Agenda item

(Indicative timing 10.00 – 10.30am)

The Leader of Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC), Councillor Tom Wells, and the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Tourism, Councillor Daniel Walton, had been invited to the meeting to outline the District’s economic challenges and how the County Council could help.

Malvern Hills District was diverse.  It was well known for its tourism offer, had a number of public schools, the highest number of degrees per capita in the West Midlands, yet had some significant pockets of deprivation. 

One challenge was the lack of connectivity.  Public transport links were poor, the rail network was very limited and there had been a demise in bus routes and services.  One example given was the lack of any bus service between Upton upon Severn and Malvern.  Councillors appreciated the bus industry was in crisis, however argued that if the workforce was unable to commute, there was an impact on business survival.

A further challenge was how to encourage visitors to stay longer and increase the tourism and leisure offer.  Accommodation providers had reported that guests stayed in Malvern Hills then visited other parts of the County and beyond.

The District Council had a small team of Economic Development Officers who were enthusiastic in promoting Malvern Hills, including recent ‘High Street’ promotional activity.

The Leader and Portfolio Holder agreed that the County Council could support the District in 4 areas of activity:

·         Advocate for additional bus services for the District

·         Support Active Travel to and within the District

·         Continue to promote the expansion of the successful Malvern Hills Science Park (MHSP)

·         Ensure the most rural parts of the District had access to Superfast Broadband in order that businesses could flourish.

The Panel was invited to ask questions and during the discussion, the following points were raised:

·         As a result of a successful plan to increase mineral extraction near Upton upon Severn, a large rowing lake would be developed.  It was hoped the facility would make a huge difference to the District and County

·         A Member asked that consideration be given to expand the pedestrianisation of the riverside in Upton upon Severn and hoped the County Council would support such an initiative.  Access to and from the Town was an issue, as was parking, however, District Councillors commented that more could be made of the waterways generally

·         Upton upon Severn held a number of festivals throughout the year.  It was reported that mobile phone signal was impaired at these times, however, it was clarified that any large event, such as a stadium sporting event, would have the same issue

·         An Active Travel Corridor between Worcester and Kempsey was under consideration, with a decision hoped for by the end of the year.  Original cost estimates had increased as in order to attract Government funding, schemes had to be developed to a prescribed specification.  It was hoped the 6.5 mile Corridor would be approved as it would not only boost the tourism offer but benefit the health and wellbeing of residents.  Ideas involving bicycle hire, opportunities for walking and using the river were in development

·         The Panel agreed that reliable transport options were vital for economic growth.  A Member referred to 2 community bus schemes in Upton upon Severn, one serving the surrounding villages and one serving the Gloucestershire town of Tewkesbury.  Fares were £4 and £8 respectively (half price for concessions) and passenger numbers were around 14 each week, proving the local need.  The Member wished for a community bus between Upton upon Severn and Malvern and saw community transport as a way forward, however, seeking volunteers and funding was always a concern, especially in light of increased running cost.  It was suggested that the cost of a trip outlined was up to £90.  The Member was able to contribute to the schemes discussed from Worcestershire Councillors Divisional Fund to the sum of £300 each quarter 

·         MHDC Leader reported that the County Council had a role, as allowing bus operators to determine which services to run could diminish even more routes.  Bus subsidy was a possible solution, however, the Panel agreed that the County Council should not ask bus operators to run at a loss.  Fares had to be real and fair

·         It was noted that bus timetables were reported to be outdated even in the main bus station in Worcester

·         MHDC Leader and Panel Members believed that Active Travel was a positive way forward.  It was suggested that Council Leaders from South Worcestershire needed to be working together to improve the situation.

The Panel Chairman thanked the Leader and Portfolio Holder for attending the meeting.