News in brief

Despite our bins being very well used there are some residents who still think that dog poo can only go in dog poo bins. This isn’t the case. If you have cleaned up after your dog (thank you by the way) any bin will do. But please do put it in a bin, don’t leave it hanging in a tree or at the side of the path. C’mon surely everyone knows that’s not ok? Don’t they?

Grime busting Dirt and grime is always unpopular and while we have some of the most rigorous cleaning regimes in the country, we are always working hard to keep on top of the cleanliness of the district. Earlier in the year our contractor, FCC Environment, was out in force conducting the annual deep clean of the town centres. Specialist equipment was brought in to hose, scrub and polish towns to get them glistening. Chewing gum was also tackled, which is always troublesome and difficult to remove. Deep cleaning focuses on pavement cleaning, gum and weed removal and usually takes 1-2 weeks to complete in each town and is always very welcome in support of out daily cleaning. We hope you noticed a difference.

2 Intelligently Green Nominations for the 2018 Wychavon Intelligently Green Awards will open in February. The awards celebrate green projects and activities across the district that as well as being good for the environment also have community benefits or save money. They are a great way of promoting the work done by individuals, businesses, community groups, schools and colleges to make Wychavon a greener place to live. The winners will be announced at a special Don’t forget your Wychavon will officially be presented ceremony in June, hosted by leading with the awards at a ceremony in British environmentalist and writer, Sir award winning parks December where they will also find out Jonathon Porritt CBE. We look after 11 parks across the their place in the national league table district with the five main ones – Abbey and if we have been shortlisted for any If you want to be informed when Park and Workman/Waterside Gardens national specialist category awards. nominations open please email in , Vines Park and Lido Park/ [email protected]. You St Peter’s Fields in , and Supporting people in can find out about previous winners at Abbey Park in – all having the www.intelligently-green.com. prestigious Green Flag status meaning later life they are kept to the highest standards. Earlier in the year we invited people My local area Our parks are overflowing with over 55 to come along to two special We’ve recently updated our mapping beautiful open spaces, well maintained events to find out how they can live system called My Local Area. The flowerbeds, trees and shrubs, play their lives well. Lots of organisations system is a rich database that pulls areas, water play, clean toilets, skate that run services for people aged in information on a range of topics parks and sculptures to name just a 55 and over – including Livingwell based on an address. It details things small selection of their features. So Service, Act on Energy, like elected representatives, planning don’t forget to give them a visit. To find Associations of Carers, Wychavon applications, nearby tree preservation out more there is information on our Leisure, and many more – were there orders, nearest hospitals and leisure website or there is a Facebook page with information on how people can centres, bin collection days, recycling called Wychavon parks. continue to stay healthy, happy, safe, points and the relevant ward profile informed and active as they age. with facts and stats about the area. It’s easy to access from our homepage or Judges go potty for search online for ‘Wychavon my local our loos area’. Judges have gone potty for our public toilets after once again awarding them Boundary Review a string of top honours in the 2017 Loo The Boundary Commission for of the Year Awards. has published its revised proposals for new constituency boundaries. Run by the British Toilet Association, The proposals and maps for the nine the awards rank loos provided by English regions have been published, different organisations on a range of at www.bce2018.org.uk. The eight- factors, which together make them week public consultation period will clean, safe and hygienic. Far from run until 11 December 2017. This will being panned by critics, judges were be the final time the public will get a gushing with praise for our 11 public chance to give the Commission their loos in Broadway, Droitwich, Evesham views on the latest proposals before and Pershore, awarding them seven the recommendations are reported to platinum and four gold awards. Parliament in September 2018.

Search WychavonTo onfind facebook out and twittermore WYCHAVON 3 Droitwich Salt on sale for the first time in almost 100 years

For many years we have supported and celebrated Droitwich Spa and its historic connection with salt through our annual festival in the town - Salt Fest. For those who aren’t aware, Droitwich benefits from naturally occurring brine springs. When the brine is extracted and heated it produces a very pure salt.

Salt has been made in this way in Despite Corbett’s success, Droitwich Droitwich since the Iron Age and is Salt hadn’t been produced for almost a largely how the town came to make its century. Wychavon owns the extraction money. Salt was sold on an industrial rights to the brine and since the closure scale in the 19th century by John Corbett, of the brine baths it has only been used who from his ‘salt wealth’ built the at the lido. However, around two years Chateau Impney for his wife costing an ago the town’s Brine Heritage Group estimated £16 million in today’s money. decided it was time to bring back Droitwich Salt. The brine water was tested to ensure it was still fit for human consumption, and following positive results, Droitwich Salt was reborn.

The Brine Heritage Group made a key promise to deliver the salt to market and decided the best way to achieve this would be to work with a private partner. This opportunity was taken up by the highly innovative Churchfields Husband and wife team Will and Farm. Gillian Kerton are behind the creation of Churchfields Saltworks, but what The family-run dairy farm in made them so keen to take up a new have proved highly entrepreneurial challenge? and have continued to diversify the farm since it was first Gillian Kerton explains purchased in 1913. “As a local family, and self- These days award- winning luxury ice confessed foodies, we were cream is what they are extremely excited by the most famous for, with opportunity to revive a product beautiful ice cream that has so much heritage, stands at so many both locally and internationally. events regionally as well Droitwich Salt is a naturally as in their legendary ice cream parlour at the delicious gourmet salt made from farm itself. But they have the world’s first and only known also invested in making pure brine spings, and we’re very their farm a destination proud to be part of this exciting – children’s activities, product revival and firmly position parties, afternoon teas, a play area and just Droitwich Salt as a delicious recently a maize maze. natural alternative.” 4 WYCHAVON Droitwich Salt is believed to be the Authentic product Cllr. Richard Morris, board member purest salt available as it has never and member of the Droitwich Brine To ensure you know your product been subject to any form of pollution, Heritage Group said contains authentic Droitwich Salt look and is therefore inherently 100% out for this seal. “We’re thrilled that Droitwich natural. The salt was officially launched can celebrate its salt heritage at Salt Fest and Ludlow Food Festival Any companies buying the salt in September and almost sold out once again. It’s wonderful that wholesale for their with over 3,000 bags bought over monies will come straight back products must the weekend by those keen to try this to the town and will be invested carry this amazing product. Foodies and locals seal. This in promoting the town and its alike were delighted by the delicious will help heritage. This is a very exciting product. consumers time for Droitwich and we plan have The full Droitwich Salt range includes; on making the most of this great confidence Droitwich Salt, Salted Butter, Salted opportunity.” that the salt is Caramel Ice Cream and Salted authentic and Caramel Fudge, made by traceable. Fudge. Droitwich Salt can be purchased at Churchfields Farm or online at droitwichsalt.com. Other local Money set aside for the stockists include Webbs of Wychbold town and Checketts of . Wychavon is keen to reinvest any money made from the product into the Patrick Davis, organiser of Droitwich town and its heritage. Therefore up to Food and Drink Festival said £20,000 of the surplus from the sale “This is a fabulous product and of the town’s brine will be invested it has gone down a storm with each year into heritage projects chefs, foodies and locals alike. including local festivals and People love its uniqueness, maintaining Tower Hill Pumping Station. purity and the celebration of the heritage of the town. We believe the timing to launch such a pure and unique product is perfect, so I look forward to future developments.” More information visit www.droitwichsalt.co.uk

WYCHAVON 5 Investments in Evesham’s future

Investments in Evesham are bearing fruit with the sale of the Riverside Shopping Centre earlier in the year.

Evesham’s Riverside Centre was Solutions such as town centre events and regenerate the Riverside Shopping previously owned as a part of a retail and start-up grants to independent Centre. portfolio managed by Aviva who sold retailers have resulted in increased the centre last year for circa £4 million. occupancy and evidence of the We recognised the sale of the underserved customer demand Riverside as integral to our own The sale of the Riverside Shopping presented to national retailers investment in the town centre and Centre continued the regeneration encouraged Waitrose to express an shared its ambitions for the site. Chase of the retail offer in Evesham. We interest in a site occupied by Evesham Commercial demonstrated a vision were involved in facilitating this major Fire Station. for the Riverside’s role in the wider investment in the town centre in an regeneration of the town centre. effort to reduce empty shops and Shawn Riley, Inward Investment Chase secured the purchase of the challenge the negative perceptions Manager for Wychavon said site in September 2017and is now held by some national retail and leisure “We’ve been at the forefront of considering all options to regenerate chains which put them off investing in the Riverside sale and bringing the Riverside and revitalise the heart the area. Waitrose to Evesham. This has of Evesham’s town centre. The new Attracting shoppers, particularly made it much easier to attract owners have been clear that it is the those who are more affluent is also other retailers to the town. council’s and Waitrose’s investment in essential to keeping town centres alive, Residents will have seen new Evesham that has demonstrated the especially given they are in plentiful restaurants, bars and venues investment potential that Evesham town centre holds. supply locally making up nearly 50% opening and we have worked to of Evesham’s catchment, but who support these new businesses. Shawn continued were increasingly choosing to shop Confidence in the town as a elsewhere. “We have a leadership role to place to invest has started to play in securing the future of increase and we’re hopeful we our town centres. Approaches will continue to see more of this are obviously dependent on kind of investment.” the context and situation but strategies including funding You may remember that Wychavon research to help the property provided the up-front funding to market, local businesses, relocate the fire station and have funded the building of and ultimately local residents and councillors the leasing of the Waitrose store set to understand the true issues facing open in 2018. a town centre. Understanding what motivates investors to As a result of this investment, interest choose a location and take the in other parts of the town, including message to them can really have the Riverside Centre, increased and we were approached by a number of an impact. We’re doing all we can parties with plans designed to promote to pursue this.”

6 WYCHAVON Droitwich – supporting the High Street through the works

Droitwich Spa High Street has been going through some enhancements in response to a public consultation exercise which ranked it as the top priority for improvement. The first stage of these works was Severn Trent Water’s £120,000 upgrade to around half a kilometre of new pipes and sewers.

The second stage of the project included the construction of new Worcestershire County Council and pavements, resurfacing of the road, Wychavon District Council offered new street furniture and the installation the following during the closure: of a raised crossing. This is to make  Subsidising parking 10p for it easier for less mobile people and an hour in Friar Street and then those with pushchairs to cross the the trader supported refund road. The improvements were led by scheme. Worcestershire County Council and  Business as usual signs. Parking Perk represent an investment of £750,000, £150,000 of which has been contributed  Doing much more on social Spend £10 and get £1 off by Wychavon District Council. media including paid your purchase. Just show advertising. To enable the work to be completed it the refund section of your was necessary for the High Street to  Online tours and feature parking voucher to claim. remain closed and we’re hoping when product promotions. you read this the street will be open  Continuing our business Offer available when you once again. newspaper columns featuring present a valid refund only High Street businesses. voucher from the Droitwich But even so we still think the traders High Street or Ricketts Lane need additional support, as it’s been a  Articles in the Wychavon Car Park. tough year for them and there’s still so residents’ magazine. Offer open from 2 October – many great reasons you should visit.  Promoting prize draws that 24 December 2017. put cash back into shops. To support the local traders, Wychavon Participating retailers on District Council has been working with  More support and advice Droitwich High Street Worcestershire County Council to pull should the businesses need it. only. Look out for signs in together a package of support to keep  Two full wraps of the local participating shop windows. the High Street thriving not just surviving. newspapers promoting all the lovely businesses on the High Terms and conditions apply. There’s so much available from hats Street. to handbags, sausages and school uniforms, sweets and sofas plus a whole lot more – there are goodies for everyone.

WYCHAVON 7 Thriving businesses in the district

When it comes Some of the people and the Emma Harrison, who runs Sandfield businesses we have featured in 2017 Farm in , said: to celebrating the are pleased to praise the benefits of “The article in the journal was being featured in a column. success of our district, extremely helpful in that my local Nikki Moulton, of Nikki Moulton community now has a better Wychavon has more Painting and Decorating, said: sense of what my business than its globally “I was so pleased with the article is about. In fact, some of my recognised and about my business. After it was neighbours were so interested published, I had lots of interest that they have asked if they can delectably delicious and had numerous job requests. visit my new facility.” asparagus, plums and I had, and am still getting, emails about my business and Gemma Walker, the owner of the salt to shout about. was so pleased to be given this Secret Organic Hair Salon, said: opportunity.” “The article has really helped We are fortunate that the geology me to get my business off and climate of Wychavon, allied to the ground. From the day it the skill and hard work of our farmers, Anita Fletcher, of Kersoe Vehicle market gardeners, wholesalers and Services, who provide a rare and was published I received 10 shopkeepers, has placed horticulture valued servicing and repairs centre new clients that week, which firmly at the forefront of people’s minds for classic and modern cars, tractors escalated into 20 within the and farming machinery, said: when they think of our district. month, and my website went But Wychavon is growing and buzzing “It was great to have the from five views to over 40 a day. with brilliance in many other business opportunity of highlighting our Apart from people stopping me areas too, and it’s been something small business in the Wychavon we’ve been proud to promote ever at my local shop and spin class business column. Many people saying they’ve seen me in the since we started our Grow in Wychavon commented that they didn’t know campaign back in 2013 when we paper, the best thing is I’ve launched our business book featuring we were here and others that it been able to help guide all 52 incredible businesses and their was great to see how we were these new clients to nurture owners. supporting the local community. their hair, which in turn means Some people said it was nice I’ve got a fantastic following. Supporting all businesses in Wychavon to see local businesses being is an ethos firmly embedded in our What’s been interesting is long-term strategy, so much so that recognised and we have also that the clients I have had we’ve made it an ongoing priority to had other businesses contact us because of this really have attract businesses and quality jobs. to start trading with them, so all come from all corners of in all the column has given us an Wychavon, so you do get a We do this in a number of ways, from excellent boost.” the recent investment in the production good understanding of just of Droitwich salt and building the how far the district stretches. Amanda Meanock of Dilly Dally in new Waitrose store in Evesham, So all-in-all it was well worth to supporting the development of Pershore, a shop full of colour that Worcester Six business park and sells ethnic and artistic gifts, cards, doing.” offering support and advice to silver and gemstone jewellery, as well businesses so that they can access as offering a hand-drawn and painted funding or take on apprentices in order caricature service, said: to realise their potential. “It certainly did have an effect. It stood out really well and the Another form of support we offer customers that came in during is our regular business columns in the Evesham Journal and Droitwich the time it was in the paper Standard papers. mentioned they had seen it. The article was very well presented The column has featured traditional and the photo was perfect. We businesses like Brown’s Home were 100% satisfied and felt it Hardware store and Master Thatcher Joe Thornton through to high-tech was a great boost for the shop.” forensic specialists Foster + Freeman.

8 WYCHAVON More information Through the remainder of 2017 and into 2018, we want to share more business stories. So if you have some news to share and your own unique story to tell, please get in touch – email [email protected] and give us the chance to celebrate your business.

WYCHAVON 9 43% recycled – but could you do more?

Thanks to the hard work of residents 43% of waste in the district is recycled and now thanks to the new plant at a lot of what isn’t recycled is used to make energy rather than going to landfill.

We do still have What can you recycle? some issues around recycling so Paper Plastic containers we have included ✔ newspapers ✔ junk mail ✔ yoghurt pots ✔ plastic meat/ ✔ magazines ✔ leaflets ✔ margarine tubs fish trays our handy guide ✔ phone ✔ letters ✔ ice cream tubs ✔ soup/sauce as a reminder in directories ✔ envelopes ✔ fruit/vegetable pots how to get your ✔ catalogues ✔ greetings card punnets ✔ egg boxes ✔ cake trays recycling right. Cardboard ✔ thin cardboard ✔ thick cardboard Cartons Contamination can lead boxes boxes ✔ milk cartons ✔ chopped to us not being able ✔ cereal boxes ✔ egg boxes ✔ juice/smoothie tomatoes to recycle materials ✔ ready meals ✔ kitchen roll cartons cartons and we estimate about boxes tubes ✔ soup cartons ✔ fabric 10% of everything put ✔ corrugated ✔ toilet roll tubes ✔ custard conditioner cardboard cartons cartons in recycling bins ends up at landfill because Mixed glass Food tins and people are unsure. bottles and jars drink cans We’ve tried to make it ✔ glass bottle ✔ glass jars ✔ food tins ✔ biscuit tins as easy as possible. ✔ drink cans ✔ metal jar lids Plastic bottles ✔ aerosol cans Just put all the listed ✔ sweet tins recyclables in your ✔ drinks bottles ✔ fabric ✔ milk bottles conditioner green bin. Together we ✔ juice bottles bottles can recycle more. ✔ detergent ✔ cleaning/ bottles toiletry bottles

✔ Keep recycling loose ✔ Rinse out containers ✖ No carrier bags, sacks, food packets or bags ✖ No black plastic ✖ No food, nappies or garden waste ✖ No textiles, please take to a charity shop

10 WYCHAVON Crackdown on litter louts

New powers are being introduced by the Government to help crackdown on litter louts

From next April the maximum fine will nearly double from £80 to £150

The law is also being changed so centre to see first hand how dirty our Many smokers do not realise throwing drivers can now be fined if litter is streets are before they are cleaned their cigarette end on the ground is thrown out of their vehicles, even if they each day. illegal and will result in a fine if they are are not responsible. Currently if rubbish caught doing it. Earlier this year a shop is thrown out of a vehicle window then What we found was quite shocking, worker in Port Street, Evesham was councils must prove who did it. In the especially as it was following a rainy issued with a £75 fine for throwing her future, the owner of the vehicle will be Thursday night so there were fewer cigarette butt into the gutter after being asked to name who was responsible people around than usual. The most spotted by one of our officers. for littering and if they fail to do so then common items dumped on the streets they will be issued with the fine. were cans, bottles and cigarette ends. You can see how bad the problem Cigarette ends, pose a particular is for yourself by viewing a short The new powers are part of the problem as they fall in to the cracks in video of our findings on Wychavon’s Government’s latest anti-litter strategy the pavement and are difficult to clean Facebook page and YouTube which seeks to, make it anti-social to up. channel. drop rubbish in the streets. A recent Parliamentary inquiry found that Britain was one of the most litter-blighted places in Europe. More information Look out for more information Fortunately in Wychavon the vast about our new anti-litter campaign majority of the public are satisfied on our website, social media with how we keep public land clean. accounts and a future edition of the However, we know there are issues WYCHAVON magazine in some areas and all that cleaning comes at a cost. In fact, street cleansing costs Wychavon £1.5 million a year, largely driven by dealing with litter. That’s money that could be better spent on a whole range of other services to benefit our communities.

Early next year Wychavon will be launching a new anti-litter campaign that will use a variety of ways to try and encourage people to look after the place they live and put their rubbish in the bin.

We recently went out with our street cleaning crews around Evesham town

WYCHAVON 11

Where are they now?

Wychavon’s W-Factor is celebrating its eleventh birthday and has proved an incredible platform for aspiring talent from across the district.

Many previous winners and finalists Lauren Nicole Ella Brown are now successful recording Lauren won the W-Factor and soon Ella won the singing category title of artists while others have gone on to after released her first EP ‘Prada the W-Factor and after a spell as a solo university studying music, drama, Shoes’ at the age of 16 which entered artist joined fellow musicians to form dance and production at the likes of the iTunes Album charts reaching the ‘Tokyo Marching Band’. They have the Conservatoire, the Academy of number 15. had great success through the BBC Contemporary Music in Guildford and Introducing Network across the UK and as far a field as Florida on special Following on from this success she has are currently releasing their third EP via scholarships. achieved BBC Introducing track of the the main online distributors with their week with her singles ‘Tough Love’ and own brand of synth heavy indie pop. Others are working in the industry as ‘Little Secrets’ and in 2016 Lauren was songwriters and producers while some a finalist in the Open Mic UK Future Ella and the band perform all over the have gone in to teaching music and Music contest. country and, with song writing and dance, all of whom credit the W-Factor performing being her focus, the band and its associated mentoring and gigs Currently, Lauren attends The Academy are tipped for big things in 2018 as either a turning point in their career of Contemporary Music in Guildford or the confidence builder they needed where she is completing a degree in to follow their passion. music industry practice.

Three artists share their success She is making her first steps in the stories below in more detail. industry as a songwriter, pitching songs to the likes of The Vamps JACOB. and Tiesto whilst After his success in The W-Factor also pitching songs 2011, ‘JACOB.’ has established himself to artists in other as a solo artist; producing infectious countries such as pop songs with a psychedelic, dreamy Korea, Japan and twist. ‘JACOB.’ offers the perfect Norway. Alongside combination of electronic and guitar- this she also driven songs. continues to perform and write for herself Since releasing his first single, at many gigs and ‘Derealise’, he has received airplay festivals around the on BBC introducing Hereford and Midlands and London. Worcester, as well as writing a song for the ‘Young Drummer Of The Year 2017’ competition. His new single, ‘In More information Dreams’, is available on his Facebook Auditions will take place in January page @jacob.audio. check the website and Facebook for more information.

WYCHAVON 13 Action in Droitwich West

One of our promises is to pilot a three year programme to work with partners to make improvements in the Droitwich West ward. If successful the programme could be expanded to cover other parts of the district where levels of employment, skills and good health are below the average for the district and people may benefit for some extra support.

In the Droitwich West ward, the first Sarah Page, Youth Coordinator for to get them out doing something priority has been to improve the DAFFY said more physical for a change. physical environment and build pride “The particular area we tackled is There will be more opportunities in the area which in places looks close to where some of the group neglected. In the summer, the local to take up challenges like this youth group DAFFY was out litter meet, so they were really keen in Droitwich West as part of our picking an area on the Westlands to get involved in taking up the promise to do more in the area.” estate by the shops to supplement challenge to keep it really clean. daily cleansing provided by our It’s great to see our young people Other improvements are underway contractors. out there dealing with the issue too. The county council has replaced and we hope it’ll make people a footbridge and repainted the think twice about dropping litter underpass under the A38. We’re talking to local schools about how we can in the first place.” help improve things for young people and we are hoping to work with local In September, Wychavon staff and employers and businesses to see how councillors teamed up with Fortis Living they can help out. to do a more extensive litter pick in a wooded area, alongside some bollard Cllr. Lynne Duffy, Deputy Leader at painting. Apparently there are over Wychavon said 1000 bollards on the estate, so to paint “I look forward to seeing how all them all is quite a task! the partners can work together to David Manning, Wychavon really improve the lives of those Community Programmes Manager, living in this area of Droitwich said estate. We all need to start “It’s great to get staff out doing talking more positively about the things they don’t normally do. area to give back pride to those Those who volunteered are who live there.” mainly desk based, so it’s good

14 WYCHAVON 22,000 people Get Active in Wychavon

Stand Up – anyone can do it! It’s such a set sail into the sunset after work, get great way to experience the river, off the couch and run 5km and take a Paddleboarding (SUP) and get active at the same time”. shot at indoor bowls. is the fastest growing As well as offering free ‘community To find out more visit roadshow’ activities at village fêtes watersport in the world! www.bonkersactivies.co.uk and town events, the scheme has also provided discounted swimming, gym During the summer, Alex Mellor from Originally supported with £150,000 of and fitness sessions. Bonkers Activities received funding and National Lottery funding, the innovative support through the Get Wychavon Bonkers SUP programme is one of To find out about the impact of Active initiative to introduce over 50 many Get Wychavon Active projects some of these projects please new participants to the sport, and that has seen 22,000 people take up visit www.wychavon.gov.uk/ has since established a regular club the challenge of getting more active communitydevelopment to view a session at Pershore Riverside Centre. since 2013. short film.

Alex is passionate about SUP and Working with various community Such is the impact; Sport England explained organisations, leisure and sports boosted the initiative with £50,000 providers, we have supported a variety of lottery funding back in April. Of “Stand up paddleboarding is so of projects that have encouraged this £10,000 has been set aside for much easier than it looks, with residents to Bollywood at bhangra sports and leisure providers to deliver the right tuition and equipment dancing, hit the beat at dragon boating, activities in early 2018. All activities must target adults, provide a minimum of six sessions, be delivered by the 23 March 2018 and based in Wychavon area.

Like Alex, if you have an idea in mind but require a funding boost to make it a reality, please contact Mark Williams for an expression of interest form and guidance notes. More information E: [email protected] T: 01386 565229

WYCHAVON 15 Five ways to achieve wellbeing

Be Connect active Keep learning WYCHAVON Give Wellbeing Week Take This year one of our Notice promises was to put on a week of activities across Wychavon to promote mental wellbeing. The idea originated from a

VO LU NT EE Partners Together event R on health that we held last November.

So this October we teamed up with more than 15 different organisations across the district for Wychavon Wellbeing Week. These included Fortis Living, Rooftop Housing, Worcestershire County Council, WANDS in Droitwich Spa, Pershore Library, Wychavon Leisure and more. Together we put on and promoted a programme of events and activities that appealed to people whatever their age or health.

Nearly 100 activities were on offer based around one or more of the five ways to wellbeing, which are: connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and

16 WYCHAVON give. Activities included health checks Councillor Gerry O’Donnell, who is Here’s some feedback from some of and free virtual classes at Rivers leisure the Wychavon portfolio holder for the people and organisations who centres, martial arts training, lifestyle health improvement, said: participated in the week. yoga and a Tai Chi taster session. “One in four people will Wellbeing Visitors to libraries got arty creating experience a mental health Wychavon Wellbeing Week has colourful hand prints on a giant map helped … of Wychavon. Two of the libraries also problem in any given year, so we hosted workshops on creative writing for probably all work with or know “me to think about something wellbeing in Droitwich and mindfulness someone experiencing a mental completely different for a while in Pershore. There were opportunities to health problem. and perhaps give me a different donate items to Droitwich foodbank and perspective on things.” Worcestershire Homeless Appeal. Improving mental health and “by encouraging me to take more Cherrie Mansfield, Wychavon’s wellbeing is a key theme in the exercise – I forgot how much I enjoy Strategy and Performance Manager, Wychavon Health and Wellbeing it when I do.” who helped to organise the week, said: Plan. “us connect with new people “The aim of the week, which seeking wellbeing.” coincided with World Mental During the week we wanted to Health Day, was to raise encourage people to take part in different activities, to talk “me realise that it is fun and inspiring awareness of, and reduce the to try something different and has stigma associated with, mental about mental health and to seek given me the confidence to try health issues. We wanted to information or support if they something new.” promote lots of positive and needed it.” practical ways to improve “me have fun and interact with a few work colleagues I don’t have wellbeing, as well as show anything really to do with as part of people what help and support is the day job.“ available for people experiencing mental health problems.” “us meet new people who are now using our services.” People were also encouraged to take the Wychavon Wellbeing Challenge “me feel calm, inspired and and do five things during the week invigorated.” that related to each of the steps to wellbeing. Those completing the “us work together to create a challenge were entered into a draw to More information bigger impact in raising awareness win prizes donated by Birdseye Sports Links to help and support with on general wellbeing within and Wychavon Le..isure. The winners mental issues go to our communities – for staff and have been notified. www.wychavon-wellbeing.co.uk. customers.”

WYCHAVON 17 Worcestershire Viewpoint results

Every year we encourage residents to take part in the county-wide Worcestershire Viewpoint survey, which we run in partnership with Worcestershire County Council, three of our neighbouring district councils and NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups in Worcestershire

The 2017 survey took place from 26 June to 21 July and was Every year we ask what’s most important in making completed by 990 Wychavon residents. Thank you if you were somewhere a good place to live and what people think most one of them. needs improving. Here are the top five for each:

We use the results of the survey to help us keep track of how Most important people feel about their local area and some of the services we provide to you. We also used this latest survey to elicit some feedback on our communications and views about CCTV. 59% Health services

Here’s a summary of some of the survey results. 45% Level of crime

Views about the area 37% Education provision

86% 34% Clean streets satisfied with the local area as a place to live 32% Access to nature 76% feel strongly that they belong to the local area Most needs improving

95% 45% Level of traffic congestion feel safe during the daytime and 75% at night 44% Road and pavement repairs 25% 37% Public transport think that people using or dealing drugs is a problem – up from 19% in 2016 31% Health services 76% 27% Activities for teenagers agree people from different backgrounds get on well together – down from 85% in 2016 These results provide us with really useful information that we use to help us decide where to focus are attention, although things like health services, road and pavement repairs are the responsibility of other organisations.

18 WYCHAVON Views about us and our services

73% are satisfied with how the council runs things

58% agree that the council provides value for money

66% rated the council as good or very good

87% CCTV satisfied with parks and open spaces – up from 83% in 2016 71% agree that CCTV cameras make them feel safer 61% 76% agree that they help to reduce crime satisfied with keeping land clear of litter and refuse – up from 57% in 2016 78% felt that CCTV cameras help to provide valuable evidence of incidents that have occurred 69% 13% agreed that CCTV cameras in public places are satisfied with sports and leisure centre provision – up from an invasion of privacy 60% in 2016 – suggesting our recent investments have been 36% felt that there are currently not enough CCTV appreciated cameras in Wychavon, 19% that there are the right amount and 4% that there are too many 79% satisfied with waste and recycling collection – this has gone We are currently reviewing our CCTV service and these down by five percentage points since 2016 although there views are being taking into account by the team of have been some changes to the way the question was asked councillors carrying out the review. 39% user satisfaction with planning and building control Have your say 48% Your views are vital to help us provide the best services possible. user satisfaction with Council Tax and Housing Benefits – down from 53% in 2016. Want more of a say on our services? Want to let the decision-makers know what Communications you think? Want to influence the work we do? 63% You can sign up to take part in next year’s feel informed about our work Worcestershire Viewpoint survey by emailing [email protected] with your name, 45% address and contact details or sign up for e-mail alerts on consultation on our website. feel they can get involved in local decision making – down seven percentage points

86% would prefer to be contacted by us by email – don’t forget to sign up for our e-mail alerts at our website

66% have seen a copy of the WYCHAVON magazine in the last year – down from 70% in 2015.

WYCHAVON 19

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TEL: 01386 444212 @RIVERSFITNESS WWW.RIVERSFITNESS.CO.UK WWW.RIVERSFITNESS.CO.UK ADVERTISING 21 Do you want to lower your energy bills?

Wychavon’s businesses can get free help with energy from a range efficiency business support programmes.

awarded a grant of £7,210 towards So what’s available? this cost by the Business Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP). This Business Energy Efficiency project is estimated to save 84,600 kwh Programme - BEEP of electricity per year and generate • Provides free energy efficiency savings of £7,300 per year on the advice to businesses enabling company’s electricity bill. them to improve profitability, energy efficiency, and resilience to climate Managing Director Glyn Olden said change, whilst reducing carbon “The grant application emissions. process for the initial BEEP • Grant support of up to £20,000 for energy efficiency report was projects such as lighting, insulation, straightforward and we received heating and boilers, and double/ a detailed report highlighting triple glazing. areas where we could reduce electricity use with estimated savings and payback periods. The grant process was straightforward and we received Low Carbon Opportunities the funds quickly. The savings Programme - LOCOP along with the BEEP grant meant • Provides a free feasibility report and that this project was quickly grants for installation of renewable agreed and implemented by the energy projects such as solar PV, management team at Chess biomass boilers, or heat pumps. Plastics earlier this year. We are • Free support for low carbon currently investigating further technology development. Find out reduction opportunities and how to take new green products would certainly recommend this to market, diversify into the sector programme.” and/or gain access to new supply chains. Reddiplex Ltd, manufacturer of • Grant support of £50,000 to extruded profiles in plastic and rubber £100,000. materials, also benefited from BEEP. Two Droitwich businesses have already Their grant enabled them to install benefited. Chess Plastics is a leading a new screw compressor that will plastic injection moulding company provide compressed air to one of located on Berry Hill Industrial Estate. the manufacturing premises, whilst They replaced all of their lighting in electricity to another building will be production with 70 LED low bay impact provided by a new super-low-loss lights at a cost of £18,025 and were transformer.

22 WYCHAVON ©

Comments Scott Ryman, Group Finance Director, Reddiplex Group: “We are delighted to receive a BEEP grant to assist our environmental investment at Reddiplex. It has helped us to develop a more positive impact on the environment, using more efficient and cost- effective equipment. Moves such as this can collectively benefit both operating costs and the environment – it’s a win-win for all concerned.”

How does it work? Step one is to assess your business to find opportunities Would you like to save money for improvements in energy use. Step two will provide a bespoke on your energy bills and keep report containing recommended actions. Step three offers grant funding to help you implement warmer this winter? changes.

To check your eligibility and Funding towards the cost of energy efficiency find out more about BEEP and measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation is LOCOP please call www.business-central.co.uk now available through Warmer Worcestershire. or call 01905 677888. For more information and eligibility criteria visit www.warmerworcestershire.com or contact your local energy advice charity Act on Energy for free on 0800 988 2881.

Subject to eligibility criteria and funding availability WYCHAVON 23 The arts - what have we got in Wychavon?

Art and culture is very important to a lot of us, but what is on offer in Wychavon? How can you get involved and what does Wychavon do to help? In 2016, we did the following:

worked with young people visual arts 264 attended the 7exhibitions performances 52 20 partners worked with rehearsals 13 FINAL workshops/ performances rehearsals 196 760 children and young people 28 18 1800 Rural performances FINALISTS adults attended touring 17 young people 52 attended workshops/ events performances performances auditions

This year has also been a busy one with loads of workshops being launched using the arts to support people with getting older, coping with dementia and kick-starting weight loss.

24 WYCHAVON We’ve also got Evesham great places to Evesham Arts Centre Venue for live entertainment from visit where we can dance to drama, concerts from rock to classical, comedy, pantomimes, access art directly. musical theatre and workshops. www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk Droitwich The Regal Cinema Norbury Theatre and Restored to luxury standards, this art Cinema deco cinema shows a wide range The Norbury Theatre and Cinema is of new releases, art house films and situated inside Norbury House, an cult classics, in luxurious Art Deco Art Deco building which started life surroundings. as a luxury hotel. Today it’s run by theregal.ac volunteers and showcases theatre production and films. www.norburytheatre.co.uk Pershore Number 8 Droitwich Arts Network A thriving community arts centre with The Droitwich Arts Network exists to a programme of film, arts and theatre advocate and champion the arts and courses. The venue is also home to crafts in Droitwich Spa and to act as a the Pershore Operatic and Dramatic collective voice for the arts. Society as resident amateur company. www.droitwichartsnetwork.org www.number8.org Broadway Broadway has a variety of art galleries offering an array of different feature artists.

Broadway also hosts an arts festival every two years. For more go to: broadwayartsfestival.com Worcestershire Open Studios Worcestershire Open Studios provides an amazing opportunity once a year for anyone to visit a network of artists’ studios free of charge to see their work and talk to artists about how they created it. The open studios area is across all of Worcestershire, but a lot of the artists featured are based here in Wychavon. The event usually takes place over the August bank holiday weekend. www.worcestershireopenstudios.org

More information We also have lots of outdoor art in the parks and open spaces in the district. To find out more sign up on our website for e-mail e-mail news on the arts.

WYCHAVON 25 Slow worms thrive at Stoulton Wood

A group of threatened lizards rescued from a development site have begun breeding thanks to the efforts of Wychavon and volunteers.

About three years ago a small colony Since the move volunteers of slow worms – also known as legless have been helping to lizards – were moved from a building monitor the progress of the site on the outskirts of Pershore to a slow worms and have now new home in Stoulton woods, which reported finding babies on Wychavon manages. site for the first time, along with some juveniles and Slow worms are a protected species in young adults. the UK as their numbers are declining due to loss of habitat caused by Liz Etheridge, Wildlife human activity including development Projects Officer at Wychavon and over management of scrub and District Council, said: grassland. They are important to “Moving a species from gardeners as they feed on slugs and its natural habitat is deliberately killing or injuring a slow worm is an offence under the Wildlife always a last resort but if and Countryside Act 1981. you have to do it then it’s important to ensure they However, successfully relocating them continue to thrive. to new sites is difficult because they may not take to their new surroundings. To try and help the reptiles settle Because of the way Wychavon into their new home, Wychavon manages Stoulton Wood we’ve More information Anyone interested in finding staff and volunteers created special been able to do that and with underground chambers to allow them out more about volunteering the help of our volunteers we’ve to hibernate safely during the winter opportunities at Stoulton and removed some trees to create been able to keep track of their woodland, including monitoring extra grassland exposed to the sun for progress and will hopefully for slow worms and other wildlife, when they emerge in early spring. continue to see them should contact Liz Etheridge on 01386 565217 or email thrive in the [email protected] future.” 26 WYCHAVON Innovative grass project takes off

An innovative project to develop grassland in Pershore has started and is hoped to restore traditional hay meadow flowers and plants to the fields around Avon Meadows Community Wetlands and Local Nature Reserve.

Grass cuttings taken from the roadside Liz Etheridge, Wildlife Projects Officer verge nature reserve network, at Wychavon, said managed by Worcestershire County “We’re really hopeful that this Council have been spread across the project will work and bring us an meadows which it is hoped will bring a new and diverse mix of plants and exciting new mix of wild flowers flowers to the area. Some of the verge to the meadows. Having a good nature reserves host beautiful displays mix really does help the local of flowering plants like knapweeds wildlife, especially wild pollinators and scabious, even rare orchids and to support the management of Avon which we have in abundance, Meadows and they have had much by bringing in their seed rich hay, we but we’re always looking for are hoping to transplant some of that success at creating a fantastic wetland diversity to Avon Meadows. more diversity for the area. We for everyone to enjoy. have everything crossed hoping it will work, but we won’t know Nestling on the bank of the River Avon, you can find the nature reserve only a until next spring/summer at the five minute walk from the town centre earliest if it has.” and it offers an incredible habitat for birds, waterfowl, fish, kingfishers, Avon Meadows Community Wetlands butterflies, otters and more. and Local Nature Reserve was developed after the devastating floods The reed beds aren’t just great for in 2007. The community wetland aimed wildlife, they perform an important to help reduce the impact of any function for the town too. The wetlands future floods that come from too much are fed by a pipe that takes surface surface water. water run off from nearby housing which, rather than racing straight into The project to create the wetlands the river, flows slowly through the was developed jointly by Pershore reedbeds and pools, filtering, cleaning Town Council, Wychavon District and soaking up the water before it Council and Worcestershire Wildlife reaches the river. Trust. Out of this partnership project, the Friends of Avon Meadows were formed, a local community volunteer More information group, now a Charitable Incorporated Search online for Wychavon Avon Organisation. The friends continue Meadows.

WYCHAVON 27 News from

Will you get a Eat safe this Christmas 10/10 for your The festive period means that Christmas event? most of us eat out more, whether it’s for a works’ Christmas lunch Are you hosting a or celebrating New Year with our families. Christmas or New Year

We know that pubs and event this year? Make restaurants get booked up quickly but just because you might have sure you submit your to go somewhere that isn’t your TEN (Temporary Event If your event includes any preferred choice doesn’t mean of the following that you have to accept lower Notice) to your licensing you will need a standards of food hygiene. authority! TEN The local Food Hygiene Rating Scheme listings can help you As part of the Licensing Act 2005, any Selling alcohol make an informed decision of organised function is legally required to Indoor sporting events where to eat safely at Christmas take out a TEN. The notice covers up and the listings can be seen by to 499 people for a maximum of 168 Playing music or films going to www.food.gov.uk/ratings hours. Plays and theatrical and carrying out a search to see how local businesses are rated. performances Dancing or entertainment Businesses are rated on a scale of 5 (very good) down to 0 (in need of (excluding carol singing). major improvement). A ‘Standard’ TEN must be submitted Don’t accept second best this at least 10 days before the event but Christmas, check before you sometimes different rules apply for book! Christmas and New Year.

For more information on Temporary Event Notices, go to the Home Office website www.homeoffice.gov.uk or email wrslicensing@worcsregservices. gov.uk.

28 WYCHAVON Know your rights Rights for presents Make sure you know your shopping rights this Christmas to avoid Your legal rights may having a New Year nightmare. only be applicable to the Always remember that there is NOT person who buys goods. an automatic legal right to return You can only transfer unwanted gifts and every store will these rights when buying a present if have different policies so check you tell the shop the item is for a third party. Always ask the seller to note on before you buy! the receipt it is for a third party or ask for a gift receipt if the retailer offers one. Here are a few things to consider when buying goods: Buying online Extended Buying online is a great way of getting a bargain warranties because you have an You don’t always have automatic cooling off period to buy a guarantee or of fourteen days. Only use reputable extended warranty. You online retailers, check for genuine have legal rights against the retailers by using the www.brand-i.org They’re pups, seller of goods, therefore guarantees website. and warranties don’t always offer any not presents extra benefit. A Christmas wish from Gift vouchers Worcestershire Dog Wardens They can be a really Christmas is nearly upon us but great idea for presents unfortunately ‘the season to be jolly’ but always check causes concern for Worcestershire expiry dates as you Regulatory Services’ dog wardens. have no rights to redeem after this The dog warden service works date. tirelessly all year round to try and combat animal welfare cases, push Is it really a responsible dog ownership and try bargain? to educate people to neuter their pets. Sadly the post-Christmas period During the festive often sees more unwanted animals season there are dumped after that cute kitten or always “offers” and puppy present turns out to be a lot “deals” to be done. more hard work than expected. It also Make sure you shop around as often sees a rise in illegal pet sales. these savings aren’t as fantastic as they are advertised to be! New Year fireworks So please, please, please A lot of us have fireworks at this do not buy online and be extra Always keep time of year which are best enjoyed vigilant for the signs of illegal sales. your receipt during the darker hours. However, Always request to see the puppy please be aware that setting off with its mother to reduce the risk of Proof of purchase is fireworks late at night could land purchasing from a seller who may be always required to enforce you with a nasty surprise! dealing with farmed puppies and all your rights against a pups should be microchipped – so trader or make use of any returns It is illegal to set off fireworks (including if it is, do some research to make policy that they offer. sparklers) in the street or other public sure it wasn’t implanted abroad and places. imported illegally. Buy from a reputable You must not set off fireworks between We would like to remind everyone at source 11pm and 7am. The only exceptions this time of the year that, as cliché as are Bonfire Night (midnight), New it may be, a dog really is for life – not Make sure the goods Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New just for Christmas. If you can’t take you buy are safe and of a good quality. Year (1am). care of a dog or any other pet in the Don’t be conned by here today, gone long term, please be responsible and tomorrow traders. Beware of car boot The police enforce these rules – don’t get one. sales or one off markets as these are be aware so you don’t get into trouble! often a source of counterfeit or unsafe If you are struggling to look after an goods. If you are buying from a one animal or suspect someone you know day market always make sure you get is abusing their pet, please contact the trader’s address in case you have More information www.worcsregservices.gov.uk the dog wardens so that we can save problems with your purchase. them before it is too late. WYCHAVON 29 WYCHAVON 29 Worcestershire County Council Update

There were nine roadshow events this year, Worcestershire during which we spoke to a record total of County Council 1,754 people throughout the county. The County’s new Children’s and Young comes to Wychavon People’s Plan was launched at the roadhows. Worcestershire County Council’s annual The plan sets out the ambition for roadshows came to Droitwich in September. Worcestershire to be a wonderful place for all Hundreds of local people joined county children and young people to grow up. councillors and officers at Salt Fest to find The new plan for Worcestershire, ‘Shaping out more about the services that the council Worcestershire’s Future’ was also shared with provides. all of those who attended the events, setting The event gave residents an opportunity out our four key priorities for the next five to tell us about their priorities, with years to ensure the County can become an the environment, local roads, and the even better place. redevelopment of the town’s high street ‘Shaping Worcestershire’s Future’ is an among the hottest topics. ambitious vision to improve the county as a place to live, work and invest in. To find out more about how we’re working to make this happen, go to: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/corporateplan

Life is sweet for Justin Business in Worcestershire is currently booming. One of Worcestershire County Council’s main aims is to be Open for Business. The county has the fastest growing economy in the country when it comes to productivity. Justin Bowen, the man behind Droitwich-based confectionary company Wychbold Fudge, says: “We believe that Worcestershire is a place where good, honest local businesses can do very well because they reflect the values of local people.”

To read more fantastic local stories go to: The family behind

30www.worldclassworcestershire.co.ukWYCHAVON Wychbold Fudge

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