Express & Star...

Anyone know what they are playng at. For last few days it hasn't been possible to access 'Kidderminster' area news. Is this accident or re-design?

Lea Street First School..

Another good "We Love Lea Street" Action Group Meeting this morning. Keep on fighting!

Coventry Street...

I feel really sorry for the businesses in that stretch of Coventry Street closed since buildings were damaged in the high winds. It's time things got moving so that the road can be reopened there!

That Car Park Entrance...

Cars turning in towards the Weavers Wharf Car Park are still, in large numbers, taking that too early left turn across the pavement at the pedestrian crossing point. Someone is going to get killed. How many times do we have to report this before something is done about it?

Superwoman...

Latest Tory leaflet in Aggborough & Spennells sports the headline "Maureen Aston Fighting Crime In Aggborough & Spennells" over a photo of Maureen in a phone box. One more twirl and...

Glad to know we've got a choice...

Latest Liberal Democrat News proclaims "Lib Dems endorse the right to die". I didn't even know there was any other alternative.

Fined for treating patients...

The Birmingham Post horror story starts...

"An NHS trust with a £15 million deficit is to pay an extra £200,000 to a private company - because one of its hospitals treated too many patients.

A Private Finance Initiative agreement between Worcestershire Royal Hospital and the private consortium Catalyst involving "soft" services, such as catering, was based on a 90 per cent bed occupancy rate.

But following the closure of Kidderminster Hospital, a record number of emergency patients were admitted last year, pushing the occupancy rate up to 98 per cent and leading to the cancellation of non- emergency operations."

You can pick up on the rest of that Birmingham Post story here!

Hail To The Chief!

Tonight it's a Chinese takeaway from the Chung Ying on Comberton Hill and a couple of bottles of good red wine. Why? Because today the good folk from Amazon UK have sent us all 22 episodes of Season Three of 'The West Wing' on 6 glorious DVDs. Bring on President Bartlett and co now...

Too good to miss...

There are some stories that just could not be made up! This one is from The Guardian...

Q. How many care workers does it take to change a light bulb? A. Ask a risk assessor

David Brindle
Saturday March 27, 2004
The Guardian

When the Department of Health devised the first advertising campaign to recruit social care workers, it forgot to ask a basic question: how many does it take to change a light bulb?

The department has not yet evaluated the response to the adverts from potential recruits or decided whether to rerun the series of adverts.

Latest Greenhill Focus...

LEA STREET PROPOSAL IS CRAZY : WHO ARE WE TALKING ABOUT - 'HE INSISTED KIDDERMINSTER COULD NOT BE ANY CLEANER THAN IT IS ALREADY' : YOU SAY "DON'T CLOSE SLADEN OR SION HILL : CAR PARKING CHAOS - WE NEED ACTION NOW : GOVERNMENT HIT DISABLED : FUNBOX FIASCO : WORST AIR POLLUTION IN KIDDERMINSTER : FAIR DEAL SURVEY RESULTS : HURCOTT ROAD - HAVE YOU GOT A COPY OF THAT LETTER? : LITTER BLACK SPOTS - LET US KNOW!

It starts going through letter boxes any moment now but you can read it here online!

Up the tip...

While I was enjoying a beer or two at the Polish Club at lunchtime Fran was at "the tip" getting rid of umpteen bags of rubbish that don't fit into the great recucling scheme of things. We are certainly now going to "the tip" far more than ever before. Fran reports a long queue of irritated residents doing exactly the same. How is it for you?

If it's Saturday it must be Broadwaters...

So there we were delivering the latest FOCUS this morning! Fortunately it didn't quite pour! Excellent lunch at the Park Gate. Traffic on the roads into town was very heavy. Is this the Weavers Wharf effect?

Clamped...

The Express & Star reported it like this...

Royal opening at Wharf

The grand opening of Kidderminster's Weavers Wharf development was blighted by vandalism and a row over parking when a leading councillor's car was clamped.

St Ambrose RC Primary school pupils Joseph Griffin aged nine (left) and Jack Bennett , aged eight, enjoy talking to the Duke of Kent in Weavers Wharf

Wyre Forest councillor Tony Hinton said vandals had ripped apart new £800 planters and pulled the plants out, and ripped up paving stones earlier this week, forcing the authority to send in workmen to repair the damage before the opening by the Duke of Kent.

He said: "These mindless idiots must have nothing better to do."

And Liberal leader Fran Oborski was left raging when her car was clamped while she attended the opening. Councillor Oborski ended up late for a meeting in Birmingham.

Her anger was directed at Wyre Forest District Council officers, who she said had specifically told her to park on the yellow lines when she went to park on the car park.

She said: "I told them to get the clamps off or pay a taxi bill from Kidderminster to Birmingham, because I had to get to a meeting there. I certainly didn't pay the fine."

We would like to set the record straight. Fran is NOT blaming Council Officers. In fact they were marvellous and extremely helpful! The idiots were the clampers who were nothing whatsoever to do with the Council!

Fran made sure that the innocent members of the public who were clamped got away without paying.

Today Fran specifically asked Council Chief Executive Walter Delin to thank Council Head of Cultural, Leisure & Commercial Services Andrew Dickens for his interevention in assisting her and members of the public.

"Andrew and his staff could not have been more helpful. He was absolutely brilliant and looked after everyone. I am sure that the Express & Star - a super local daly paper - were keen to provide an accurate report but sadly the wires got a little crossed and this story came out just a little bit wrong."

Prime Minister to resign as ruling left split

...No sadly - not here...

...Poland!

Latest Broadwaters Focus...

TACKLE THE LITTER PROBLEM! : SAVE OUR SCHOOLS! : TACKLE PARKING CRISIS! : GOVERNTMENT HIT DISABLED! : AIR POLLUTION MENACE! : 'FUNBOX' FIASCO! : AND MUCH MORE!

Hitting the streets tomorrow! Read it all here online first!

Nappachino...

I wish I'd never heard that one (see below). It's been putting me right off my coffee!

Blair online...

Tony Blair was in Libya today for a friendly chat with Gaddafi. Obviously he must have had the lap top with him. Talk about multi-tasking...

True to form! Not so much "Big Conversation" more "Big Labour Party Recruitment" gimmick...

Every time I've ever signed a Labour Petition on anything local I've always received an invitation to join the Labour Party through the post just a few weeks later. It always leaves me with an unhappy feeling that perhaps their petitions may be more about identifying possible recruits than about the actual issue involved.

So it was with some personal reservations that I left a contribution on Tony Blair's "Big Conversation" web site suggesting that Labour might like to restore Accident and Emergency and other vital services to Kidderminster Hospital.

Surprise, surprise, I have just received an e-mail 'from' Tony Blair.

The fact that it actually says "Tony Blair" in the 'sender' space and culminates with his 'signature' (not just his typed name) is presumably designed to convince me that it comes from the great man himself who is really moved by my concerns and that it is not simply churned out by bored junior operatives at Party Headquarters. Somehow it just doesn't work.

Does Tony's "reply" mention Kidderminster Hospital? No it does not!

Does Tony's "reply" try to get me to join the Labour Party? Why yes of course it does!

So that was just another Labour recruiting gimmick then? Certainly looks that way from where I'm standing.

Anyway read it for yourself...

Dear friend

Thank you for contributing to the Big Conversation.

I want to thank you for making the time to take part in the Big Conversation. I started the conversation because it has always been the exchanges I have had when out meeting people in their own communities and workplaces that have made it most clear what needs to be done and pointed the way forward in how to do it.

I have been delighted by the tremendous response not just because of the sheer numbers participating, over 30,000 people have shared their views with us, but because each of those individuals, people like you, took the trouble to make a positive contribution to the future of their country. Contributions like yours are going to make a real difference to the Labour Party's policy making.

As well as being kept up to date on the written responses I have travelled all over Britain to hear what is concerning people and to listen to their ideas for what we need to do to make their complex and busy lives easier. In Leeds I heard from a young woman who wanted more help in her efforts to get rid of the trouble makers on her estate. In Birmingham nurses told me how much better things were for them in the NHS but how they wanted it to be easier for them to balance work and home life. In Manchester a young pupil told me how she thought her school facilities could be used to educate the whole community and not just her and her fellow students.

Cabinet ministers, ministers, local Labour MPs and councillors have also been participating in Big Conversation meetings and I know from discussions we have had they too have really valued the time people have given to take part in the process.

As you might guess such a wide-ranging conversation has thrown up a considerable number of ideas. It's not too late to let us know your thoughts on the issues and the easiest way to do this is through the website at www.bigconversation.org.uk. We will come back to you later in the year and update you on the ideas arising from the Big Conversation and how we might take some of them forward.

If you are a Labour supporter, I would now ask you to join us and become a party member - the stronger we are locally the more in touch we can be with the needs and concerns of real communities. Please contact 08705 900 200 or log on to www.labour.org.uk for more information on how to join Labour.

Thank you once again for taking the trouble to share your views with us.

Yours sincerely

Tony Blair

Leader of the Labour Party

And my reply...

Not a happy bunny...

Fran, as our Group Leader, was at the official opening of the Weavers Wharf town centre development this morning. She was directed where to park by Council staff. You've guessed it - the car got clamped! She's still there fuming as we post (14.35 local time)!

Update...

Fran got free without paying at 3.00pm thanks to the intervention of senior council officers after a 45 minute delay. Members of the public were also released without paying. They had also parked as directed by Council Car Parks Staff!

Footnote...

Fran tells us that they clamped a couple of innocent customers at the McDonalds "Drive Thru". Now, there's a thought - having your car clamped at a "Drive Thru"!

"Nappachino"

The County Council is plugging the benefits of "real" nappies at Coffee Mornings. Fair enough. But do they really have to call these "nappachino mornings"? Sounds absolutely disgusting. Details are...

Get nappy happy over coffee

Worcester residents can find out more about the benefits of real nappies over a cup of coffee at the next three nappachino mornings.

Worcestershire County Council hosts the advice sessions at the Countryside Centre, Wildwood Drive, on the second Tuesday of every month. The next three months Nappaccino dates are March 9, April 13 and, May 11.

Waste Management officers and independent nappy consultants will be on hand for those parents looking to do their bit for the environment.

Carol Trehearn, Waste Minimisation Promotions Officer, said: “Any interested parents, or indeed parents-to-be, can expect a free cup of coffee and a no-obligation chat about the nappies best suited to their lifestyle and baby. Those who come along can see how fashions have changed from the traditional perceptions about real nappies. And they will be able to see the benefits a change may have on the environment.”

Sessions are from 10am until 12pm and are free of charge.

For further details, contact Carol Trehearn, Waste Minimisation Promotions Officer, on 01905 766096.

Always tell the full story...

We are currently dealing with case of a family who are facing eviction from social housing having run up big rent arrears.

Yes, they should not have got into arrears in the first place and they have now broken the terms of a Court Order.

However, part of the arrears are due to the fact that they claimed Housing Benefit and then failed to respond to repeated requests for further information so that the claim could actually be processed!!!!!

They hadn't even told the Housing Benefits about the eviction threat!!!!!

The message is clear.

If you drift into arrears with a registered social landlord then keep them informed at every stage as to your circumstances.

If you are dealing with Housing Benefits give them the information they need as quickly as possible and keep them fully informed.

Talk to your Councillors as soon as possible.

Yes, we think we were able to help them!

Rumours...

"Lib Dems whisper of coronation to replace Kennedy" reports The Guardian. Sadly for him whatever the truth about his health Charles Kennedy is now probably stuck with the drinking tag.

Please Mr. Postman...

I really thought today was going to be the one - the first working day in over thirty years without any post being delivered here! Well it did eventually arrive - at 1.25pm - the latest yet!

Not so much fun...

Last year the District Council purchased the "Funbox" mobile skateboard unit for £28,000.

The plan was simple. It would be used indoors around Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley at weekends and during schools holidays and then, when permanent skateboarding sites came along, it would be increasingly used around the villages, for after school sessions and for carnivals and events. As yet there are of course no permanent sites.

However, the Council has failed to budget for the running costs for the weekend sessions! So although schools can hire it the only "general use" will be during school holidays with the aid of Police funding.

Fran, who Chairs the Wyre Forest Youth Strategy Group and its Skateboarding Sub-Group, is absolutely furious: "We warned Council Officers and Health Concern Leaders BEFORE the Budget that they needed to make sure that funding was available to carry on with the project. It now seems that no-one was listening."

Fran is pushing for urgent action to get the matter sorted and the "Funbox" mobile skateboarding facility back into full use.

How we laughed...

According to the Express & Star Health Concern Council Leader Howard Martin thinks that Kidderminster could not be any cleaner than it already is! How we all laughed when we read that one!

The picture in the paper of Graham and Paul out identifying litter hot spots also told a very different story.

It's Cuddly Kitten Day!

No, we are not making this up! It is indeed international cuddly kitten day!

Burcher Green...

Some problems on Burcher Green tonight. Police came out on one call. Their control room deny other phone calls and incidents. O.K. in the morning let's get it sorted.

And yet another clear message...

Yes, and today two meetings of parents at Comberton First School and what do the parents say...

NONE support the merger of Lea Street First with Comberton First on the Comberton site!

NONE support the merger of Lea Street First Scchool with Comberton First on a new site!

NONE support the idea of creating "federations" of two or more schools!

ALL want a proper consulatation meeting at the school with a senior County Education Officer present and NOT idiotic town centre "surgeries"!

County Hall! Can you hear us! County Hall! Is there anybody there?

The message could not be clearer...

Seventy parents in total attended the two meetings at Offmore First School today to look at the latest round of proposals for school reorganisation in Wyre Forest.

The Chairman of Governors did a first rate job chairing the meeting, setting the scene, taking and handling questions and pulling the debate together. I also spoke and Fran and I were able to help with detailed information and responses to questions.

Of the SEVENTY parents present...

NONE support the merger of Lea Street First with Offmore First on the Offmore site!

NONE support the merger of Lea Street First with Offmore First on a new site!

NONE support the idea of creating "federations" of two or more schools!

ALL want a proper consultation meeting at the school with a senior County Education Officer present and NOT idiotic town centre "surgeries!

Parents were extremely angry at the new proposals; feel betrayed after all the earlier assurances on the future of the school; and are livid about the lack of consultation!

The message could not be clearer - but is anybody at County Hall actually listening anymore?

Busy, busy, busy...

Sunday was totally non local politics day. Fran and I were at a special Mass, at the Polish Catholic Church of Our Lady of Ostra Brama in Pitt Steet, for the victims and families of the Madrid terrorist attack. The Polish community in Kidderminster is sending a book of condolence to the Spanish Embassy. Afterwards it was a quick drink at the Polish Club and then down to the Shepherds Bush Empire in London for a Concert by the Polish rock band Maanam. Brilliant.

Today I've been out leafletting in Broadwaters already. Next is catch up on post. Then Meeting at Offmore First School at 2.00pm (Schools Review). Later on Kidderminster Charter Trustees. Then second meeting at Offmore First School (Schools Review) at 7.00pm.

Another Saturday!

Out today delivering Focus in Offmore & Comberton. Fortunately the rain didn't last too long. Later on the area around the Town Hall looked dreadful with litter swirling everywhere in the high wind.

Latest score?

Health Concern's Dr. Reg Johnstone has now formally resigned from the Council. With Cllr Nigel Addison leaving the Tories, but remaining on the Council, we think that, until we are told different, the composition of the Council is now probably:-

Health Concern 15, Conservative 11, Liberal 7, Labour 4, Liberal Democrat 2, Independent 2, Vacancy 1.

Dirty & unsafe...

Kidderminster Liberal Councillor Graham Ballinger making a very strong point on the front page of the Express and Star tonight...

Thousands brand town as unsafe

Thousands of residents have branded Kidderminster a dirty and unsafe place to live and have demanded a clean-up of its litter-strewn streets.

School fight continues...

Express & Star Reports today...

Parent power in school battle

A Kidderminster mother-of-four has called for a surge of "parent power" to stop her family's local first school closing down. Lucy Willetts said she was sick of watching local politicians engaging in "constant back-biting and petty point scoring."

Now she has called for parents to stand up and fight to save Lea Street First School from the axe.

Worcestershire County Council has embarked on a major review of schools in Wyre Forest in a bid to cut down on spare capacity.

There are currently 20% spare places in schools in the district - and there are a number of closure or merger proposals on the table.

One of the first raft of proposals was that one of Lea Street, St George's, and St Mary's should close.

That proposal remains on the table and has been joined by another which would see Lea Street merging with either Offmore or Comberton first schools.

"They definitely seem to have it in for Lea Street," said Mrs Willetts, vice-chairman of the action committee set up to save Lea Street.

"The new proposals are utterly ludicrous and shocking. There is such a thing as parent power and we must stand up for what we believe in."

Mrs Willetts, whose youngest son Edward attends reception class at Lea Street, said the move towards bigger schools would be resisted by nearly all parents.

"My friends and I have acted honourably, passionately and tirelessly. We have written letters, attended meetings, made speeches, and personally sought out and spoken to councillors and county council cabinet members.

"There seems to be plenty of money in the kitty - I cannot understand why they don't want to give us what we want."

Mrs Willetts, of Lea Street, also criticised the public consultation exercise as inadequate.

Congratulations Rose...

Mrs. Rosemary Bishop was awarded the High Sheriff's Certificate for Services to the Community at a Ceremony at the West Mercia Constabulary Headquarters last night. The award marks Rose's remarkable contribution in standing up to intimidation, in helping to secure ASBOs on Comberton and through her work with the Offmore Comberton Action Group. The award could not have been more appropriate and merited! Congratulations Rose!

Photograph shows Neighbourhood Warden Rob Kautzner, Rose Bishop and Cllr Mike Oborski

"Sloppy mismanagement" creates £25 million Hospitals debt!

The Worcester Evening News Reports tonight...

Budget bungling blamed for debts

Getting our teeth in...

Giving me a lift back from County Hall today District Council Leader Howard Martin told me "The Health Scrutiny group have got bigger things to get their teeth into than school meals".

I feel really rotten reporting that - he did buy me lunch today!

He was actually making a serious and valid point that the Health Panel ought to looking at major strategic health issues and an internal County Scrutiny Group should be looking at our provision of school meals. Still his choice of words was too good not to share.

The best of all possible Worlds...

Today I am a better and happier Councillor. All is for the best in the very best of all possible Worlds. I have today received three little laminated cards (8.5cm X 5.5cm format) each with my very own name especially printed on the front. The cards proclaim...

OUR VISION : We want Wyre Forest to be a District with healthy, safe and flourishing communities that are supported by a strong and diverse economy. the local environment will be clean, inspiring and valued, where people are proud to live and work and are attracted to visit and invest.

OUR VALUES : Being open, responsive and accountable. Giving value for money. Promoting sustainable development. Putting customers first. Valuing employees. Working in partnership.

Maybe they should add "and we hope that everybody is nice, happy and kind to eachother", "that the sun shines tomorrow", and "please adjust your clothes before leaving".

The final panel quotes Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr. "Life's most persistent question is: What are you doing for others?". To which the answer might be "And what exactly is this card doing for anyone?" To which the answer is absolutely precisely nothing!