DOWN YOUR WAY: Welcome to Ronkswood

This week Jemma Bufton is in Ronkswood.

Ronkswood

A suburb at the top of Newtown Road, it used to be home to Ronkswood Hospital, an NHS hospital that was originally built in the early 1940s to take military and civilian casualties from the Second World War.

Now it is a housing estate and it is known as quite a “rough” place. There are many issues including, drug dealing, poverty and anti-social behaviour.

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I certainly was apprehensive when my son and I moved from a quiet cul-de-sac in St Johns to the centre of the estate. However, my prejudice was misplaced.

We have spent three happy years here and very much consider it our home. In fact it is one of the best places I have ever lived, the community spirit is palpable.

Ronkswood is perhaps best known for the Punch Bowl, the pub has been proudly serving the community since 1958 and recently opened its doors to worshippers on a Sunday following the demolition of the church.

Landlord Jan Carlson, 61, said: “We took over the pub thirteen years ago after the death of my partner's father. It is a great place to live and work. The locals are friendly and I really enjoy running the pub.”

Along with the fish and chip shop, pharmacy, hairdressers, newsagents and betting shop sits local children’s charity New Hope.

A non-profit specialising in working with families who have children with disabilities and complex health care needs.

Founder of the charity, Jean Wilson said: “We took over this building from platform housing ten years ago now. They have been ever so supportive as landlords, Ronkswood locals seem to respect what we do here. It is a great community.

“We have big plans for our tenth year anniversary in August and are looking forward to celebrating and raising awareness for our charity.

“We run the 50p shop next door as well, almost all of our customers are local and use the shop as a sort of social hub.”

The Community Centre is also known for being the beating heart of the estate, Lisa Craven, Worcester Community Trust and a handful of fantastic volunteers provide a hub for all.

All kinds of free events at the centre bring people together such as, baby and toddler groups, bingo, free meals and their most recent initiative, O.W.L.L, aimed at ensuring the elderly have somewhere to socialise and have fun.

Local councillor for the Nunnery ward Pat Agar describes Ronkswood as warm-hearted with a huge sense of community and a lot to give.

She said: “Some people think Ronkswood has got a bit of a bad reputation, but I wouldn’t say that, I think it is brilliant. The community centre provides an excellent service to the community.

“I am most proud of the meals that they provided during the summer holidays. It is not a wealthy area and some children were going all day without a proper meal.

“Worcester Community Trust provided 540 meals that summer, families do sometimes struggle and it was nice to be able to take some of the pressure off. The community centre does such good work I am very proud to be associated with them - we would be lost without it.”

Ronkswood also boasts two primary schools. Perry Wood recently won a Gold Artsmark award.

Suzanne Beston, headteacher, said: “I am so pleased that we have been recognised for such an amazing award. Here at Perry Wood we try to give children many opportunities to explore and perform.”

Is there anything I have missed?

What do you think about Ronkswood?

Problem with the Bus Service say residents

The bus service in Ronkswood has been a source of contention for residents.

The 38 bus route has been drastically cut back, buses through the estate and into town used to run regularly. However, First Group announced the 38 bus will be stopped on Sundays from October 13 due to the lack of customers using the service.

Mrs Hughes, who catches the 38 almost every day, said: “It’s an absolute disgrace. Why are they picking on us? It’s wrong.

“It’s getting a bit serious now. What will happen if you have to go the hospital on a Sunday? Who can afford taxis? What will the residents do?”

Mrs Hughes, aged 65 added: “People don’t use the buses because of the poor service and they’re so unreliable.”

Councillor Pat Agar said: “The bus company were at one point threatening to withdraw the route completely. It is a real problem for residents.

“It cuts people off and can leave them isolated. There a lot of elderly residents on the estate who can’t manage the long walk into town or to the hospital.”

She added: “I am appalled. I think it’s atrocious. It’s like going back to the 1950’s.

“I’m just cheesed off. Why are they not able to run buses in a densely populated urban area.”

Have you or someone you know been affected by the 38 bus changes?

Are there any other issues in Ronkswood?