/news Read all the latest news from the Worcester Country Council. en /news/ten-worcestershire-residents-recognised-kings-birthday-honours-2025 È«¹ú̽»¨â€™s dedication to sporting excellence, rural heritage, and exceptional community service has been recognised in the prestigious The King’s Birthday Honours list for 2025. 14 Jun 2025 /g= /news/care-experienced-young-people-worcestershire-showcase-powerful-artwork-worcester-cathedral A group of care experienced young people from È«¹ú̽»¨ have created a moving and personal artwork now on display at Worcester Cathedral. 13 Jun 2025 /g= /news/public-health-worcestershire-county-council-celebrates-national-win È«¹ú̽»¨ County Council’s Public Health team is celebrating a major achievement after the We Are Westlands project won its category at a prestigious local government awards. 13 Jun 2025 /g= /news/cranstoun-employment-service-transforms-lives New employment programme has supported 25 people currently accessing alcohol and drug support to get into work in its first year.&nbsp; 12 Jun 2025 /g= /news/next-chapter-shrub-hill-quarter-transformation-set-begin A major milestone in the transformation of Worcester’s Shrub Hill Quarter is about to begin, as demolition work kicks off this month to reshape the city’s gateway into a modern, vibrant destination. 12 Jun 2025 /g= /news/extra-bromsgrove-demand-buses-running-wythall-hollywood-fun-run È«¹ú̽»¨ County Council is putting on additional È«¹ú̽»¨ On Demand buses in Bromsgrove on Sunday 22 June 2025, to support local travel during the popular Wythall &amp; Hollywood Fun Run. 12 Jun 2025 /g= /news/send-services-team-restructure We have made some changes to the structure of our SEND Services team. These changes are aimed at improving the way we manage the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process. 11 Jun 2025 /g= /news/walk-leaders-step-spotlight-cross-county-celebration Walk Leaders from across Herefordshire and È«¹ú̽»¨ were honoured at a celebratory event for National Walking Month last week. 06 Jun 2025 /g= /news/library-volunteering-provides-new-chapter-retiree-paul When Paul retired, he never imagined helping out at The Hive, Worcester would become a highlight of this new chapter. 06 Jun 2025 /g= /news/apply-now-support-and-grant-funding-through-newly-expanded-elevate-programme È«¹ú̽»¨â€™s small and medium-sized manufacturers can now apply for tailored support and grant funding through the newly extended Elevate Manufacturing programme, open until March 2026. 06 Jun 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-celebrated-national-visitengland-awards-excellence Two of the county’s standout tourism and hospitality experiences have received national recognition at the VisitEngland Awards of Excellence, which was held at the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange on Wednesday 4 June. 05 Jun 2025 /g= /news/speakers-announced-business-worcestershire-conference-sixways-stadium È«¹ú̽»¨â€™s business community is invited to come together for a morning of inspiration, insight, and practical support at the Business È«¹ú̽»¨ Conference, taking place next Wednesday (11 June 2025) at Sixways Stadium. 04 Jun 2025 /g= /news/cranstouns-volunteering-service-giving-people-hope-and-purpose This Volunteers’ Week È«¹ú̽»¨ County Council is shining a spotlight on a fantastic local service, Cranstoun È«¹ú̽»¨. 02 Jun 2025 /g= /news/worcestershires-grass-cutting-season-now-underway È«¹ú̽»¨â€™s grass cutting programme has now started with around 5,000 km of grass to trim. 02 Jun 2025 /g= /news/step-step-better-health-walk-may-challenge-huge-success Hundreds of walkers across Herefordshire and È«¹ú̽»¨ have stepped up to the challenge and walked over 4,700 miles during the ‘Walk This May Challenge’. 02 Jun 2025 /g= /news/recycling-disposable-vapes-safely-and-responsibly With the ban on disposable vapes coming into effect on 1 June 2025, È«¹ú̽»¨ County Council is reminding residents of the safe and environmentally friendly way to dispose of vapes. 28 May 2025 /g= /news/protecting-your-future-lasting-power-attorney-easier-you-think Read on to find out all about what a lasting power of attorney is and why you need to set one up now! 23 May 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-producers-connect-65-regional-buyers-new-food-drink-event Over 25 of the county’s independent food and drink producers connected with buyers from across hospitality, retail and tourism at the first-ever Taste È«¹ú̽»¨ Producer &amp; Buyer Event. 23 May 2025 /g= /news/dyslexia-association-may-newsletter Hereford and Worcester Dyslexia Association (HWDA) - supporting children with dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia for nearly 50 years. 23 May 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-growth-hub-launches-free-hr-support-series-local-businesses È«¹ú̽»¨ County Council’s business support service, È«¹ú̽»¨ Growth Hub, has launched a series of free HR workshops for local employers. 22 May 2025 /g= /news/new-leadership-brings-fresh-direction-county-council Marking the beginning of a new chapter, È«¹ú̽»¨ County Council today appointed a new Leader and Cabinet at the first full Council meeting since elections on 1 May. 22 May 2025 /g= /news/last-chance-save-10-wythall-hollywood-fun-run Make the most of the late May bank holiday with an exclusive 10% discount on entry to the Wythall &amp; Hollywood Fun Run 5K and 10K races. 22 May 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-county-councils-adult-learning-team-shortlisted-2025-family-learning-awards-finalist È«¹ú̽»¨ County Council’s Adult Learning service has been shortlisted as a finalist in this year’s national Family Learning Awards. 21 May 2025 /g= /news/worcestershires-library-service-home-changing-lives For those facing challenges like health or mobility issues, È«¹ú̽»¨â€™s Library Service at Home is transforming lives by bringing the library experience directly to your door. 21 May 2025 /g= /news/david-lloyd-clubs-announced-official-sponsor-wythall-and-hollywood-fun-run È«¹ú̽»¨ County Council is thrilled to announce that David Lloyd Clubs in Solihull Cranmore and Bromsgrove has been named the official sponsor for this year's Wythall and Hollywood Fun Run. 20 May 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-business-owner-transforms-career-help-enterprising-worcestershire A Redditch-based entrepreneur has turned nearly two decades of bid management and writing experience into a thriving consultancy thanks to the bespoke business support they received from Enterprising È«¹ú̽»¨. 20 May 2025 /g= /news/neurodiverse-led-theatre-companys-free-workshops-are-hit-malvern This week is Creativity and Wellbeing Week we are showcasing some of the amazing ways creativity have boosted wellbeing, quality of life and community connectedness across È«¹ú̽»¨. 19 May 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-county-councils-young-adult-learning-programme-opens-its-doors-september È«¹ú̽»¨ County Council’s Learning Services are now enrolling for September, offering 16–19-year-olds more choice beyond Year 11 through Young Adult Learning È«¹ú̽»¨. 19 May 2025 /g= /news/visit-worcestershire-strikes-gold-national-award Visit È«¹ú̽»¨ is celebrating national recognition after being awarded gold certification, honouring the county’s commitment to responsible tourism that supports local communities, landscapes, and businesses. 16 May 2025 /g= /news/successful-winter-season-ends-worcestershires-road-surface-dressing-programme-begins È«¹ú̽»¨ County Council is marking the official end of a successful winter gritting season and turning its focus to the start of the annual surface dressing programme to maintain and improve the county’s roads. 16 May 2025 /g= /news/new-services-provide-major-boost-worcestershire-parkway-station È«¹ú̽»¨ Parkway Railway Station is set to take a significant step forward in regional and national connectivity with the launch of new rail services from Sunday 18 May 2025. 16 May 2025 /g= /news/signpost-broadway-receive-kings-award-voluntary-service Signpost was presented with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service by the Lord-Lieutenant on 16 May 2025. 16 May 2025 /g= /news/business-worcestershire-conference-returns-support-growth-skills-and-grant-success The Business È«¹ú̽»¨ Conference is back this summer with a dynamic event designed to empower local businesses with expert insights into growth, skills development, and grant support. 15 May 2025 /g= /news/wheely-different-theatre-company-receive-kings-award-voluntary-service Wheely Different Theatre Company was presented with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service by the Lord-Lieutenant on the 15th May.&nbsp; 15 May 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-entrepreneur-connects-communities-award-nominated-friendship-app An innovative app to help tackle loneliness and connect people for shared adventures and hobbies has helped a È«¹ú̽»¨ entrepreneur gain regional recognition. 14 May 2025 /g= /news/call-young-volunteers-support-summer-reading-challenge Libraries in È«¹ú̽»¨ are on the lookout for enthusiastic young people aged 13 to 24 to volunteer during this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. 13 May 2025 /g= /news/foster-care-fortnight-celebrates-life-changing-power-relationships A care-experienced adult from Worcester is opening up about her journey through the foster care system, sharing how meaningful relationships helped shape her life. 12 May 2025 /g= /news/celebrating-community-mental-health-awareness-week-12-18-may This week, we're shining a light on how community supports our mental health and wellbeing. Community gives us purpose, a sense of belonging and helps us thrive. 12 May 2025 /g= /news/adult-learning-team-launch-new-community-projects-support-mental-health Neighbourhood Learning, part of È«¹ú̽»¨ County Council’s Adult Learning service, is launching new Community Projects during Mental Health Awareness Week (12 to 18 May 2025) placing wellbeing and community connection at the heart of learning. 09 May 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-welcomes-further-extension-household-support-fund-0 People in È«¹ú̽»¨ who would otherwise struggle with bills and paying for essentials such as food will be able to apply for financial support now that the Household Support Fund, funded by the UK Government, will continue until March 2026. 09 May 2025 /g= /news/step-running-expert-tips-new-wythall-hollywood-fun-run-podcast A brand-new podcast episode has been created especially for this year’s Wythall &amp; Hollywood Fun Run featuring a very special guest. 09 May 2025 /g= /news/business-support-and-grant-funding-now-open-worcestershire-businesses È«¹ú̽»¨â€™s budding entrepreneurs and growing businesses are being given a major boost, thanks to a fully funded package of expert support and grant funding available through the Enterprising È«¹ú̽»¨ programme. 08 May 2025 /g= /news/dig-composting-during-international-compost-awareness-week We are encouraging residents to reduce waste and improve their gardens this International Compost Awareness Week (4 to 10 May 2025), with a special £5 compost bin offer to support home composting. 07 May 2025 /g= /news/council-collaboration-helps-children-care-move-pride-and-purpose A new partnership is providing the county’s looked after children with travel bags to help transport their belongings when moving house. 07 May 2025 /g= /news/new-wave-skills-bootcamps-launches-build-worcestershire-careers È«¹ú̽»¨ residents can now take the next step towards a better career as È«¹ú̽»¨ County Council launches a new wave of its successful Skills Bootcamps programme. 07 May 2025 /g= /news/eye-opening-drug-and-alcohol-training-schools <strong>Teachers and youth workers across È«¹ú̽»¨ say they are now ‘better equipped to have conversations around substance use’, thanks to ‘eye opening’ training from drug education charity, Hope UK.</strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong> 06 May 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-business-receives-2025-kings-award-enterprise It has been announced that SEADA Technology Ltd has been awarded the highly prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise (KAE) today. 06 May 2025 /g= /news/tree-planted-worcester-mark-hm-kings-coronation A commemorative tree was planted in Gheluvelt park in Worcester on Tuesday 6th May by The Lord-Lieutenant of È«¹ú̽»¨ to mark the anniversary of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. 06 May 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-county-council-election-results-wychavon All of the results from yesterday’s County Council election in Wychavon have now been returned. 02 May 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-county-council-election-results-worcester-city All of the results from yesterday’s County Council Election in the Worcester City District have now been returned. 02 May 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-county-council-election-results-bromsgrove All of the results from yesterday’s County Council election in the Bromsgrove District have now been returned.&nbsp; 02 May 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-county-council-election-results-wyre-forest All of the results from yesterday’s County Council election in Wyre Forest have now been returned. 02 May 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-county-council-election-results-redditch All of the results from yesterday’s County Council Election in the Redditch District have now been returned.&nbsp; 02 May 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-county-council-election-results-malvern-hills All of the results from yesterday’s County Council Election in Malvern Hills District have now been returned. 02 May 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-crowns-2025-young-poet-laureate È«¹ú̽»¨ County Council and Severn Arts are thrilled to announce that Evie Hodgetts from Bromsgrove has been named È«¹ú̽»¨â€™s Young Poet Laureate for 2025 to 2026. 01 May 2025 /g= /news/special-school-reception-places <strong>Information about special school reception places for September 2025.</strong> 01 May 2025 /g= /news/save-10-wythall-hollywood-fun-run-week Feeling inspired by the London Marathon? Now’s the perfect time to set your own running goal, and there’s a little extra motivation to get you started! 30 Apr 2025 /g= /news/stay-play-saturday-sessions Stay and Play Saturday sessions for SEND children aged under 6 years. 29 Apr 2025 /g= /news/could-you-be-new-independent-member-west-mercia-police-and-crime-panel Do you want to be a part of the body that scrutinises the local Police and Crime Commissioner? If so, we want to hear from you! 25 Apr 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-counterfeit-seller-badgered A Droitwich seller of fake car badges and keyrings, Matthew SIER, was sentenced, at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on 14 April 2025 after earlier pleading guilty to seven offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994. 22 Apr 2025 /g= /news/get-whole-family-moving-whilst-supporting-amazing-childrens-charity-acorns È«¹ú̽»¨ County Council are delighted to announce that Acorns Children’s Hospice are the official charity partner for this year’s Wythall and Hollywood Fun Run. 17 Apr 2025 /g= /news/hop-greener-easter-recycle-your-easter-egg-packaging This Easter, while you’re enjoying your chocolate treats, don’t let good recycling habits hop away! 17 Apr 2025 /g= /news/voting-proxy-vote-appointing-someone-vote-your-behalf-years-county-council-elections A proxy vote allows you to appoint another person to vote on your behalf, either at a polling station or by post.&nbsp; 17 Apr 2025 /g= /news/primary-school-offer-day-2025-worcestershire Families across È«¹ú̽»¨ have found out today (Wednesday 16 April) which primary or first school their children will be starting at this September. 16 Apr 2025 /g= /news/dyslexia-association-easter-newsletter <strong>Hereford and Worcester Dyslexia Association (HWDA) - supporting children with dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia for nearly 50 years.</strong> 16 Apr 2025 /g= /news/get-ready-walk-may-and-enjoy-walk-may-challenge Take the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle with the ‘Walk This May Challenge’, organised by Herefordshire’s local Wellbeing Walks groups and È«¹ú̽»¨ Health Walks. 15 Apr 2025 /g= /news/remember-your-voter-id-when-having-your-say-county-council-elections Residents across the county are being urged to remember their ID when they go to vote on 1 May. &nbsp; 14 Apr 2025 /g= /news/when-my-local-household-recycling-centre-closed-over-easter-break All of the Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) in È«¹ú̽»¨ will be open as usual across the Easter break, apart from Hallow Road in Worcester which will be shut on Good Friday (18 April) and Easter Monday (21 April). 11 Apr 2025 /g= /news/voting-postal-vote-years-county-council-elections If you are unable to make it to your local polling station to vote in this year’s County Council elections, you can apply for a postal vote. 11 Apr 2025 /g= /news/hop-spring-easter-themed-activities-your-local-library Looking for some egg-citing family fun this Easter? È«¹ú̽»¨â€™s Libraries has you covered with a variety of cracking FREE activities for both the young and young at heart. 10 Apr 2025 /g= /news/letters-ofsted-dfe-and-nhs-england 'Stock Take' review session. 09 Apr 2025 /g= /news/egg-citing-easter-fun-hartlebury-castle Hop on over for a brilliant family day out at Hartlebury Castle in the heart of the È«¹ú̽»¨ countryside in the Easter holidays. 08 Apr 2025 /g= /news/new-trade-event-launched-connect-local-food-drink-producers-regions-top-buyers Visit È«¹ú̽»¨ is launching the first-ever Taste È«¹ú̽»¨ Producer &amp; Buyer Event, a new trade-focused business event designed to spotlight the county’s thriving food and drink sector. 08 Apr 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-library-closures-announced-over-easter-holidays All libraries including Libraries Unlocked hours and Jobcentre Plus will not be open on Good Friday 18 April, Easter Sunday 20 April or Easter Monday 21 April. 08 Apr 2025 /g= /news/entries-now-open-visit-worcestershire-tourism-awards-202526 È«¹ú̽»¨â€™s top tourism and hospitality businesses can now apply for the prestigious Visit È«¹ú̽»¨ Tourism Awards 2025/26, celebrating excellence across the county’s visitor economy. 07 Apr 2025 /g= /news/new-food-waste-rules-businesses-coincide-foodsavvy-relaunch-worcestershire This week marks a significant step in tackling food waste, with new legislation requiring businesses across England to separate food waste from general waste. 03 Apr 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-ranks-top-3-bowel-cancer-screening È«¹ú̽»¨ is among the top three areas in the West Midlands for bowel cancer screening uptake. 03 Apr 2025 /g= /news/send-and-ap-change-programme Where to go for news and updates about the Change Programme. 02 Apr 2025 /g= /news/mentoring-training-supporting-autistic-children-and-young-people-school È«¹ú̽»¨ Autism Mentor (WAM) training is transforming the lives of autistic young people by providing tailored mentoring support in schools. 02 Apr 2025 /g= /news/worcestershires-tourism-sector-national-spotlight-two-finalists-are-announced-visitengland-awards È«¹ú̽»¨â€™s tourism sector is celebrating national recognition as two of the county’s standout tourism and hospitality businesses have been named finalists at the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. 02 Apr 2025 /g= /news/send-provision-plan What we're doing to increase and improve education provision for children and young people with SEND. 31 Mar 2025 /g= /news/ready-spring-couch-and-get-5k If you’re looking for a health goal to achieve by this summer, then now’s the time to spring into action! 28 Mar 2025 /g= /news/send-march-update What we're doing to improve our local area partnership SEND services. 27 Mar 2025 /g= /news/explore-worcestershires-past-series-new-spring-and-summer-events Get the skills and knowledge you need to unlock the secrets of your family history. 25 Mar 2025 /g= /news/winners-celebrated-worcestershires-tourism-awards The county’s tourism sector was celebrated on Friday 21 March, at the annual Visit È«¹ú̽»¨ Tourism Awards. 24 Mar 2025 /g= /news/public-health-worcestershire-shortlisted-another-award The Public Health Team at È«¹ú̽»¨ County Council is celebrating more success after the We Are Westlands project was shortlisted for an LGC Public Health Award. 19 Mar 2025 /g= /news/kepax-bridge-transforms-accessibility-worcester-communities With nearly 50,000 users in the three months since Kepax Bridge opened in early December, the bridge is already making a big difference to people’s lives. 19 Mar 2025 /g= /news/planning-permission-granted-new-worcester-secondary-school-and-multi-storey-car-park Planning permission has been granted for a new secondary school for Worcester city and a multi-storey car park adjacent to È«¹ú̽»¨ Royal Hospital. 18 Mar 2025 /g= /news/celebrating-worcester-six-decade-growth-and-opportunity &nbsp;Leading commercial property developer Stoford is celebrating a decade of success at Worcester Six Business Park. 18 Mar 2025 /g= /news/congratulations-our-amazing-social-workers Nine dedicated social workers from È«¹ú̽»¨ County Council have been nationally recognised for their exceptional contributions to the profession. 17 Mar 2025 /g= /news/limited-spaces-remaining-elevate-manufacturing-programme-register-now È«¹ú̽»¨ manufacturers are urged to act quickly, with just 15 spaces up for grabs on the Elevate Manufacturing Programme. 17 Mar 2025 /g= /news/county-champions-food-waste-action-week-help-prevent-household-food-waste Proudly supported by È«¹ú̽»¨ County Council, this year’s Food Waste Action Week is taking place from 17 - 23 March. 17 Mar 2025 /g= /news/temporary-structure-now-place-support-restoration-powick-old-bridge The restoration of the historic Powick Old Bridge has reached a significant milestone with the successful installation of a temporary support structure on 17 March to stabilise the bridge’s damaged main arch. 17 Mar 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-county-council-wellbeing-grant-supporting-older-adults-move-more È«¹ú̽»¨ County Council’s Public Health Team have provided a wellbeing grant to Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch &amp; Wyre Forest to allow the charity to expand its Move More sessions. 14 Mar 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-county-council-unveils-alarming-findings-mobile-connectivity Mobile connectivity across the county is significantly worse than previously reported, È«¹ú̽»¨ County Council has revealed. 14 Mar 2025 /g= /news/comberton-primary-school-celebrates-new-state-art-extension Comberton Primary School has celebrated the official opening of its brand-new school extension, a modern and innovative learning space designed to enhance the educational experience for its pupils. 13 Mar 2025 /g= /news/council-discuss-interim-proposal-unitary-authority-scrutiny On 18 March, È«¹ú̽»¨ County Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board are set to discuss the Council’s interim proposal for local government reorganisation. 11 Mar 2025 /g= /news/have-your-say-help-shape-future-worcestershires-archives-archaeology Do you love È«¹ú̽»¨â€™s history? Got ideas to make our archives and archaeology services even better? Now’s your chance to have your say and help shape the future! 11 Mar 2025 /g= /news/kidderminster-friends-turn-longtime-dream-thriving-business Kidderminster-based GW Consulting Engineers, founded by friends and structural engineers Graham Chapman and Warrick Pannell, has experienced rapid growth thanks to support from the Enterprising È«¹ú̽»¨ Business Coaching programme. 10 Mar 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-skills-show-2025-hailed-huge-success È«¹ú̽»¨ County Council has hailed the È«¹ú̽»¨ Skills Show 2025 as a major success, with over 3,500 young people attending the county’s largest careers event. 07 Mar 2025 /g=