Worcester Liberal Democrats have criticised Cllr Alan Amos for using “populist fear tactics” in his opposition to a proposed teenage activity centre on The Green near Weyburn Close in Lower Wick.
Cllr Amos – who is now standing for Reform UK in the upcoming county council elections – has claimed the project will lead to anti-social behaviour and called the investment “a disaster nobody wants”.
But Liberal Democrat councillors say this is just another example of exploiting unfounded fears for political gain, while offering no practical solutions.
Cllr Mel Allcott, who sits on the Place and Economic Development Committee that approved funding for the scheme, said “The Worcester Play Plan is a carefully developed strategy, based on thorough research and community engagement. It highlights a clear lack of facilities for older children in areas like Lower Wick.
Like any project of this nature, it is subject to ongoing consultation and the council is committed to engaging with local residents to ensure the final design meets the needs of the whole community. But what we can’t do is pretend the solution to concerns about anti-social behaviour is to do nothing and leave young people with nowhere to go.”
Stephen Dorrell, former Conservative Health Secretary and the Liberal Democrat candidate standing against Amos in the Bedwardine division, also weighed in “Alan Amos’s Trump-style rhetoric is designed to inflame, not inform. It offers no serious proposals—just scare stories aimed at exploiting the fears of people he thinks might vote for him.
We need to invest in young people, not vilify them. Facilities like this are exactly the kind of forward-looking, evidence-based initiatives local councils should be delivering.”
The Worcester Play Plan, adopted by councillors last year, is a ten-year vision for improving outdoor play spaces across the city. It identifies key gaps in provision, particularly for older children, and aims to create inclusive spaces that reflect the needs of different communities.
The proposed activity centre in Lower Wick is being funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy and is currently undergoing local consultation.
Cllr Allcott added: “The council will continue to listen to residents throughout the process. This is about building a city that works for everyone – and that includes our young people. We need to create safe, positive spaces for them, not stoke panic about the worst-case scenario.”
