‘MP has the staff to deal with complaints’
I READ James Mackay’s letter (Redditch Standard, September 20) with interest.
Like many others I was shocked to see a Labour Government taking Winter Fuel Allowance from our pensioners.
As a former public servant over the years I’ve had my fair share of complaints and criticism. However, I would never condone bullying or vile commentary. I firmly believe there is no place in a modern society for keyboard warriors vitriolic personal rants.
However, Mr Mackay, it is wrong to tell people who are potentially facing the difficult choices of eating or heating not to block up channels because it could delay our MP from helping more genuinely needy folk is insulting to say the least.
Anyone has a right to complain if they so choose. In fact complaints are a barometer of how your community feels about an issue.
Chris Bloore is an experienced public servant. He has the advantage of a fully equipped office with staff in Redditch and London to help him respond to residents.
I have no doubt he and his staff have the capability and capacity to respond to any of his constituents.
With next month’s budget nearly upon us which will bring another round of misery to taxpayers, my advice to Chris would be buckle up – it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Juliet Brunner, Matchborough
‘We don’t all follow Facebook for opinions’
OPINIONS as to whether the £20billion gap in government funding is down to the Tories or an invention to fund payment of trade unions are divided but as Labour claims to have costed all programmes prior to their election many are sceptical.
Strange they were able to test affordability without seeing the numbers. Did they or didn’t they?
Regarding Chris Bloore MP, you say he voted for the abolition of the Winter Fuel payment; therefore he should not be surprised to get an adverse reaction from many affected. He could after all have abstained or voted against as many colleagues of his did.
Although I would regard myself as a reasonably politically aware Redditch resident, I have to say it has been difficult to find out much detail about Chris and any vision he has for our town.
It transpires he publishes his thoughts on Facebook which may be the reason.
As many old people don’t use Facebook, has he considered that this disadvantages many residents, particularly older members of the community who are least likely to access Facebook?
Andy Bywate
‘I won’t be silenced in scrutinising Labour’
I LOST the election, but I did not lose my voice or my right to speak out on the issues I care about.
Redditch and the villages is still my home and I have opinions on what this new government is doing just like everyone else does.
Sadly, it seems some Labour activists think I should shut up and put up. Well, I’m not going to do that.
Our new MP and his party made a number of promises in order to get elected and I intend to hold them to account just as our new MP’s supporters did when I represented our constituency in Parliament.
Every week I would open up the Redditch Standard to see letters from Labour activists and councillors criticising me. Whilst not everything they said or claimed was true, it was their right to do that, I was elected to serve the constituency.
Scrutiny and accountability are vital in our democracy, and just as I was scrutinised and held to account for how I voted, our new MP and government should expect the same too.
A strong and effective opposition to this Labour government is needed. It’s what Redditch and the Villages deserves, and I intend to use my voice to do just that.
Rachel Maclean, Redditch
‘Join me and my dog on our charity walkies’
IN 2022 I lost my amazing dad, Trevor, to bowel cancer.
The moment I heard he had died, I felt like my world had been turned upside down.
I missed everything about him: his sarcasm, his daft jokes, and all his quirky stories.
I was angry and lost. That’s when I started following Bowel Cancer UK and learned about their fundraising challenges, including Walkies Together.
Walkies Together asks you and your furry friend to walk 43 miles across September in support of the 43,000 people who are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK.
For the past few years, I’ve taken part with my cocker spaniel, Mickey.
We love walking and exploring new places and even my young daughter can get involved.
The challenge has helped me to focus my energy into something positive, and it means I can raise awareness of the disease so other families don’t have to do through what mine has.
Walkies Together is perfect for all ages and abilities.
It’s a way for us to show support for those undergoing treatment, to remember loved ones we have lost, and to raise funds to go towards vital services and lifesaving research.
With you and your pooch’s help we can stride into action to save lives. So please, visit fundraise.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/walkies-24-p to join me and sign up for Walkies Together today and receive a free dog bandana.
Cassie
‘Learn first aid skills & you could save a life’
THIS autumn, St John Ambulance’s Save A Life September campaign is aiming to equip 50,000 people in England with essential first aid skills via public demonstrations, online resources and free first aid pocket guides in a push to fill communities around the country with potential lifesavers.
Throughout September, come to one of our free first aid events where, in response to public demand, our highly trained volunteers will teach you how to help someone who is choking, experiencing a severe bleed, or suffering a cardiac arrest.
By joining us at one of these events you could become a future lifesaver.
Our website will list your nearest demonstrations but check back regularly as new events will be added.
Thank you for helping us spread the word about this life-saving campaign.
Carl Makins CStJ
Head of Community Education, St John Ambulance
We welcome your letters….
We welcome your letters for the Redditch Standard on any subject.
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