Cllr Craig Reeves

09/12/2025

Latest column for Evesham Observer, commenting on Local Government Review and why a North / South proposal makes sense.

In Decembers VALE MATTERS column, Councillor Craig Reeves, independent member for Harvington and Norton says why he is fully behind the two-council model of local government reorganisation.

08/12/2025

It's extremely disappointing to hear that our Worcestershire County Council will not be continuing with the fix's required to re-instate our much needed automated bollards in Evesham's Market Square and Bridge St. These bollards which have been inactive for too long already - are installed for our safety.

If there is ever a reason to personally take interest in the future of our council's, now is the time. It is clear that the two-tier system, coupled with a large failing County Council does not have our best interests at heart. A cabinet member representing Stourport tells us that we can-not have our Bollards fixed? This is exactly why a North / south proposal for our upcoming council reorganisation is paramount in seeing our needs met.

The crux? (Worcestershire who are responsible) are passing the buck onto Wychavon (who are not responsible) to foot the bill.

As many of you here will know, there has been some fantastic momentum to bring our town back into local favour. This is a set back and I hope that our local County councillors rally together to overturn this decision.

This isn't a political game, it's our town and for our safety.

08/12/2025

The gears still grind’ behind the scenes to bring uplift to The Riverside Shopping Centre. As Cllr Homer highlights in this article, whilst the space is privately owned, resolution is not so simple.

Those who follow me will know that I have been long frustrated with the decline of this area and that I have been lobbying for progress and updates. I'm grateful that Wyhcavon are working to bring this area into public ownership. If they weren't - there would be little hope for the area.

The result of a deal will not only benefit the immediate arcade space, but in turn Bridge Street, The Market Sqr and of course bring a wave of uplift to the entire town.

"They say it's the worst shopping centre in the country."
Full story: https://bbc.in/3KIA4tb

04/12/2025

As an independent councillor, collaboration is key and I am grateful to have spent time in Parliament speaking with our MP Chris Bloore for Redditch and the Villages.

We discussed at length a number of matters and objectives; from local planning, transport, the UK creative sector, as well as endeavours to aid the uplift of our market towns.

I shall share more on each of these matters as discussions unfold in due course.

26/11/2025

With Council, Police, businesses and residents working together, we will make our town centre safer and stronger.

It’s been fantastic to see new independent businesses opening in what were once vacant spaces, a sign that confidence in our town is growing. To support them, we need to tackle concerns that both new and existing businesses have raised, including the impact that anti-social behaviour (ASB) has on our town.

This week, Cllr Charlie Homer, Evesham North and I met with Evesham’s Police Inspector and SNT Sergeant with officers from Wychavon District Council to review both the data and the public perception around ASB in our town centre.

Since my tenure, I have pursued the possibility of introducing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Evesham. A PSPO creates a defined area where specific, easy to understand conditions (that can withstand scrutiny), can be enforced - giving the police and council additional tools to tackle ASB.

To determine the viability of a PSPO and to ensure that immediate concerns are addressed (using the tools currently available) - I’m pleased to confirm that Wychavon District Council and the Police will now form a dedicated working group to focus on residents’ and businesses’ concerns, with the first meeting planned early in the new year.

A key issue raised during our meeting is under-reporting. Many incidents, from intimidating behaviour to theft often go unreported and only emerge in conversations months later. Reporting incidents of ASB help builds the evidence needed for stronger action.

If you witness ASB, please report it via 101. Town centre businesses may also contact Sgt Duncan Eades (West Mercia - Evesham Police) and sign up for the free DISC app to share information directly with each other and the Police.

We have also agreed that these upcoming meetings will provide clear, consistent public updates.

I shall update you with more information soon,

Thank you.

23/11/2025

It’s hard to find the words suitable for public consumption when you find situations like this. Vandalism, of any kind is not acceptable.

This alley way suffers some blows. An abandoned glass door showing off a never ending pile of letters, and a shop that for too many years, reminds us of what the IRA did in the 80’s (That’s blow up shops for those born after 2000!).

Nostalgia Evesham and neighbouring Reids have heavily invested in this space and have brought much uplift, even-more so with their Christmas decorations. Myself and others are eternity grateful 🙏

Thank you Nostalgia for not letting this break your spirit. Of course, if anybody knows any information, please get in touch with Nostalgia and/or Evesham Police.

22/11/2025

Is there anything Father Christmas can’t do? 🤷‍♂️

Christmas lights turn on, Evesham 🎄

20/11/2025

This is our opportunity to craft a new council; One that is robust, provides value and is tailored to residents wants-and-needs locally.

Last night’s special council meeting in Pershore (19th Nov) marked an important step in shaping the future of local government here in Worcestershire.

As many of you will know, the Government has asked all two-tier councils to form unitary authorities as part of the national Local Government Review. I’m pleased to share that Wychavon District Councillors voted to move forward and submit a proposal for a North/South authority model.

A unitary council will bring real financial and service efficiencies, but from the outset, my focus has been to ensure that savings won’t come at the expense of residents.

Larger, centralised authorities risk widening the gap between services and the communities they serve. With councillor numbers capped, more residents would fall under each councillor, diluting political representation and reducing the local voice that is so important to our area.

There’s also the issue of council tax harmonisation. Without ring-fencing, areas like Wychavon could see Band D council tax rise significantly to match higher neighbouring rates. For example, from £128 here to match £277 in Redditch. Residents should not pay significantly more, to receive less.

That’s why I support the North/South proposal. It offers the most sustainable option, protecting local identity, strengthening representation, and safeguarding the services our communities rely on.

The next stage will come in the new year, when the Government formally reviews our submission. I’ll keep you updated. Thank you.

11/11/2025

Thankfully, since this column piece was written - work to resolve the weeds in our town centre has commenced. The space is looking much improved, but there is of course more to achieve. To find out more, check out the link below 👇

Coun Craig Reeves is calling for street cleaning to be improved across Evesham and Wychavon District in his latest Vale Matters column.

11/11/2025

Harvington Cross-Roads Traffic Lights:
Many have reached out over social media and email with concern for the length of time the cross-roads traffic lights are holding red. This has seen frustrated drivers overtaking lines of traffic to 'jump' the red light and meeting head on with oncoming traffic. Of course, please do not do this.

This morning I spoke with the on-site Severn Trent project manager who provided context to yesterday's situation. I'm told that the lights were set to 'detection' and as a result, when a number of cars would be detected, waiting - the lights would be slower to determine a result.

To remedy this, the lights are now set to the 'timer' function, meaning that the lights will be consistent. The traffic light management team are evaluating the flow of traffic to refine the timings.

Severn Trent will be working along this stretch of road into the new year as they upgrade the pipe network. Please be patient when using this road and should there be an alternative route, I'd recommend avoiding this area, especially at peak times.

As of 11th Nov 10am, the wait time traveling east on the B4088 is approx 3m 45 seconds.

Thank you,

09/11/2025

Harvington remembrance 2025. We will remember.

09/11/2025

Now, more than ever, as politics polarises, opinions are sold as truths and fear becomes political currency - lest we forget those who stood against tyranny, fought for democracy, and protected our freedom, paying the ultimate price.

We will remember them.

Audio: They Shall Not Grow Old, (film) Peter Jackson