A rare politician

It was nice to read in last week’s Tenbury Advertiser that Phil Groves is one of those very rare politicians that is not self serving and considers the needs of his constituents first. Its a pity that others in this area don’t have the same courage.

Last summer we had a fire at home which, if it hadn’t been for a fire engine arriving within minutes our whole house would have burned down at a cost of many times the £38,000 that would be saved by removing one of the fire engines at Tenbury.

If there had been another incident in this area just before ours with only one available we daren’t think what would have happened.

ANDREW FERRIER

Eardiston

 

Clear conscience

I have been overwhelmed by the support and emails received from your readers, and the residents of Tenbury and Burford.

Their petition for my suspension from the Conservative Group to be lifted and my membership on the Fire Authority Board to be reinstated has been a great comfort, not only to me, but also my family.

My recent decision was one of conscience. I was not able to support he reduction of fire appliances across Herefordshire and Worcestershire and the one here in Tenbury. In my opinion, lives would be put at risk.

I was elected to represent the views of residents within Hallow division and across the whole of Worcestershire including Tenbury residents. During the fire service consultation, everyone I spoke to had concerns. Opposition to the reduction in fire cover was made not only by those from urban areas, but especially by those living within rural communities like ours in Tenbury.

When asked to be a member of the Fire Authority Board, I accepted on confirmation that it was an outside body with no political affiliations.

I firmly believe that the additional monies from reserves should retain front line services.

My conscience is clear and my principles remain intact. It was never my intention to find myself in this present position of being suspended.

Once again, I would like to convey my thanks to everyone who has taken time to write and express their personal support of my decision. I have been greatly reassured by them.

PHIL GROVE

Tenbury member

Malvern Hills District Council

 

Wrong cuts

SHROPSHIRE Council claims to be doing all it can to save us money, yet it seems to miss the blindingly obvious. It’s the first week in March and council contractors are already cutting the grass on open spaces around Ludlow and presumably across the county.

Why? The grass hasn’t grown, it has been under water for weeks in many places. Local residents certainly aren’t out cutting their lawns, but the council has sent its contractors out.

One wonders if it is a similar situation to Veolia and that someone has blindly signed a contract committing us to lawn mowing starting on March 1 and finishing at the end of November for the next 25 years.

We won’t find out through a council meeting because we don’t have those any more to save money.

ANDY WRIGHT

Lower Broad Street

Ludlow