IN local politics, surely the aim should be a united council working efficiently for the good of the community.
I find (Council Leader) Councillor Dormer aggression negative and useless. In his time as leader, I have watched the town centre and market crumble to nothing, despite his election promise to consult, reform and improve.
His main achievement has been to cause further disruption in adding yet another type of paving to the existing mishmash of walkways which will be damaged during any further redevelopment.
In contrast, the Coun Brunner (Conservative) – Coun Hartnett (Labour) relationship worked brilliantly with many achievements and any criticism from either being constructive and useful.
I also saw Juliet working hard daily for her local constituents, whichever party they voted for. In local politics, this is what matters.
M Bish, Abbeydale
I WAS surprised to read in the Standard (Letters) a Labour candidate was asking why hasn’t the roundabout not been installed yet at the junction of Hewell Road/ Batchley Road.
If Mr Berry had studied the Local Transport 4, page 27 of Worcestershire County Council highways plan, he would have seen I have already secured the works to be carried out which was agreed by all the county councillors.
Extensive works, such as these, take many years.
However I am pleased to say that detailed drawings have been done and works for the roundabout could well be starting later this year.
B Clayton,
Conservative candidate for Redditch North
COUNCILLOR Dormer’s recent comments concerning Juliet Brunner choosing to stand as an Independent candidate in the forthcoming elections are revealing.
In any public or professional capacity, it is completely unacceptable to discuss the quality or otherwise of anyone’s application. How discourteous to say ‘blase’ and ‘truly was the worst one.’
He appears unaware that his comments about ‘trust’, ‘not a good party member’ and his inference that her leaving means the situation ‘just got better’ totally justify her comment about the unpleasantness she has experienced of late.
Furthermore, he criticises her actions as ‘not the way to behave’. This is not the way to behave, Councillor Dormer!
H. Hill, Redditch
SEVERAL weeks ago we wrote to Councillor Matt Dormer as Leader of the borough council to raise the issue of the proposed cemetery plans at Ipsley Meadows.
Coun Dormer confirmed that 26 sites were being re-assessed but refused to share any information regarding these sites.
It has taken a lengthy freedom of information request to obtain this list.
The 26 sites are: Abbey Cemetery area, Edgioake Lane, Brooklands Lane, Alcester Highway (two sites), behind Morrison’s supermarket, Battens Drive, Foxlydiate Wood, Greenlands Park (two sites), Coldfield Drive, Oakenshaw Park (five sites), Woodrow Park (three sites), Sillins Lane, Brockhill Drive, Catshill in Bromsgrove , and Ipsley meadows (four locations including the current proposed site.)
Many of these locations have been rejected because building a cemetery would lead to the loss of public amenity land. Why is the amenity land of Ipsley Meadows more expendable in the eyes of the Conservative group?
It is interesting to note that Plymouth Road is not included on this council list, but the Conservatives claim to be looking into this as an option.
To reuse Plymouth Road cemetery would involve removing current human remains, and reinterring them elsewhere.
We do not believe that Redditch will support this.
Edgioake Lane in Astwood Bank appears to be the most straightforward option- in fact it has the strongest recommendation in the initial assessment report.
Why do local Conservatives not consider this to be a viable option?
A Bevan, Labour candidate for Matchborough
S Harvey, Labour candidate for Winyates & Arrow Valley West
J Kane, Labour candidate for Lodge Park
COUNCILLOR Mike Rouse claims B Kirby’s letter is a ‘prime example’ of ‘misinformation’.
If I may quote from the original letter, RBC “plans the destruction of part of one park by taking away land to be used as an overspill cemetery”.
Was this ‘misinformation’? Councillor Rouse has not a word to state about this.
He does claim a strong record on doing ‘what the progressive majority of people want’ so presumably his indefatigable opposition to turning Ipsley Meadow into a burial ground can be taken as a given but why does he not state this?
Or is Mr Rouse himself not immune to a bit of misinformation when it suits?
K Wass, Redditch
I WAS so pleased to read in your March 12 edition about how Redditch Borough Council have ‘picked up the baton’ to make sure Redditch continues to have a market.
Sketts management company deciding not to renew their contract must have been a real worry for the market stall holders who have already faced a tough year with the pandemic.
It was such great news that Councillor Matt Dormer quickly jumped into action, working with the market stall holders.
Like many, I remember fondly the days of the large market square before Debenhams and whilst those days are no more, I am confident there is still a place in our town centre for a market.
I would love to see an improved market area which will reflect the regeneration plans for Redditch. A market which will draw in trade and be a real benefit to the town centre.
With the lockdown easing I know I am eager to get back to visiting shops in person and more than ever I am keen to shop local ensuring that my purchases help our local economy.
E Marshall,
Conservative candidate for Greenlands and Arrow Valley West
