CLEANER streets, an economic recovery and major investment have been ear-marked by Worcester’s buoyant Tory leader Coun Marc Bayliss.
Having secured a Conservative majority at last month’s election, Coun Bayliss has revealed his party’s priorities as they seek to maintain control at the Guildhall.
Cleaner streets, support for the city’s post-pandemic recovery, managing the investment of more than £40million of Government funding in the city, tackling parking problems in residential areas, more action on problems caused by gulls, and helping residents to improve their neighbourhoods are at the top of the list.
“The pandemic has tested us all in many ways but as we emerge from it, I am optimistic about Worcester’s future and the opportunities we have before us to improve our community, economy and society,” he said.
“Residents told me repeatedly during the election that at the moment litter bins are too often over-flowing, the streets are not clean enough and there is too much rubbish lying around. I have heard that message loud and clear and it is why we are finding an additional quarter of a million pounds form the City Council’s coffers to boost the budget for street cleaning this year.”
There will be a drive to ensure streets and public spaces are noticeably cleaner, with litter bins being emptied more regularly, and improvements to grass-cutting and flower displays in parks and at other sites. The Saturday skips service will be reintroduced in some areas of the city, to make it easier for residents to get rid of bulky items.
The budget for tackling problems caused by the city’s gull population will be doubled from £30,000 to £60,000.
Bringing about a city renaissance is also high on Coun Bayliss’s to-do list, making the most of investment which the City Council has secured from the Government. This includes £18million from the Future High Street Fund to revamp the area around Angel Place, £3million from the Cultural Development Fund for the creation of a new cultural quarter at the Arches, and £19.6million from the Towns Fund for a range of projects covering regeneration, transport and skills training.
“I am determined this investment will be the catalyst for real change in communities right across our city and not just in the city centre,” Coun Bayliss said.
He added: “We will also be addressing a number of issues which frustrate residents and businesses, including inconsiderate and illegal parking in residential areas that can – in some cases – stop emergency vehicles having the access they need.
“And we will be cracking down on people who flout planning and licensing laws, by allowing houses to fall into ruin or cutting trees or hedges that are protected by preservation orders.”
“Ultimately this is about taking a common sense approach to the essential things that can make a real difference to the quality of people’s lives and life chances across Worcester, to make sure that this city is one we can all be proud of,” he added.
