Why shall I be voting on May 7 for the proposal to set up a Kidderminster town council?

Kidderminster is the only part of Wyre Forest that doesn’t have a town or parish council; the District Council is in direct control. If the County goes Unitary, like Shropshire, the District disappears, and Kidderminster would come under the direct control of County Hall. Everyone else would still have their Councils to speak for them.

Towns and parishes have quite wide powers, from allotments to toilets and public halls.

They can promote their area in tourism and business terms and make grants, and ensure that the local voice is heard.

Parish and town councillors aren’t paid allowances. The Charter Trustees would disappear if a Town Council is set up.

I’m involved in town twinning; Husum, our Stourport-size twin town, operates car parks, harbour, pools, flood defences, halls, etc. It even has a say in education. It’s a community, with a sense of belonging.

We need to recover that – it would put new heart into Kidderminster.

Ray Harrowing Kidderminster