I HAVE sent this letter to my local MP Rachel Maclean.
Dear Rachel, we will soon know which tier Redditch will be in from December 2.
I am aware of the special ‘Christmas bubble’ arrangements during the period December 23 to 28.
My question is, during the period after December 2will the Government have the power to change the agreed tier to a higher (or lower) tier including during that period December 23 to 27?
Pubs, restaurants, and members of the public who intend to go to those places – (observing all the rules) – would like to know.
Regards, stay safe and healthy.
P Bladon, Southcrest
AS the District Councillor responsible for bringing the proposal for changes to Stratford District Council’s waste and recycling contract, forward I thought I should answer some of the misconceptions about the change that we are proposing, which has general cross party support.
The full Council will debate this in December and if approved the change in collection frequency will not commence until August 2022.
The new arrangements are aimed at reducing waste to landfill that is harmful to our environment.
Together we can increase recycling rates and by taking food waste out of the bins this will go some way to reducing greenhouse gases.
The larger grey bins will not be replaced unless the one you have is damaged, you need a new one or you move into a brand new home, in which case you will be offered the smaller 180 litre bin. The larger bins last for many years.
Larger households, those with children in nappies or with medical needs that need more capacity will be able to discuss this with the Council nearer to the time.
If you live in an apartment/flat there are separate arrangements.
We have no plans to replace all the bins in one wave. It will be very gradual.
The aim is to increase recycling, take food waste out of the bins, reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, reduce greenhouse gases and keep costs down.
We will be running a series of campaigns to highlight what can and should be in the blue bin.
We have one of the best recycling rates in the UK but we can do more to ensure a brighter future for everyone.
Coun I Shenton, portfolio holder for operations SDC
THANK you so much for covering my fundraising effort for the Royal British Legion. My final total is £303 and I must put on record my immense gratitude to everyone – in Redditch and beyond – who donated in support of my Poppy Run.
S Harvey, Southcrest
MANY of the Redditch people I have spoken to share my concerns about the nature of what is being demanded of us in relation to what the Government is telling us is the rise of infections of the Sars-CoV-2 virus.
Those concerns arise because my own observations and personal experience does not tally with what we are being told by Government.
I wrote to local MP Rachel Maclean, to ask her to provide me with the Government’s scientific proof of three basic points :-
a) That there is an identifiable ‘second wave’ virus – isolated and cultured to show disease causation
b) That this ‘second wave’ virus is both highly contagious and has high morbidity
c) That the PCR test, as currently used, identifies the specific virus and its viral load
To date, I have not received that scientific information.
C Ricketts, Winyates
MOTORING through local rural lanes is a constant nightmare due to silly cyclists and carefree walkers.
Stop constantly blaming motorists for inevitable accidents.
The blame rests largely with black garbed walkers, often on moonless nights, usually walking with their backs to traffic.
Couple this with similarly dressed cyclists with no visible rear lights and you have a serious problem.
Daytime is no better. Silly cyclists travelling at speed, heads down on the handlebars, bunched up like a flock of starlings appear from around the next tight bend pretending they are part of the Tour de France.
Many ‘towny ‘ motorists are just as bad.
Greasy country lanes are deathtraps when travelling at speed. Imagine a car travelling at 50 mph. It meets another doing the same. This is then a 100 mile an hour collision!
Add to this a combine harvester, some poor innocent on horseback and the pack of cyclists or walkers and there is your answer.
So please everyone, think one step ahead, wear bright clothing , keep your speed down, expect danger around every corner and it may well be one less funeral for your family to attend.
Keep safe and enjoy the open air safely. Remember, it might be me on my Penny Farthing!
Fred the Poacher
THE Covid-19 pandemic affects everyone, but for people living with any type of diabetes, it is particularly worrying.
This year we’ve seen demand for our services reach record levels, while our own funding has been significantly impacted.
That’s why we are working to support people – and you can be a part of this vital effort by simply browsing our Christmas shop from the comfort of your home and choosing from a wonderful range of cards and gifts.
The shop can be found at www.diabetes.org.uk/shop
As well as a great range of cards, there are presents and stocking fillers for all your family and friends. It’s a great way to help a good cause.
P Shorrick, Diabetes UK
