Neal moved to the Vale 35 years ago to work as a technical trainer, initially near Evesham and later across the UK.

Full statement

For part of his career he was a trade union officer, representing his work colleagues. For 15 years Neal helped to run Evesham Arts Centre as a trustee of Evesham Arts Association.

Now retired, Neal is a volunteer water tester for Avonvale River Action Group, helps maintain Evesham rail station garden and plays an active role in other community groups. As a non-car owner, he is keen to see better provision for safe cycling and the restoration of a usable bus service. Neal strongly believes that councils should make a positive difference to local people's lives, not do the bare minimum.

POTHOLES damage cars and injure cyclists. Labour will use Worcestershire's share of £500 million extra government funding to fix roads faster. We will make walking and cycling easier and safer, with more crossings, cycle lanes, dropped kerbs and bike parking.
Too many young people have been left out of education, employment or training. Labour will reinstate the Careers Service for school leavers. We will set up a Youth Service and work with colleges and schools to promote high quality vocational education.
Labour will ensure housing developments have adequate school places. We will spend £25 million upgrading school buildings, open school-based nurseries, extend Labour’s free breakfast clubs to all primary schools and back high-quality nursery provision. We will find ways to improve Worcestershire’s struggling Special Educational Needs and Disabilities service and open a new SEND school.
A Labour council will be ‘Worcestershire First’ — buy from local businesses whenever
possible. We will drive inward investment, local skills development, work space for new businesses and funding for research and innovation. We will foster local social
enterprises and co-operatives .
Local Tories agreed a £4 million Evesham-Hampton bridge that is now due to cost £16 million. Another over-budget bridge.
Surprised the Council is £33 million in the red?
Labour will reverse Worcestershire's national record fall in bus services. We will use extra cash and powers from the Labour government to restore routes, run more
useful services, and give people a choice to keep cars off our roads.
Labour will promote recruitment of social care staff and set up a co-operative to offer
home care at cost price. We will provide independent advice to help self-funders pay
for long-term care, and help people claim the benefits they are due.
Libraries are rarer in Wychavon than almost anywhere in England. Labour will fully staff the libraries we have, expand what they offer and extend their opening hours.
Devolution. We welcome all seven Worcestershire councils being merged into a
one-stop authority — one with fewer councillors, lower overheads and extra
funding to provide joined-up services.

Labour’s pledges
- Fix the roads and sort the potholes
- Support local economy and businesses
- Restore reliable public transport
- Better opportunities for young people, including SEND
- More visible policing