As you read this, we will be in the middle of November, Halloween and Bonfire Night gone in a flash – or is it a bang! All the children in the area, from near the Ketch in the north down to Uckinghall in the south, are no doubt counting the days to Christmas; I know my grandchildren are. I am concerned that many of the elderly and more vulnerable members of our community may be suffering at this time of year. Cold and loneliness are a wicked combination, so please be a good neighbour and check on them. A friendly face and a kind smile go a long way – thank you.
As some of you may know, I have beavered away to ensure our Worcestershire on Demand bus service is a success. Recently, I had a worthwhile meeting with Officers from WCC to review how it’s all going. I am seeking yet more improvements.
In August, the service in the joint County Council Divisions of Croome (Us) and Powick (Near us) received 2100 requests for rides. 90% of people who left feedback gave the service a 5/5 rating. Due to problems with mucky dogs, it has been officially agreed that, from now on, only service dogs will be allowed. I have asked that additional destinations outside the Zone be considered. These include Newtown Road, Worcester, adjacent to the hospital and Haresfield House Doctors Surgery, Newtown Road, Worcester. I’ve also asked for near the Cathedral in Worcester to be considered, but this drop off point seems to be less likely to be accepted, and Ledbury, mainly because this service also covers County Councillor Tom Wells’ area, the Division of Powick, where some of the hamlets are closer to Ledbury than Malvern. It has been agreed that WCC will consider these requests and try to find a way forward.
New residents have been moving into a new estate called Pear Tree Way, which is off Taylors Lane, to the north of Kempsey. There are about 100 dwellings now occupied, but no bus service, which, if you don’t drive, is not good enough. As you can see, I have been meeting residents to listen to their concerns about there not being a safe walking route to the cycle/foot bridge that would take them to Tesco’s in St Peters. St Modwen’s Homes, the builders, must do better.
Meanwhile, I am making new members of our community aware of the great Worcestershire on Demand Bus. Finally, I thought you would be interested to know that from the 9th of May 2023 to the end of September 2024 there have been 18977 people using the app, and 1521 phone calls to request a journey.
Have you noticed how poor the mobile phone reception seems to be, regardless of where you are in the country? We seem to have taken a step back in time – maybe 3G was turned off too quickly. Talking of stepping back in time, the other day, I was working on my veg plot in my garden, the sun was shining and, even for October, there was warm glow on the back of my neck. It brought back memories of helping my father on his allotment – well, as a young lad, it was more like playing with worms and getting in the way! Although I didn’t know it at the time, he must have had the same battles I have with the Cabbage Caterpillar. Some things never change!
As ever, I am here if you need me. Stay safe.
Warmest regards
Martin Allen