This week's Bromsgrove and Droitwich Standard letters...... - The Bromsgrove Standard

This week's Bromsgrove and Droitwich Standard letters......

Bromsgrove Editorial 7th May, 2021   0

If through route is to be shut, you need a Western Relief Road

RESIDENTS and visitors to Bromsgrove who use Stourbridge Road may not see themselves directly affected by all the trauma surrounding the debate over a Western Relief (Distributor) Road.

The current alternative route signed for Kidderminster as one approaches entering Bromsgrove along the Stourbridge Road to effectively bypass the town centre has been there for many years, directing traffic away from the town centre down Perryfields Road to the Kidderminster Road.

It is used by a vast number of drivers who know they will suffer delays if they continue into town.

The Perryfields Road developers plan sets out to SHUT THIS CURRENT THROUGH ROUTE and put in its place a ‘traffic calmed spine road’ with the sole aim of preventing through traffic through their development.




We as a community and those in the environs of Bromsgrove will lose this route as no alternative has been given for through traffic which currently is in place.

This plan has the approval of Bromsgrove District Council (BDC) planning committee and has been sent to the Planning Inspectorate with such approval with no alternative route mentioned.


The Western Relief Road survey is thus an urgent necessity because if built upon by the developers with planning approval from BDC there will be no land left upon which to build any relief road or alternative route to Kidderminster which we already have and use.

Delaying this survey for political expediency is not an option.

Graham Dallas

Bromsgrove

 

This discrimination against drivers of older cars has to stop

YES, you met me in Romsley village, two days ago.

We exchanged a few words I would have liked more?

Okay, I have many people now saying why am I being charge an extra £30 to tax my vehicle for six months only?

There are many that own old 4x4s, many are owned by the elderly and cannot afford to change their cars for something different, like electric vehicles.

They need these old cars but with Covid they are taxing their cars for six months only not knowing if they can use their vehicle for the future?

They are asking can they SORN their vehicles for six months and not get charged to get around the extra £30.

A 4×4 is now £330-a-year or if you tax for six months its an extra £30 – equalling £195 for just six months use on the road.

Another car you are looking at £170 for 12 months.

It’s a disgrace and forces people off the road as you will agree which is your Government’s plan.

Simple question, please don’t direct me elsewhere, like you normally do on potholes.

I would like you to come back with a reply.

I want people to be able to tax their car for six months without an extra payment?

Stan Francis

 

Plenty of cheaper EV charging point companies out there

SO Bromsgrove District Council is installing multiple Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers across the district.

Whilst this is admirable and as an EV driver I welcome more chargers, it is surprising the council has chosen Geniepoint as a partner.

Geniepoint are one of the dearest suppliers – 39p per KW guest and 35p per KW registered.

As a comparison Pod Point in Droitwich charges 25p per Kw registered.

It makes one wonder why Bromsgrove District Council has chosen Geniepoint.

Are they getting some sort of benefit?

Stuart Neal

 

Children hit hard in the West Midlands by Covid crisis need help

FOR THE thousands of children living in the West Midlands the Covid-19 crisis has been a period of extreme change and has affected how many young people feel about their lives.

So as we emerge from this time of unrest how are we going to help these young people recover?

Official figures reveal of the 697,900 children living in the West Midlands, 241,100 live in poverty (39 per cent of all children in the region), 110,900 households with child dependants are on Universal Credit and there are an estimated 92,800 children aged five to 16 with a mental health condition.

The Children’s Society’s annual Good Childhood Report has found a significant fall in children’s happiness with their lives overall in the past decade.

The Covid crisis has put more pressure on young people who have missed out on months of learning and seeing their friends.

Many families have seen their incomes fall and the most vulnerable children have been out of sight of professionals and the services designed to keep them safe.

The Children’s Society’s new campaign #Jointhefightback, is calling for those elected in the West Midlands to prioritise the well-being of children and young people as we emerge from the pandemic. Young people might not be able to vote but deserve to have politicians representing them who are committed to making decisions that help them live a happy, safe and fulfilling life.

Visit www.childrenssociety.org.uk/campaign for more and to pledge support.

Mark Russell

Chief Executive

The Children’s Society

 

EDITOR’S COMMENT 

LIKE many, I was devastated on Sunday morning to hear Avoncroft Museum had been targeted by vandals causing damage totalling thousands.

The venue offers great days out, educates people about our proud history and ensures the past is remembered for future generations.

After a tough year, the May Day weekend was a rare chance to generate revenue and instead it was forced to close.

What was heartening was the outpouring of support it received from the majority of decent, law-abiding Bromsgrovians and beyond.

 

We welcome your letters…..

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