THE only Green politician on Worcester City Council says he is prepared to give the new administration time – as long as his policies are given serious consideration.

Councillor Neil Laurenson says he is pleased a fresh effort to find new funding for Fort Royal Park is among the pledges from the new Labour-led administration.

As your Worcester News revealed last Monday, the new Labour-Lib Dem deal also includes focus on the riverside and new promotion of an existing city centre masterplan.

Coun Laurenson agreed to vote with Labour and the Lib Dems in May to allow the new administration to be formed, ending 13 years of Conservative rule.

He said: “There’s no doubt Fort Royal Park is an historic site, it’s very important to Worcester and the idea it could attract lots more visitors is something I’d like to see them look at.

“If you look at the riverside too, there’s been some brilliant work done there and it looks absolutely gorgeous – it’s good they are still looking at that.

“It’s unreasonable to expect a complete change but there are obviously key differences between the new administration and the old one. I’ve got the three areas I want investigated and as long as that happens, I will be pleased.”

Coun Laurenson wants an investigation over launching food waste collections in Worcester for the first time as part of his bargaining with the new cabinet.

He also wants fresh talks over giving all city council staff the living wage of £7.45 an hour, and work on securing outside investment for a home insulation scheme for residents.

Worcester MP Robin Walker, meanwhile, is calling for assurances that the new leadership will be focusing on the economy.