British Sugar site

currently owned, we believe, by a finance group. County Councillor Paul Mills and I have made the case at County Hall for the involvement of County and District Councils in the development of this site, with Advantage West Midlands. We would like high-tech jobs and the development of a Technology Park. Kidderminster deserves such an opportunity.

Wyre Forest unemployment

The Wyre Forest unemployment rate stands at 2.7% of the workforce, some 919 people. This percentage represents a virtual full employment situation, a major success for our local economy and the economic policies of our Labour Government.

Community Transport in Wyre Forest

I am actively engaged in trying to secure permanent funding for Dial-a-Ride and other local organisations. I have written to the Primary Care Trust asking them to re-instate the funding for buses to and from our County Hospitals, particularly to Redditch and Worcester from Kidderminster. I believe I may have identified a funding source. No promises, but watch this space!

Education Review Board

I am one of three elected councillors on the County’s Education Review Board for Wyre Forest. We are dealing with the school re-building programme, the transition to two-tier entry, teacher and staff employment and the raising of education standards. The review will not be completed until at least 2011. Your comments are welcome.

20 MPH Speed zone for schools

The safety of our children is my priority, particularly getting them to and from school. In February at a County Council meeting I began a campaign to get a 20 MPH speed zone system installed outside every school. If you support my campaign, please let me know, then I can indicate the level of support to the politicians and engineers in Worcester.