I HAVE been a Labour councillor in Abbey Ward for the last two years and I would like to think I have made a difference.

Many people think, misguidedly, we do the job for the money. I can assure them this is not the case.

Also, a lot of people have the misconception we are full-time councillors. I work more than 60 hours a week in my full-time job as a sales manager, as do a number of my colleagues.

The role as councillor is something I do to put something back into the community because when I came to Redditch, I had nothing but with the help of family and friends, managed to turn things around and I now feel part of a vibrant community that is growing all the time.

Many people still think Redditch is not a good place to live but if you look at all the plus points, we are living in a town which many envy.

We have a theatre which will be a centrepiece and somewhere for young people to get involved in drama classes, youth theatre and other interests based around the arts

We have sports facilities which are accessible and affordable through Action Sports, which also have access for the disabled so they can take up a sport which can help them to integrate into society more easily.

We have the countryside centre, Forge Mill Museum and if the plans are approved, we will have our new sports and leisure centre with snowdome, cinema, swimming pools and family-orientated theme restaurants.

As you can see, we have a lot on offer. But there is a downside. Unfortunately, most of our facilities are under used.

We, as the major political party in the town, have taken a lot of flack from the other parties and residents, unfairly in most cases, over the fact not enough people are using the facilities. But they are usually the first to complain if something is threatened.

All I ask is for people to stop slagging off Redditch and help to take care of what we have and take part in the things that are happening.

Go to a neighbourhood group meeting or a PACT meeting or any of the forums that take place regularly.

Or use the new-look Palace Theatre, join the Abbey Stadium fitness centre, go swimming, have a walk around the countryside centre, go and have a round of golf at Pitcheroak - and people are moaning there is nothing to do.

The problem is people moan without looking around them.

Call in the library, get a book, rent a DVD, go online for free.

I am proud of my adopted town and I always promote it to people, who are amazed at the things we have.

I am sure I will get a number of letters having a dig at me but I just thought I would put the record straight and perhaps encourage a few people to get off their backsides and take part in things that are happening in our town.

Councillor ALAN MASON

Dolphin Road

Abbeydale