I WOULD like to voice my dissatisfaction at the proposed cost cutting plans by Redditch Council which include the closing of Forge Mill Museum and Arrow Valley Countryside Centre.

I feel the plans once again display a short-sightedness and lack of empathy towards the people of Redditch.

Amenities and places of interest are scarce enough in the town without closing any more.

The ill-fated 2005 AIR Festival staged at Arrow Valley Park was proof this council struggles to make decisions which are right for the people of Redditch.

The plans to close Forge Mill Museum are, in my opinion, short-sighted and outrageous, dealing a massive snub to the town's industrial heritage and its ancestry.

In a country which is slowly losing its identity and origin, the remains of Bordesley Abbey signifies the beginnings of Redditch as we know it today.

As a teacher, I have taken groups of children to the museum and the range of educational features on offer is always good and makes learning more fun.

There is no doubt in my mind children's learning will suffer as a result of this site being closed. Does the cost-cutting brigade at the council know the significance of this site?

The proposed closure of the countryside centre also surprises and disappoints me.

The facility is unique to Redditch and offers spectacular views across Arrow Valley Lake.

The council should be encouraging people to take advantage of the local environment and give encouragement to visit the countryside centre. This facility is fantastic and it is used by people of all ages throughout the year.

If closure of both sites is due to lack of visitors, then better advertising and marketing is required.

I am sure there are many new inhabitants within this town who do not even know these places exist.

I urge the council to adopt a more responsible and sensible approach to their cost-cutting agenda and seek more appropriate ways of tightening its purse strings.

MARTYN WEST

via e-mail