Here is a selection of this week’s letters.

‘More concerned about the building than the BirdBox’

AFTER reading the letters regarding the BirdBox, I am writing on behalf of the members of the Forum who, at our recent meeting, were more concerned about the proposed building to be built on this area and the state of the High Street.

The whole concept of this building with office space and restaurants is ill-conceived and not needed by the town.

The design does not fit in with the surrounding buildings and the already tall structure now has a plant room on the top making it even higher.

There is only one car parking space for the disabled in the St John’s Street car park at the end near the proposed building, a long walk from its entrance – this will not encourage the disabled to visit.

We are not convinced there is any demand for office space or restaurants as there are plenty already available in and around the town with car parks.

Bromsgrove does not have a good regional bus network and there is no direct bus between the town and Birmingham. The train station is situated 1.7km away, hardly convenient for the commuting office workers.

With regard to car parks, the application states there are nine car parks available, but office staff and restaurant clients would most likely prefer to walk just a short distance, not 10/15 minutes or more. The nearest is St. John’s Street with only 82 spaces and three hours max stay, the multi-storey is not in use and School Drive and Stourbridge Road are on the council list to be developed.

The artist’s impression showing the landscaping is very misleading as the trees are to be 2metres maximum to enable CCTV to view the area, so basically bushes that will need constant pruning. How much will this cost to maintain and by whom?

In the past, landscaping around the town has not been well maintained. The Pavilion or a similar building could be of benefit, however, it would need someone to promote/book events, again at what cost?

Although the levelling-up money has restrictions on its use, surely it could be spent more wisely.

In conclusion, we are concerned we would finish up with a large ugly building sitting there empty with no occupants, costing the local community money for its upkeep.

Mary Rowlands

Secretary

Bromsgrove Forum for Older People

‘Council should have kept the Market Hall’

THE REASON The BirdBox exists is because the Market Hall site has remained undeveloped for nearly 14 years (Standard January 19).

In 2010, Bromsgrove was an 800-year-old market town.

However, the council demolished our 15-year-old Market Hall, despite strong public opposition, including a petition.

This meant that the only market facilities we had were the stallholders’ booths in the High Street.

In 2012, a retail development, including a cinema, was proposed for the Market Hall site, but this never happened.

In 2023,a further development was suggested for the site.

This means that our demolished Market Hall could still have been trading now, bringing much-needed revenue into Bromsgrove.

You can see why I am sceptical.

Michael Shaughnessy,

Bromsgrove.

‘Don’t neglect the pub during Dry January’

YOU MIGHT be surprised by someone from Alcohol Change UK advocating this, but we’re more than half-way through Dry January – so maybe it’s time to head to the pub.

Giving up alcohol shouldn’t mean giving up socialising. Pubs are increasingly supportive of Dry January, and for good reason. Our research shows that 44 per cent of those going alcohol-free this month are more likely to visit a bar or pub if it serves a good selection of alcohol-free beers, wines or spirits.

So how about seeing what’s behind the bar at your local? You might find a range of good options already on offer – there’s been a huge increase in the quality and availability of alcohol-free products over recent years. And they can help us cut down the amount of alcohol we drink, while making nights out more inclusive.

But they’re still not universally easy to find. You can help change that. In fact, many of our supporters have told us that speaking to the landlord of their local has resulted in better alcohol-free options being stocked year-round.

Of course, some of us doing Dry January will feel less comfortable in a pub because it might trigger cravings. Alcohol-free alternative drinks are not right for everyone, and that’s fine. But if you’d like to see improved options behind the bar, why not pop into your favourite pub and start a conversation with the staff?

Your encouragement might just help make your local even better!

Check out dryjanuary.org.uk for more info.

Joe Marley

Director, Alcohol Change UK, the charity behind Dry January

Why not do something to make yourself proud for the BHF?

DID YOU know that a quarter of adults can’t think of something they’re truly proud of in the last 12 months?

This statistic highlights the need for meaningful experiences that not only enrich our lives but also make a positive impact on the lives of others.

As we step into the promising year of 2024, I’d like to encourage people to embark on a journey that not only fosters personal pride but also contributes to a noble cause.

Participating in an event for the BHF provides the perfect opportunity to achieve both.

The BHF is supporting more than 60 events across the country this year. By choosing to take on an event like BHF’s iconic London to Brighton Bike Ride, Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim or one of the AJ Bell Great Run Series events, which the BHF are official charity partner for, you not only challenge yourself physically and mentally but also contribute to funding crucial research.

Imagine the sense of accomplishment and pride you’ll feel as you cross that finish line, knowing that your efforts have made a difference to the 7.6million lives affected by heart and circulatory diseases, in the UK each year.

Visit bhf.org.uk/events to learn more about BHF events or to register.

Dan Geneen,

Head of events marketing

British Heart Foundation

EDITOR’S COMMENT

BROMSGROVE District Council has made great progress in bringing down the number of empty homes across the district by 130.

The town’s housing crisis is well-documented and, whilst thousands of new properties are needed long-term, returning unoccupied homes to the market is an ‘easy win’.

Everyone deserves a roof over their head and a place they can call home.

And with the way the situation is, every avenue to make that happen needs to be explored.

We welcome your letters

We welcome your letters for the Bromsgrove and Droitwich Standard on any subject but please keep them to no more than 350 words. Email them to [email protected] or [email protected]