Democrats Raise Concerns Over Traffic Queues at Sixways Roundabout
The Worcester Liberal Democrats have raised urgent concerns regarding the persistent traffic queues leading up to Sixways Roundabout at Junction 6 of the M5, particularly from Berkeley Way. The growing issue has been a source of frustration for local residents, who have repeatedly voiced complaints to local LibDem councillors Sarah Murray and John Rudge. Following numerous reports from affected residents, Councillors Murray and Rudge brought the community’s concerns to the attention of Worcestershire County Council. The councillors highlighted how the traffic buildup is not only causing significant delays but is also creating safety risks and impacting the quality of life for those living in nearby areas. As part of their efforts to tackle the problem, the Worcester Liberal Democrats have called on Highways England to review the traffic light sequencing at Sixways Roundabout. Residents have expressed particular concern that vehicles entering the roundabout from Berkeley Way are often left at a standstill for extended periods, with little opportunity to move forward Local business owner, Stuart Wild, said “During the evening peak period, the queue of traffic on Berkeley Way waiting to enter the junction 6 roundabout is horrendous, even stretching past and blocking the roundabout near the Premier Inn. And when you get to the front of the queue it’s obvious why. Only one car at a time can get onto the roundabout because of the phasing of the lights to the right at the top of the northbound slip road from the M5.” Craig Cliff, a resident from Warndon Villages who lives close to Junction 6 said ”I have to use it on a daily basis, It can take me twenty minutes or more some days to do less than a few hundred feet! The improvement works on this roundabout should have helped ease this problem, but it’s made it worse! We have no traffic lights from the Warndon exit onto the roundabout. and the sequencing of lights for those that have are completely out of phase..it’s frustrating!” Speaking on the issue, Cllr Sarah Murray said “The congestion around Junction 6 has become a daily headache for local commuters and residents. The traffic backing up along Berkeley Way is not only inconvenient but has started to affect local businesses and create safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists. We’ve asked Highways to take a close look at the traffic light sequence, as drivers entering from Berkeley Way simply aren’t getting a fair chance to move forward, which only worsens the delays. We’re urging the County Council to take swift action to investigate and implement solutions.” Cllr John Rudge echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of quick intervention. “Residents have been incredibly patient, but the situation is becoming untenable. We need urgent measures to address the root causes of the congestion and prevent further disruptions to the local community. Reviewing the traffic light timing at Sixways is a key step, and improving traffic flow around Junction 6 must become a priority for the council, particularly given the impact this issue is having on daily life.” Worcester City and County Councillor, Mel Allcott said ‘This is another example of the Conservative County Council, allowing changes to our road infrastructure, which work badly in practice.’ The Liberal Democrat team has called for the County Council to conduct a full traffic management review of the area and to engage with Highways England to identify short- and long-term solutions. Potential remedies could include improved traffic light sequencing, expanding road capacity, or exploring alternative routes to alleviate pressure from the M5. The Worcester Liberal Democrats will continue to press for action and are committed to keeping the community informed of any developments.
MP Tom Collins fails to support motions to fix health and care crises
Worcester’s Liberal Democrats have criticised Tom Collins’ decision not to support a motion that would have seen the Government rescue community healthcare and end the carer’s repayment scandal. Worcester’s Labour MP has rejected two parliamentary motions to tackle the health and care crises. Tabled as part of the Liberal Democrats’ first Opposition Day since 2009, the first proposal focused on the Carer’s Allowance repayments scandal, calling on the Government to write off existing overpayments and conduct a full review of support for unpaid carers. The second motion urged Ministers to boost access to community healthcare, lambasting the current wait times for GP, NHS dentist and local pharmacy appointments. Shocking recent data uncovered by the Liberal Democrats revealed that in the last year, 45% of Brits have tried and were unable to get an NHS appointment. The statistics further indicated that 1 in 4 people have been unable to work because of this lack of access to appointments. The Liberal Democrats’ proposal called for new healthcare mandates which would give everyone the right to see a GP within 7 days (or within 24 hours if in urgent need) and guarantee emergency access to an NHS dentist. Despite the huge strain on the NHS as we head into the winter months, Labour MPs voted against the motions. Worcester’s Lib Dems criticised their decision as “deeply disappointing.” Commenting on the vote, Mel Allcott, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Worcester, said: “I’m deeply disappointed to see that the Labour Government opposed these motions. What was even more disappointing was to see our local MP(s) fail to support motions in Parliament that would see more support for health and care services in our community. “The state of local healthcare is dire and the carers’ overpayment scandal is a national disgrace. Families and pensioners across Worcester are in desperate need of a fair deal. “That’s why Liberal Democrat MPs threw their support behind these measures – voting to rescue our GPs, NHS dentists, community pharmacists and of course our carers. “Locally, we’ll keep putting pressure on our Tom Collins to do the right thing. Health and social care must be their top priority.”
Sarah praises City Council for Quick Response
Worcester Lib Dem Councillor, Sarah Murray was today effusive with praise for the Worcester City Council after a report she submitted on behalf of a local resident was resolved after only a handful of days. Cllr Murray received the report of a dead Silver Birch tree on Wednesday evening (9th October). The tree which was on the edge of the Warndon Woods was located on land managed by the City Council. As well as being an eyesore and a magnet for pests, the tree needed to be removed to protect the other trees around it from potential disease, as well as being a safety concern to the public users of the woods. Cllr Murray reported the tree to the council on the Thursday morning (10th October) and was delighted to discover that by the Monday (14th Oct) the tree had been removed. Cllr Murray said ‘Sometimes the only reports we get to hear concerning stories like this are when there is a delay or inaction on the Council’s part. ‘The Council obviously receives many reports from residents like this one on a regular basis and I think its only right to highlight just how effective and efficient the council has been especially in this case. Its reassuring to know that the Council will waste no time to rectify these situations when the needs arise. ‘As they say, credit where credit is due!’ Cllr Murray had previously commended both the City and Parish Council in Warndon Villages last week after they worked together to ensure the replacement of a four way rocker at a children’s play area in Caister Avenue.
OFWAT Fining Water Companies ‘Will Only Go So Far’
The Worcester Lib Dems have today reacted to the news that water regulator OFWAT has instructed water companies across the country to refund customers nearly £158m due to their poor performances. OFWAT have stated that the refunds would come off bills during 2025-2026 and would be calculated during December. Mel Allcott, city and county councillor for Claines, raised the problems surrounding Worcester and the River Severn during her maiden speech at the Lib Dem Party conference in September. In her speech she said ‘I know from speaking to my residents, they have had enough. Water bosses have been allowed to take huge bonuses, whilst sewage is being dumped, into our rivers and seas Labour…have pledged to give OFWAT more power. We need more than a pledge. We need real change.’ In response to todays announcement Cllr Allcott said ‘While the government’s recent action on water is welcomed, it’s clear that punishment alone is not enough. ‘Severn Trent, one of the companies praised in the latest report, is being allowed to increase prices, despite untreated sewage ending up in our rivers. Yes, they may be better than most, but that’s only because the bar has been set too low. We need a fundamental shift in culture, which is why the Liberal Democrats’ plan to restructure water companies is the only way forward. By embedding investment and social benefit into their articles of association, we can ensure long-term accountability and real change. Simply fining companies will only go so far.’
Caister Avenue Play Equipment replaced after Councillor intervention
Cllr Sarah Murray has today expressed her gratitude to the Worcester City and Warndon Villages Parish Councils after she negotiated an arrangement to replace a popular piece of play equipment located at the play area on Caister Avenue. Cllr Murray became involved when a local resident raised concerns that the four way rocker on the playground had been removed but not yet replaced. Cllr Murray took the case to the city council but was told that the rocker was too expensive. Undeterred, Cllr Murray approached the Parish Council and subsequently facilitated an agreement between the City and Parish Councils to share the cost of the replacement play equipment 50/50. Cllr Murray thanked both the councils for their help and understanding in coming to an agreement for the users of the play area. “It means a lot that the councils came together in this instance. The play area is well loved and well used and it would have been a huge shame if the rocker had not been replaced. ‘I totally understand that budgets are tight across the city, but I am so pleased that both councils agreed with the residents and myself that this was an important resource that couldn’t be ignored and were open minded to working with me to find this successful solution.’ The new four way rocker has been installed in the Caister Avenue play area today (4th October 2024).
