New town centre park named after former mayor

A newly created park in Worcestershire has been named after a former mayor and councillor who, it is claimed, helped put a town "on the map ".

The green space, located at Worcester Street, Kidderminster, is to be named Talbot Park in celebration of Charles Talbot MBE, who died in 2019.

He served as mayor of Kidderminster between 1965 and 1966, as well as on Wyre Forest District Council between 1976 and 1979 before he was awarded an MBE in 2017 for services to the community.

Councillor Marcus Hart, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council said: "I'm sure Charles would be very proud to see that we are keeping his memory alive by naming the park after him.

"We look forward to the formal launch of the park in the spring when the planting is fully completed."

Talbot's other achievements included founding a youth centre on Bromsgrove Street, being a founder trustee of the Museum of Carpet and a campaign to create a town council for Kidderminster.

He was also involved in the twinning between Kidderminster and Husum, Germany.

"It is right and fitting that we should name this newly regenerated space for an influential local person who dedicated his life to putting Kidderminster on the map and improving the lives of local people," councillor Dan Morehead added.

Talbot's widow, Jean Talbot, said the family felt "honoured" by the announcement.

"The family has contributed to professional life and public service in Kidderminster with seven mayors spanning seven generations," she said.

"We hope this park, this green space planted with trees, providing a new link through the centre of the town, will become a place of rest and relaxation, enjoyed by all for many generations to come."

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