Despite all the adverse publicity surrounding this issue, I think it is important to note that postmasters have had to be willing to accept a golden handshake (many thousands of pounds) before a post office is closed. Therefore, what ever the government guidelines were, it is the postmasters who have had the last say.

Both Councillor Mike Sharpe and I are extremely pleased that Tyburn Ward postmasters have put their residents first and refused to even consider closure.

Well done and thank you to those who have resisted the big money bribes.

On the agenda is the budget for this year which has been rubber stamped by the Lib Dems and endorsed by the Tories.

It shows they have agreed reduced funding creating a REDUCTION in Street Cleaning
a REDUCTION in refuse collection
a REDUCTION in crossing wardens for our children.

I will be refusing to accept these cuts.

As you know both Councillor Mike Sharpe and I are campaiging for road safety across the Ward to include crossing wardens for children. We don’t have any on Castle Vale so how can they reduce what we don’t have?

Street cleaning is at an all time low. So what cut backs are they proposing?

Refuse collection is hit and miss. So what cut backs are they proposing?

Remember, it is the current Coalition running (or ruining) Birmingham City Council.

However, there are three sets of options here:

1. Return to original site
2. Leave at new site
3. Get together with relevant parties to discuss a more appropriate way of using existing bus stops and routes.

The petition will of course be submitted but everyone’s opinions are equally important to me as your elected member.

So, if you want to let me know your view then email me or telephone 0121 303 2039 and leave a message. I will get back to you.

In the meantime, I will be talking to the Bus Company to seek time to fully consult on the issue. I will then be in a position to put all options forward.