- Project Report
All 2012/2013 projects have been successfully implemented (apart from the perennial rollover of the Pershore Station Car Park – see below). A varied and valuable range of projects were approved for grants for 2013/2014, totalling £18,000, and a reserve of £20000 created against the possibility of mid-term projects arising that would benefit from PMTP financial support.
- Avon Developments
The proposed hydropower unit at Pershore Weir should go ahead this summer, providing power to the Hudson Farm, the Leisure Centre and into the National Grid. WDC is likely to become an investor in this project. Concurrently with this there are plans to create a canoe-chute and possibly, a white-water facility to enhance the development of the Riverside Centre as a high-quality water sports venue. One of the grants made this year is to support a major fundraising effort at this Centre, embracing and benefiting from the 2012 Olympic Legacy.
Further developments include the extension of the Pershore Havon (safe moorings for boaters) by the creation of further blue post moorings, including some at the AngelGardens. In partnership with this, the Angel Hotel Reception will become an official information point for the Avon.
- Pershore Station Car Park
This project is still “live”, but only just. All parties (WDC, Pershore Town Council (PTC), First Great Western, Network Rail and Mark Carlton Smith) agree that it is very important to provide more parking spaces at Pershore. But not all parties are able to agree how this might be achieved. It now seems that a new design of the car parks is in hand that might just have a chance of being accepted. We do not expect this to happen very quickly, based on experience to date. Similarly, the idea of a mural to enhance the looming Tarmac building is still under consideration, but equally likely to be a longer term project.
- The Link Road
The construction of a new link road has received strong support from all parties – our two local MP’s, WDC, PTC, PMTP and several of the large carrier companies that are based in Pershore. This link has long been needed and the plans to build up to 600 new homes in Pershore, increasing the town population by up to 20% with a similar increase in the number of vehicles on the roads, make this not just desirable but vital. A support group from interested parties has been created and a petition is available in the Town Hall for those who wish to see this happen to demonstrate their support. A special report on probable costs is expected shortly.
- Events
The summer events are well on their way to providing an even bigger and better contribution to the town’s economy, with advance bookings for all the Festivals – the Plum Festival, the Jazz Festival and the Midsummer Brass Festival – up on last year. The season starts with a rejuvenated Pershore Carnival on the May Bank Holiday. There has been an increase in support from local traders and many are expected to open and take an active part.
The Pershore Plum Festival Committee were recently invited to Troyan, Bulgaria, for their version of the Plum Festival. Steve Knight - PMTP manager and Plum Festival committee member - was a VIP for their new Spring Plum Festival. Both parties thoroughly enjoyed the experience and it is hoped that a reciprocal visit could take place to develop this relationship.
Michael Amies
Chairman
21 May 2013