THE man charged with driving through economic development and improvements to the town centre has spoken of his shock and disappointment after being de-selected from defending his West ward seat in the May local elections.
Councillor David Bush, who is deputy leader of the Borough Council, is appealing against the decision which taken by his local Conservative association after what have been described as a number of ‘incidents’ including a complaint from a member of the opposition Labour group.
However Coun Bush said: “There are always internal dynamics in any organisation – when you get strong–minded individuals as we have in the association that will happen but I know I have the support of the majority of borough councillors.
“As for the complaint from Labour well they are in opposition and politically motivated and I accept that’s what they’ll do, but this is the first time ever I have ever had a complaint made against me.”
Coun Bush, a self made businessman and former pupil at Arrow Vale High School, has long been a champion of Redditch and together with council leader Coun Matt Dormer has made plain his determination to improve the town.
“We are working with the chief executive to bring Redditch into the 21st Century – that is what we are trying to achieve and what we are putting into practice is going to be really positive for the town,”
said Coun Bush, a former member of Redditch Rugby Club and a key figure in Redditch Round Table.
Plans include the redevelopment of the town centre with the possible creation of a public services hub and the redevelopment of Winyates and Matchborough centres, a scheme brought on by Labour which is now being worked on again in the hope of attracting both public and private funding.
“We have got to make the most of the assets in the town and what we are trying to do is get the right outcomes for Redditch,” he said.
“When we gained power last May from Day 1 we were really focused on finding solutions.
“I set up my own business in 1993 and I was Redditch Small Businessman of the Year in 1994, and I believe with my experience I am the man to drive this forward for the good of the town.
“I would love the opportunity to continue to do so but regardless of the outcome of my appeal I hope that Matt (Coun Dormer) and the borough council can continue the work that Matt and I have started.”
