New Year Msg
Focused on delivering excellence in 2013

Buy photos » Council leader Bill Hartnett

IF LIKE me you have over indulged on mince pies this festive season then you will be looking forward to January - when the New Year’s resolutions can be actioned.

As my first year as Leader of the Council comes to a close I am delighted to look back on the promises we made which, unlike many New Year’s resolutions, we have kept.

Free swimming for our older and younger residents means that the turkey dinners can be worked off and we are working with the county council who need to approve our policy to provide free bus travel before 9.30am for the elderly and disabled - expected in 2013.

We have scrapped car parking charges at Redditch Town Hall and Trescott Road Car Parks and have plans to launch a scheme to create more apprenticeships in the Borough. But we are not resting on our laurels for 2013.

Key issues and priorities for us of course include dealing with a reduced budget which have an impact on Redditch Borough Council so balancing our books to do our best to ensure they don’t impact on resedents and frontline services.

After the success of the Summer bandstand festival in the Town I am also looking forward to moving on with plans which we are sending out for consultation to improve this area for everyone to enjoy.

So as 2013 approaches with our promises kept can I wish you all the very best for the New Year and to rest assured that despite the continuing economic downturn, we remain focused on delivering excellent frontline services and supporting increased employment and leisure opportunities for residents.

Bill Hartnett

Leader of Redditch Borough Council

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