A WINYATES ward councillor has slammed both the borough and county council for ‘ignoring’ the needs of the area.
Coun Paul Swansborough (UKIP, Winyates) said his ward is being neglected by both authorities leaving community issues unresolved.
He expressed concern for an ‘un-official’ taxi rank on Lowlands Lane which he believes is causing a dangerous obstruction on a busy school route. This is made worse by early morning deliveries of new and used cars to Bristol Street Motors on Battens Drive.
He added: “I have raised the road safety issues with officers at Redditch Town Hall and yet again they have absolutely no interest in the residents’ concerns.”
Coun Swansborough has also complained to the council of fly tipping in the ward.
“It appears Redditch Borough Council is in complete denial on the issue of fly tipping in Winyates. The ward is an absolute disgrace.”
He also took a swipe at the amount of students being taken in by Matchborough First school and the impact this will have on the roads and parking, the condition of the council housing, the lack of public bins and street lights which he said have been turned off to ‘save money in times of austerity’.
“It’s clear that both levels of local government are failing the people of Winyates.”
The borough’s chief executive Kevin Dicks said: “I’m obviously concerned if a councillor believes issues he has raised are not being appropriately actioned. I would be happy to have that conversation with any councillor, as the normal process is to raise such matters with the appropriate director which has not has happened here.
“On initial investigation the various issues appear to have received due care and attention, and more in some cases.”
County Coun Marcus Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for highways, said: “Any request for a school crossing facility on Matchborough Way will need to be directed through the local county councillor.”
“Enforcement of obstruction of the highway by any vehicle is a matter for West Mercia Police. Any unauthorised parking on the highway is an enforcement issue for Redditch Borough Council.”
19th Apr, 2024
