5 to fix - our promises for Bromsgrove
If elected, our County Councillors will ensure prompt action, particuarly in respect of the following:
1. Highways
[caption id="attachment_490" align="alignright" width="275"] A familiar sight across Bromsgrove and the rest of Worcestershire[/caption]
Worcestershire's roads are in a dreadful state following a harsh winter. We are now well into spring and there are no visible signs of road repairs in Bromsgrove where they are needed most. In addition, there are estates around the town where pavements and roads have been neglected for years, despite promises that they will be fixed. We will ensure that the increased highways budget is used appropriately to fund these repairs and will not spend the best part for £1000 on a spoof video about potholes. (See: The Telegraph 15/03/13)
2. Transport
We will ensure that bus services to rural parts of Bromsgrove are protected where possible and that Bromsgrove's biggest infrastructure project in years (the new station in Aston Fields) is appropriately managed.
[caption id="attachment_492" align="alignleft" width="300"] The new station requires thought with residents in mind...[/caption]
The increased traffic and footfall to the station is something that needs to be addressed properly with residents. As the County Council is half funding the project, we will ensure this proper process takes place.
3. Health
[caption id="attachment_493" align="alignright" width="300"] We will represent the views that serve Bromsgrove best[/caption]
Residents from our part of Worcestershire are severely concerned about the shake up to the NHS. The County Council is in charge of health and social care and we will ensure that residents' views are represented and that the cheapest options for change is not chosen unless it is best for the public.
4. Education
[caption id="attachment_495" align="alignleft" width="210"] We will fight for better funding[/caption]
Despite the Lib Dem pupil premium helping schools directly from central government, our County Council are not helping our schools and colleges. Worcestershire is one of the most poorly funded areas of the UK when it comes to education and this is something our Councillors will endeavour to change.
5. Spending
This is a separate policy but underpins everything we will do as County Councillors. We know we are living in times of austerity and money is tight. However, despite making cuts to services across the county, Worcestershire County Council still spend inappropriately.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="283"] Time to cut the inappropriate spending at County Hall....[/caption]
Two good recent examples are the pothole video (see above) and the unnecessary refurbishment at County Hall where key services are being cut instead. Cutting the Conservative majority is key to scrutinising such unaccountable spending.