HAVING lived in and around Stourbridge for a number of years, I am sorry to see the town centre looking so sorry for itself. I realise the council units are doing their best to keep the streets clean, but to a degree the problem lies with a small percentage of the people which visit the town.

Just a few thoughts on this and other matters...

There are a few floral areas in the town which are pleasant, but there is distinct lack in greenery, I'm talking trees, surely Lower High Street would benefit from having trees lining the road. There would be an upkeep cost, but how much more pleasing would it look.

Chewing gum on the streets. People who leave this mess need help rather than being victimised. In an effort to help these poor misfortunate folk, I have a suggestion. If caught in the act, take them to the nearest dentist and have all their teeth removed. In this way, they can then chew on their own gums and not leave a mess.

The design for new Crown Centre, you either love it or hate it, I for one am not partial to it. Architects should look at the history of Stourbridge and be sympathetic to it's past. The town library should return to the old building on the Hagley Road. (I may be wrong, but I did hear the building was given to the town many years ago so how could the council sell something which was not theirs to sell in the first place?) The rejuvenation of Enville Street seems to be going well and the "Langers" building looks very smart, it's a pity the same consideration was not given to the Crown.That's another thing – change the name, perhaps to"The Mitre Centre"(it was just a thought, personal taste don't you know).

The 18s and over have a well developed club/social life, can the town take much more? While the town is highly policed, the suburbs are the main areas that get hit by a minority of these revellers on their way home, leaving a trail of uprooted plants, litter and vandalism behind them. The police/ CSOs can't be everywhere! Might I suggest a club bus, which could drop these revellers off closer to their own home where they can litter their own doorstep. Another option being the clubs pay an annual subscription to pay for damages etc.

As stated above the over 18s are catered for, but there is sparse allocation for the 13 to 17-year-old bracket.They have Mary Stevens park and the car park by the Rock Cafe to meet. Some of these young people are the future of Stourbridge.

uPerhaps it would do councillors well to talk to these young people about their needs.

Speedway. Cradley Heath have been looking for waste ground to develop a new stadium. I may have an answer.

Travel down the Norton Road towards Kidderminster, turn left at the island by the Greyhound pub into Racecourse Lane.

Travelling down the lane, notice the waste fields on your right. Perfect location for reasons given below: Easy access by rail and road, with good links to the motorway.

For those arriving early there is the Greyhound pub for food and refreshment or perhaps a round of golf at the club opposite.

In keeping with the pub name, greyhound racing could be introduced much the same as Monmore Green in Wolverhampton.

The road name (Racecourse Lane) lends itself for such an undertaking to be carried out.

Obviously the speedway club name would have to change. Perhaps to the"Stourbridge Greyhounds". This may help the local residents warm to the proposition.

This would bring in much needed revenue to the area.

End of random ramblings - or is it?

CH Heathen

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