I have lived in Bewdley for 23 years. I am chairman of Wyre Forest District Council and a Health Concern councillor - one of the original seven from the 1999 district elections, where 8,377 of you voted for us, with another 2,174 voting for our colleagues in South Shropshire and Bridgnorth.

I believe that local "politics" should be about local issues determined by local independently minded representatives on a basis of commonsense and fairness.

I believe strongly that locally elected independent councils are the natural opposition to national government.

I believe that on key local issues such as A and E at our hospital, they should be fully engaged in the decision-making and in receipt of full facts, which has not been the case.

I am, if that is possible, even more determined to fight for restoration of maximum services, including A&E at Kidderminster Hospital.