News Archive

May 2006

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22nd May 2006

MP Seeks Reassurance From Sustrans On Residents’ Safety

Chase MP Tony Wright is taking up the concerns of Rawnsley Rd residents directly with the cycle network agency, Sustrans, following the granting of planning permission for a cycleway to the rear of their homes.

Residents were furious that permission was granted as they believe the security of their homes is seriously compromised by this cycle path running along the rear of their gardens. They have approached Tony Wright MP to make sure their concerns are addressed.

In a letter to Sustrans, the MP says:

Although permission has now been granted, the police shared residents’ concerns about community safety and insisted that the security and integrity of adjacent properties should be maintained, or even enhanced.

The principle of cycleways has received a great deal of support, but you will understand the continuing concerns of my constituents about the particular configuration of this cycleway. Any reassurance you could give on this front therefore would be very welcome.”

He added:

“It is important that an initiative such as the national cycle network does not ride roughshod over the particular concerns of people directly affected by it. Working with police, we must ensure that potential problems are addressed beforehand rather than after the event.”

22nd May 2006

Oxygen Supply Problems: MP Takes Up Concerns With Health Minister

Tony Wright MP is taking up the concerns of those who are being let down by oxygen suppliers with Patricia Hewitt MP, the Secretary of State for Health, and asking for assurances that they will be addressed.

A new direct delivery service for those needing regular oxygen therapy came into force in February of this year. After initial problems, the new scheme had appeared to settle down but it seems that there are still underlying problems which leave patients waiting for oxygen deliveries which fail to turn up at the correct time and a poor communications system which leaves them in the dark.  

Tony Wright said:

“The idea of a single and direct supplier is essentially a good one, as most people contacting me agree. There were significant problems initially when the new system went live, which appeared to have been resolved but there  are still fundamental problems which are causing real distress and anxiety for those needing oxygen therapy and their carers.

In an area like Cannock Chase with its high levels of respiratory disease, this is simply unacceptable and I am asking the Minister for assurances that the situation is now being taken firmly in hand. “

16^th May 2006

Tony Wright gives two cheers to decision on Staffordshire’s Ambulance Service

Speaking in the House of Commons, Tony Wright MP said he wanted to give the Government ‘two cheers’ for announcing that the Staffordshire Ambulance Service will not be forced into a merger with a regional ambulance service. He said he would give the ‘third cheer’ when an assurance was given that there would be no merger in the future unless and until the regional service was performing to Staffordshire’s standard.

Friday 5th May 2006

Mixed night in Local Election

Voters in Cannock Chase failed to resolve the districts hung council. leaving the authority with no overall control.

The night saw Labour lose Hednesford Green Heath to the Conservatives and Rawnsley to the Liberal Democrats.

The highlight of the night was former Labour Group Leader, Mike Holder, regaining Norton Canes from the conservatives.

In Hednesford North Zaphne Stretton retained her seat with a reduced majority of 94.

Diane Todd retained the Heath Hayes East and Wimblebury formerly  held by Les Bullock.