High Street is in need of some help

11:06am Thursday 13th March 2008

I AM writing to express my feelings about the extremely poor condition of Bromsgrove High Street which needs highlighting so that other readers may be moved to support my view of its deplorable state.

I have been a local ratepayer since 1958. In those days Bromsgrove was a vibrant bustling and busy market town. The shops were plentiful and varied; it was a pleasure being here. Buses and other private and commercial vehicles passed along High Street.

In due time, however, traffic became denser and it was necessary to address the situation, so the pedestrian precinct was built, with traffic diverted making it safer for all. I travel to Bromsgrove almost daily to shop and to socialise. I am very fond of the town and have always been so. Sadly the passage of time has brought about more wear and tear than I dare say was envisaged; its upkeep has been badly neglected.

In 1996, I was in the High Street and I tripped and fell on a raised brick. My nose was broken, my eyes were blackened and other contusions occurred. I was taken to the Princess of Wales' Hospital for treatment. I sought the advice of a local solicitor and, through him, brought the attention of the incident to the district council.

Following from my complaint, the council replied that the brick was subsequently examined and was not considered hazardous. However, three days later, I noticed that the offending brick and others surrounding it had been removed and resurfaced. It remains the same 12 years on. The area I am referring to is outside The Bodyshop adjacent to a bollard.

I notice that other areas have been treated in the same way. Several bricks are also broken, as are some of the paving slabs.

Some months ago I wrote a letter to Bromsgrove District Council drawing attention once again to the appalling state of the precinct.

Their reply was that it is not their responsibility, but that of Worcestershire County Council. The letter also read: "We are formulating plans for redevelopment, but planning regulations mean it will be some time before we are in a position to commence any regeneration."

Meanwhile, several shops have ceased to trade and are re-locating elsewhere. The future of the market is uncertain. Then there is the ludicrous rise from £30 to £300 for concessionary parking and the introduction of charges for our green wheelie bins.

This is all on top of a five per cent rise in council tax levied by one of the worst performing councils in the United Kingdom.

I hope that further pressure will be put on the council, for the sake of Bromsgrove High Street.

Laurence Dowie, Rubery