I WOULD like to thank the Hereford Civic Society for organising several hustings meetings at the Kindle Centre. These events have enabled the public to ask questions on a variety of subjects.
I have attended three and it is clear that our political system is so bureaucratic and target driven it discourages entrepreneurialism and progress.
Public services are dominated by increasing legislation which interferes with the efficient running of the NHS, education, police and local authority services.
Let’s face it, the practitioners are best placed to manage and regulate local services: with a robust scrutiny process in place, the harsh austerity measures imposed by Westminster would be significantly reduced.
Taking Westminster party politics out of the local agenda would enable councillors to represent their communities more effectively.
I for one am fed up with wading through a minefield of unnecessary bureaucratic impediments that prevent me from improving community facilities in my ward.
I have been involved in several successful projects and am currently working on the relocation of the excellent Ofsted rated Bright Sparks Nursery run by Kate Shepherd. At present the nursery is located at Broadlands School, which is due to close.
However, the former Whitehouse Pub in Whittern Way makes a perfect relocation site and, in conjunction with the long-awaited community centre, the chairman is engaging in productive planning for the centre to accommodate the nursery, much to the delight of staff and parents. Funding has been identified and additional funding has been pledged.
The timetable is dependent on bringing the three elements positively together: community, council and councillor. This win-win situation will enable this dilapidated building to be put to good use and I look forward to bringing this project to fruition.
CLLR MARCELLE LLOYD-HAYES It’s Our County Hereford
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