/news Read all the latest news from the Worcester Country Council. en /news/alternative-education-options-worcestershires-young-adult-learners As the new academic year approaches, �ƹ���Ƶ County Council's Learning Services are unveiling their refreshed Young Adult Learning �ƹ���Ƶ (YAL) programme, starting this September. 29 Aug 2025 /g= /news/dont-miss-out-become-summer-reading-finisher The Summer Reading Challenge ends Friday 13 September and the finish line is so close! 28 Aug 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-county-council-shortlisted-digital-council-year �ƹ���Ƶ County Council has reached the finals of the of the prestigious ‘Connected Britain Awards 2025’, shortlisted for Digital Council of the Year. This recognition celebrates councils that are driving innovation and shaping the future of connectivity across the UK. 28 Aug 2025 /g= /news/taste-worcestershire-returns-october-three-weeks-exclusive-dining-deals �ƹ���Ƶ’s annual celebration of local food and drink is back. 27 Aug 2025 /g= /news/county-council-roadshows-come-saltfest-weekend The �ƹ���Ƶ County Council Roadshow will be at Saltfest this Saturday (August 30) from 10am to 5pm. 27 Aug 2025 /g= /news/discover-hidden-memories-hive Have you or your family ever appeared in the local newspaper, maybe for a wedding announcement, a school sports report, or even a fancy dress win? 26 Aug 2025 /g= /news/new-adult-learning-courses September starts a new year of adult learning courses – for work, for life, for you! 26 Aug 2025 /g= /news/apply-soon-2026-school-places Applications for school places in �ƹ���Ƶ for September 2026 will open on Monday 1 September 2025. 26 Aug 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-growth-hub-supporting-local-businesses-thrive �ƹ���Ƶ Growth Hub is making it easier for businesses to find the support they need to grow and succeed. 22 Aug 2025 /g= /news/gcse-results-2025-worcestershire Today, students across �ƹ���Ƶ received their GCSE results. 21 Aug 2025 /g= /news/new-library-book-collection-guide-families-through-pregnancy-and-early-parenthood �ƹ���Ƶ’s libraries are pleased to introduce a new collection by The Reading Agency: 'Reading Well For Families'. 14 Aug 2025 /g= /news/level-results-2025-worcestershire Today, students across the county received their A-Level results.&nbsp; 14 Aug 2025 /g= /news/tips-stay-safe-around-open-water-young-people-summer At this time of year, with the end of the school year and the weather getting warmer, more young people are likely to head outdoors and find a cool spot by open water. 14 Aug 2025 /g= /news/libraries-unlocked-launches-next-week-tenbury-library People in Tenbury will soon have more freedom to use their local library at a time to suit them. 14 Aug 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-county-council-leads-national-innovation-support-unpaid-carers The work that �ƹ���Ƶ County Council is doing to support unpaid carers using assistive technology has been praised by the Social Care institute for Excellence (SCIE) as a “strong example for transformation”. 12 Aug 2025 /g= /news/specialist-business-support-returns-worcestershires-tourism-sector Visit �ƹ���Ƶ, in partnership with �ƹ���Ƶ County Council, has launched a new round of specialist 1:1 business consultancy designed specifically for the tourism sector. 11 Aug 2025 /g= /news/have-your-say-south-worcestershires-walking-and-cycling-future A public engagement for the development of Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) across the South �ƹ���Ƶ towns of Pershore, Droitwich Spa, and Malvern and Worcester City, has launched today 11 Aug 2025 /g= /news/new-heritage-lanterns-be-installed-stourport-bridge-next-week A full set of beautifully crafted heritage lanterns will be installed on Stourport Bridge beginning Monday, 11 August, restoring the historic charm of this iconic local landmark. 07 Aug 2025 /g= /news/finalists-announced-visit-worcestershire-tourism-awards-0 52 of �ƹ���Ƶ’s leading tourism businesses have been shortlisted for the county’s annual Tourism Awards, held in partnership with the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.&nbsp; 07 Aug 2025 /g= /news/business-mentoring-programme-back-sixth-year Following the success of supporting 82 �ƹ���Ƶ-based businesses, the hugely popular Mentoring �ƹ���Ƶ Programme is back for its sixth year and now open to new applicants looking to take their business to the next level. 06 Aug 2025 /g= /news/over-40-local-businesses-boosted-new-round-grant-funding Since April, more than 40 �ƹ���Ƶ businesses have benefited from the latest round of Innovation, Elevate, and Enterprising �ƹ���Ƶ grants. 05 Aug 2025 /g= /news/county-council-roadshows-come-worcester-show-weekend The �ƹ���Ƶ County Council Roadshow will be at the Worcester Show this Sunday 10 August from 10am to 5pm. 05 Aug 2025 /g= /news/demand-bus-service-launches-wychavon A brand-new bus service has launched, extending �ƹ���Ƶ’s flexible on demand bus network into Wychavon. 04 Aug 2025 /g= /news/have-your-say-future-worcestershires-public-rights-way �ƹ���Ƶ County Council is inviting residents to help shape the county’s updated Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP). 04 Aug 2025 /g= /news/have-your-say-draft-local-nature-recovery-strategy �ƹ���Ƶ residents are invited to have their say on a new draft strategy to help protect and restore the county’s natural environment. 04 Aug 2025 /g= /news/help-shape-worcestershires-electric-vehicle-charging-network Residents across �ƹ���Ƶ are being invited to play a key role in shaping the future of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in their communities. 31 Jul 2025 /g= /news/send-improvement-updates-july Here is your link to the latest SEND news and updates: <a href="/council-services/�ƹ���Ƶ-education-and-learning/send-local-offer/send-news-feedback-and-co-production/what-were-doing-improve-our-local-area">What we’re doing to improve our local area partnership SEND services | �ƹ���Ƶ County Council</a> 31 Jul 2025 /g= /news/businesses-urged-be-vigilant-and-check-who-they-do-business Consumers aren’t the only ones who have to be careful about who they do business with. 30 Jul 2025 /g= /news/celebrating-decade-early-careers-support-worcestershire �ƹ���Ƶ is celebrating 10 years of Early Careers - a flagship programme helping to inspire young people and embed meaningful careers education from the very start of their school journey. 30 Jul 2025 /g= /news/improving-access-local-bus-services Accessing bus services in �ƹ���Ƶ is becoming even easier, with new technology being introduced to simplify how passengers pay for their journeys. 28 Jul 2025 /g= /news/celebration-video-shines-light-walk-leaders-and-�ƹ���Ƶ-they-make A new video captures a special event held celebrating walk leaders highlighting the incredible impact they have in local communities. 25 Jul 2025 /g= /news/free-online-nutrition-and-lifestyle-support Adults in �ƹ���Ƶ can now join a new, FREE 12-week online lifestyle programme to help them feel better, eat well, and move more. 25 Jul 2025 /g= /news/helping-local-businesses-grow-free-one-one-coaching �ƹ���Ƶ businesses are being offered a brilliant opportunity to receive up to ten hours of fully funded one-to-one business coaching through the Enterprising �ƹ���Ƶ programme. 24 Jul 2025 /g= /news/shrub-hill-quarter-demolition-works-progressing Work is progressing at pace on the transformation of Worcester’s Shrub Hill Quarter, with the demolition of Unit 1 now well underway. 24 Jul 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-youth-cabinet-appoints-new-chair The �ƹ���Ƶ Youth Cabinet has appointed a new chair. 23 Jul 2025 /g= /news/new-website-help-children-worcestershire-have-best-start-life Expectant parents and families with young children in �ƹ���Ƶ can now find support, advice and local services online more easily than ever before. 23 Jul 2025 /g= /news/public-health-helps-worcesters-mixed-ability-rugby-team-go-global Worcester RFC Mixed Ability Rugby has already made an international impact this summer. 22 Jul 2025 /g= /news/applications-are-now-open-2025-elevate-worcestershire-growth-programme Established businesses across �ƹ���Ƶ are now invited to apply for the highly successful Elevate �ƹ���Ƶ Growth Programme. 22 Jul 2025 /g= /news/libraries-unlocked-coming-soon-tenbury-library Libraries Unlocked is a free membership upgrade that allows customers aged 15+ and local community groups to access the library outside staffed hours, from 8am to 8pm, six days a week. 21 Jul 2025 /g= /news/new-w6-commuter-connect-ticket-set-launch Bus travel to Worcester Six Business Park is about to get easier and more affordable. 21 Jul 2025 /g= /news/new-heritage-lanterns-set-light-stourport-bridge-once-again Stourport Bridge is set to shine once more as a full set of beautifully crafted heritage lanterns is due to be installed this August, &nbsp;restoring the historic character of this much-loved local landmark. 21 Jul 2025 /g= /news/three-county-parks-awarded-prestigious-green-flag-status �ƹ���Ƶ is celebrating national recognition as Worcester Woods Country Park, Waseley Hills Country Park, and St Wulstan’s Local Nature Reserve have once again been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award, the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. 18 Jul 2025 /g= /news/annual-fun-day-welcomes-looked-after-children-day-sport-and-sensory-activities Looked after children and young people from across �ƹ���Ƶ came together last week to enjoy the county’s annual Fun Day, organised by �ƹ���Ƶ County Council’s Youth Voice team. 18 Jul 2025 /g= /news/over-1000-children-sign-first-week-worcestershires-summer-reading-challenge It’s a fantastic start to the county’s biggest reading adventure of the summer. 16 Jul 2025 /g= /news/kidderminster-college-opens-space-new-facility-students-send Kidderminster College is offering new specialist facilities for students with special educational needs and disabilities. 15 Jul 2025 /g= /news/have-your-say-planning-policy-worcestershire �ƹ���Ƶ County Council is calling on residents, businesses, and organisations to have their say on the future of local planning. 11 Jul 2025 /g= /news/headline-host-announced-worcestershire-apprenticeships-awards-nominations-draw-close Award-winning comedian and writer Shazia Mirza has been confirmed as the host of this year’s �ƹ���Ƶ Apprenticeships Awards (WA Awards). 10 Jul 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-county-councils-reablement-recruitment-event-success A recent recruitment event, held in collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions, has had a huge impact for both employers and job seekers across the county. 10 Jul 2025 /g= /news/demand-bus-service-expand-across-county �ƹ���Ƶ’s flexible on demand bus network is expanding, with a brand-new service launching in large parts of Wychavon in August 2025. 09 Jul 2025 /g= /news/future-county-hall-be-discussed-county-council-meeting A report about the future of the County Hall site has been published ahead of discussion at �ƹ���Ƶ County Council’s Cabinet on 17 July. 09 Jul 2025 /g= /news/council-review-options-meet-demand-secondary-school-places-worcester �ƹ���Ƶ County Council’s Cabinet will meet next week to discuss plans to make sure there are enough school places for local children. 09 Jul 2025 /g= /news/public-invited-vote-worcestershires-best-event-year Voting is now open for people to help crown �ƹ���Ƶ’s Festival &amp; Event of the Year, as part of the prestigious Visit �ƹ���Ƶ Tourism Awards. 09 Jul 2025 /g= /news/reserve-your-get-school-ready-bookbag-today As September approaches, families across the community are getting ready for that exciting first step into school and �ƹ���Ƶ’s libraries are here to help! 08 Jul 2025 /g= /news/county-council-roadshows-come-bromsgrove-and-redditch-weekend �ƹ���Ƶ County Council will be in two separate locations this weekend. 08 Jul 2025 /g= /news/love-locks-be-removed-diglis-bridge-maintenance The 'love locks' attached to Diglis Bridge in Worcester will soon be removed to enable essential maintenance work. 07 Jul 2025 /g= /news/worcestershires-summer-reading-challenge-launches-weekend-0 The Summer Reading Challenge is launching across �ƹ���Ƶ’s libraries this weekend. It is the perfect way for children to dive into magical stories, meet amazing characters, and unlock the power of their imagination – all for FREE! 03 Jul 2025 /g= /news/county-council-roadshows-return-2025 Talk to us about council services this summer! &nbsp;�ƹ���Ƶ County Council will be touring the county this summer to speak to the people of �ƹ���Ƶ about the services they get from the council and answer questions about the Local Government changes taking place over the next few years. 03 Jul 2025 /g= /news/celebrating-year-helping-people-stay-active-and-connected The Healthy �ƹ���Ƶ programme, run by �ƹ���Ƶ County Council’s Public Health Team, marked its first anniversary last week with celebrations taking place at venues throughout the county. 02 Jul 2025 /g= /news/new-efforts-champion-voices-children-and-young-people-send-worcestershire Two new Co-production Officers have been appointed to improve the way that the County Council and health services listen to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). 02 Jul 2025 /g= /news/first-careers-worcestershire-week-spotlight-support-young-adults Young people across �ƹ���Ƶ can take charge of their future this August during the first-ever Careers �ƹ���Ƶ Week. 01 Jul 2025 /g= /news/fun-free-events-helped-those-disabilities-get-active A series of events, provided by �ƹ���Ƶ County Council’s Learning Disabilities Adult Social Care Team, have had a lasting impact for people with learning disabilities. &nbsp; 30 Jun 2025 /g= /news/young-people-worcestershire-urged-stay-safe-around-open-water At this time of year, with the end of the school year and the weather getting warmer, more young people are likely to head outdoors and find a cool spot by open water. &nbsp; 30 Jun 2025 /g= /news/amber-heat-health-alert-issued People in �ƹ���Ƶ are being encouraged to stay safe during the current period of warmer weather this week.&nbsp; 30 Jun 2025 /g= /news/send-improvement-updates-june <strong>What we're doing to improve our local area partnership SEND services.</strong> 30 Jun 2025 /g= /news/wythall-and-hollywood-fun-run-returns-style-over-750-participants More than 750 runners and their families gathered at Wythall Park last weekend for the Wythall and Hollywood Fun Run and some international GB athletes turned up to cheer everyone on. 26 Jun 2025 /g= /news/free-family-fun-summer-worcestershire-libraries-national-trust-croome This summer, �ƹ���Ƶ’s libraries and National Trust Croome are teaming up to offer families an unforgettable experience of reading, creativity, and outdoor play, with an exciting programme of Summer Reading Challenge events and the National Trust’s Summer of Play. 24 Jun 2025 /g= /news/support-county-council-help-worcestershire-businesses-grow Businesses across �ƹ���Ƶ are being supported to recruit, train, and grow, thanks to a range of county-wide services. 24 Jun 2025 /g= /news/one-week-left-apply-school-and-college-transport Parents are reminded that there’s just one week left to apply for school and college transport for the start of the autumn term in September. 23 Jun 2025 /g= /news/foster-carer-breaks-stereotypes-support-local-teenagers A single male foster carer is helping to change perceptions about who can foster. 20 Jun 2025 /g= /news/improvements-send-services-support-children-and-families-across-county �ƹ���Ƶ County Council is implementing a new structure for its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Services, designed to improve the experience of children, young people and their families as they navigate the Education, Health and Care (EHC) process. 20 Jun 2025 /g= /news/food-and-drink-businesses-invited-take-part-taste-worcestershire Local hospitality businesses across �ƹ���Ƶ are encouraged to sign up for Taste �ƹ���Ƶ, returning from 6 to 26 October 2025. 20 Jun 2025 /g= /news/tie-knot-twice-celebrate-your-wedding-abroad-and-again-worcestershire Are you getting married abroad this year and would like to celebrate your marriage with a second ceremony on your return to the UK? 20 Jun 2025 /g= /news/worcestershire-businesses-come-together-growth-skills-grant-support-conference Over 120 business representatives gathered this week for the Business �ƹ���Ƶ Growth, Skills &amp; Grant Support Conference, held to showcase the wide range of support available to help local businesses grow, innovate, and thrive. 18 Jun 2025 /g= /news/work-due-start-new-shared-use-link-shrub-hill-quarter The construction of a new shared use link, a key step in the wider Shrub Hill Quarter regeneration project in Worcester, will get underway shortly. 16 Jun 2025 /g= /news/uncorking-worcestershire-wine-tourism-ahead-english-wine-week �ƹ���Ƶ is making its mark in England’s growing wine tourism industry — combining award-winning producers and vineyard stays to create memorable experiences for visitors. 16 Jun 2025 /g= /news/wythall-and-hollywood-fun-run-opens-way-blind-and-visually-impaired-runners This year’s Wythall and Hollywood Fun Run is aiming to ensure everyone can join in the fun run, including people who are blind or visually impaired. 16 Jun 2025 /g= /news/ten-worcestershire-residents-recognised-kings-birthday-honours-2025 �ƹ���Ƶ’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/public-health-worcestershire-county-council-celebrates-national-win �ƹ���Ƶ 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/care-experienced-young-people-worcestershire-showcase-powerful-artwork-worcester-cathedral A group of care experienced young people from �ƹ���Ƶ have created a moving and personal artwork now on display at Worcester Cathedral. 13 Jun 2025 /g= /news/extra-bromsgrove-demand-buses-running-wythall-hollywood-fun-run �ƹ���Ƶ County Council is putting on additional �ƹ���Ƶ 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/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/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 �ƹ���Ƶ 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 �ƹ���Ƶ’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 �ƹ���Ƶ’s business community is invited to come together for a morning of inspiration, insight, and practical support at the Business �ƹ���Ƶ 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 �ƹ���Ƶ County Council is shining a spotlight on a fantastic local service, Cranstoun �ƹ���Ƶ. 02 Jun 2025 /g= /news/worcestershires-grass-cutting-season-now-underway �ƹ���Ƶ’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 �ƹ���Ƶ 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, �ƹ���Ƶ County Council is reminding residents of the safe and environmentally friendly way to dispose of vapes. 28 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 �ƹ���Ƶ 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/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-growth-hub-launches-free-hr-support-series-local-businesses �ƹ���Ƶ County Council’s business support service, �ƹ���Ƶ 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, �ƹ���Ƶ 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 �ƹ���Ƶ 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, �ƹ���Ƶ’s Library Service at Home is transforming lives by bringing the library experience directly to your door. 21 May 2025 /g=