There is no doubt that Michael Jackson was an iconic figure – I am a fan and certainly enjoyed his music, in the 80′s I bought Thriller! Billie Jean was my favourite.

Like so many celebrities Michael appears to have danced with controversy and has had produced some shocking media headlines. Beyond the grave he continues to do so!

I am not here to ‘judge’ and he has certainly been before them enough times, but what I  think he deserves like the late Princess of Wales is to be left to rest in peace and his family to be dignified with putting their son to rest.

Around 80 villagers attended the ‘free’ concert organised to commemorate, remember and celebrate the role of our Armed Forces in Great Britain.

Firstly, Pelsall Pride continues to work its magic in bringing people together and galvanising community spirit, a spirit alive and well in our village. Thank you to the officers and members who work so hard to make things happen.

The concert by Maggie O’Hara was excellent to say the least, she displayed a warmth and  genuiness of character, so akin to the war time entertainers of the past such as Vera Lynn and Gracie Fields.

Richard Shepherd MP spoke as eloquently as ever, and my ward colleague Cllr Longhi was in attendance.

To have ‘bottled’ up and sold the finale of Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Brittainia with the audience on its feet, flag waving and cheering – we would make a fortune!

It is not always seen as Politically Correct to be Patriotic and Proud, but events like today not only transcends politics in all its forms, it demonstrates what its all about, people, community and a sense of belonging.

Long may this continue.

It all started in the summer of 2006 when residents approached my colleague Garry Perry and I to help secure a

Marco, Garry and Richard Shepherd MP with petition outside Pelsall library.
new medical centre as seen in other areas of the borough. But we knew from the outset that ours had to be different because of the limited availability of land which meant that the only option was the library site.

So an idea grew that we should combine Council and tPCT resources to deliver a facility that included a Medical centre, Library and a Children’s centre (this was Garry’s idea!). Inevitably, while presenting a uniquely attractive opportunity, this meant overcoming the significant inertia of two large organisations as well as silo working.

Then a hammer blow. After all the work to get agreement from all parties it seemed that even the pooled budgets were insufficient to construct the building. This was devastating news, but I was not going to accept this. So I started asking much more detailed questions about costings and I soon found out that prices were significantly inflated because they were based on building rates by ‘LIFT Co’ an organisation that channels funds to PCTs to build medical centres.

Immediately I requested that the Council should lead on the building of the project and this meant that a saving of around 20% was possible – making the whole thing just about viable. Thankfully the PCT agreed to this approach!

If on the 6th July NHS Walsall finally endorses the funding needed for the project, and Walsall’s cabinet agree to the recommendations in their report on 15th July, we will soon have a fantastic resource that will support Pelsall people for generations to come.

The aim is to ‘stamp out’ serious issues including fly tipping, litter, graffiti and vandalsim.

We are calling on residents and people who work in the borough to join us in the fight agaisnt environmental crime and help us catch the irresponsible people who blight our borough with litter and vandalism.

The campaign will run throughout the year and will target specific issues every few months.

The first crack down within the campaign will be targetted on Fly-tippers, Tackle the Tippers will run from June 29th.

Approx 30 tonnes of rubbish is illegally fly tipped in the borough every week and over £120,000 of public money is spent on cleaning up fly tipping in the borough each year.

Anyone wishing to report incidents or have any information on perpetrators should contact 01922 653344

This has again brought with it problems of ‘flash flooding’ and drain overflow.

I spent several hours yesterday fielding calls regarding flooding in the High Street and in the ‘hot spot’ areas along Walsall Road.

Thankfully I managed to get Severn Trent/South Staffs between them to sort out the High Street, but the constant rain over night has again defeated efforts.

Gully cleansing of drains have been carried out in recent weeks, even so it is impossible for the system to cope fully with the deluge.

At this rate Pelsall will become Venice – anyone for a ride on a Gondola!

However I never cease to be amazed how ridiculous the system can be, and frustrate the rule of common sense.

I have been to see a constituent with a problem today. I was advised how he had been pursued for £2.61 overpayment of rent, from a property he lived in Two years ago! Privately rented, that the DSS paid directly to the Landlord.

A debt collection agency was also sent out to him to advise that he had rent arrears and he wanted to know why this had not been paid.

I am glad this was not Walsall Council who had sent out the agency as I would have been demanding answers. As it happens the resident does not want me to pursue the case, he thought I should be aware.

I respect this, however I will be following this up with the relevant organisation.

Its situations like this that ‘take the biscuit’, especially when those who are abusing the system appear to get away with it without fear or penalty.

Tickets are £5 and monies raised help support the organisation of the Annual Victorian Christmas. Available on 01922 682140

We are also putting on a Free Concert on a first come first served basis, on Saturday June 27th at St Michaels Church Hall, Pelsall.

The entertainment is provided by Maggie O’Hara who will perform her ‘Victory Years’ repertoire, there is afternoon tea provided – all in celebration of Armed Forces Day!

Next week I will be arranging further meetings regarding Pelsall Common play area, and pursuing the resolution of flooding issues at Highfield Road North.

Politics in Walsall has always been interesting and no one should deny anyone a right to free speech.

However respect for opinion and for the individual should be paramount.

The atmosphere was highly charged and expected when considering the issues being debated, Sneyd School and the M6 Tree works.

I would hope that members do not enact a repeat performance at future meetings.

Richard Shepherd has spoken with clear conviction on the crisis that has beset Parliament in recent weeks. His voice should resonate to all politicians who seek to serve self first!

Richard is one of ‘Britains Best Kept’ secrets, and is more than capable of taking up the challenge of restoring public confidence in a Paliament once the envy of the World.

Lets get behind him!