WYRE Forest county councillors have demonstrated their views about the changes imposed on our schools by representatives from other parts of the county.
Because of the heartfelt campaigns to save our threatened schools I wrote to the Local Education Authority asking for evidence that the review of education is not a money-saving exercise and that those making the decisions are genuinely interested in improving educational standards.
I received a detailed reply with demographic and financial details. The letter ends with the sentences "I hope the letter assures you that this is not a cost-cutting exercise. The reasons for change are based on sound educational and demographic reasons and are intended to secure the future of Wyre Forest schools for the next generation".
My stance will now be to make sure that the changes, if they are finally approved by the Schools Organisation Committee, are shown to be for the benefit of Wyre Forest children and that the transition is managed with the least disruption possible.
I have been asked to circulate a paper from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to amateur sports clubs in the constituency.
There are 128 such sports clubs listed in the Wyre Forest information guide. I cannot circulate details to all of them and so I hope readers will pass on that there is a leaflet from the DCMS entitled Growing Community Support which explains several methods for amateur sports clubs to save money by registering as a community amateur sports club.
The leaflet is available from: William Powell at DCMS on 020 7211 6087 or e-mail: William.powell@culture.gsi.gov.uk
This week in London has been hectic. Monday saw the report stage and third reading of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill.
I voted with the Government on amendments to do with litter and against an opposition amendment which placed, I thought, disproportionate emphasis on the problems of discarded chewing gum.
I voted with the Liberal Democrats on sensible amendments about waste recycling and I abstained on a Tory amendment that I did not have time to understand. The third reading was passed unopposed.
On Tuesday, the Drugs Bill was less arduous as there were fewer amendments that were contested which was frustrating for me as I had spent time studying the pros and cons of each.
This was preceded by a ministerial statement on the Prevention of Terrorism Bill which is now due for its second reading.
I share the view with opposition parties and some Labour backbenchers that it is wholly wrong for British citizens to be at risk of detention on the order of a politician without trial or legal advice.
I anticipate a sizeable Government rebellion. Will it materialise or will the House of Commons leave its constitutional duty to the House of Lords yet again? We will have the answer by the time you read this.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article