Concerns over £250k for community bus
THE STANDARD reported (April 23) that Birmingham City Councillors had voted to increase their allowance to £18,681 per annum, more money than I get to live on.
Furthermore, 10 per cent of my old age pension goes in council tax, meaning in winter I have to choose between heating, eating or paying the tax.
I do not begrudge my money being spent on essentials, like schools, social services, or roads.
However, I am concerned that £250,000 of public money seems to have been earmarked for the Bromsgrove electric community bus.
What is the projected passenger uptake for the bus and has a cost/benefit analysis of the scheme been undertaken?
High council tax, councillors’ allowances, and environmental schemes – clearly, the public have very little influence on council policy, and one wonders whether there is any point in voting on May 6.
Nothing will change for the better for impoverished council taxpayers like me, on low fixed incomes.
Michael Shaughnessy
Bromsgrove
Thank you to couple who handed in wallet
THANK YOU so much to the wonderful couple who very kindly took my wallet in to Santander having found it near Asda.
That was so kind of you.
Bowing deeply to you in gratitude.
Very best wishes.
Alan
Via email
Help needed tracing the Morgan’s family history
A FEW years ago I began a family history for Norah Morgan and from our conversations she told me that during the Second World War London evacuees arrived at her home village of Talke, Staffordshire.
The Joel family became friends with the Morgan family.
When the Joels returned to London (Brook Drive, Lambeth) it was agreed that Norah would accompany them and some months later she returned to her family.
Norah has a lot of memories of the places she saw and the school she attended. I’m interested to know more of this time and would appreciate being in contact with Mrs Carole Hazel to hear her recollections or stories she was told.
My email address is [email protected] or I can be reached on my wife’s mobile 07415 607216 and her name is Anne.
I’m happy to call back straight away.
Mike Ward
Via email
Could you become a Blue Cross pet bereavement volunteer?
THE BLUE Cross is looking for volunteers to help with the charity’s pet bereavement support service, which has been running for over 26 years.
The charity has seen a huge increase in demand for the UK-wide service, and as a result has launched a new webchat facility to help reach even more people who are in need of advice and support following the loss of a beloved pet.
Volunteers will be helping to provide support to people contacting the bereavement support service by phone, email and the new webchat services between 8.30am and 8.30pm every day.
The role will require volunteers to undertake a 10-week training course and to be able to commit to working a minimum of 15 hours per month.
If you would like to help you can find out more information at bluecross.org.uk/volunteer
Diane James
Manager
Pet Bereavement Support Service
Blue Cross
Help UNICEF’s vaccine programme and ‘Give the World a Shot’
MORE than 5.4million people have received at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccines in the Midlands according to the latest NHS data (April 22, 2021).
World Immunisation Week (April 23 to 30) is a perfect time to reflect on the importance of vaccinations not just in the Midlands but all over the world.
I’m one of the 33million people in the UK – that’s about half the population – to have been vaccinated, thanks to our amazing NHS.
I’m also painfully aware that in contrast, more than 60 per cent of the world’s population won’t access a Covid-19 vaccine until 2022 or later.
This is a problem that affects us all: no one is safe until we are all safe.
Addressing global vaccine inequity isn’t just the right thing to do – it will help protect all of us against new strains of the virus.
UNICEF is working with the COVAX facility to deliver 2billion Covid-19 vaccines this year – but they can’t do it alone.
That’s why the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) is asking the UK Government to share at least five per cent of its surplus daily doses doing so will still remain on target for all adults receiving at least one vaccine by the end of July.
This could also protect all of us against new strains of the virus.
Meanwhile, readers can help to Give the World a Shot by supporting UNICEF’s NHS- backed campaign at VaccinAid.org this will enable UNICEF to deliver vaccines, treatments and test kits.
Only by helping other communities around the world become protected from the virus like households in the Midlands, can we truly overcome the pandemic – together.
Dr Chris van Tulleken
Infectious Disease Doctor
BBC Presenter
EDITOR’S COMMENT
IT IS ridiculous that, after replacing the sign on the Bromsgrove Birdbox the site was vandalised again just days later.
Businesses – especially the hospitality industry – has been struggling for the past year and needs all the help it can get.
Birdbox provided a great commercial space enjoyed by all – producers and customers alike.
The culprits need catching and to be given a community punishment which sees them enhance the town rather than damage it.
We welcome your letters…..
What pressing issues do you feel need addressing in Bromsgrove, Droitwich, Rubery and South Birmingham? Send us your views to [email protected]
