LETTERS - parking, breast cancer awareness and political attacks

‘Rants and attacks causing distress’

AS A labour member and voter, I have no problem with Rachel Maclean holding our new MP, Chris Bloore, to account locally.

She resides locally, and has every right to question and use her voice.

No government is perfect and this one has massive challenges ahead.

These mostly derive from the neglect and distorted priorities of the previous government.

See NHS, prisons, education, and of course Covid spending corruption and partygate.

We must not forget that Ms Maclean, as our previous MP voted with the wind and supported a range of Conservative leaders, often to secure her own position.

She must remember, though, that her voice is less effective now there are so few Tories on the opposition benches.

What concerns me more, are ex and current Tory councillors in Redditch resorting to personal attacks and social media rants about our current Labour councillors.

These attacks have the potential to cause great distress and, worse, to fuel the minds of the far right minority who have wrought havoc in many towns across the UK recently.

I would not like to see this in Redditch (or any where else for that matter), and hope that like Rachel Maclean, these local Tories keep to rational debate and evidenced argument.

They lost, and should recognise that, and the reasons why by behaving like grown ups and directing their criticism constructively in a manner appropriate for public service.

Jayne Sillitoe

Astwood bank

‘Representing us’

I WAS heartened to see on both local television and this publication that two of our new Worcestershire Members of Parliament – Tom Collins MP for Worcester and our very own Chris Bloore – were taking on the Worcestershire Local Area Partnership.

This comprised of the Worcestershire County Council and Hereford and Worcester Intergrated Board, in support of the SEND community.

This is exactly what we elect our local MPs to do, pick up the fight and side with local residents and the electorate about major issues that effect local people not just hear and now but for decades to come, if the right action isn’t taken.

Well done Chris and Tom keep on representing the people of our rejoin in the right way

Mark Tomes

Redditch

‘Reminder needed when parking’

PLEASE remind readers that the car park at Hughes old electrical shop is no longer available – I have just had a £60 fine.

Also the Quadrant car park, which used to be free from 7pm, is now a 24-hour car park and all charges apply.

This does not encourage people to go to shows at the Palace.

It would help if there was a big notice at the Palace advising theatre goers where to park.

Mrs M A Hay

Studley

‘Please think pink’

BREAST Cancer Awareness Month is here (October), which means the return of wear it pink – Breast Cancer Now’s biggest and brightest fundraising event on Friday, October 18.

Every 10 minutes, someone in the UK hears the words ‘you have breast cancer’. Sadly, this happened to my eldest sister Tracey. When she died in 2016, the news rippled through the family – shaking us all. Little did we know this was just the beginning of the long shadow breast cancer would cast over us.

In October 2020, I received my own diagnosis. Telling my younger sister Nikki was harder than I ever imagined. But when Nikki revealed months later that she’d also been diagnosed with breast cancer, I couldn’t believe it. Three sisters in one family!

While Tracey hadn’t lived to see my diagnosis, I was here to see Nikki’s – and I was determined to support her through this.

Together we have come out the other side. Although we were both tested for the BRCA gene, it came back negative. The hospital told us there probably was a genetic connection, but more research was needed to establish one.

This is why I’m calling on everyone to wear pink and raise money this October to help fund a life-saving research breakthrough that could help families like mine.

Support is just as vital. By wearing pink, you can help someone get reliable information and support when they need it most. Or drive forward vital campaigning, to make sure everyone living with breast cancer gets the best possible treatment and care.

However you decide to fundraise, you will be helping Breast Cancer Now to continue its world-class research and vital support.

So, on Friday, October 18, wear it pink, raise money and help create a future where everyone diagnosed with breast cancer lives, and is supported to live well.

Visit: wearitpink.org/SignUp to sign up.

Michelle Blackburn, who was diagnosed with breast cancer