I WOULD like to respond to Cllr Mallett’s letter in this paper from September 10, regarding his comments about the renovation of Bromsgrove High Street.

As the portfolio holder for the town centre, I spend a lot of time out on the High Street talking to shoppers and local businesses, all of whom are very happy with the regeneration work.

Thanks to the renovation, the market has finally returned to the High Street, and traders tell me of their optimism, with a high number of applications for new stalls. New businesses are coming to the High Street all the time.

Part of the reason for the lengthy process was the council consulting with residents and businesses to achieve a regeneration that best suited them, rather than simply riding rough-shod over their opinions.

Cllr Mallett raised the issue of funding. Perhaps he can explain why Peter MacDonald, one of his councillors and also a county councillor, voted against providing a £500,000 grant to Bromsgrove District Council for the redevelopment of the High Street?

Time and time again, the Labour Party in Bromsgrove tell us what they are against, what they oppose, what they do not like.

They oppose the regeneration.

They oppose anything that could make a difference to the people of Bromsgrove.

Labour is not serious about getting the best for Bromsgrove. All they can do is criticise and complain.

The Conservative-run council is listening to residents and taking Bromsgrove forward, creating a thriving town centre for businesses and local people.

Councillor Rita Dent Conservative Portfolio Holder for the town centre