I’M SURE that, like me, your readers were dismayed to read in your paper of yet another blow for Bromsgrove town centre.

With the prospect of a new Sainsbury’s now receding, the cinema falling through, the farmers market gone to Webbs and store after store leaving our High Street it is clear that Bromsgrove District Council’s leadership are rudderless, and lack the capability or ideas to get a grip on this situation - and our MP remains absent.

Local Labour councillors have long highlighted the need for a fresh plan for the town centre.

They have called for specific actions to bring business and shoppers back to Bromsgrove, including more housing within the town centre, shop local vouchers, business rate rebates, support for Small Business Saturday and action to tackle the high parking charges.

Sadly Sajid’s Conservative councillors have largely refused to listen, and have only now, backed down on the evening parking charges they themselves introduced.

The people of Bromsgrove deserve better - it’s time for Sajid Javid to play his part in rescuing our town.

Tom Ebbutt Labour Party Parliamentary Candidate for Bromsgrove