Around 60,000 flowers have been planted as part of a plan to help Warndon bloom and transform a corner of the estate in time for a Spring awakening.

The bulbs have been planted ready to make the area in Cotswold Way/Rodborough Drive project bloom this Spring.

Flowers planted include daffodils, crocus and other perennials to transform the verges and increase biodiversity, resulting in more pollinating insects and birds.

A specialist bulb planter was brought in to do the job in a move welcomed by Owen Cleary, Worcester city councillor for Warndon, who has campaigned for change.

He said: "I am pleased to see council pressing ahead with the biodiversity works. Better use of green space for residents is imperative. The flower bulbs will add a welcome splash of colour to the area in the Spring and encourage more footfall. The paths through the wooded areas and the fruit tree planting are scheduled over the next couple of months".

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"The public consultation regarding the play-on-the-way stations, car park and better lighting, has had an excellent response from residents so far. I encourage all locals in Warndon to go to and show their support on the council's website www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit . Investment in Warndon has been long overdue, I am proud to have been able to get this project off the ground. I am thankful too, to the council officers who are now fully on board with this project of improvements for one of Warndon's green spaces." 

In July, Cllr Owen Cleary, Worcester city councillor for Warndon, said residents of his ward had been "stabbed in the back" after doubt was cast over plans previously agreed for turning some wasteland into parking and a play area with £100,000 of allocated funding between Cotswold Way and the top of Rodborough Drive and Rodborugh Close.

At full council on Tuesday, July 11, Cllr Cleary questioned joint-leader Cllr Lynn Denham on why a decision by elected councillors was potentially now being disregarded which Cllr Denham denied had happened.

In September, however, Cllr Cleary has said the project will "definitely be moving forward" after a meeting with senior council officers.

He said: "Following mine and Warndon residents' concerns the project would be sidelined and the funds used in other parts of the city, I held high-level discussions with senior council officers and met with officers on site a few weeks ago.

"I'm now proud to announce the project will continue as planned for the benefit of Warndon residents, as previously agreed in council. 

"Officers are now actively progressing all aspects of the project to bring reports to the committee over the next few months.

"Priority is being given to the primary age play-on-the-way equipment and reviewing the existing concrete hardstanding as potential residents' parking.

"The biodiversity work to encourage wildlife has already begun."