Councillor Karen Holmes visited Northwick Manor Primary School this week to see first-hand the progress being made in the school’s Wellbeing Garden and Allotment — a space created to promote wellbeing, teamwork, and environmental awareness among pupils. During her visit, Cllr Holmes met with the school’s Wellbeing Advocates, a group of pupils who provide support to their peers and take an active role in maintaining the garden. Cllr Holmes said “One of the best aspects of being a City Councillor is being able to help children develop into caring, community-spirited adults. The children have formed a team of Wellbeing Advocates to provide support to each other. I was amazed at the confidence expressed by the children when they greeted me.” The children guided Cllr Holmes around the garden, explaining their plans for growing areas, quiet reflection zones, and bug hotels to encourage wildlife. “They showed me around their garden allotment and explained their plans for growing areas, quiet reflection areas and bug hotels. I was even presented with a beautiful bunch of sunflowers,” added Cllr Holmes. “This sturdy garden shed will house their tools for generations of school children. The well-built, solid shed was generously offered by a Claines-based company, Worthington’s Timber, at well below its retail price for the school, which shows how much community spirit we have in our area.” The new shed was made possible thanks to a £300 donation from Cllr Holmes’ Community Grant Fund, which supported the school’s ongoing development of the Wellbeing Garden. Head Teacher Miss Najar said “We were delighted to welcome Councillor Karen Holmes to see the fantastic work taking place in our Wellbeing garden and allotment.’ ‘The children were so proud to share how they have helped to create and care for this special space. We were extremely grateful to Cllr Holmes for her generous donation of £300, which has been used to purchase a new shed. Her support has made a real difference in helping us continue to develop this area for the benefit of all our pupils.” The Wellbeing Garden continues to flourish as a collaborative project that encourages pupils to connect with nature, care for their environment, and support one another’s wellbeing.
Cllr Murray Calls for Visible Neighbourhood Policing Following Serious Youth Violence in Worcester
Cllr Sarah Murray has expressed deep concern to the Worcester News following two serious incidents involving young people in Worcester — warning that action is needed urgently to protect children and restore confidence in community safety. Last Thursday (October 16th), two students required hospital treatment after an alleged attack near the entrance to County Hall on Spetchley Road at around 4pm. This followed a separate incident in Whittington on Sunday, 21 September, in which a girl was reportedly stabbed multiple times. Three 14-year-old girls were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and remain on bail. Cllr Murray said: “These incidents are deeply worrying and my thoughts are with the young people who were hurt and with their families. As a teacher and someone who has worked closely with young people across Worcestershire, I know how important it is that we understand why violence like this is happening — and that we act early to stop it. We need visible neighbourhood policing, safer routes to and from school, and the kind of youth and family support that prevents problems long before the police have to get involved. Cuts to PCSOs and community provision only make that harder. The Liberal Democrats want to see a joined-up approach between schools, councils and the police to protect our young people and rebuild trust in community safety.” According to the Worcester News, West Mercia Police have confirmed that investigations into both incidents remain ongoing. No further updates have been issued regarding arrests or appeals for information.
Old Tolladine Road Play Area Reopens Following Full Refurbishment
One of Worcester’s most neglected play areas has been transformed into a bright, welcoming community space thanks to a £30,000 investment by Worcester City Council. The refurbishment of Old Tolladine Road Play Area is now complete, with the site officially reopened to local families. The upgrade includes a full repaint of existing play equipment, new safety surfacing, and the installation of a brand-new piece of toddler equipment. Cllr Sarah Murray, City Councillor for St Nicholas Ward, said: “It’s fantastic to see Old Tolladine Play Area brought back to life. Just a few weeks ago it was one of the most run-down sites in the city, and now it’s a clean, vibrant space for children to enjoy. Local families have waited a long time for this improvement, and I hope it will be well used and well loved. My thanks go to the project team for their hard work in delivering such a positive result.” The work follows reports of vandalism earlier in the refurbishment process. The contractor, Groundwork and Leisure Services Ltd, repaired the damage and completed the project on schedule. Cllr Murray added: “The transformation is a credit to everyone involved. I’d encourage residents to help look after the site so it remains a safe, welcoming place for our community.” Worcester City Council’s Project Support Officer, has also been praised for her contribution. Since joining the council earlier this year, she has carried out assessments across all 47 play area locations citywide, helping prioritise maintenance and future improvements. The Council is also progressing plans for an exciting new ‘destination’ pump track at Perdiswell Park, with contract details due to be confirmed in the coming weeks. “Investment in play and recreation is vital,” added Cllr Murray. “Spaces like these bring people together and give young people something positive to do. It’s wonderful to see progress.”
Cllr Mel Allcott: “Northwick Cinema can once again light up Worcester’s cultural scene”
Almost one year on from the Northwick Cinema being put up for sale, Cllr Mel Allcott is encouraging creatives to come forward, for a fantastic opportunity to breathe new life into an iconic Art Deco Grade II listed building. First opened in 1938, Northwick Cinema is a symbol of Worcester’s golden age of film and entertainment. Though it has seen a variety of uses over the decades, many residents still fondly remember its days as a bustling community cinema and live venue. Cllr Mel Allcott, Worcester City Councillor for Claines Ward, said: “The Northwick has always been an iconic part of Worcester’s identity. With the site still on the market, we have a unique chance to bring it back to life as a bespoke cinema or creative arts space, something that can celebrate our heritage and bring life to this striking architecture.” Cllr Allcott added that similar restorations across the country have shown how heritage cinemas can thrive. As an example, Cllr Allcott points to the Regal Cinema in Evesham. It first opened in 1932, closed in 2003 and re-opened in 2012 and has been turned into fantastic success. With an impressive array of daily matinees and showings, bespoke seating and a food and beverage menu, its much more than soda, nachos and popcorn. “Let’s not leave the Northwick closed for 9 years. Let’s get it refurbished and open. In Worcester we have the creativity, community spirit, and local pride to make the Northwick shine again. I’d love to see local entrepreneurs, arts groups, or even a community trust step forward with a vision that combines heritage, culture, and sustainability” she said. The Worcester Liberal Democrats have long campaigned for stronger investment in the city’s cultural assets and believe the revival of the Northwick could help boost Worcester’s economy and tourism appeal. “Imagine walking past and seeing the Northwick’s lights on again — it would send a real message that Worcester is investing in its future, not just preserving its past,” added Cllr Allcott.
Worcester Liberal Democrats respond to Green call to abolish private landlords
Worcester Liberal Democrats have rejected calls from the Green Party to abolish private landlords, describing the proposal as “unrealistic and unhelpful” at a time when Worcester faces a growing housing shortage. Cllr Karen Holmes said: “We need fairer regulation and better enforcement, not abolition. Many responsible private landlords in Worcester provide good-quality homes and play an essential role in meeting local housing need. Our focus should be on protecting tenants, raising standards, and tackling poor practice — not scrapping an entire sector that houses thousands of local people.” The Lib Dems have also noted the inconsistency within the Greens’ position, given that one of their councillors is known to own property outside Worcestershire. The facts in Worcester • There are around 44,600 households in the city of Worcester. • Approximately 21% (around 9,400 households) are privately rented. • The average property value in the city is roughly £170,000, giving an estimated total value of privately rented homes of around £1.6 billion. • Abolishing private landlords nationally would require buying out roughly five million privately rented homes — a cost of around £1 trillion to the taxpayer. “That kind of policy simply isn’t credible,” added Cllr Holmes. “Instead of political slogans, we need workable policies that improve conditions for tenants and support good landlords to stay in the market.” A practical plan — not slogans Instead of abolition, Worcester Liberal Democrats are calling for: 1. Stronger local enforcement powers to act swiftly against unsafe or poorly maintained properties. 2. Guaranteed decent standards through improved licensing, inspections, and penalties for repeat offenders. 3. Security for tenants, including support for longer tenancies and clear routes to redress. 4. Support for energy-efficient upgrades, so tenants benefit from warmer homes and lower bills. 5. Increased investment in social and affordable housing to reduce pressure on the private rented sector. Cllr Karen Holmes concluded “Worcester residents deserve serious, workable solutions. Let’s raise standards, empower tenants, and give the Council the tools to deal with rogues — while recognising the many responsible landlords who provide much-needed homes.”
John Rudge hits local news with Corfe Ave pond efforts
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.”
