HERE are this week’s letters to the Bromsgrove and Droitwich Standard –

Chance missed if you haven’t aired your views

BY NOW, those who have not done so have missed their chance to complete the Bromsgrove Air Quality Plan survey, a self-congratulatory tick box exercise that would require some form of heretic to give a wholly negative response to every question. I think that was the aim.

Unfortunately as usual questions not asked are of at least equal importance.

The main objective is to improve air quality along Worcester Road to the High Street and the initial statement refers to the eventual completion of BREP, the section of the A38 formerly referred to as the Eastern Bypass. No mention was made of

The Western bypass, formerly known as Fox Lane to Perryfields.

For too long these roads have been closed forcing residents and traveller to work around construction companies, surely it should be the other way round.

By reopening these roads Droitwich to Kidderminster and Stourbridge bound traffic would disappear from Worcester Road improving air quality at a stroke.

Once the remaining traffic arrives in Bromsgrove, the town could greet it with a pedestrian shopping centre, that is, a pedestrian area such as High Street, Worcester, for foot traffic and mobility scooters only.

We are already close to this solution with restrictions on loading, generally ignored, during restricted times, and no off loading, by omission, similarly ignored.

Cycling apparently only allowed if you enter via Church Street or the just refurbished Chapel Street, currently neither having cycling prohibition signs.

Many building already have rear access via two parallel back roads whilst shops could be allowed High Street deliveries outside of shopping hours.

Deliveries at other times by pedestrian controlled machinery.

Market trader vehicles allowed before and after shopping hours whilst mobile stores to remain stationary throughout that period.

Not dodging vans and cycles might have a benefit on footfall, the meaning of pedestrian.

Richard Whitehouse

Romsley

Time to tackle the real polluters

I WOULD like to address the column by Extinction Rebellion last week.

Do they really think that by opposing the new runway at Heathrow will save the planet?

I’d like to know what planet they are on.

They talk of making it more expensive to fly for UK residents whilst pointing out that the well heeled are the ones that fly frequently, but by making it more expensive then only they would be able to fly.

Opposing one runway in UK whilst China are at present building 100 new airports.

I think their attention should be elsewhere other than attacking the British public who let’s face it deserve a well earned holiday abroad now more than ever.

These sanctimonious zealots with too much time on their hands need to address the real polluters of the world.

The UK at present puts out less than one per cent of the worlds Co2 and so is a minor on the world stage of polluters despite being a G7 nation.

Closer to home, Germany and Poland are the dirty countries of Europe so go there (walking/swimming obviously, not flying) and send us a postcard telling us how you got on.

M Jones

Give shopkeepers policing powers

I HAVE sent the following to the Chief Constable of West Mercia Police.

Why don’t you make shopkeepers and owners special constables, they can then arrest shoplifters from their properties on suspicion of theft, as and when they need to.

This is possible because an officer can place himself on duty at anytime needed.

He or she can also hold the offender whilst waiting for assistance/transport to the local ‘nick’.

Yes, special constables have all the powers of arrest that regular PCs do.

PCSOs do not have arrest powers the same as a regular officers but do get paid – don’t go down that road please.

Can you please reply to my suggestion?

Stan Francis

Romsley

Can you take on challenge for Breast Cancer Now?

AS AN Olympian, I am always on the hunt for a new a physical challenge.

I am also a proud ambassador of Breast Cancer Now, so when I learned their Pink Ribbon Walk series was celebrating its 20th anniversary, taking on the 20-mile walk felt like the perfect way to mark this milestone.

I would like to encourage your readers to lace up their walking boots and join me in signing up to a walk to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Now.

Having received a diagnosis of breast cancer myself at the age of 36, Breast Cancer Now is very close to my heart.

I know first-hand how devastating a diagnosis is, and how Breast Cancer Now’s research and support gives hope to all those affected.

I will be walking at the Blenheim Palace Pink Ribbon Walk alongside people who have been impacted by the disease whilst raising funds so this important charity can continue to be there for the 55,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK.

From April to June, the Pink Ribbon Walks take place across four beautiful locations.

Hampton Court Palace on April 26, Blenheim Palace on May 10, Crieff Hydro in Scotland on May 31 and Chatsworth House on June 21.

Whichever walk you join, you will soak up beautiful UK countryside and will carry a pink ribbon with your own message of hope as you walk, which you can then add to an incredible display of pink ribbons as you receive your medal at the finish line. In this, the 20 the year of Breast Cancer Now’s Pink Ribbon Walks, will you step up to the challenge and walk 10 or 20 miles to raise funds for this essential cause? Find out more and register now at www.breastcancernow.org/prw

Donna Fraser OBE OLY

Breast Cancer Now ambassador

EDITOR’S COMMENT

BROMSGROVE Sporting’s new football development programme is fantastic news – both for the town and the area’s up-and-coming players of the beautiful game.

There is nothing better as a football fan than seeing home-grown grassroots talent coming through the ranks.

As well as the opportunities being provided for players, it should also, long-term, help The Rouslers progress as a club.

Well done to everyone at Colmers School and Sixth Form and Sporting for making this happen and good luck with the project ahead.

WE WELCOME YOUR LETTERS

We welcome your letters on any subject, but please try to keep them to 350 words. Email them to [email protected] or [email protected]