Two Counties

HEREFORDSHIRE LAUNCHES TV AD CAMPAIGN INVITING VISITORS TO ‘FEEL A WORLD AWAY’

Herefordshire has launched its first ever TV ad as part of a continued marketing drive to raise the county’s profile for staycations, attracting more day and stay visitors to enjoy this tourist destination bordering Wales and hugged by the Malverns and the Brecon Beacons. The ad invites visitors to ‘Feel a World Away’ and enlists the talents of popular folk band, The Kilpecks, who have composed the ad’s melodic soundtrack. It showcases relaxing times enjoyed amidst the county’s verdant landscapes and winding rivers as well as amazing local produce. The ad is part of the Covid tourism recovery marketing campaign funded by the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) which was launched last autumn. It will be rolled out on digital platforms immediately, supported by organic and paid for social media and has been aired on ITV Weekend from 9.30am on 24 July. Jo Hilditch, Chair of the Covid Tourism Recovery Steering Group appointed to manage Herefordshire’s tourism campaign, said: “We wanted to work with Herefordshire finest to create an ad which gives us a strong identity as a destination and is also memorable. Our catchy soundtrack from The Kilpecks is a central part of this and we hope everyone will soon be humming away to what we hope will become an anthem for Herefordshire holidays and increased freedom transporting people to our green and delicious land.” To view the ad visit www.youtube.

com/watch?v=W4OhqUxjRLM

NEW TALK COMMUNITY HUB LAUNCHES IN ROSS-ON-WYE

Ross-on-Wye Community Garden is celebrating this month, after launching its new Talk Community Hub. The hub is the latest in a growing network of Talk Community Hubs across the county, where residents can access free information on a wide range of issues, from how to stay healthy to looking after a loved one, along with signposting to services, groups, events and activities in Herefordshire. Located in the centre of Ross-on-Wye, the beautiful community garden provides a safe and tranquil space for people to relax and take some timeout from the busy hubbub of daily life. The volunteer-run hub on Old Gloucester Road is open every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 10.30am and 12.00pm and everyone is welcome to attend. To find out more, visit

www.talkcommunitydirectory.org/rosshubs.

NEXT STEP FOR BROMSGROVE’S NEWEST WALKING AND CYCLING BRIDGE

WORCESTERSHIRE LEP LAUNCHES NEW LOCAL SKILLS REPORT TO HELP CREATE THE COUNTY’S FUTURE WORKFORCE

A brand-new footbridge has now had its bridge beams installed, as part of the ongoing A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme (BREP). The beams will join up the segregated cycle and footway between Charford Road and Harvington Road in Bromsgrove. The footbridge, once complete, will allow for better access by walking and cycling as part of a range of improvements along the whole A38 corridor. The bridge beams were lifted into place over two nights, on the 22 and 23 July. Further works will be needed before the bridge becomes operational including the connection to the existing shared use footway network on both sides. It is expected that the bridge will be open for public use in the Autumn. For more information about the A38 BREP scheme visit:

www.worcestershire.gov.uk/A38BREP

The Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has launched its new Local Skills Report to outline the aims for skills development in the county. The new Local Skills Report will be embedded in the Worcestershire LEP’s people strategy and will contribute to the economic recovery post-COVID and the continued sustainable growth of the Worcestershire economy. As well as highlighting the challenges facing our skills projects, the Local Skills Report also features a Skills Action Plan which covers 5 priorities which the Worcestershire LEP will work with partners to ensure are met. Worcestershire has numerous schemes available which are designed to help employers to upskill, recruit and develop their workforce for the future. Employers can access these programmes by contacting the Worcestershire Careers Hub team using the details at the end of this article. To access and view the new Local Skills Report, follow the link here www.wlep.

co.uk/worcestershire-local-skills-report.