‘Labour’s library plan is what voters wanted’
I NOTE with dismay social media announcements from Conservative councillors and activists concerning Labour’s reversal of their disastrously unpopular library demolition plan.
Our replacement scheme keeps the library where it is, cuts the bill for Tory vanity projects by £1.4million, gives us a chance to spend a further £4.2million of Towns Fund money on useful local projects and above all obeys the will of the Redditch electorate.
Who, let us not forget, rejected the Tory plan once at public consultation and twice at the ballot box.
I could say a lot of things about their claims here. For example in my opinion they are more than a little ”socially distanced” from the truth.
However, let me instead offer them a piece of advice. It’s a lesson learned by my party only a few short years ago.
If you are rejected at the ballot box it’s not because the electorate are wrong. It’s more likely that you are.
A period of quiet self-reflection may be in order.
Coun Ian Woodall, Labour
Headless Cross and Oakenshaw
‘Council should tie in any Unicorn Hill works’
I AM encouraged to read about the improvements being made on Unicorn Hill and Church Green West.
I’m hopeful the finished work will be worth the 12 months of disruption.
However, I implore Coun Bayliss and Coun Baker to contact Severn Trent, BT, gas and electricity contractors, etc now, as an urgent priority, to ensure that any cyclical maintenance or ‘upgrade’ works planned for the next 18-24 months are incorporated within these works so the new surfacing isn’t dug up within weeks of completion causing further disruption and spoiling the final result.
Now is the time for the councillors to pick up the phone.
J Lay,
Redditch
‘We need right homes… in the right places’
UNFORTUNATELY Labour and Rachel Reeves seem to have fallen into the house building trap. .
The country desperately needs more homes but this should be the right homes in the right places where existing infrastructure – particularly sewage disposal – already exists.
Looking round most town centres there are numerous empty hotels, offices and shops that could be converted or demolished to provide homes and also breathe life back into the town centre.
Let’s face it, the large volume builders love nice easy greenfield sites to build what, in my opinion, are often poor quality and overpriced ‘Lego’ developments.
Many construction workers on large sites lack the skill sets for conversion work and would need retraining.
Although some new brownfield and greenfield development would still be necessary conversion or demolition of redundant buildings is surely the best way forward to provide new homes quickly rather than another wholesale assault on the greenbelt?
I Welch,
Redditch
‘BHF wants your help in its charity shops’
SUMMER is the perfect time to try something new, so why not lend a hand in your local charity shop?
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is offering ‘taster’ sessions for anyone who wants to see what volunteering is all about.
So, whether you’re passionate about preloved, looking to meet new people, or keen to support the charity, we offer flexible volunteering roles for as little as an hour or two, without any long-term commitment.
Our volunteers are changing the way they gift their time to us. Fitting around life commitments like studying, family or work, we’re seeing an increasing number of people opting for ad hoc shifts.
Find a role to suit you by popping into your local shop or visiting bhf.org.uk/volunteer.
Sarah Boardman,
Retail Volunteering Operations Manager at the British Heart Foundation
‘Come and join RNIB’s Summer Reading fun’
SUMMER has finally arrived and here at the Royal National Institute for Blind People (RNIB), we’re delighted to say it’s time to launch our fantastic library events for children as part of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.
Developed by The Reading Agency, the annual Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged four to 11 to sign up at their local library or online at summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.
They’ll set a reading goal and collect rewards for their reading – including a certificate when they reach their Challenge goal.
The theme of this year’s challenge is Marvellous Makers.
RNIB is encouraging local libraries to run events which will get children making and thinking creatively about stories and books.
The aim is to encourage more children with vision impairments to join the Summer Reading Challenge and to help sighted children develop an understanding of sight loss.
You can find details for the events on the Summer Reading Challenge website in the ‘Library Zone’.
Activities include making a pair of ‘sim specs’ which will help show children what it looks like when you have different eye conditions, building a story using a collection of tactile objects, building something from Lego or writing a nature-inspired story.
To complete the Summer Reading Challenge, children can read any books they like, including from RNIB’s library at www.rniblibrary.com in whichever accessible format they prefer and these will count towards their Summer Reading Challenge.
Lara Marshall,
Library Engagement Manager, RNIB
EDITORS COMMENT
THE SCENES of rioting on the streets in towns and cities this week have been both distressing and depressing.
Thankfully, none of the unrest spread to our town and the surrounding areas.
It is disappointing this was sparked through online misinformation following the Southport stabbings and what is even worse is what did those involved think they could achieve by attacking already stretched police forces there to protect us.
They need to feel the full force of the law.
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