Stourbridge Township Council update

The press photograph (above) following the 10th March Area Committee meeting shocked many.
A detailed technical report of work required to refurbish The Gates was promised. To date, this report has not been made available.

It is well documented that refurbishment work was required in 2001, 2006 and still now in 2008.
Dithering and delays have been seen and reported since 1998 through to the present day.
The delays in attention from 1998 to 2008 could be said to amount to serious neglect. Some results of those ten years of neglect can be clearly seen in the photograph.

The inspections and treatments to prevent these problems were not carried out. Please see the note; (above) “Thoroughly re-paint ironwork periodically, but at most five-yearly.” Failure to carry out such basic care will be seen by many as serious neglect.

Ten years of failure and neglect to act ‘because of financial restraints and lack of funding’ clearly show that whatever funding plans and arrangements do exist, are either not being utilised correctly or are totally unsatisfactory.

The Mary Stevens Park together with its gates pillars railings and fitments was gifted to the people of Stourbridge. Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council has overall responsibility for its care and maintenance. Ten years ago and regularly over subsequent years the need for funding and action has been acknowledged and promised. These matters must now finally be resolved.

The promised long overdue detailed technical report relating to the required refurbishments must be produced and published without further delay.

This report must then be made available for examination by the highly qualified tutors and mature students of Dudley College in order that a participation project, as proposed, can be considered.

Here we are considering the care and preservation of Grade II Listed features of historical and architectural significance to the people of Stourbridge. The deeply concerned people of Stourbridge look to the Stourbridge Area Committee to address and resolve these matters without further delay.

To be brought by the members of Stourbridge Township Council on behalf of that group and of the concerned residents of the Town who have for so many years raised the above matters.
June 2008