This weeks letters to the editor.
I AM a resident in Headless Cross and I am very pleased to see another Labour gain for the area last week in the local elections (May 4).
I know with Labour in control they will listen to your problems instead of ‘ignoring them’.
I predict fantastic things to happen in both Headless Cross and Oakenshaw.
Welcome onboard Coun Woodall I know you and Coun Barker Smith will be the ultimate dream team.
Commiserations to Tom Baker-Price.
Hannah McGahan
Headless Cross
I READ Rachel Maclean’s article last week with such incredulity that I nearly choked on my red rosette.
How on Earth can she claim a mandate based on the May 4 elections?
The facts are clear – 44 per cent of voters chose Labour compared to only 39 per cent for the Conservatives.
If this had been a general election Rachel would have been writing a goodbye letter.
Everyone knows the demolition of the town centre library is a plan so unpopular it makes Liz Truss being Prime Minister look like a good idea. Deliver the vision?
The Tories are spectacularly blind when it comes to criticism or question so they probably can’t see the tidal wave of dismay whenever Coun Dormer or his minions say the word regeneration or rejuvenation.
This regurgitation of tired old catchphrases is misplaced marketing and it isn’t convincing the people of Redditch.
The blue team have not lost control of the council, but Rachel Maclean has certainly lost her grip on reality.
Sharon Harvey
Southcrest
THE music festival to celebrate the King’s coronation was good.
However on the Saturday the young compere was a bit too enthusiastic, and it included too many dance acts.
The compere on Sunday was breath of fresh air, and the young band called Dakota was very good.
I hope we see more of them.
Ray Whitehouse
Redditch
SINCE the introduction of the Bird escooter scheme in Redditch the increase in privately owned illegal use of escooters has grown on my local estate.
I’ve raised this issue with the Police and Crime Commissioner, local Safter Neighbourhood Team and via my councillors to no avail.
I’ve also sent numerous video evidence over the past months but the police are extremely reluctant to deal with the issue due to the bad press they would receive from certain parts of the community.
I’ve served over 17 years as a volunteer special constable and feel completely let down by West Mercia’s lack of enforcement of the road traffic act in relation to these type of machines.
According to records West Mercia has seized four escooters prior to the start of the scheme but have seized no scooters or issued any fines recently.
This is a growing menace within the community and awareness needs to be raised.
Andrew Scott
Redditch
WE KNOW the cost-of-living crisis is affecting the mental health of millions.
From soaring energy bills, to rising food prices, or increasing rent or mortgage payments, it’s all adding to the mounting pressure and worry about how we’ll get by.
We’re hearing from people who are experiencing crippling anxiety because they’re being forced to question every penny they spend.
Others have become more lonely and isolated because they just can’t afford to see their friends who they rely on for mental health support.
For so many of us looking after our mental health is often last or buried in our busy lists. That’s why, this Mental Health Awareness Week (May 15 to 21), we’re encouraging anyone who may be struggling with their mental health to seek support.
If this speaks to you and your readers, speak to Mind.
We know we can’t fix the cost-of-living crisis but we can help each other to cope and we are here for you.
Sarah Hughes
CEO of Mind
RNID, the charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus is looking for volunteers to support our vital work across the UK.
Volunteers Week (June 1 to 7) is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the amazing impact our volunteers have.
Last year, they gave more than 7,740 hours of their time to support people in their communities with practical information and support with hearing aids.
This year, we need you to help us reach our goals and ensure that everyone in the UK can benefit from support.
Volunteering for RNID could involve providing information to local organisations and community groups, helping people get the most out of their hearing aids, or giving a friendly welcome to everyone who passes through the door at one of our support sessions.
Many of our volunteers have hearing loss themselves or in their family, and volunteering with us is a great way to meet new people, gain new skills and experience, try something new and help people in your community.
What are you waiting for? For more information, visit rnid.org.uk/volunteering or contact us at 0808 808 0123.
You can also text us at 07360 268988.
Jackie White,
Director at RNID
Write to us at [email protected] to submit a letter.
