A place to die for - or a place you go to die? - The Malvern Observer

A place to die for - or a place you go to die?

Malvern Editorial 2nd Sep, 2015 Updated: 20th Oct, 2016   0

MALVERN is a dying town which offers no opportunities for young people.

That is the view of resident William Chaundy who fears the life span of the town has been affected by the lack of attractions for youths.

His concerns come following a visit to Droitwich where he was shocked to hear a resident describe Malvern as a place ‘where people go to die’.

Mr Chaundy said he then realised besides Malvern Cube and Victoria Park there was nothing to entice young people to stay in the town which he felt was full of ‘poor shops’ and ‘old people’s homes’.




He also thought children in Malvern should be asked what they wanted so something could be done before ‘it is too late’.

“At the moment Malvern is slowly dying with no long term view – I hate to imagine what it will be like in ten years,” Mr Chaundy said.


“My worry is Malvern is becoming a ghost town – it is not good for business and it can not remain this way.

“I want to kick start a debate – I love the town and want the best for it.”

Coun Phil Grove, Malvern Hills District Council’s leader, said he did not agree ‘Malvern was a dying as a town’ and added it had recently been named the best rural area to live in the West Midlands.

He said the issue of encouraging young people to live in the district was not new or unique and was a countywide problem.

Coun Grove said a focus group of young people, earlier this year, revealed they valued the beautiful surroundings and its links to Worcester and Birmingham but also had issues, such as the lack of affordable housing in the centre.

He added they worked with a variety of groups and organisations to create a lively events programme which included food festivals, live music and an outdoor cinema.

Coun Grove said a variety of activities were provided through the council’s Sportivate programme and its economic development team worked hard to promote apprenticeships in a variety of ways, with grants being given to businesses who employed graduates.

“We value our young people, they are our future and we are already listening to them and responding to their needs,” Coun Grove said.

“However this is not a problem we can solve on our own and if Mr Chaundy, or anyone else, has some constructive suggestions about how we can improve life across the district for our young people then we are keen to hear them.”

Worcestershire County Council spokeswoman said ensuring young people could take part in out-of-school activities was extremely important and they commissioned organisations to provide activities in targeted areas, aiming at those who needed them most.

She added in Malvern they delivered activities through the Cube, Tribe CiC and Upton Youth Forum at the Baptist Church Hall and Tenbury Cafe 27.

*What do you think? Do you feel there could be more in the town to keep youngsters occupied? Email letters to [email protected]

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