Packed Schedule For Lib Dem Leader's Visit To Worcestershire

11.17.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 24th Jun 2008

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg MP has a packed schedule for his visit to Worcestershire on Thursday 10th July.

Mr Clegg will meet battling parents from Pershore Care Centre as the latest twist in their fight to save the Centre from closure.

Local parliamentary candidate, Richard Burt has backed the parents' campaign from the beginning and will accompany Mr Clegg on his visit to the town.

Richard Burt said: "Pershore is still solidly behind the parents' battle to keep the Centre open and continues to display posters supporting the campaign after their recent rally. I know that parents and carers have not given up and wanted them to have the opportunity to highlight their case when Nick visits us in July. I have requested county council permission for a meeting to take place at 12.15pm at the Pershore Care Centre, and hope to have that confirmed within a few days."

The Lib Dem Leader will then aim to arrive in Tenbury at about 2.15pm and visit Tenbury Post Office to thank postmasters Malcolm and Sue Chase for their support for Richard's 'Save our Post Offices' petition.

Hundreds of Tenbury residents have already signed, calling on the government to halt its plans to close 2,500 rural post offices. Tenbury's petitions will be added to the 50,000 that have already been delivered by the Liberal Democrats to No 10 Downing Street.

Nick will then spend time with Paul and Melanie Smith, the owners of Kus Kus restaurant on Teme Street, currently closed for a third time after water damage, and will talk about their experiences one year on after floods devastated the town.

Representatives from Tenbury Civic Society will also join in discussions.

Later, Mr Clegg will drop in for afternoon tea with Malvern Hills' volunteers following Community Action's AGM.

The Lib Dem Leader will then travel to Powick for 4.45pm where he will be greeted with a glass of real ale by Richard and Ros Sizer, landlord and landlady of the Red Lion pub. Mike Stevens, Chairman of Worcestershire LVA will also be on hand to discuss measures to preserve country pubs and tackle the sale of cheap alcohol in supermarkets.

Finally, Mr Clegg will host a question and answer session at the Forum Theatre, Malvern from 7pm. The event is open for anyone to attend and take part in a conversation with the Liberal Democrat Leader.