Tories pouring our money down the drain

3:51pm Thursday 1st May 2008

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The Conservative-run Dudley Council has come in for a lot of criticism over recent months because of the closure throughout the borough, of libraries, swimming baths, etc, but none moreso than the closure of Cradley High School.

The pupils and their parents with the backing of Tim Crumpton, Gaye Partridge and Richard Body fought a long and hard, though losing battle to try to keep it open.

According to a recent statement by the Conservatives, "Borough is best in Black Country, schools top the league", then why on earth close a perfectly good school with a very good academic record?

Of course, with the closure of the school will come, in the not too distant future, the closure of the Leisure Centre at Cradley High simply because the Conservative Council want to sell the land.

There has just been a 4.8% rise in Council Tax, one of the highest rises in the UK. There is a small matter of a £3,000,000, yes that's THREE MILLION POUNDS overspend on child care.

There isn't a youth club in the area to keep young children off the streets. The nearest swimming pool is Haden Hill which isn't even in the borough.

Last, but by no means least, it was stated on TV a few weeks ago that Dudley Council spends £110,000 a year on bottled waters.

Why can't they drink tap water like most of the rest of us do? Think what could be done with the money saved.

I am sure there are many other issues which could be raised.

Richard Gardener, Colley Gate