THIS weeks Redditch letters.
IT IS sad that yet again the Redditch Conservative Party has decided to play around with words in misleading the public concerning what happened at full council on Monday evening.
I would like to set the record straight.
Our amendments to the councillors’ allowances reflected the time and responsibility spent in both the leading group and opposition group.
The leader of the council would not receive three different allowances, they would get just the council leader allowance – we would scrap the two non-portfolio positions and reduce some of the allowances some chairs receive.
This, together, would be saving the council over £21.000.
We changed the other allowances to reflect the work the opposition leader and O&S has to carry out throughout the term regardless of which party is in control.
Now this would be reflected on whoever would be in control on May 4.
Our amendments to the budget, reflected growth for the town with money invested in a four-day-a-week market – this was explained on Monday as was that we would not be forcing any traders outside as we understand some traders wish to stay indoors.
We also consulted with a wider group of traders who were extremely positive about the prospect.
It is also worth noting the Conservatives voted through a budget which would fail to balance within three years as they failed to see we did not agree to continue to go to all out elections after 2024.
It is unfortunate the Conservative Group has gone to this low level of reporting to distract the residents of Redditch away from the true issues affecting us all at this moment.
As a Labour group we are committed to supporting growth for Redditch – investing in our communities, ensuring proper financial management of taxpayers money.
We will continue to help support those facing difficulties with the cost-of-living and most important we will continue to listen to you ensuring you are at the heart of everything we do.
Coun Joe Baker
Redditch Labour leader
THERE is no need for Rachel Maclean to ‘defend’ her 2.9 per cent pay rise, which is well inside inflation and set by an independent body.
A difficult job, made harder by the need to travel to and from London; long working hours and nights away from family.
If anyone feels they are up to doing a better job for less, they can stand at the next election.
Robert James
Oakenshaw
I READ Paul Isherwood’s article the other week with some surprise.
How can he claim he has no political affiliations when he is married to the Conservative Mayor Ann Isherwood and seems to share many of her opinions on matters concerning the town and politics in general?
His wife made a Facebook post last Sunday about the library, condemning those who oppose the relocation plan.
Mr Isherwood revealed his true colours by responding to anyone he disagreed with abruptly.
He has also sent rude messages to the Hands Off Redditch Library campaign and accused them repeatedly of being used by the Redditch Labour Party as a political tool.
Hands Off Redditch Library has proven him wrong time and time again, for they put protecting the library over any political differences.
In all of these exchanges, a common theme was for him to say anyone who disagreed with him wasn’t as educated as he is.
After I made a reasonable comment on the Mayor’s post, he almost immediately started messaging me in a rude and patronising manner, making comments like “I despair at your comments, but I will put it down to your youth.”
Those campaigning to keep the existing library come from all political groups and are united in one cause.
I am sure Mr Isherwood’s comments have only strengthened their resolve.
Liam Kane (aged 21)
Redditch
IT WAS so sad to read the report by the Care Quality Commission on the Hillcrest Health Ward in Redditch Standard.
My sister was in the car of the sister facility, New Haven, the mental health unit located at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove.
She was in their care for over seven months and the treatment she received was absolutely first class.
The whole nursing team went the extra mile.
Their patience, compassion and dedication was phenomenal.
The unit ran like a family, I cannot praise them enough and will always be in their debt.
The outcome regarding my sister was not a happy one but I take solace in knowing she was in the best possible place.
I hope the measures put in place at Hillcrest will bring them up to the high standards of New Haven.
This will give comfort, I am sure, to a live of families with loved ones suffering mental health issues.
Sylvia Sells
Astwood Bank
THE Redditch Sainbury’s car park is in total chaos.
Site managers have decided to renew car park tarmac, engage in sanding and painting next to customer cars during peak shopping times – while paying customers come and go.
All midway through half-term.
I complained to a store floor manager who just shrugged his shoulders.
Nil planning; nil concern for driving customers. Cynical disregard for local family shoppers?
Peter Hill
Webheath
ANY budding palaeontologist would have delighted in observing the dinosaurs and fossils of the Redditch Conservative Group at the latest council meeting.
The Conservatives revel in trawling back over decisions made many years ago in a feeble attempt to justify their opposition to the Labour Group’s proposals to save the library, bring back the outdoor market in the town centre and offer a brighter future for our borough.
Hopefully the electorate on May 4 will engage with the progressive agenda being proposed by Labour and reject the backward looking Coun Dormer and his failed party.
P Berry
Redditch
