death by a thousand cuts

The cuts brought about as a result of the actions of greedy bankers will cause hardship in many areas of our communities. Maybe those who are better off will not notice these cuts much, but there are many less well off who will find these cuts really hurt. The problem is that this Tory Government and so this Tory Council are cutting harder and faster than is needed. The cuts will hit areas that will have a higher cost long term


- trebling tuition fee limit which will make access to many universities restricted to young people with rich parents. This could have been prevented by Liberal MPs who broke their election promise. There is also the loss of the education maintenance allowance paid to 16 year olds help support them staying on at school .

- Those potholes in our roads I suspect will get bigger and cause more damage to both vehicles and pedestrians.

- Libraries will have both their opening hours cut and some will be axed altogether. Libraries used well can be vital to the progress of our children.

- Cuts to the music service based at the Forest will reduce access to music lessons and support over the whole of the schools in Walsall Borough.

- Our volunteers such as in the scouts have their support cut… the council currently give £12K towards their volunteer training costs and venue hire.

- Support for the most vulnerable in our society, those with disability, the elderly, the mentally handicapped both young and old will see their support cut to the absolute legal minimum, loading carers to breaking point. Those who depend on the services of Social services will be very worried about their future level of support.

- Cuts to the police force will mean a reduction in Officers available to deal with crime and criminal activity. I am sure the criminals will be waiting to take advantage.

- VAT will rise to 20% in 2011 which will mean most items will rise in cost … not much of a dent in the finances of the well off but will make a real impact for most of us.

The future of our leisure centres , their opening hours and charges are also under the spotlight. This Tory Council would like to off load these to the private sector. Certainly I will expect that most of the swimming pools attached to schools will be closed ( there are around 46 pools which may well be cut to 5 or 6)

Read my lips. No increase in tuition fees. A Promise!

New Members flock to join the Labour Party

We learn that 15,000 joined Labour online, extra 3,000 joined off line. That's 18,000 new members in last 14 days - Remarkable.




Thus sends us a message from the people that we hold the respect of an increasing number of the electorate. Let us build on this support .



From



Ian Robertson



secretary walsall South and agent for Valerie Vaz MP

Kath Phillips re-elected

I should like to thank all those who voted for me last thursday. I shall work hard for all of you... if you wish to contact me on an issue please give me a call or send a message below.

Regards

Kath

Kath Phillips Labour for Bloxwich East

“I have once again been selected by the Labour Party to be their candidate for Bloxwich East. I am delighted they have faith in me to continue to serve the community I live in.
I have been a member of the Labour party for 40 years. During that time I have served as a school governor. I have been a serving magistrate since 1982. I have been instrumental in setting up several residents groups and have recently formed a group to support Walsall Hospice.
Currently acting chair of the Friends of Bloxwich Park.
I am now an elder at Blakenall United Reformed Church and still find my faith an important part of my life”.
If elected I promise to campaign vigorously against Tory proposals to close all our leisure centres.
We need more community facilities not less especially for our youth who often receive undue criticism .
Despite the Tories supporting our resolution to Council some 2 years ago to take action against owners of ‘tat’ wagons that park on our footpaths and grass verges causing obstruction to pedestrians and also make our streets look an eyesore: No action has been taken!
Litter is still a major problem: potholes are still a major problem: anti social problems continue: all happening under tory control.
Your Tory candidate was deselected from Pelsall ward… not good enough for Pelsall… so not good enough for us!
Having lived in Bloxwich most of my life, I passionately believe that Bloxwich, with the right investment could return to its former glory days and become a vibrant market Town again.
You can trust me not to be afraid to speak up for the people I serve.
With your continued support I will continue to work

published by Ian Robertson on behalf of Kath Phillips by electronic communication from Bellamy House Wilkes Street Willenhall WV13 2BS