MEMBERS of Evesham Labour Party have begun a series of events to listen to the ideas and views of local residents.
Shoppers in Bengeworth were the first to be asked their views, under the new Labour gazebo pitched in Port Street.
Party members collected views on local issues with passers-by as well as distributing leaflets on the cost-of-living crisis to nearby houses.
This use of the gazebo is likely to become a familiar feature of Labour’s campaigning over the coming months.
Party chair Mike Harland said: “We want to listen carefully to people in different parts of Evesham and in the villages around, so we focus on their priorities in forthcoming local or national elections. They should set the agenda, rather than politicians deciding what they need or value most.’
“There was a steady flow of visitors, as residents were asked to rate living and working in Bengeworth and to discuss what they enjoyed about it or thought needed improvement.
Matthew Rea, one of the members who organised the event, said. “It was great to meet so many local people and hear their wealth of ideas.
“We heard about the interesting diversity of the community and the sociability and respect for others shown by traders, health and education providers and most residents.
“The proximity to parks, shops and the riverside was also valued.
“However, recent efforts by the council to provide improvements do not seem to have been well targeted and problems with traffic flow, litter and parking remain,” he added.
