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).
Sarah comments on Flytippers in Offerton Lane: ‘Plans are afoot…..’
Worcester Lib Dems Sarah Murray was quoted in the local news today after it was reported that Offerton Lane had become a flytipping hotspot. Nearby residents have flagged the road as being one of the worst places in the city for the illegal practice with recent finds including a pond and a pram. Sarah was quoted as saying “Fly-tipping is absolutely one hundred per cent a problem. “Plans are afoot between Worcester City Council, Worcestershire County Council and the police in agreement with residents of Offerton Lane and hopefully we will start to see a difference very soon. “Fly-tipping in the area is a big problem. I’m not sure I’ve heard of anywhere else where it is as bad. “I run a litter-picking group on Wainwright Road and we wouldn’t know where to start on Offerton Lane because there is so much.” Sarah urged people who witness flytipping to take pictures and report any incident to the police. Find the full Worcester News article HERE
McDonald’s Rejection – Residents are Lovin’ It
City Councillors in St Nicholas have praised the residents of Warndon Villages for their critical role in defeating the controversial McDonald’s and Starbucks drive-thru proposals on the edge of Warndon Woods. The victory, hailed by locals, came as a result of a well-organised, community-led campaign, with key support from Liberal Democrat City Councillors Sarah Murray and John Rudge. Cllrs Murray and Rudge worked closely with residents, gathering their views and ensuring that their concerns were fully represented to the planning officers who ultimately rejected the proposal. Over 277 objections were submitted, highlighting issues such as traffic safety, the environmental impact on local biodiversity, and the inappropriate siting of the development near a 60mph road. Cllr Sarah Murray said “This victory is a testament to the hard work of the residents of Warndon Villages. They did everything right—attended meetings, submitted well-researched objections, and stood firm against this inappropriate development. We were here to support them every step of the way, but it was their dedication that won this fight.” Cllr John Rudge added “The residents went above and beyond to make their voices heard. We were proud to stand with them, gathering feedback and ensuring that their concerns were conveyed to the decisionmakers. This was a collaborative effort between the community, the Parish Council, and their local councillors, and it shows what can be achieved when people come together.” The efforts of the residents were key to the planning officers’ rejection of the drive-thru proposals, Cllr Murray in response to praise from residents, said, “The credit for this victory belongs to the residents of Warndon Villages. We played a small role in supporting residents, but it was the residents themselves who led this campaign. Their dedication and effort made the difference.” Residents were overjoyed by the planning officers’ decision, with members of the Warndon Villages community group on Facebook expressing relief, and one member stating, “I’m so relieved I’m crying.” Cllr Murray continued: “We’ll continue to stand with the community if McDonald’s and Starbucks decide to appeal this decision. The residents have shown their strength, and we’re committed to supporting them in protecting the local environment.” The planning officers’ decision was based on several factors, including the loss of employment land, traffic and safety concerns, and the negative impact on biodiversity. Cllr Rudge added: “This was always about ensuring that the right decisions were made for the community and the local area. We’re proud to have played our part, and we’ll be ready to stand by residents again if this fight continues.” This outcome highlights the importance of grassroots activism and the power of local communities to make a difference when they are supported by their elected representatives.
SARAHS BLOG: Standing with WASPI
With mosquito bites from Offerton Nature reserve finally healed, your Warndon Parish LibDem team have been hard at work this month. Most of you should now have received the latest Focus newsletter, although there are still another few rounds to deliver in Leopard Hill. Thank you to all the keen volunteers who have delivered these. Across the whole area, that’s nearly 5000 doors in total. It’s great that the newsletter motivates residents to get in touch about local issues we can help with. We are delighted as this goes a long way to making this area such a nice place to live. I recently returned from LibDem Conference in Brighton where I enjoyed celebrating the election wins (72 hard working MPs working for all of us), voting on LibDem policy and attending training events. I enjoyed some beautiful weather and great seafront walks to and from the event each day. Whilst in Brighton, I was delighted to meet with the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) Campaign. It was a pure coincidence that I had already submitted a motion to Worcester City Council for Tuesday evening mandating our new MP, Tom Collins, to request that this matter be brought back to Parliament so that it can be debated. My motion received cross party support on Tuesday evening. Worcester Liberal Democrats also tabled two other motions on Tuesday; one asking that the loss of the Winter Fuel Allowance is taken to the Health and Wellbeing Committee to ensure the Council are doing everything they can to ensure elderly residents don’t get cold this winter, and the other to ask Parliament to consider giving local authorities the power to decide whether and when Councillors can attend meetings remotely. The latter was tabled by Councillor Jessie Jagger who is expecting her first child in January 2025 and might struggle to attend meetings. This would enable her to continue to represent her residents, as she was elected to do. All of our motions received cross party support. Social Events We are hosting a nature walk at 2pm on 28 September which will be led by Worcester Environmental Group and will take us around Chapter Meadows. Meet at Diglis fish pass here. Parking is available here or here or here, We’d be very happy if you would join us. Join Us You can help us to get more Liberal Democrats elected in Worcester. We work hard, hear your concerns, and never take you for granted. We stand firm on seven core values: liberty, equality, democracy, community, human rights, internationalism, and environmentalism. Each of these underpin our specific policies. If you would like to help us stand for our values, you can do so here. A portion of your membership fees will go directly to our local party and help us to gain even more seats in future elections. You would be joining a local team of motivated individuals who all want to campaign for a fairer deal for residents, their families, and friends. Volunteer If you can spare an hour or two each month and would like to help us win locally, perhaps you’d be happy to deliver for us in your street. The more deliverers we have, the more time we can spend talking to our neighbours and persuading them to vote for us in future elections. If you can’t deliver, perhaps you would enjoy getting involved in other administrative tasks. You might even want to join our canvassing team and come out knocking on doors with us. If you’d like to help, please let us know. If you have any problems or queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Cllr Sarah Murray – sarahmurraylibdem@gmail.com Cllr John Rudge – rudge.john@yahoo.com
JOHNS BLOG: Getting our Hands Dirty…..
The Warndon Parish LibDem team have been hard at work this month. Most of you should now have received the latest Focus newsletter, although there are still another few rounds to deliver in Leopard Hill. Thank you to all the keen volunteers who have delivered these. Across the whole area, that’s nearly 5000 doors in total. It’s great that the newsletter motivates residents to get in touch about local issues we can help with. We are delighted as this goes a long way to making this area such a nice place to live. On Saturday 21 September we were finally able to get started on the Harlech Close project to alleviate the flooding there by clearing and deepening the ditches on either side. Many thanks to the local residents who joined me and got stuck in to clear the brush and then start the digging. It was a shame to find quite so much plastic in the ditches, including dog poo bags, but good to be able to clear the area of plastic. We also made a hibernaculum – thanks to our youngest volunteer (aged 4) for helping with that. There is more work to do, and we hope to organise another event fairly soon. If you enjoy a bit of digging and clearing, feel free to join our Facebook Group ‘Warndon Woodland Warriors’, or drop Sarah Murray or myself an email, and we’ll let you know details of future events as and when they are organised. The whole area needs attention to ditches and drainage. We are hoping that, now that we have got City Council officers helping and advising on the Offerton Lane pond project, we can begin to direct their attention to the wider area and make sure that the drainage is good enough to cope with increased and heavy rainfall. It’s a long project but we’ve made a good start and hope to update you on further progress in the next few weeks. Worcester Lib Dems Worcester Liberal Democrats tabled two other motions on Tuesday; one asking that the loss of the Winter Fuel Allowance is taken to the Health and Wellbeing Committee to ensure the Council are doing everything they can to ensure elderly residents don’t get cold this winter, and the other to ask Parliament to consider giving local authorities the power to decide whether and when Councillors can attend meetings remotely. The latter was tabled by Councillor Jessie Jagger who is expecting her first child in January 2025 and might struggle to attend meetings. This would enable her to continue to represent her residents, as she was elected to do. All of our motions received cross party support. Social Events We are hosting a nature walk at 2pm on 28 September which will be led by Worcester Environmental Group and will take us around Chapter Meadows. Meet at Diglis fish pass here. Parking is available here or here or here, We’d be very happy if you would join us. Join Us You can help us to get more Liberal Democrats elected in Worcester. We work hard, hear your concerns, and never take you for granted. We stand firm on seven core values: liberty, equality, democracy, community, human rights, internationalism, and environmentalism. Each of these underpin our specific policies. If you would like to help us stand for our values, you can do so here. A portion of your membership fees will go directly to our local party and help us to gain even more seats in future elections. You would be joining a local team of motivated individuals who all want to campaign for a fairer deal for residents, their families, and friends. Volunteer If you can spare an hour or two each month and would like to help us win locally, perhaps you’d be happy to deliver for us in your street. The more deliverers we have, the more time we can spend talking to our neighbours and persuading them to vote for us in future elections. If you can’t deliver, perhaps you would enjoy getting involved in other administrative tasks. You might even want to join our canvassing team and come out knocking on doors with us. If you’d like to help, please let us know. If you have any problems or queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Cllr Sarah Murray – sarahmurraylibdem@gmail.com Cllr John Rudge – rudge.john@yahoo.com
Karen leads Cross Party Action over Winter Fuel Payments
Worcester Lib Dems Karen Holmes led a cross party motion recently to highlight the damage that could be caused after the government announced plans to the restrict eligibility for winter Fuel Payments. In the motion presented to the council on Tuesday 17th September, Karen raised the point that around 89.4% of pensioners living in the Worcester area would lose the benefit. That equates to nearly 15,000 pensioners. The motion states that the threshold for the cut off is too low and has called on the council to do more to promote awareness of other payments pensioners can receive such as Pension credits. In her blog, Karen said about Pension Credits ‘Nationally, only 63% of those eligible actually claim it…many of whom are in Worcester. We need to ensure that pensioners know about this benefit and how to apply for it.’ I’m proud to have led a cross-party effort in Worcester City Council. Together, we passed a motion unanimously, committing to an urgent awareness campaign to ensure that every eligible pensioner in Worcester knows how to claim Pension Credit I proposed this motion because I believe it is vital that we stand up for Worcester’s pensioners. The government’s decision to remove Winter Fuel Payments from so many pensioners is deeply concerning. It’s a short-sighted move that will have a devastating impact on some of the most vulnerable people in our community.’ To see more go to Karens Blog HERE. See the BBC Story HERE
