Anti-social behaviour and the town centre come up in big town debate

ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour, the town centre, potholes, public facilities, damp and mould and a council front desk were just some of the issues discussed at the annual State of Tamworth debate this week.

Tamworth Borough Councillors gathered inside the town hall on Monday night to discuss priorities and the past year.

This debate is critical in making sure the council is fit for the future and delivering the services and support that Tamworth and its community needs.

Leader Thomas Jay introduced the topic by saying: “The last time we had this debate was in October 2022 so much has happened since then.

“This is an opportunity for all members to look back at the work of this council and discuss plans for the future whilst considering public feedback.

“We have just recently approved the fantastically positive budget for the next three years which delivers for all of Tamworth, no mean feat given no overall control in this chamber.

“The council is now approaching the final year of the current corporate plan. It brought with it a new vision for the town of celebrating our heritage, creating a better future.

“It also includes the key mission to restore Tamworth town centre as the beating heart of the community, a place people want to visit rather than a place they have to.

“Good progress continues to be made against short, medium and long term projects and the five corporate priority areas. These are included in the papers tonight and form the basis of the debate: Environment, economy, infrastructure, living in Tamworth and the town centre.

“We have once again completed an annual survey to help underpin what we are doing. People are asked what they think about Tamworth as a place to live and how satisfied they are with council services. The top areas people want to spend money on remain the same as 2022: tackling antisocial behaviour, improving the economic, physical and social environment and parks and open spaces. Top three issues were litter, people using or dealing drugs and vandalism, graffiti or deliberate damage.

“Since the last debate, we, the Conservative group, have been getting on with delivering for Tamworth. We have been delivering in every single area important to residents. Tonight we will no doubt hear from opposition colleagues about how things could be better or how we don’t care about the vulnerable, despite delivering a budget which delivers significant projects and council tax reduction for lowest earners ie the vulnerable.

“We are the group that actually takes action for the vulnerable rather than just talking about it.

“We will probably also hear about how we should cancel events and spend that money on people’s bills. Do you really think that sounds sensible? We have tens of thousands of visitors for our events, this in turn pumps money into the local economy, creates jobs and supports Tamworth families.

“We are fully committed to this continuing. You will also probably hear about national issues or items outside the remit of this council. If I was to stand here and list all the achievements or items in progress tonight then we would be in for a very long meeting indeed.”

Carol Dean, leader of the opposition, was first to speak in the debate and said: “We do all want the best for our residents but we have different ways of achieving this and different ideas about the level of support we are able to give and should give. This comes from having different values and instincts.

“Since the election last May, we have been inundated with complaints on issues that we are continually being told are not a problem. We have had a Conservative run local borough council for 20 years, a county for the last 15 and national government for 14 so who do we blame for the state of our roads and lack of funds for them?

“I would say the way our economy has been run for the last 14 years and the way local government has been starved of funds is why there is not enough funds for the things that we would like to see, including the money to mend our roads.

“Although every part of the town should be treated equally, it seems some are treated more equally than others and we now have what we call the forgotten estates.

“Once again it is about priorities and different choices. Many people report they don’t see road sweepers or maintenance work on the path and verges. This doesn’t happen as regularly as is needed.

“Should Labour be in a position to take control of the council in May, we will run a customer focussed authority putting local residents, businesses and stakeholders back at the heart of our policies. Partnership and cooperation will be the golden thread running through everything we do. I will close with a vision of my own, that we soon have a Labour Tamworth council working closely with the Labour MP and a Labour government to help unleash the real potential we have in Tamworth.”

Samuel Smith, deputy leader, then said: “In the digital age as councillors we encounter negativity online.

“The digital landscape can be unforgiving where criticism and cynicism thrive. Online and indeed in public, our critics ask what we have actually done as a council and what is our purpose.

“In a nutshell our mission is simple: to serve the people of our community. We weren’t elected for accolades or promotions but to make a positive impact.

“I am a big Batman fan and I love the part at the end of the movie where Gordon says to Batman that he forgot to thank him but Batman replies you’ll never have to. My point is we serve our residents with duty and responsibility knowing that our decisions impact real people and if a resident says thank you then it is simply a bonus.”

Sarah Daniels said: “I know we all believe there are too many people in our town whose health is currently compromised, and whose hopes can’t be realised because of lack of adequate funding. Yes, it is national but it is what’s happening in our town as a result that we’ve got to highlight.

“We have homes that people live in which are still not adequate which are mould covered, some residents say they don’t feel safe in certain walkways and perhaps most damning of all some say when they contact our council they don’t hear anything back. According to ONS, nearly 3,000 children are living in poverty here, 355 residents live without heating, no one should be living without basic heating, east Staffordshire and Tamworth have the highest Universal Credit claimant rates in the county. Can we get that front desk please? Think about residents who are not as technologically savvy.”

Lee Wood was next and said: “I have stated on quite a few