WHEN deciding to impose upon our council the idea of “sharing” a chief executive with Wychavon, the Tory administration refused to look at any other option that might be open to it – even those offering better value for money and ensuring accountability was retained in Malvern.
Even having made that mistake, taxpayers might have thought that, being in charge of an allegedly “enterprising” council, it would want to find the best possible candidate, from both the public or private sectors, to fill a role its leadership regards as essential and important. But no.
A special council meeting was called and held last night (Tuesday) specifically to ensure that only the current chief executives of the two councils will be candidates and to overturn the democratic decision, made by council on June, 24 that the post should be advertised widely to attract a selection of suitable candidates.
The intention is clear. Wychavon’s chief executive is to get the job and, given the government grant already applied for, he will set about merging the two management teams. He will will not even be an employee of MHDC, which will become the “customer council” with its administration increasingly dealt with at Pershore.
In all likelihood the party “whip” will be used to make sure they get the leadership gets its way. The last time it did so was for the SWDP – and look how well that has turned out. I just hope that Conservative councillors wake up and remember that their first duty is to local residents, not to a muddled and misdirected leadership.
Anthony Warburton
Malvern Hills District Councillor, Alfrick and Leigh
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MY WIFE and I were driving through Great Malvern on Saturday, July 26 at about 1.30pm, when we were stopped by a red traffic light outside the Wetherspoon pub. Nothing unusual about that I hear you say. Unfortunately, shall we call him a member of the public, came close to my wife’s side of the car, holding his hand over the lower part of his face and informed us of a burning smell coming from the front nearside tyre. Now I knew that there was no problem with my tyre and I responded by taking my sunglasses off to view the ‘gentleman’ more clearly. He appeared to be taking a severe interest in my wife’s handbag which was fortunately positioned away from his grasp. Thankfully, I did not decide to get out of the car or I am sure he would have taken her bag. His accomplice was about 16 or 17 and had decided that it was my clutch that was causing the problem! I haven’t got one that would burn – I drive an automatic!
The reason I pass this on is that there is no police cover for Malvern on a Saturday, something that was not lost on our newly appointed ‘friend’. The huge police station in Great Malvern is not manned on a Saturday. I reported the attempted theft in Ledbury, half an hour later. Please pass this information around your area I am sure that I was not the first to be welcomed to Malvern in this way and unfortunately, if police cuts have their way, I may not be the last.
Graham Wilcox
via email
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WITH the recent arrival of hot weather, we should be reminded that animals suffer and die when temperatures rise. Dogs die very quickly in hot cars and they should not be left inside them even for very short periods. Opening a window a few inches is not sufficient.
Other animals suffer, too. Rabbits must not be left in a hutch in the glaring sun or inside a sweltering garage or shed. They need a cool, shady place where the air circulates, and where they are able to move freely. A hot rabbit can be kept cool by applying cold water gently to his ears. Should your rabbit become listless, or start breathing hard through an open mouth or go limp, get him to a vet immediately. Rabbits must also be checked daily throughout summer months for signs of flystrike.
Smaller animals, like hamsters, rats and gerbils, can be kept cool by opening windows and closing curtains, using a fan (but not pointing it directly at them), refreshing water and providing a frozen water bottle, wrapped in a towel so that it cannot be chewed.
Kate Fowler, head of campaigns
Animal Aid
