Free outdoor cinema series – Friday 5th September at NJK Parish Hall – film, fun and community spirit
There’s a vibrant programme of free outdoor cinema events in Wychavon for the remainder of the summer, bringing blockbuster hits and family favourites to open-air venues.M5 Jct 7 Northbound Exit Slip – Overnight closures 26th to 29th August.
Signs – Erection – M5 northbound Jct 7 to Jct 6.Latest Update on the Raven Hotel, Droitwich Spa
Wychavon District Council continues to work closely with multiple agencies, the Raven Hotel owner and developer, and heritage experts following the recent fire at the Raven Hotel in Droitwich.
At a multi-agency meeting held on 14 August 2025, representatives from the Hereford and Worcester Fire Service, West Mercia Police, Historic England, Worcestershire Regulatory Services, South Worcestershire Building Control, Wychavon District Council, the site owner’s representatives, and structural engineers came together to review the current situation and next steps.
The Fire Service has now formally handed control of the site to the legal owner and developer of the building, as legally required. From 15 August, the owner will implement enhanced security measures at the site, including the presence of a dog handler, which the Council will monitor.
Structural engineers have confirmed that elements of the listed building can be saved. Work will now focus on agreeing priorities for site safety, propping measures, and ensuring planning conditions are met before any significant works take place. Historic England will remain closely involved to help ensure the safety and security of the building’s retained historic features.
Access issues affecting businesses at the rear of the building are also being addressed. The Council will continue to monitor the impact of the incident and work with partners to support affected businesses.
The UK Health Security Agency has advised Wychavon that, while asbestos was present in the Raven Hotel, their assessment of the fire and resulting air quality did not identify any significant public health concerns, and the incident was not classified as a major one.
Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of Wychavon District Council, said: “We know how much the Raven Hotel means to the people of Droitwich, and I share their sadness and frustration over the events of recent days. I want to reassure residents that we are doing everything we can, alongside our partners, to safeguard what remains of this important landmark, ensure the safety of the site, and support the process of rebuilding. We will continue to keep pressure on the owners to fulfil their responsibilities and deliver on their obligations. This is a complex and sensitive task, but we are committed to working together to secure the best possible outcome for the town.”
Further updates and answers to frequently asked questions are available on our website at https://www.wychavon.gov.uk/community-and-living/raven-hotel-faqs
We would also like to remind people that the Raven Hotel remains a dangerous site, and the security fencing is there for your safety — please do not attempt to enter.
Wychavon Residents urged to check voter registration details
Residents across Wychavon are being urged to check their electoral registration details or risk losing their chance to vote on decisions that affect them.
Wychavon is taking part in the annual canvass to keep the electoral register up to date, to identify who risks losing their voice at elections, and to encourage them to register before it’s too late.
Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of the Council at Wychavon, said: “Keep an eye out for important updates from Wychavon on email and social media. The annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address is accurate and up to date. To make sure you don’t lose your say at upcoming elections, follow the instructions sent to you.
“If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear in the messages we send. If you want to register, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”
Recent home movers, in particular, are urged to check their details. Electoral Commission research has found that recent home movers are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. In Great Britain, 92% of those who have lived in their home for 16 years will be registered, compared with 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than a year.
Jackie Killeen, Director of Electoral Administration and Regulation, said: “It’s really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so. We urge people to check for updates from their local council on this year’s canvass. The council may contact residents by post or email.
“If you are not registered to vote, make sure you provide the necessary information to your local council when asked and register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”
Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission website.
Residents with questions about their registration status can contact their local council’s electoral services team on 01386 565437 or email them at: elections@wychavon.gov.uk
Pictured: Cllr Richard Morris outside the Wychavon offices in Pershore
Wychavon’s election page: https://www.wychavon.gov.uk/elections?view=category&id=20
Wychavon’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/wychavon/
For more information contact the Electoral Commission press office on 020 7271 0704, out of office hours 07789 920 414 or press@electoralcommission.org.uk
- The Representation of the People Act 1983 places a duty on electoral registration officers to maintain the electoral register for their area and to conduct an annual canvass of all residential properties.
- The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote. The register is used for electoral purposes, such as making sure only eligible people can vote. It is also used for other reasons as specified in law, such as detecting crime (e.g. fraud), calling people for jury service or checking credit applications.
- The open register is an extract of the electoral register, but is not used for elections. It can be bought by any person, company or organisation. For example, it is used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details. Your name and address will be included in the open register unless you ask for them to be removed. Removing your details from the open register does not affect your right to vote.
- To be eligible to register to vote a person must be:
- aged 16 or over (a person may register to vote at 16, but may not vote until they are 18)
- a British or qualifying Commonwealth citizen who has leave to enter and remain in the UK or does not require such leave.
- a citizen of the Republic of Ireland or other European Union (EU) member state
- British citizens, Irish citizens and qualifying Commonwealth citizens can vote in local elections in England and Northern Ireland, Mayor of London and London Assembly elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections and general elections.
- EU nationals legally resident in the UK may currently register to vote in local government elections, providing they meet with the age and residency requirements and that they are not legally incapable of voting. The Elections Act 2022 changed the eligibility of some EU citizens to vote.
- The changes in voting rights for EU nationals will not affect voters from Cyprus, Malta and Ireland.
- Full details of the Electoral Commission’s research on the electoral registers can be found on its website.