Reader questions transparency in theatre decision - your letters, plus a school trip flashback

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Why our theatre must stay put

Deviating from the usual process that has been seen for many months now in the debacle over the Prince of Wales Theatre, the leader of the Labour council in Cannock, actually told the absolute truth in a rare moment of clarity during a scrutiny committee, witnessed by a full to capacity public gallery, he was heard to say – "I walk past the Prince of Wales and just want it gone"...

The arrogance of these people is astounding - I have witnessed duplicity beyond belief around the decision to demolish rather than renovate, transparency has been non existent, as has any valid and consistent reason to flatten this building - the numbers just don't add up, even when they keep changing them to try to make them do so!

Julie Allen, Cannock

​Let’s have an open debate

I recently decided to return to politics after a hiatus of several years during which I established and ran a charity with the aim of helping people with their mental health through counselling and sport.

My aim is to bring the experience I gained in the last decade from my involvement in domestic and international politics to help improve the situation of people in the Dudley borough and particularly Sedgley where I will be standing. I chose to represent the Conservative party largely because they were very supportive of new ideas that I have proposed around housing and anti-social behaviour. After helping several people with cases in a voluntary capacity it had become clear to me that there are serious issues in the Dudley borough and I believe I have the ideas and experience to make a difference.

I have always believed the best way to choose who you want to represent you is not just to read their leaflets or watch their social media offerings it is to meet them and ideally see them in action.

With this in mind I would like to offer the chance for representatives of other parties to join me in a pre election hustings event where we can debate each other and take questions from the public The venue for this could be a neutral one ideally in Sedgley and an impartial chairman can be agreed. If the representatives of other parties in Sedgley do not feel up to public debate then I am more than happy to face any deputies they may choose

My offer is an open one. Let’s discuss matters in public and let the people decide.