‘Open and honest’
I WISH to clarify our position on burial provision in Redditch.
In our Labour manifesto we pledged to halt the plans to use Ipsley Meadow as a burial site, and to conduct a review into potential other options.
The Conservatives told us this would be impossible as there would be no burial provision left in Redditch after 2025.
On taking the role as portfolio holder, I asked the bereavement team to look at ways we could maximise space at our existing cemeteries.
This gave us two more years provision at Abbey Cemetery until 2027. Edgioake Cemetery has provision until 2030 based on current usage.
The independent review shortlisted four sites across Redditch. We will start work to examine and test the first of these; this is a lengthy process which should not be hurried.
The bereavement team looked again at Abbey Cemetery and together we identified a small portion of land adjacent to existing graves.
This has been allocated as a scattering area, but it is important to clarify that only the top of the hill in this area is used for scattering.
The bottom part has never been used for this and we will use this part first from 2027. We estimate seven further years before reaching the top of the hill where scattering has taken place.
This is a sensitive subject and I have had conversations with families to understand their concerns and upset.
I have listened and I would like to assure those relatives I will do everything I can to avoid using that proportion of the area identified.
As soon as a new burial ground is established, we will stop using the land approaching the scattering area.
Abbey Cemetery will maintain a large portion of scattering area around the main part of the chapel so families can continue to choose this beautiful site as a last place to remember their loved ones.
In addition, I have asked the team to compile a list of residents who might be affected so we can contact and reassure them. We would like to consider erecting a permanent memorial, depending on what those families feel is appropriate.
There has been some scaremongering and false information relayed, particularly through social media.
I am reaching out again to residents.
Please contact me at: [email protected] if you wish to ask further questions, and I will do my best to be open and honest with you.
Coun Sharon Harvey
‘A weighty concern’
THE decision of the current borough council to go ahead with this project is welcomed.
However I have a serious concern which trading standards might need to check in the future, this is specifically about fruit and vegetable stalls.
Several years ago I raised issues about illegal trading – this involved: (i) deliberately hiding the scale reading where items are weighed, and (ii) failure to show the correct unit price in metric units.
Despite making numerous complaints to Redditch Borough Council, Worcestershire County Council, Worcestershire Regulatory Services, and Sketts the market operator, no enforcement action was taken to stop this illegal activity.
Jacqui Smith, our MP at the time, was also told about it.
When one of the fruit and vegetable traders moved into the Kingfisher Shopping Centre this illegal trading continued.
So, customers should see the scale reading when items are weighed, and where a unit price is shown it must be in metric units (price £ /kg).
The trader can still show the unit price in imperial units, but this display must NOT be more prominent than the metric price.
Visit: worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/business/worcestershire-trading-standards-services/tip-us-trading-standards for more from trading standards.
And if trading standards do receive reports, I sincerely hope they investigate – and not like in the past ignore them.
P Bladon
Southcrest
‘A clearer message’
AS AN audiologist, I am deeply concerned about the ongoing crisis in ear wax services in England.
Shockingly, more than 8million people live in areas where NHS ear wax removal is non-existent, with millions more facing patchy or inadequate service provision.
The consequences are significant. Build-up of ear wax can cause painful and distressing symptoms, completely preventable hearing loss and tinnitus and lead to isolation and depression.
Yet thousands are left with no choice but to self-manage wax at home, or pay for private treatment multiple times per year, which can be prohibitively expensive.
This situation is unacceptable and must change.
For those with a medical need for wax removal – more commonly older adults and hearing aid users – access to this service is essential for their health and wellbeing.
That’s why RNID has launched the Stop the Block campaign.
You too can take action by writing to your MP and together we can ensure millions get access to the vital services they need.
Visit rnid.org.uk/stoptheblock for more information.
Crystal Rolfe,
Director of Strategy, RNID
We welcome your letters….
We welcome your letters for the Redditch Standard on any subject.
Email them to [email protected]
EDITORS COMMENT
IT IS GREAT to be able to features some inspirational people in this week’s paper.
Donna Scarrott – and her friend Lynn Ward – are taking on a gruelling 300-mile London to Paris cycle ride to support the MD Support Centre which has helped Donna with her condition and people with muscular dystrophy.
And Team DeadLegz – Rob, Kevin, Matt and Tom – will attempt an equally gruelling 3,000-mile row for several good causes.
We wish them all well with their quests and urge readers to support them anyway they can.
