THE LEADER of Wychavon District Council has issued a rallying call to residents of Evesham, Pershore and Broadway, urging them to have their say on the Local Government Reorganisation before the consultation ends next week.
In an open letter, Coun Richard Morris said the implications of the Government’s decision to replace the two-tier system in Worcestershire with either one or two unitary authorities ‘would determine the future success of the place we all call home for a generation or more’.
He said: “We must not sleepwalk into a reorganisation nobody asked for without you, our residents, having fully made your voice heard.
“We believe Wychavon has proven over the last 50 years or more the difference we can make to a place through the millions of pounds invested in communities, the building of a much-needed local hospital, boosting our businesses and enhancing our environment.
“We want to go on making a difference to the lives of everyone who lives, works and visits our amazing district.
“We do not want this change.”
Coun Morris said he believed the creation of a new South Worcestershire Council was the only option to preserve everything that had been built together over more than half a century.
He said it would better reflect local identity and keep decision-making close to the communities it would serve as well as being fairer on council tax, avoiding the significant increases approved by other councils.
“Crucially, it offers a genuine opportunity to transform key services like adult social care, moving from crisis to prevention, improving outcomes for people, and securing long-term financial stability.”
He reiterated the two-councils option was what the preferred choice of Wychavon residents following the Shape Worcestershire consultation last summer.
“You used your voice then and I urge you to do so again now – but this time directly to the Government.
“Please do not let them make that decision without your voice being heard.
Wychavon District Council, along with the other districts, borough, city and Worcestershire County councils, is scheduled to cease to exist on April 1, 2028.
The Government’s decision on whether to form one single unitary or two – North and South Worcestershire councils – is expected in July.
People can visit: transformingworcestershire.co.uk/have-your-say to voice their views before the deadline on Thursday, March 26.
