‘Time to bring back Highways Forums’
FOLLOWING the success of Reform UK in the recent county council elections, we wonder if the public Highways’ Forums will be re-instated.
These very useful public meetings were abolished by Redditch’s former Conservative councillor Brandon Clayton many years ago. Clayton failed to get re-elected on May 1.
The county council is responsible for roads and pavements; these Highways Forums, held four times a year, were an excellent opportunity for borough councillors and residents to raise issues.
An experienced and qualified highways engineer employed by the county council provided not just promises to fill pot holes at specific locations but also how other far more complex problems could be dealt with.
The county council’s Highways Team does have a useful online reporting website. However, these Highway Forums provided a useful initial 15-minute slot for members of the public to raise matters of concern.
The public was allowed to remain and hear their ward borough councillors’ report on issues and ask the Highways’ Engineer to solve problems.
Now we are just awaiting, (perhaps optimistically), for our Reform county councillors to publish the dates of the forums which will be held this year, and their location.
P Bladon
‘Farage & Co will now face more scrutiny’
LET’S face it, both the Tories and the current Labour Government have been truly awful. This has obviously had a significant impact on the results in the local elections.
In Redditch the beneficiaries have been Reform UK, despite many of us being unaware of their policies apart from on immigration.
The only consolation is that hopefully Farage and his Reform party will now come under much more scrutiny from the media.
Farage, of course, likes to portray himself as a ‘man of the people’ with a pint in his hand at the pub, surrounded of course by his minders. In fact he is a multimillionaire son of a stockbroker who attended a prestigious private school and then became a merchant banker before entering politics.
However, by comparison with some of his colleagues and financial backers, he is relatively poor.
I doubt whether many of these exceptionally wealthy people are in politics for purely altruistic reasons and want to pay more tax to help pay for our vital public services and help the working class or the disadvantaged in society.
Farage has also allegedly previously expressed admiration for Putin (comments taken out of context of course) and is a supporter and close personal friend of Trump
Maybe next time be more ‘careful what you wish for’ before putting an ‘X’ in the Reform box?
I Welch,
Redditch
‘Reform councillors will soon face reality’
ON MAY 2 in the county council election here in Redditch, all eight seats were won by Reform.
Within the next week the new Reform councillors will learn that representing the people of Redditch is not about shouting ‘stop the boats’ and ‘ADHD is over diagnosed’ etc.
Now you have to help families in Redditch who will contact you to say their family is being torn apart because their autistic child is not getting the help they desperately need in educational environment they require.
You will need to address the fact that there is no longer a bus that goes directly to Birmingham from Redditch, making it difficult for them to travel to work or visit family there.
Oh and fix the potholes on our roads causing damage to residents cars.
These are just a small sample of things Redditch people, of all creeds, colours and sexual orientation will need you to address because you now work for them.
To those people in Redditch who told me on the doorstep they wanted to send a message to the government by voting Reform, I wish you all the best. Time will tell.
I would also just say, to those who voted Labour in this election, thank you and I’m sorry we didn’t manage to deliver for you.
Coun Monica Stringfellow
North Ward,
Redditch
‘Common sense will be party’s mantra’
MAY I offer my sincere thanks to all the residents who supported me in the recent county election.
The policies of the Reform party to bring change to our county are well-known and I am very proud to be part of that process.
I hope by my election I will bring a commonsense approach to the task ahead and offer my support to all the residents in Redditch South.
In the meantime should you require my assistance on any matters, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Coun Roger Bennett
Redditch South
‘St John volunteers won’t be forgotten’
AS WE commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, it is fitting to reflect on the extraordinary contributions and sacrifices made by St John Ambulance volunteers during the Second World War.
These brave individuals played a crucial role in providing medical care and support to those in need, often under the most challenging and dangerous conditions.
During the war, St John volunteers were at the forefront of the home front effort, offering first aid and medical assistance during air raids, evacuations, and other emergencies.
Their dedication and selflessness saved countless lives and provided comfort to many in their darkest hours. These volunteers worked tirelessly, often putting their own lives at risk, to ensure the wellbeing of others.
In May, as we honour their legacy, our current volunteers continue to embody the same spirit of service and commitment and will be participating in events taking place to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
We invite everyone to join us in remembering and celebrating the invaluable contributions of St John Ambulance volunteers, both past and present. Their unwavering commitment to helping others is a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity and compassion.
Rear Admiral Simon Williams CB CVO KStJ
Prior of England and the Islands
Chair of St John Ambulance
We welcome your letters….
We welcome your letters for the Redditch Standard on any subject.
Email them to [email protected]
EDITORS COMMENT
IT HAS been great to see so many events going on this weekend across Redditch borough to commemorate and celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Moments in our history like this – and like the Remembrance and Armistice parades and services held every year – should never be forgotten.
Well done to everyone – from churches, community groups, the Royal British Legion and other organisations for doing Redditch borough proud with the way you have all marked this special occasion.
We will remember them.
