MP’S QUESTION TIME
Post & Times chief reporter Leslie Jackson meets with Staffordshire Moorlands MP KAREN BRADLEY to discuss major issues that are facing residents in the district
FAMILIES in the Staffordshire Moorlands are facing several major challenges including the fight to save Leek Moorlands Hospital.
Concerns have also been raised over the number of shops in the town which have closed and become vacant, with high business rates being claimed as one of the major factors.
Cuts forced on Staffordshire County Council has led to many services being lost across the district, including buses being axed in several villages, youth clubs closed, libraries services and parks being cut and now school crossing patrols facing the axe at a time council tax is being increased for residents.
In a question about the future of Leek Moorlands Hospital Mrs Bradley said: “Ensuring the future of Leek Moorlands Hospital is one of the most important issues for me as MP.
“I am a strong supporter of the hospital, my family and I have and would always want to be treated there and as your Member of Parliament, I will continue to do my very best for local residents by holding regular meetings and raising their concerns with local health and care leaders and local authorities as well as with the Department of Health and Social Care in Westminster.
“Councillor Sybil Ralphs and I held a meeting recently with senior health and care officials from the CCG, STP, MPFT, the NHS and Staffordshire County Council to discuss the latest position regarding Leek Moorlands Hospital.
“It was a positive and constructive meeting and we were reassured that we all share the same aim, to deliver the right health and social care services for the people of Leek and the Moorlands.
“The health and care officials confirmed that the consultation will take place at the end of the year and it was clear from the meeting that what is important to everyone present, is that we all continue to work together in a positive, non-political manner to do the very best for local residents in Leek and the Moorlands.”
With regard to shops and business rates Mrs Bradley said she had written to the Chancellor regarding the issue.
She said: “There is much to celebrate in Leek and I am very proud of our town with our fantastic markets and a wide range of shops. I was also delighted to learn that Derby Street received a Special Mention in the recent Great British High Streets Awards.
“Some people have contacted me about shops in Leek being forced to close over the last few months. I understand from those concerned that they believe this is mainly because of the fact that the business rates are set far too high to allow these businesses to survive.
“I have therefore written to the Chancellor on behalf of local people and businesses in Staffordshire Moorlands about these concerns and will update everyone on my website when I receive a response.”
The Moorlands MP said that concerns had been raised regarding proposals by Staffordshire County Council to cut school crossing wardens.
She said: “I know that this is an issue of great concern to both staff and parents in Staffordshire Moorlands and recently I visited Woodcroft First School to discuss their concerns about Staffordshire County Council’s plans not to replace their school crossing patrol.
“I personally experienced this at my own children’s then school in Leek and know how concerning it is to parents. I want to work with schools and parent groups to ensure safe crossing facilities.
“Woodcroft School has no real traffic calming measures in place, no speed bumps or warning signs and looking at the road outside the school together with the headteacher, it is clear that something is needed.
“I have therefore already shared these concerns with the councils and have asked councillors to look for alternative provision for each individual school as appropriate. I understand from SCC that they intend to review the School Crossing Patrol Service with a public consultation in the near future.”
With regard to buses Mrs Bradley said that she had received numerous concerns from residents across the district.
She said: “I have had many emails and letters on this issue and have raised local people’s concerns with Staffordshire County Council. The council consulted on supported bus service funding changes for 2018 and carried out a comprehensive community impact assessment. Sadly some of the services were withdrawn due to the level of usage.
“The county council tell me that the traditional local bus will not be the sustainable solution for the type of service provision required in Staffordshire with consideration required of smaller more demand responsive vehicles supported by effective use of technology for booking and route planning.
“Staffordshire County Council is therefore continuing to work with communities to find sustainable alternative community and voluntary service provision for residents who do not have direct access to services or facilities. Please be assured that I am continuing to monitor this situation closely.”