The Liberal Democrats are pleased to announce that Cllr Mel Allcott has been chosen as their parliamentary candidate for the upcoming general election. With a distinguished track record as both a city and county councillor as well as the civic role of Deputy Mayor, Mel brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to public service. Having dedicated the last decade to serving the city, Mel is driven by a passion for addressing the needs of Worcester. With a focus on putting the community first, she aims to prioritise the interests of Worcester residents above partisan politics. Mel’s extensive experience as a councillor has equipped her with a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing the city. Her dedication to transparency, accountability and collaboration will be instrumental in driving positive change for Worcester. In accepting the nomination, Mel expressed her eagerness to work tirelessly on behalf of the community, emphasising her commitment to ensuring that Worcester’s needs take precedence in political decision-making. The Liberal Democrats believe that Mel’s leadership will bring a fresh perspective to parliamentary representation, one that prioritises the welfare and aspirations of Worcester residents. As the campaign unfolds, Mel looks forward to engaging with the community, listening to concerns and advocating for the positive development of Worcester. Cllr Allcott said “Worcester matters. As Worcester residents we have had too many career politicians who make choices on self-interest. Worcester needs a real voice at Westminster and I am the candidate to make sure we have one”
WLD shares details of new Worcester Nature Programme
The Worcester Liberal Democrats have today shared the details of a new scheme that has been launched to help in the forming or development of natural spaces. The Natural Networks Programme is a Worcestershire-wide scheme offering grants and advice to projects which aim to create or restore wildlife-rich habitats. The programme offers free professional Biodiversity surveys carried out by partners of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust who will assess the project site and make recommendations on how to create or enhance your land to maximise habitats for wildlife. Grants of £1,000 – £15,000 are available (up to 70% of the total project cost will be available to help carry out the recommendations suggested in the survey). Private sector organisations will be expected to match fund at least 50% of the project Public or voluntary sector organisations will be expected to match fund at least 30% of the project The programme aim is to create a natural network of wildlife-rich habitats across Worcestershire that will enhance the quality of our blue and green infrastructure. For those who want more information, visit the webpage HERE
Worcester Liberal Democrats Nature Walk
Worcester Liberal Democrats cordially invite you to join us for a nature walk along part of the Wild about Worcester Way with Paul Snookes, of Worcester Environmental Group, followed by a visit to Waitrose for coffee and cake. Date: Saturday 9th March Time: 10am-12pm (end time is flexible) Where: Bath Road, through Battenhall Park and Redhill up to London Road Distance: 2km with lots of stops to observe and learn about the nature on our doorstep Post-walk coffee and cake: Waitrose, 223 London Road, Worcester WR5 2JG Please meet at the dropped pin here. Parking is available on Bath Road and Ransom Avenue. Please also ensure you dress appropriately for whatever the weather is doing on the day and wear stout footwear. Paul will guide us along the route for 1.5-2 hours and tell us all about the nature that is on our doorstep. We will then meet for refreshments at Waitrose. If you would prefer not to walk back through the park to your car, please let us know and we will make sure we can transport you back. If you would like to make a donation to WEG the bank details are: Worcester Environmental Group 30-98-97 77819560 Please drop us an email if you would like to attend at alisonmorganlibdem@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you there!
Urgent Call to Preserve Healthcare Access in Worcester
In response to the impending closure of Farrier House Surgery, a vital GP practice in Worcester, residents, and community leaders, including prospective LibDem council candidate Paul Jagger and wife Cllr Jessie Jagger have raised concern after they received a letter telling them their GP practice Farrier House Surgery is set to close its doors on 1st March. The letter cited recruitment challenges and rising costs as insurmountable obstacles. The closure raises concerns about the strain on Worcester’s already overstretched healthcare system and the potential exacerbation of difficulties in securing timely GP appointments. Paul Jagger said “I don’t want to lose my GP. This practice was already overstretched, and if they go, it will get even worse. I know people in the city who struggle to get a GP as it is” Parliamentary spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats Mell Alcott said “ Worcester healthcare is at a critical juncture. Losing more GP practices is not an option. The closure of Farrier House Surgery will only compound the strain we are already experiencing. We need long term solutions to train and retain more doctors” In response to these concerns, the Jaggers have initiated an online petition demanding immediate action to preserve Farrier House Surgery, secure better contracts for GPs, and implement sustainable healthcare solutions. The petition, spearheaded by community leaders and supported by the Liberal Democrats Worcester, aims to draw attention to the urgent need for intervention in safeguarding healthcare access in Worcester. The petition which was created on Change.org and has been supported by Worcester City Councillors Sarah Murray and Karen Lawrance. TO SIGN THE PETITION click HERE
City Councillor Joins Calls for Resignation of Home Secretary
Cllr Sarah Murray has added her voice to calls for the Home Secretary to submit his resignation following reports that he joked about drugging his wife. Cllr Murray said, ‘This shocking behaviour just shows that the Conservative party is not fit to govern. People in authority should lead by example. Spiking drinks is not a laughing matter and anyone who finds humour in it, is demonstrating a total lack of understanding of the serious nature of this crime.’ ‘James Cleverly is not fit to be a Home Secretary. This is just the sort of attitude that perpetuates violence against women and is something I have campaigned to address at a Worcester City Council through the White Ribbon campaign and my motion for the Council to become White Ribbon accredited. It’s because of men like James Cleverly treating serious issues as a laughing matter that we need to keep raising awareness. We need to keep doing this until men like this finally wake up and realise it’s just not funny!’ Councillor Murray tabled a motion at September’s Council meeting which asked Councillors and staff to take the White Ribbon Pledge to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women and girls.
Warndon Parish Lib Dem December Newsletter
Dear Resident Christmas is almost upon us, and your local LibDem team have had a busy December. Sarah and John are finishing off residents’ surveys which we started back in the summer, but which were interrupted by the recent by-election. We’ve also been busy participating in community church events. Sarah and John both read lessons at carol services at Woodgreen Church and St Nicholas Church. They are also members of the singing group at St Nicholas and enjoyed performing John Rutter’s Christmas Lullaby at Sunday’s Carols by Candlelight. St Nicholas features on our calendar which we are delivering to all houses in Warndon Parish North. We thought this was particularly relevant this year as, if the Boundary Commission proposals are approved by Parliament, our ward will be changing its name to St Nicholas in 2024. Sarah has been recovering from her second hip replacement of 2023 and so has not been out and about as much as she usually would. She is recovering well and is looking forward to campaigning for the May elections. On City Council matters Sarah has been in contact with officers about a range of issues on behalf of residents including trees, flooding between Tolladine Woods and Harlech Close, hedge trimming, raising a matter on behalf of community nurses, active travel and council tax banding. Ash Dieback In November, Sarah tabled a motion to Worcester City Council, requiring them to take positive action to protect our local woodland from Ash Dieback. The Green party put forward an amendment which watered down the motion and leaves the Council in the position that it was already in. There is currently no Ash Dieback plan and the Council is kicking the can down the road which potentially could cost taxpayers’ money to resolve. Both of your City Ward Councillors (Stephen Hodgson and Sarah Murray) voted against this amendment, but the Green Party and Labour Party Councillors all approved the amendment to delete the positive actions Sarah had proposed. We will continue to campaign to protect our precious woodland. St Paul’s Hostel John Rudge was invited by the Mayor of Worcester to spend an evening at St Paul’s hostel on 7 December, getting to know staff and residents by helping out in the kitchen and serving food. John was impressed by the quality and variety of food on offer and the chef’s commitment to catering for all dietary needs. John found St Paul’s to be professionally run, providing a welcoming and supportive environment to some of our most vulnerable Worcester residents. John is urging anyone who can, to volunteer to support the amazing work undertaken by St Paul’s. Barbara Hopper On Tuesday 19 December, Sarah and John attended the funeral of Barbara Hopper in St Nicholas Church. Barbara was a local historian who wrote about the history of the church and surrounding farm land. She also wrote poetry books and books outlining good local walks; she set up the walking group which leads walks from the Lyppard Hub. Barbara loved singing and was part of the church singing group with Sarah and John. She was also a keen gardener and was full of energy even to the last. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Climate Change As keen environmentalists, Sarah, John and Paul attended an event put on by the ecology group from Worcester Cathedral at the Bishop’s Palace on 7 December, for prospective parliamentary candidates from the four main parties to attend a husting to state their party’s case on all matters ecological. John asked all candidates about their party’s policy on rewilding as a possible solution to so many of the issues being debated, including the issue of flooding in Worcester. None of the candidates seemed very sure whether their party had a policy on the subject. This was disappointing to us as rewilding has so many benefits from improving biodiversity to slowing the flow of water from hills and preventing flooding as a result. John is keen to campaign for politicians to catch up with the pioneering work done by conservationists, reverse the damage that has been done in recent decades and give nature a chance to recover so that we can all benefit from living in a vibrant and rich environment. 2023 Summary We end 2023 with double the number of City Councillors that we had this time last year. We hope to end 2024 with even more. Your votes have helped to put a Liberal Democrat on every Committee at the City Council, providing scrutiny and challenge and bringing the most important issues to the top of the Council’s agenda. As the year draws to a close, all that remains is for us to wish you a peaceful and blessed Christmas and New Year. We will be on hand if you have any issues you need our help with. Join Us You can help us to fight for a better future. Liberal Democrats work hard for communities. We hear your concerns and never take you for granted. That is why we can now boast a membership of more than 90,000 people and that number continues to grow. Liberal Democrat members devise, develop, debate and decide Liberal Democrat policy. Members can get involved through joining policy working groups, responding to consultations and attending conferences. If you would like to join our growing membership 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. We hope you will consider joining us. 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 next May. 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 me 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 Paul Jagger – pauljaggs@me.com Kind regards Sarah, John and Paul
CLAINES COUNCILLOR BACKS UNIQUE CHRISTMAS ‘RENT-A-TREE’ BUSINESS
Cllr Jessie Jagger is ushering in the holiday season with a heartfelt commitment to sustainability by choosing to rent a living Christmas tree. As a dedicated environmentalist Cllr Jagger hopes to give strong support for farmers who cultivate Christmas trees, acknowledging the positive environmental impact of tree farming. This festive season, Cllr Jessie Jagger has opted for a Norway Spruce, a traditional Christmas tree grown in a pot, symbolising a harmonious coexistence between holiday traditions and environmental stewardship. Cllr Jagger said ”I never loved the idea of a plastic tree that will end up in landfill one day, so we opted for a real Christmas tree. Also, I’ve always been hugely supportive of farmers who dedicate themselves to cultivating real Christmas trees. Any tree planting effort is a fantastic contribution to the environment. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling of discomfort about cutting down a healthy tree only to throw it away after a few weeks.” ‘When I heard of the option to rent a tree, I thought it was the perfect solution. The potted Norway Spruce minimizes needle shedding, emits a delightful natural aroma, and eliminates the risk of toppling over, making it a practical and sustainable choice for festive decor.’ “We rented our tree from Roots Family Farm, a local Worcester establishment committed to sustainability, the “Rent-a-Tree” scheme offers a simple and environmentally friendly solution for holiday decor. Customers can choose their preferred size of living Christmas tree. The tree is then delivered to their doorstep in a sturdy pot with a watering saucer or people can collect it. We stuffed ours in our mini!”. ‘After the holidays, a scheduled pickup takes the tree back to the local tree nurser or the costumer can take it back to its home, where it continues to grow for another year. The following Christmas, the tree is ready to bring joy to another household, completing a sustainable and cyclical approach to celebrating the season and the farmer makes money on the same tree.’ Cllr Jessie Jagger clarified, “I am not associated with this business in any way, I just thought this was a great idea and decided to support it. I love that my tree will get to retire and grow old in a forest one day when it gets too big for Christmas”. The “Rent-a-Tree” scheme, individuals can support farmers, minimise environmental impact, and continue the tradition of a beautifully adorned tree in their homes.
December Update 2023
THE WORCESTER PLAY PLAN – PROGRESS REPORT By Cllr Jessie Jagger Worcester, UK – Exciting developments are underway for children and young people in Worcester as Cllr Jessie Jagger eagerly reports on the progress of the Worcester Play Plan. The plan, approved in July 2023, aims to enhance play opportunities for the city’s youth through various short-term and medium-term projects. The Worcester Play Plan was approved in July 2023, with a commitment from officers to provide a follow-up report on phase 1 progress and future pipeline projects. This plan was the outcome of an extensive consultation process and projects have been prioritised in accordance to need making provisions in areas and age groups with the greatest need fist. Short-term Projects: Progress Cotswold Way The Cotswold Way project involves creating a ‘play on the way’ route using natural play materials, enhancing the environment for biodiversity, and increasing car parking space by 16 spots on derelict land. Public consultation is set to begin in November. Horizon Hub The Horizon Hub project includes a Youth Shelter, fence height extension to the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and resurfacing the MUGA with a polymeric surface which does not pose a risk of micro plastic contamination. Park Pump Track The project aims to install a pump track for participants of all ages and skill levels, including adaptive bikes and wheelchairs. Public consultation is ongoing. Green Lane MUGA The Green Lane MUGA project focuses on improving the space for the local community, with works including regrading, pathway installation, resurfacing, cycle stands, and more. Funding of £13,850 was approved, with additional funds of £4,822 granted. Work will commence after the land ownership transfer. Medium-term Projects: Progress The committee has identified medium-term priority projects that can be delivered over the next 3-5 years. These include “mapping the gaps” for play provision and the development of an all-ages accessible and inclusive destination play venue. Update for Claines Residents In Claines, we are lucky to already have many accessible play areas compared with other areas of the city. However, some of these play areas have fallen into disrepair and we are working with the city council to resolved this. Perdiswell Play Area are scheduled repairs are already taking place. Residents can expect these improvements to enhance their play experience. Additionally, further information about the Sabrina Play Area will be shared once available. Cllr Jessie Jagger is enthusiastic about these developments, which are strategically chosen to prioritize areas with the greatest need. The Worcester Play Plan represents a significant step towards creating inclusive and accessible play opportunities for children and young people across the city. The community can look forward to exciting changes that will benefit current and future generations. Stay tuned for more updates as these projects progress and transform Worcester’s play spaces. List of upcoming repairs in Claines In Claines, we have some specific details about repairs and maintenance for the Perdiswell Play Area and the Sabrina Avenue Play Area. We understand the importance of these play areas to the community, and we’re committed to ensuring their safety and functionality. Here are the details: Perdiswell Park Play Area Bush Structure: The bush structure at Perdiswell Park Play Area has collapsed, causing excessive wear to both the pin and hanger. This asset is in a high-use park and requires urgent servicing and repair to maintain its safety and enjoyment for all visitors. The city council team is aware of this and is working to resolve it. Spitfire Play Structure DDA and Entrapment: The Spitfire Play Structure has experienced issues with DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) compliance and entrapment due to the removal of bracing timber and the addition of a bracing bar. These issues need prompt attention to ensure the safety of all users. Sabrina Avenue Play Area Roundabout Surface: The roundabout surface at Sabrina Avenue Play Area has been deteriorating, with significant holes in the surface. The condition has worsened, and the hole now extends to approximately 3 meters by 1 meter. This poses an increased risk, and urgent action is required to address the issue. We are actively working to address these concerns and make the necessary repairs and improvements. The safety and well-being of our community are of utmost importance, and we will keep residents updated on the progress of these maintenance activities. Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated as we strive to create a safer and more enjoyable play environment for all in Claines. We will continue to monitor and address any issues to ensure these play areas remain a vibrant part of our community. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see in Claines or further repairs needed to play areas please do not hesitate to contact me at: jessie.jagger@worcestercity.net
Councillor Takes a Stand for Worcester’s Woodlands
In a passionate plea at the Worcester City Council meeting on Tuesday (28/11), Liberal Democrat Councillor for Warndon Parish North, Sarah Murray, put forward a motion to confront the looming threat of Ash Dieback that endangers the city’s woodlands. Cllr Murray urged council members to act swiftly in safeguarding these precious green spaces. Calling attention to the severity of Ash Dieback’s impact on the UK’s ash trees, Cllr Murray emphasised the urgent need for action. She criticised the significant delays in tackling this issue, highlighting the escalating economic costs of the delay and proposing a shift in priorities. The motion passed, albeit with some amendments. Cllr Murray who was elected in May said, “We can’t just talk about it; we need to do something, it’s time to prioritise our woodlands and take steps to protect them.” “My motion is a call to action. Words alone won’t save our woodlands. Let’s act now and ensure the well-being of our city’s green spaces. Sadly, it could already be too late to save New Plantation Wood which has not been properly managed since it was first planted. We cannot sit back and watch things deteriorate. We must put a responsible plan in place.” Ash Die Back is a non-native invasive fungus that presents a major threat to trees across the UK. At its current rate, the disease is predicted to infect over 80% Ash across the UK, the economic costs are projected to run into the billions, and it will take decades for the Ash population to recover, if recovery is possible. Trees can survive Ash Die Back, but year-on-year infections will eventually kill them. The rate of loss of Ash across the UK currently outweighs the rate of woodland creation and tree planting. The Liberal Democrat motion has tasked the Council’s Environment Committee to consider options to tackle the disease. Parish Councillor John Rudge added, “The Warndon Woods are a real asset to our community, and residents are passionate about keeping our woodlands healthy and open. I’m so pleased that Cllr Murray’s motion has passed and that tackling Ash Die Back is now high up on the Council’s agenda” Councillor Murray concluded, ‘I look forward to a swift response from the City Council in tackling this very serious problem.’
Government allowing Worcester’s Health Service to Crumble
Liberal Democrats in Worcester have accused the Government of being ‘content with local health services crumbling’ after Wednesday’s Autumn Statement failed to provide additional funding for local health services. Before the Autumn Statement, the party had been calling for the Chancellor to invest in a robust NHS rescue plan as ever-growing treatment backlogs have stalled the economy, damaging both growth and quality of life. These measures would have included reversing Conservative cuts to vital public health services in Worcester and delivering 8,000 more GPs across the country to create 65 million more appointments every year. It comes as the Liberal Democrats have warned that treatment backlogs are damaging economic growth. A poll commissioned by the party showed that one in seven people had taken a significant length of time off work whilst waiting for treatment on the NHS. Apart from ignoring the crisis in our health service, the Chancellor proposed tax changes that will not ‘touch the sides’ after years of unfair tax hikes that MP Robin Walker has consistently voted in favour of. Cllr Mel Allcott, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Worcester, said: “This Conservative Government seems completely content to sit back and allow Worcester’s local health services to crumble. “They are either so out of touch they cannot see how many people are struggling to access healthcare, or they simply do not care. “The Autumn Statement was an opportunity to get people off NHS waiting lists and allow them to return to work so we can rescue our flatlining economy. “Instead we got empty promises, stale nonsense and a tax cut that’s not even a drop in the ocean compared to what people have already paid.”
