The Leader of the Labour Group of City Councillors today launched a local election manifesto which he says is forward thinking and builds on the lessons and experiences of his time as Leader of the City Council.
Councillor Adrian Gregson said: “our pledges maintain the balance between making sure no community in the City is left behind, while pushing the ambition and vision of Worcester as a safe and attractive economic driver for the county.”
Recalling the lessons of leading the City Council he said “We discovered a real enthusiasm and appetite amongst businesses and local people to raise Worcester’s profile and make more of the key selling points we have to offer – our culture and heritage, our riverside, our sport, education and retail offer. By developing the City we enhance the local economy, improve opportunities for local people to find rewarding employment, retain young people in the area, and attract key investors.”
During the last nine months, since the Conservatives secured the Mayor’s casting vote to run the Council, they have hatched plans to privatise the running of local parks, cleaning, waste, and local play and leisure facilities. Councillor Gregson says these are backward steps which will mean profit is put before community need.
“Additionally”, he went on, “there are no reliable figures to make savings, no long term plan, no ‘Plan B’. Frankly it is a return to the irresponsible budget management which we had halted in 2013.”
Seven Labour promises for Worcester City in 2015
1. Labour will plan for the long term, balancing the books without cutting essential services
We will protect parks, sport, allotments, art, play and community activities.
We will run council services for local people not for private profit
2. Labour will ensure Worcester is open for business
We will work with business and commerce to improve trade, industry and employment opportunities
We will argue on behalf of riverside traders and residents to secure flooding support and defence
We will encourage apprenticeships that are structured, programmed and lead to meaningful qualifications and employment
3. Labour supports the return of Worcester City Football Club to the City
4. Labour will ensure no community is left behind
We will retain the Community Funding Panel and build community capacity to improve local facilities and opportunities
We will address fuel poverty by working with Act on Energy and other agencies
We will work for more decent homes which local people can afford to buy and rent
5. Labour will work with other agencies and partners to free up the movement of goods and services in the City and ease traffic congestion
We will make better use of public space allowing pedestrians and people with disabilities to move more freely around the city
We will negotiate with local businesses and partners for reduced vehicular access and greater safety in pedestrianised areas
We will encourage the sponsorship of safe and secure cycle storage and the greater use of bicycles
6. Labour will lead the development of Worcester as a city attractive to visitors
We will develop a business plan to encourage more tourists, attractions and accommodation for visitors
We will ensure that heritage attractions and buildings of historical interest, including the Guildhall, are preserved, protected and used
We will support and promote the City of Culture bid
7. Labour will support and enhance measures to improve safety in the City and its surroundings
We will fight for keeping street lights on in key crime hotspots
We will fight for responsible and targeted enforcement of regulations in planning, litter and parking offences
We will relocate the lorry park away from Croft Road and the riverside