Droitwich youth fined

A successful prosecution was bought against Mr Steven Owens, 109 Woodmans Rise, Droitwich on Wednesday, 22 August 2007 at Magistrates at Worcester. The Magistrates Court fined Mr Owen, aged 19, £125.00 plus £170.00 court costs for dropping litter in a public place.

Mr Owen had previously been given the opportunity to pay a Fixed Penalty Fine of £75.00, within fourteen days that would have been reduced to £50.00 if he had paid within ten days.

Dave Roberts, Environmental Crime Enforcement Officer for Wychavon District Council said “We take keeping the our local areas clean and tidy very seriously and we will take action against people who choose not to respect the environment and work with Police Community Support Officer’s to enforce this.”

Mr Owen was given the opportunity to pick up the litter he dropped but refused.

Find your place in history

Residents are being offered the opportunity to find their place in history by submitting photographs and stories on the floods to Worcestershire County Council’s Record Office.

Wychavon District Council has teamed up with the County Council’s Record Office, which includes Worcestershire History Centre, to provide an online blog where residents can record their memories. Paul Hudson, Head of Worcestershire History Centre said “The floods will certainly go down as one of the biggest events in Worcestershire modern day history and we are hoping residents will come forward to share some of their memories.”

Residents can submit stories by visiting http://wychavon.wordpress.com/flooding-memories/ or through the our website.

They can also submit photographs by e-mail to floodstories@worcestershire.gov.uk or by going into the History Centre in Trinty Street, Worcester.

The stories and images will be kept and made available for future residents. The County Council’s Record Office preserves and promotes over 900 years of Worcestershire’s documented history, which includes information about previous floods.

By sharing stories and photos residents are agreeing for them to be kept in the Record Office and publicly available in the future.

Funding announced

Funding for South Worcestershire Councils was announced today following a confirmation letter from Government Department Communities and Local Government. The Flood Recovery Grant Scheme has provided substantial funds for the worst hit districts.

• Malvern Hills District Council – to receive £200,000
• Worcester City Council – to receive £50,000
• Wychavon District Council – to receive £600,000

Cllr. Phil Groves, MHDC, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Economic Development said “We’re delighted to have learnt of this additional funding which will provide major support to those affected by the recent floods.”

Worcester City Council, Chief Executive David Wareing said: “We’re very pleased that the Government has responded in the way they have by making resources available. We all know communities have been very hard hit and we were looking for speedy Government action.”

Jack Hegarty, Managing Director at Wychavon said: “The funds to Wychavon are substantial and reflect the fact that over 1,500 households were affected by the flooding in our district. The money will be used to provide grants to residents with the greatest need, with a special additional hardship fund for those in most need.”

Details of how this funding will be distributed to affected resident will be announced by all three councils early this week.

Have your say on Offenham conservation

Wychavon are reviewing the Offenham Conservation Area to ensure it continues to protect this important area including making more of the village part of it.

The council is looking to change the conservation area boundary by publishing a Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan.

The appraisal identifies the special interest of the conservation area and will be taken into account when planning applications in the area are considered.

The management plan looks at how the preservation or enhancement of the conservation area can be best achieved in future.

Elaine Atherton, Conservation Assistant said “Following its early foundation as a grange and deer park of the Benedictine Abbots of Evesham Abbey in the 13th century, and the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century, Offenham prospered and expanded as a farming and market gardening community in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries with a strong market gardening tradition continuing to the present day – it is therefore an important area for us to protect.”

There will be a presentation on the review and an opportunity to ask questions at The Village Hall in Offenham on Wednesday 22nd August at 6.30 pm.

Information will also be available on our website at www.wychavon.gov.uk at the Civic Centre, Pershore and the Evesham Contact Centre and public library in Evesham and at The Village Hall in Offenham during normal opening hours.

Contact: Elaine Artherton 01386 565323 or email: elaine.artherton@wychavon.gov.uk

£200 for every flooded household

Wychavon District Council is pleased to announce that £200 will be given to every internally flooded household in the district from the £600k Flood Recovery Grant announced earlier this week. In addition, a special hardship fund will be allocated to residents who are uninsured and on means tested benefits – amounts will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

On Friday (17th), the council sent claim forms to residents they know have been affected by internal flooding but anyone who didn’t get a claim form can call the special helpline number 01386 565248 or by e-mail floodrelief@wychavon.gov.uk

Jack Hegarty, Managing Director at Wychavon said “Over 1,500 households were affected by the flooding in our district and the grants will provide much needed help to residents especially those with the greatest need.”

Wychavon goes mobile

Residents with WAP on their mobiles can now access Wychavon services through their phones.

Our digital site has been adapted for use on the move – to find out information, request forms report litter, noise, fly tipping, dog fouling and much more!

Rob Simmonds, Web Developer at Wychavon said “This is a great new edition to already successful interactive services. Not only can residents access information and report problems through our website and television, but now through their mobile as well. We’re always look for ways to make it easier for residents to get in touch with us.”

To access this new service:

• Select the internet option from your menu
• Enter our address: www.wychavon.gov.uk/mobile    
• Start surfing

You can report and request services, bid on choice based lettings, find out the latest travel information, find local jobs and get details of your local district councillor.

Flood relief for residents

Flood victims in Wychavon may soon have the chance to apply for help from a national government fund to help them on the road to recovery. Wychavon are working with regional agencies to establish how many households have been affected to work out the level of funding required.

Jack Hegarty, Managing Director of Wychavon DC, said: “We currently estimate 1,500 homes have been affected in Wychavon and we are doing everything in our power to help residents get as much support as possible – this fund being just part of that.”

The application for flood support was made last week, and once accepted by Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), government funds will be released soon afterwards.

Pershore Leisure Centre opening

Last months severe flooding caused serious damage to Pershore Leisure Centre. At its peak, the Centre was under 12 feet of water causing severe damage. This lead to the loss of electric, mains water, gas and the swimming pool filtration system. Adding to this problem all of the ground floor facilities were damaged and contaminated by flood water.

Wychavon Leisure are now working hard towards a partially opening of the leisure centre on the Monday 20th August. This will include the Rivers fitness room, the exercise studio, main hall and sunbed. For the latest developments please take a look at our website www.wychavonleisure.co.uk or contact the Centre direct on 01386 552346.

In the meantime swimmers are welcome at Evesham Leisure Centre which has been unaffected by the flooding.

Damage Costs

A meeting with the loss adjustors this week confirmed that the water damage to the Centre would run to hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Mark O’Shea, Head of Operations for Wychavon Leisure was full of praise for the support received from Wychavon District Council he said “The council have been fantastic in their support and are now working actively with Wychavon Leisure to minimise the period of closure and identify feasible options to at least get a partial opening of the Centre.” He added “that the swimming pool would take a little longer to restore.”

Jack Hegarty, Managing Director of Wychavon said “The Leisure Centre is a very important part of the lives of local residents and we’re doing all we can to help and support Wychavon Leisure to get it back up and running as quickly as possible.”

Wychavon Leisure would like to thank customers and local contractors for their support during this difficult period.

Playing fields are safe

Wychavon District Council is reassuring sporty residents that playing fields recently flooded are perfectly safe to use.

Following speculation that some rugby and football pitches might require testing and possible decontamination before being used again, the Council has sought clarification on the matter from the Health Protection Agency.

Geoff Carpenter, Environmental Protection Manager at Wychavon said: “The dilution effect during the floods and the effect of sunlight and normal soil activity since, mean that there is no more risk to players than there was prior to the floods.

He added: “Players should observe normal hygiene precautions appropriate to the risk – cover any cuts with waterproof plasters before playing, and thoroughly clean any cuts that happen on the pitch as soon as possible.”

The Health Protection Agency also confirmed that there were no concerns about chemical contamination of land as there was massive dilution of any pollutants.

Anyone with further queries should contact Environmental Services on 01386 565015.

For more information on the work the Health Protection Agency does, visit www.hpa.org.uk.

Plum Fayre is back

Pershore’s 11th Annual Plum Fayre returns on Bank Holiday Monday – 27th August – and is set to be a fun and fruity day out for all the family!

Staged in and around the beautiful Georgian Town of Pershore, not only can visitors sample and buy a large variety of delicious plums – they can also pick up a tree to grow their own juicy fruits, courtesy of Pershore College.

Seasonal stalls from the bustling Farmers’ Market will line Broad Street offering a variety of local produce including home made ciders and even more plums!

St Andrews Gardens will be bursting with local craft and charity stalls with delicious teas and cakes served in St Andrews Hall. Together with street entertainment ranging from ‘Brasstissimo’ to ‘Morning Dew’ strolling musicians. Pershore Retail Market opens this year where you can find the ‘Pershore Sausage!’ Many of our award winning shops, pubs, tea rooms and restaurants will be open for you to browse in.

Or if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle stroll through the town’s landscaped gardens and walkway or relax with a picnic down by the river.

A Park and Ride service will operate from Pershore High School and Pershore College with a dedicated bus link from/to Pershore Railway Station and Evesham Angling Festival.

For more details please call Pershore Visitor Information centre on 01386 556591 or visit our Pershore Events page.

Your polling place, Your say

Residents of Wychavon are being asked if their polling station is accessible enough for them when it comes to voting.

Wychavon District Council is conducting a review of all its polling districts and polling places and would like to hear what local electors think.

Elaine Dicks, Democratic Services Officer said: “We would like people to let us know whether they consider their current polling station to be conveniently situated and user friendly. We would also welcome suggestions of alternative venues within their polling district that they consider to be more suitable.”

Representatives from groups are also being asked for their input, especially in relation to access to premises and facilities for people with disabilities, and responses are required by Friday 14th September 2007.

For more details or to complete the online consultation form visit our Elections pages.

Fun Ride to a Fun 4 All Féte

A sponsored charity fun cycle ride is taking place this Sunday 12th August, with the money raised going towards Droitwich Canals Restoration and also helping to establish activity and wildlife events along the canal corridor. 
 
The circular 8 mile ride goes from Droitwich Leisure Centre via NCN46 (along country lanes), to a FUN 4 ALL Féte at Fernhill Heath.
 
Registration for the fun ride is from 10:30am to 12:00 midday and then you can set off at your own pace.  When you’re finished, you just need to return to Registration (between 1.00pm to 4.30pm) to let them know you’ve safely returned and collect a Certificate of Achievement.
 
As well as riders, volunteers who can offer at least 1 or 2 hours help with the fun ride (registration/sign-off or marshalling) would be greatly appreciated and heartily thanked.
 
The Féte at ‘The Brum’ playing field in Fernhill Heath has many attractions from rock wall climbing/abseiling and Go-Karts, to a bouncy castle, face painting and the usual stalls.  The Fete is open from 11.00am to 3.00pm.
 
Have a look at the attached flyer, which also doubles as a sponsorship form.  If you want any more details, or if you can help out with a few hours volunteering, please contact Andy Pitt, Active Canals Coordinator on 01386 565211 or e-mail andy.pitt@wychavon.gov.uk.

Help for Evesham Businesses

Wychavon District Council, Evesham Market Town Partnership and the Vale of Evesham Commerce & Tourism Association (VECTA), as part of the Vale of Evesham Flood Recovery Programme, have established a fund to assist businesses directly and indirectly affected by the July floods.

Members of VECTA owning a business that has been directly affected by the flooding can claim up to £250 assistance to help get their business back trading.

To help businesses that have been indirectly affected, i.e. not having incurred direct flood damage, a marketing and promotions campaign has begun, to encourage footfall into the town and the parks.

In addition, all the events in August and September will be widely advertised, with radio broadcasts confirmed on BBC Radio 4, BBC Hereford & Worcester and Wyvern FM.

Ideas for promoting the town can be sent to Lew Hammond at Wychavon and donations to help bolster the fund, which currently amounts £13,000, are welcome and can be sent to Wychavon District Council, who are administering it.

For further information on the fund please contact Lew Hammond at Wychavon on 01386 565518 or e-mail: lewis.hammond@wychavon.gov.uk

Additionally, Business Link are hosting a Business Support Clinic at the Evesham Community Contact Centre to steer those businesses through the hard times ahead on:

• 13th August – 08.15am-7.15pm
• 15th August – 08.15am-7.15pm
• 17th August – 08.15am-7.15pm

If you wish to make an appointment for the Business Link clinics call 0845 113 1234 or e-mail: info@businesslinkwm.co.uk

Smokefree Wychavon – one month on

Numbers sticking to the new smokefree laws have been high in Wychavon. This reflects the national and local trend – in the West Midlands region 99% of the premises inspected in the first two weeks after the laws came into force on 1st July have been smokefree.

Commercial Services Manager for Wychavon District Council, Debbie Herbert, said “We are very pleased with the way that businesses, customers, residents and visitors have responded to the new laws. Since 1st July we have visited almost 300 premises to check signs and management of smoking.

In a small number of cases we have advised on the detail of the law – particularly the design of shelters where smoking can be allowed outside of premises – but have not had to take formal action at any of the premises we have visited.”

A small number of complaints have been investigated locally and any member of the public or employee concerned about smoking in any workplace or public place can contact the Commercial Services team for advice, or to register a complaint, on 01386 565015.

Angling festival still on

Despite the floods and its aftermath, Britain’s Premier River Angling Competition is all set to go ahead from the 18th August based around Evesham and Pershore. Sponsored by Wychavon DC, Match Fishing and Shakespeare (UK) Ltd, this £100,000 venture gets underway on the 18th with the main weekend and Festival Village in Crown Meadow on 25-27th August.

There will also be a taste of the Vale of Evesham with an evening of fun in Market Place, Evesham 7pm-11pm Saturday 25th August with Folk Music, Morris Dancing, Pig Roast and the much vaunted Vale Cider Tavern –with local cider and delicious Perry. Not forgetting the fabulous Pershore Plum Fair and Farmers Market on Bank Holiday Monday, with a shuttle bus service running to Pershore. Finally, at Hampton Ferry a BBQ and Marquee bar will be open on the lawn at Hampton Ferry throughout the Festival weekend – who said fishing is boring!

The Festival Angling Programme:

• Saturday 18th August – ‘Shakespeare’ Junior & Intermediate Championships – Hampton Ferry Draw from 9am and Fishing 10am-3pm.
• Sunday 19th August – ‘Shakespeare’ Ladies Championship with the UK’s top lady anglers – Hampton Ferry – Draw 10a.m and Fishing 12noon-5pm.
• Wednesday 22nd August – ‘Match Fishing’ & ‘Shakespeare’ Veterans Championship – Hampton Ferry -Draw 10am and Fishing 12noon-5pm.
• Saturday 25th August ‘Shakespeare’ Individual Championship ‘ The Best take on the Best’ – Crown Meadow – Draw 9am and Fishing 11am-4pm.
• Sunday 26th August ‘Wychavon’ Individual Championship, where the cream of our local anglers take on Britain’s’ best – Crown Meadow – Draw 9am and Fishing 11am-4pm.
• Monday 27th August ‘Match Fishing’ Team Championship – 14 teams compete for this prestigious UK title including UK – Crown Meadow – Draw 8.30am and Fishing 11am-4pm.

For more information contact: Lew Hammond (01386) 565518 or email: lewis.hammond@wychavon.gov.uk

Foot and Mouth

Full Council Meeting, 7th August 2007, Statement from Cllr Mrs Audrey Steel:

What with the unseasonal spring weather when it was too warm too early, a dry May followed by the recent flooding, our farmers were already feeling beleaguered so that the announcement, last Friday, that a case of Foot and Mouth had been proven in Surrey has left our farming community TOTALLY devastated. As the incubation period is up to 14 days and we have a 2nd case confirmed this morning we have some way to go yet before we can feel safe.

This will lead to Central Government encouraging supermarkets to import even more, which, in turn will lead to less and less being done to support our locally grown produce — already likely to be at a premium due to the flooding.

As for the farmers themselves, they are already using their stocks of winter feed because of the poor hay crop. As they are unable to take animals to market to sell they have extra mouths to feed, the river meadows are not able to be grazed from the flooding and the corn harvest is not going to be good in either quality or quantity so the outlook for the winter months is looking very bleak. .

I know that it is thought necessary to keep the countryside open BUT in the present anxious times I would urge those walking along footpaths and bridleways to be as sensitive as possible and to avoid all areas where there is stock grazing, people can use other routes, the sheep and cattle are stuck in that particular field unable to be moved.

Councillor Mrs Audrey Steel

What can we do better?

Wychavon District Council wants to extend a big thank you to everyone who helped out with the recent flooding crisis.

From individuals, businesses, farmers, community and voluntary organisations who helped with the response to the emergency or offered their services. From the businesses that donated food and other supplies to the organisations that opened up their premises to affected people. From residents that took people into their homes and gave them a bed for the night, to those who helped with filling up sand bags, pumping up airbeds, making tea and coffee, reassuring people at our rest centres and a myriad of other jobs.

But what can Wychavon District Council do better?

Vic Allison, Deputy Managing Director said “We’ve had lots of feedback from people telling us what they feel we have done well and thanking us for rest centres and the clean up. But here at Wychavon we’re always keen to learn how we can improve and we want residents and businesses to tell us what we could have done better.”

If you have any comments or ideas for Wychavon please e-mail communications@wychavon.gov.uk or write to Flooding comments, Strategy and Communications, Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1PT.

Appeal dismissed

The Planning Inspectorate has dismissed an appeal against a Wychavon District Council planning decision, following an independent inquiry.

The application was to build a storage and distribution centre at Honeybourne Airfield Industrial Estate.

There were three main reasons for dismissing the appeal:

1. Context and sustainable development – located in open countryside away from already developed industrial sites.
2. Impact on the landscape – forms part of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
3. HGV movement – recommended that such developments should be located away from congested central and residential areas and have adequate access to truck roads.

Gill Collin, Head of Planning at Wychavon said “We are always pleased when appeals are dismissed. We are confident that this decision is the right one and will protect local people from unsightly development and help prevent additional lorry movements through Badsey, Bretforton and other villages in the Vale of Evesham.”

‘Victory’ concert organ

Wychavon District Council has arranged for the ‘Victory’ concert organ, on tour from Belgium to entertain the public free of charge from 11am this Thursday 9th August in Market Place, Evesham.

Lew Hammond, Evesham Market Partnership, Wychavon District Council said “It’s the largest touring organ in the World and it plays beautifully, and should not be missed. This is just one of the ways we’re helping to get Evesham truly back on track.”

There will be kiddies rides and candy floss and toffee apples on sale and a couple of Classic Cars will be on view too. The organ will also be performing at the Steam Rally in Ashdown Farm, Badsey Road this weekend and there will be a special concert on Friday evening by ‘Victory’ and ‘The Locomotion’ giving a combined 191 key concert of both classical and pop favourites.

Back in business

Pershore Co-op reopened last week after it was affected by the flooding in the town.

Water flooded the Co-op’s basement and damaged offices, food goods and refrigeration equipment causing the store to close.

Below shows Chairman of Wychavon District Council, Councillor Don Lawley who visited the Co-op to meet Jacqui Cahalan, Customer Services Supervisor yesterday to see the progress of the clean up and to celebrate their reopening.