SAVING Redditch library and Community House as well as the future of bus services in Redditch are just three of the issues on the agenda as local elections loom in Redditch.
Next Thursday, September 1, voters in Headless Cross and Oakenshaw will go to the polls to choose a new borough councillor to sit at Redditch Town Hall while residents in Arrow Valley West will be voting for a councillor to sit on Worcestershire County Council.
Both seats became vacant following the resignation of Aled Evans, who represented the Conservative party.
Labour group leader Councillor Joe Baker said: “First of all let me say that it’s not a very good thing that Aled Evans has resigned his two seats now, when it could have been done before the local elections in May.
“Elections cost money and his actions has put pressure on the council budget and for me it shows the Tories are not choosing the right calibre of candidate and explaining to them the commitments being a councillor involves.
“However, I think these by-elections give Labour an opportunity to show our openness and transparency on issues like Tory plans to demolish Community House and Redditch Library and at county the future of bus services in Redditch.
“The Conservatives seem to think they can do whatever they want without any accountability whatsoever – and get away with it.”
Mark Tomes, leader of Redditch Liberal Democrats is standing for the party at county level.
He said: “We are knocking on a lot of doors and the message we are getting is coming across loud and clear – that it’s time for a change, that for far too long the other two parties have taken people for granted and it’s time for a change, and a change for the better by voting for the Liberal Democrats.
“We will work with residents to improve their areas rather than like the other two parties who only seem to pursue their own agendas.
“We want to see the library saved and it’s level of service maintained and although the buses have been given some sort of reprieve, it’s only for a few months.
“I have spoken to our leader at County Hall (Councillor Mel Allcot) and she is backing our campaign to save the library. Given your vote, we can do a lot.”
Alistair Waugh is standing as the Green Party candidate for Headless Cross and Oakenshaw.
He said: “Redditch is a great place to live, but fact is, that’s the reason it’s growing!
“We need to make sure that development doesn’t come at the expense of green space, and that new areas grow into real communities – with shops, parks, schools and businesses in the right mix.
“We also need to be demanding high levels of energy efficiency in all new buildings, whilst nurturing local programmes to re-fit houses with insulation and solar panels.
“A vote for the Green Party isn’t just about the environment; it’s a vote for the common good.”
Council Leader Matt Dormer described the by-elections as ‘too close to call’.
“Headless Cross and Oakenshaw is closer than I would have liked, and I think at a national level the uncertainty we have in our party over the leadership will not help.
“However I would like to think we have enough to retain the seat.
“Arrow Valley West could go either way – it’s that close.
“But whatever the result our focus will remain on delivering better outcomes for the people of the town. That is our aim and that is what we are continuing to do.”
The candidates:
Arrow Valley West – Andy Fry (Labour), Gemma Monaco (Conservative), Glen Theobald (Green), Mark Tome (Liberal Democrat).
Headless Cross and Oakenshaw – Juliet Barker-Smith (Labour), Andrew Fieldsend-Roxborough (Liberal Democrat), Helen Sanders (Conservative), Alistair Waugh (Green).
