"Speak out again on housing plans!" That was the advice from West Worcestershire Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Harriett Baldwin when she urged the people of Pershore, Malvern, Upton-upon-Severn and Tenbury Wells and all the communities and villages affected by plans for a dramatic increase in housing in South Worcestershire to take part in the latest round of consultation on the subject.

Harriett was responding to the news that the three district councils of South Worcestershire - Wychavon, Malvern Hill and Worcester - have announced plans for a further round of consultation on the subject. Exhibitions and workshops will take place at a number of venues between now and the end of the year, including Pershore, Malvern, Upton-upon-Severn and Tenbury Wells. There will be further meetings next year for the rural areas.

Harriett explained,

"Personally, I object to this government's approach to the top-down imposition of 25,500 in housing numbers in South Worcestershire. A Conservative government would rapidly dismantle the Regional Spatial Strategy."

"Nevertheless, these detailed meetings are a real attempt by our local councils to bring some democracy to an undemocratic process. It is vital that everyone who is worried about housing need and the environment go along and have their say. I will try to attend each one in West Worcestershire."

"Because the three councils have decided to extend the consultation process, it gives local residents another opportunity to air their views."