WELL another council year is nearly over and so a time to reflect and look forward to the future. Let’s look towards the future and consider any lessons learnt from the past.

Tesco open later this month. Love it or hate it, it’s a fact. I urge every business in the town, whether they consider themselves in direct competition or likely to benefit from increased footfall, to take every advantage that they can.

Can I take the opportunity to thank the clear majority of businesses and residents who have been patient and understanding while the recent roadworks have been in progress and at times parking in the town has been restricted?

Traffic flow has at times been slow, not helped by the diversions due to the collapse of Eastham bridge which is soon to reopen. It is disappointing that the next phase of the public realm works will not commence until the autumn but we have been given the reasons.

Our neighbourhood plan and businesses. We have circulated a questionnaire to all businesses we are aware of. If you haven’t received one, then please complete one on line via the council web site.

I always try and leave posting this blog until the last minute just so that it can be up-to-date and consider any new developments. Well, as it happens, at the time of writing news seems to be full of a General Election, Brexit, Donald Trump and the threat of wars. In Tenbury, the main concern seems to be about the relocation of the bus stop.

Abusive, ill-informed and foul mouthed comments on Facebook don’t really need considering when we look back over the last year. I refer to lessons learnt. Take part in public consultations and have a voice when it counts, not after the event.