I WRITE with reference to a letter from AD Adams (Shuttle/Times & News, April 4), blaming Health Concern councillors for the run-down state of Stourport.

In 1974 the Conservative Party in all their wisdom decided against our wishes to merge Stourport, Bewdley and Kidderminster councils.

Until that date, Stourport was a very prosperous town with good employment and housing, and also had one of the lowest rates in the country.

We had a new civic centre, new police station, new fire station, new library and health centre and new magistrates court.

From day one it was downhill. Our rates nearly doubled overnight, our council bank account was emptied. We lost our Lucy Baldwin Maternity Home and later on our magistrates court.

We now have a fire service that would struggle to put out a large bonfire, a part-time police force which is invisible and a second-rate ambulance service that at times has had to use the Red Cross who, I add, do a very good job.

All this has been achieved by MPs and councillors of the main political parties, long before Health Concern was thought of.

It doesn't matter who our councillors are, they will always be out-voted by Kidderminster councillors so, AD Adams, please don't condemn Health Concern for something the political establishment has manipulated over many years.

I would love to see Stourport restored to its former glory and not being used for the benefit of Kidderminster.

NIGEL THOMAS

Sevenhills Drive, Areley Kings