PLANS for a national monument commemorating the historic Battle of Worcester may be scrapped as the government re-evaluates £5 million in Levelling Up funding promised to the city.
The statue, designed to honour the final and decisive battle of the English Civil War, was earmarked to receive £50,000 in government funding, with the remainder already raised by local groups. However, without the government’s contribution, this project of national significance is at risk of being left unfinished.
The Battle of Worcester marked a turning point in British history, bringing an end to the Civil War and shaping the country’s future. Worcester’s role in this conflict makes it a cornerstone of the UK’s national heritage, and the proposed statue would highlight the city’s importance on a national level.
Yet now, with government funding plans in doubt, the future of this monument is uncertain.
Jessie Jagger, Liberal Democrat group leader on Worcester City Council, said: “The Battle of Worcester is a defining chapter in British history, and this statue would ensure that our city’s role in shaping the nation is recognised. I don’t want an incomplete statue to become a symbol of the broken promises from successive governments to the people of Worcester.”
The Levelling Up funding would also support several other cultural and heritage projects in Worcester including new education centres at the City Art Gallery and Tudor House Museum, and expanded public spaces as part of the Scala and Corn Exchange redevelopment.
Without this funding, these plans may be scaled back or shelved entirely.
Worcester mayor Coun Mel Allcott added: “Worcester’s role in the Civil War is a part of our national story. This statue isn’t just for our city; it’s for the country.
“Westminster cannot take Worcester for granted. We need to send a message that our city and its heritage deserve the government’s support, and we won’t sit quietly while these promises are reconsidered.”
New chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves announced in Labour’s first budget earlier this month there were plans to reallocate levelling up funding to “nationally significant” projects instead.
A statement published on the ministry of housing, communities and local government website reads: “Given the need to make savings, the Government has announced that it is minded to withdraw funding from the Levelling Up Culture Projects and Capital Regeneration Projects announced at Spring Budget 2024, but will consult with these places before making final decisions.”
