THE council is revisiting its Five Year Plan for the future.

In what council bosses say is a "refresh" of the plan, Malvern Hills District Council will revisit a number of its key goals and decide a new series of investments.

Mental health education, more investment in flooding prevention and encouraging sustainable travel are amongst the priorities that could be added, with the plan reviewed annually by the council.

A refresh of the plan will be put forward to Executive Committee on 18 January.

New actions will be added and other actions amended where circumstances have changed or the targets have been updated

This comes following the recovery of the district from the impact that Covid has had both on the community and the economy.

If the refresh is approved, the priorities will include the adoption of the Connected Communities Strategy and work is progressing on an economic strategy both of which are funded from earmarked reserves.

Other new additions include supporting Malvern Hills District Youth Forum to improve mental wellbeing education in schools, investment in the refurbishment of five town centre toilets by 2025 and the investment £150,000 in major flood alleviation schemes, including Tenbury and Severn Stoke.

The council has also included the action of doubling the amount of renewable energy generated in the district by 2030 and providing 20 new EV charging points on council car parks across the district by 2025.

Cllr Sarah Rouse, leader of the council and portfolio holder for environmental services at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “It is so important to review and refresh our Five Year Plan every year in order to adapt to the changing times and to also look back on what we have achieved.

"Pulling together as a community and rebuilding after Covid are major priorities for us as a council.

"Looking after our mental health and the environment are so vital to our wellbeing, these are just two examples of the council’s priorities which are essential in improving the quality of life for residents as well as enhancing the district’s natural environment."