Here is a selection of this week’s Kidderminster Standard readers’ letters.

‘Town needs to move with the times’

I WRITE about subways under the Ring Road.

The town centre feels dead after 4pm because, in my opinion, the biggest disincentive to travelling into the town centre on foot are the subways most of us are forced through.

These date from the 1960s when cars were king. But we don’t apply 1960s attitudes in our lives anymore. The country has moved on.

But Kidderminster, it seems, has not been able to move with the times. Why?

These subways are simply horrible places and to get into town at night means either braving them or driving.

There are virtually no buses after 7pm.

Wyre Forest District Council says it is not its responsibility – subways are part of Worcestershire County Highways. And Worcestershire Highways steadfastly refuse to provide traffic light crossings over the ring road because they say traffic will be held up.

So our county council is responsible for this state of affairs. Other towns which have got rid of subways have a vibrant night time economy.

Wouldn’t it be nice in hot weather to wander into town for a drink or a meal or to see a show at the Town Hall without the car?

Areas with more pedestrian footfall generally do better trade and we should encourage the night time economy.

So I say it’s about time to rid the town of the 1960s subways.

They’re based on outdated attitudes and ideas, are unsafe, impossible to maintain properly and are stifling economic development and trade in Kidderminster.

Peter Bassett

‘More needs to be done’

I WRITE in response to your story about Kidderminster Town Centre.

Kidderminster as a great opportunity to create a visitor hub and shopping centre.

It has a river and canal running through it, the present garden and the existing river development is brilliant. But what about the canal side?

I do not know who owns the land the back of Matalan, but it is ideal for creating a canal side establishment together with access from Weavers Wharf to the other side.

The development would open up the area linking it right down to Tesco etc.

Just think shops, restaurants and entertainment centres.

N Wilson

Next Prime Minister must do more for policing

An open letter to the next Prime Minister

I am calling on you to ensure policing and our criminal justice system is front and centre as policies are reviewed and developed.

I know you share my view that listening to the public is essential if we are to deliver what people need and expect.

I would therefore like to highlight three key issues that matter greatly to the communities across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Worcestershire, and require urgent attention.

There is currently a great deal of discussion about reforming policing across England and Wales. While I am not opposed to change, any reforms of this scale should be shaped by the people they affect.

Recent public consultation carried out across West Mercia showed that many people were unaware of the changes being proposed or why they are being considered.

Policing in this country is built on the principle of policing by consent. If major changes are pushed forward without properly engaging the public, there is a real risk of further damaging confidence in both policing and politics.

Local people are less concerned about structures and systems and more about whether the police service is effective, well-run, and properly funded. They want a police service that works.

Reform must be done with the public, not to them. Any changes must strengthen the ability of policing to tackle crime, support victims, and keep communities safe.

West Mercia has record numbers of police officers and people being brought to justice, but policing needs the financial backing to ensure it can cope with the ever-growing demand and pressures.

The public rightly expect a visible police presence in their communities, swift responses when they need help and effective investigations when they are victims of crime. These can only be met if policing is given the resources and long-term certainty it needs to plan for the future.

I call on you to ensure that policing is recognised as a national priority and is provided with sustainable funding that allows it to prevent crime, keep communities safe, protect the vulnerable and bring offenders to justice.

The criminal justice system does not operate in isolation. Decisions taken in one part of the system inevitably create pressures elsewhere.

If more offenders are managed in the community, policing, probation services, local authorities and support services must have the capacity and resources required to manage risk effectively and protect the public.

I have also written to the Home Secretary setting out significant concerns regarding the impending Sentencing Act.

I provided an example of where the impact of an early prison release has had a profound impact on a victim of crime.

Whilst rehabilitation has an important role to play in reducing reoffending and creating safer communities, it can only be successful when it is matched by accountability, effective supervision and a justice system that commands public confidence.

I call on you to ensure reforms of the criminal justice system are victim-focused and accompanied by the investment and oversight necessary to deliver safer outcomes for communities across the country.

John Campion

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner

EDITOR’S COMMENT

ENGLAND’S World Cup clash with Mexico on Monday made for gripping viewing and, when the final whistle eventually went, euphoric scenes.

The players and manager Thomas Tuchel were inspirational, defying the odds and maintaining the feelgood factor.

Pubs, bars and clubs in Kidderminster and surrounding areas showing the match would have also received a much-needed boost.

Good luck to the Three Lions against Norway tonight.

Let’s all get out there and support our licensed venues as well as the England team in these in these tough economic times.