SIR – I’m writing this letter from one of more than 200 computer terminals in the new Hive building.

It is certainly one of the most impressive community resources that I have come across in a long time and a credit to both Worcester and Worcestershire in general.

To say that there was a real ‘buzz’ about the Hive on the day of its opening would not do justice to the keen and enthusiastic staff who took time out to talk to me, and to the members of the public who dropped by to see what all the fuss was about and who in the end stayed to explore the wide variety of services on offer.

Crucially, the Hive isn’t simply a centre for library and information services, but also provides an important interface for the public and city council services.

The Hub has relocated here and the result is a one-stop shop with everything under one roof that benefits the whole community and not just a privileged few.

Planners often talk about responsive and accessible services, and I think that if first impressions are anything to go by the Hive would appear to have cracked the formula.

ROBBIE PORTER
Chairman, Worcester City Community Engagement Forum