PUBLIC consultation is a wonderful concept, but just how 'public' is any exercise that takes place during an afternoon of a working week day?

I refer to the revised Crown Centre plans, and the 'public exhibition' being held on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 30th/October 1st, when we will be able to talk to the project team between midday and 5pm! So much for the opinions of anyone in full time employment.

Such time strapped, inaccessible presentations undermine what is perhaps a life line for Stourbridge - if 'bosses' were at all realistic in this exercise, a Saturday or late night opening would at least enable full time working, council tax paying, interested residents a chance to register concerns, or support for the revised plans. An information stall at the Farmers Market would be a step in the right direction!

And a brief accolade - the ambience of the 'Harvest Festival' held in Stourbridge on Saturday September 20th was as glowing as any I've experienced in the town, and merited some sort of press coverage.

Kevin Street

Stourbridge