This week I wrote to Steve Reed MP - The Secretary of State for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs. I wanted to express my support for the recent announcement that Ofwat (the body currently responsible for regulating the water industry) would be abolished and replaced with a more powerful new regulator.
There is far too much pollution of our rivers, and I want to see that stopped. We’re also seeing increased flooding and our water infrastructure is key to combating that, drains need to be up to standard and this needs to be part of the new Water Reform Bill the government is proposing. I want to acknowledge the excellent work that has already been done by charities in this sector, and I hope that by writing to the Secretary of State about this I’m demonstrating the commitment of The Council to continue to work with charities and other groups to ensure we keep up the pressure on this matter.
I know water pollution has been a hot button issue for a while now, and I prefer to keep this message purely about Solihull, but this really does affect our residents, and I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who doesn’t want our rivers and canals to be clean. They’re such an important part of our natural and green spaces in Solihull, they should be clean, beautiful and safe places for everyone to enjoy.
On a very closely related subject, now that the summer weather seems to have finished, I want to take the chance to thank everyone who keeps our parks and public spaces looking bright and beautiful for everyone to enjoy in the warm weather (and the cold!). This includes council staff in the parks and street care teams of course, but also the wonderful small army of volunteers who litter pick, tidy, garden and do all the other things that you might not notice on their own but together add up to help make our borough the fantastic place it is. It’s a great way to show civic pride, to make the place look nicer for everyone to enjoy. So, thank you to all of you, I know you’ll be going through the winter as well, but I thought so many people have enjoyed our parks over the summer holidays this would be the time to say it. If you want to join in, have a look at the Love Solihull website.
There’s a bit of theme emerging this week, as I also want to highlight some amazing work done by volunteers at Hazel Oak school to refurbish it over the summer. Council staff from our school improvement team, EHCP team, and school transport team amongst others, teachers from that school and other local schools, and plenty of other people too (over 50!) turned out to paint, install flooring, put new screens up and clear up all the corridors and brighten the outside spaces. The school looks fantastic now, and the children will have a better environment to learn in thanks to the hard work and dedication of these people who went above and beyond to make a difference. Thank you to all of you.
From taking pride in where you live to the first ever Solihull Pride – the festival will be on this weekend and I’m looking forward to seeing lots of people in the town centre to enjoy it. There are loads of great acts on at venues around Solihull and plenty of parties to be had, into the night, I’m sure. I’ll be speaking at the event, and I’m looking forward to meeting Solihull residents and visitors alike as I explore what’s on offer. Many people still face discrimination because of their sexuality, and events like this can really help provide a sense of community and belonging. This is the first Solihull Pride but I’m sure it won’t be the last.
Finally, I’ve mentioned the end of the summer holidays. I hope everyone, pupils and teachers alike, have had a good first week back. I’m sure you’ve all been setting the tone for a successful school year. The most important thing in your or your child’s education is to be there, attendance is just so important. Every school day counts, so make sure that you make the most of the chance to build friendships and all the brilliant learning opportunities. Let’s have a positive, productive, and inspiring school year ahead.
Thanks for reading,
Karen