Wychavon has unveiled its aspirations for the district with ambitious new plans.

A commitment to improve resident wellbeing, environmental progression, urban regeneration and more diverse housing are central to the council's fresh strategy for the area.

Rolling out over the next four years, the 29-point 'We Are Wychavon Plan' highlights the council's priorities of people, place and environment.

 

 

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Collective responses from residents, young locals, council members and data assessing district needs have been used to shape the plans.

Future initiatives range from extending the social mobility scheme to offer more opportunities for young people, developing preventative support for households prone to difficulty, introducing wellness assistance spanning ten villages and to create a housing facility in the north of the district that offers support to homeless young people.

Further objectives consist of encouraging investment in central sites in the district, including the Riverside Centre in Evesham, Droitwich Spa lido and linking Pershore with the riverside.

A focus will also be placed on fostering school-business relationships that connect students with community employers and training openings, and developing plans to decrease Evesham traffic congestion by developing a new walking and cycling path connecting the town centre with surrounding areas.

The leader of Wychavon District Council, Cllr Chris Day, said: "This is an ambitious plan which sets out our priorities for the next four years based on what our residents have told us matters to them.

"We’re excited about the opportunities the plan contains and are looking forward to getting started on delivering these promises for our residents to make Wychavon an even better place to live, work and visit."

The plans received approval at a council meeting on Wednesday, February 21.

The plan in its entirety is accessible on www.wychavon.gov.uk/we-are-wychavon.

An agreement has also been reached to raise the district's council tax bill by £5 a year, in its first increase in six years.

Cllr Chris Day added: "Despite this rise, our Council Tax will still be the lowest in Worcestershire and one of the lowest in the country and we’ll work hard to make sure we are using taxpayers’ money efficiently and delivering value for every pound spent."