"The situation in Redditch is in chaos and is a recipe for disaster"

 

Labour Shadow Health Minister brands Alex changes chaotic during public meeting

Rebecca Blake brought Shadow Health Minster Jamie Reed MP to Redditch to listen to local people's concerns on the future of the Alex.

Labour's Rebecca Blake and Jamie Reed MP were on the panel in a public meeting with Ian Dipple from the Save the Alex campaign.

Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Redditch, Rebecca Blake said "I brought Jamie Reed to Redditch to understand how the Tory-led Government's £3.4 billion reorganisation is affecting people in Redditch. 

"These unnecessary delays about whether A&E and Maternity services will remain at Redditch are putting existing services in jeopardy, let alone future services.

"The Conservative Government Minister snubbed residents a few weeks ago. He should have listened to local people. Trying to keep the problems at arms' length, saying it's nothing to do with us, is simply not good enough.

Labour's Jamie Reed spent an hour taking questions from people, then stayed on afterwards to hear people's individual concerns.  The Shadow Health Minster, Jamie Reed MP said "Around the country I am seeing the consequences of an ill thought through, un-mandated reconfiguration of the NHS.

"The situation in Redditch is in chaos and is a recipe for disaster. 

"Evidence suggests it’s not safe to take A&E out of a town like Redditch, at a time of rising admissions.

"Government Ministers must take responsibility."

Details from Redditch Standard

 

  

      

 

 



Redditch Women Supporting Race for Life

Arrow Valley Park was heaving with runners, joggers and walkers on Sunday.  All there to raise money for a cure for all cancers.  With over 1000 people taking part, all for the same cause it was certainly worthwhile.    

The worrying thing is that cancer is on the increase, however the silver lining is that we are now far more likely to survive cancer and it's incredible how far Cancer Research has come since the first race for life in 1994 progress so far

Funding for research is crucial and I was moved by people's stories.  Local sports personality 11 year old Libby Smith racing with SE Davis who together raised £2000, motivated by her aunty having cancer.  Cllr Brunner, walking for her Dad who recently died of Cancer.  Reading the messages on people's backs is very emotional, however, it also gives us another chance to remember the people we have lost.

For me, politics is important including where cancer is concerned.  I am very proud that the last Labour government achieved the target, that people suspected to have cancer by their GP were seen by a specialist within two weeks.  To increase cancer survival rates early diagnosis is key.  I worry about the effects upon cancer because of longer waiting times for GP's & longer waiting times to see specialists that people are now facing. 

Locally I campaigned for the Alex to have the county Radiotherapy Unit because people should not have to travel to Coventry for daily treatment, especially when they may be very ill.  I was disappointed Worcester Royal will have the facility instead of Redditch, however, to have provision closer than Coventry is a vast improvement.

Having walked Race for Life for the first time two years ago with my little brother and jogged this year, I am building up to beating my time next year.  I look forward to joining Redditch women again in the Redditch Race for Life 2014!

Sick of the sight of derelict buildings

 

Rebecca Blake, Labour's Parliamentary Spokesperson has kicked off the debate on town centre development, amidst rumours surrounding the area around the train station.

Rebecca says "The train station is a gateway to our town.  Recently there have been many improvements in the area, including the pedestrian access, landscaping and artwork.  However, I am sick of the sight  of the derelict buildings next to the station, on Bromsgrove Road and Edward Street.

They give a negative image of our town and what's more some of these factories are part of our industrial heritage, yet have become a complete eyesore.  In the week that we have hosted the national bike tour, this is not how we want to greet our visitors.  For all of my life, many of these buildings have been in disrepair and this has been allowed to continue for far too long. 

I want to hear from local people on how they feel this part of our town should be developed.  And I will pass on their views to Redditch Borough Council for consideration". 

Local people and businesses have spoken to Rebecca sharing their concerns about this part of the town centre and that they want the area utilised.  If you would like to share your views on this area of town centre development, visit the website & complete the survey.

www.rebecca-blake.org.uk/survey or for a printed copy call 07529 964 840

For more info