LETTERS to editor: Our leaders' 'wisdom' in controlling our lives! - The Solihull Observer

LETTERS to editor: Our leaders' 'wisdom' in controlling our lives!

Solihull Editorial 21st Oct, 2017   0

LETTERS to the editor in latest Solihull Observer

Three articles in the Solihull Observer caught my eye (a fortnight ago). On page 4, we are warned about misuse of the Lode Lane bus lane. The real misuse is by Solihull MBC appropriating one-third of the road width when unnecessary (e.g. outside the morning rush-hour) – even when no buses are running. The resultant congestion and safety hazards due to narrow lanes inhibit access to the town centre along this road.

Secondly, on page 11 we are told that increasing car parking charges will encourage shoppers to visit Knowle.

Finally, lower down the same page we learn that buses will run much more reliably with fewer bus stops and hence fewer passengers to slow them down.




It is good to know that our leaders are exercising such wisdom and common sense in their control of our lives.

yours sincerely


Dr Dave Kimber

Solihull

 

Solihull council is championing a new approach to decorating a town centre. The temporary road repair signage, ages since the repair has finished, has almost blended with the landscape of roads leading to Lode lane roundabout.

A metal frame which has fallen flat on the pavement leading to Ruckleigh School is a good example in defiance of the ‘Safety Gone Mad’ policy of the recent years. It could be used as a good specimen to educate pupils and parents to take their eyes off their mobile phones and be alert of the road you are walking on.

The light pole which has been cordoned off on the central reservation of the road, the diversion signs, the plastic fence along the pavement. All these street furniture is a new approach to decorating a town centre.

I congratulate the affluent council of Solihull for their brave approach and also like to mention a word of appreciation for the so called ‘Responsible Road Contractors’ for not cleaning after. This approach has also been extended in Shirley where the street sign near the Porcelanosa roundabout, the temporary signs, the traffic along the road divider, the Sainsbury roundabout has been in a state for years now.

Wondering if a council where receipts have only gone up, thanks to JLR, busy Blythe Valleys, expanded and busy Touchwood, a very buoyant housing market, can’t afford to keep the city tidy and in order, which other council can.

Name withheld by us on request

 

I am an acquaintance rather than friend of Cllr Potts who I have met at different events over the past few years.

What I do know is that he is a man who wants to make the world a better place – and his value system is based on equality for all, kindness, peace and love. And that is his motivation in being a councillor. Based on our chats in the past, I know that Jeff Potts is not a racist! He takes people on their merit as he finds them regardless of where they came from.

I have spotted him, whilst driving through Knowle, on his own picking up trash from roadside verges. No-one else with him. That’s something very few people do – unless they care … a lot.

In Jeff Potts’ defence – he says he feels strongly that freedom of speech is one of the core values of living in Great Britain. In my opinion there are those who seek to destroy that principle and what is happening now to Jeff Potts is evidence that knocks away yet another piece off its edge.

I don’t condone the messages he re-tweeted – it was a poor error of judgement.

He’s made a mistake – it is human to do things we regret. And he played straight into the hands of political manoeuvring.. The media focus and all that has happened since has been nothing more than manipulation… The police and council’s extreme over-reaction works nicely helping him to knock out the next opponent – and there will be one.

I am a minority race and it has not affected in any way, the people I associate with.

It seems to me reading the press that Jeff Potts has suffered humiliation and punishment enough for an error which he acknowledges … and has publicly apologised for.

Name withheld

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