I recently went along to Selly Oak Library on the Bristol Road to have a coffee and a chat with local people, library users and Community Police Officers. 

I really enjoy meeting local people and appreciate them taking the time to tell me about what’s bothering them at the moment.  Unsurprisingly most of the concerns raised were about the cuts and worries about the future of housing and benefits, loss of jobs and the impact this will have on the local community, especially with the possibility of less police. 

It wasn’t all negative – people were really impressed with the new hospital and passed on their views about what should happen to the old hospital site. 

It was a really lively enthusiastic discussion and I look forward to returning in the new year.