Dear Editor

There are many women living in Shropshire born on or after 6^th April 1951 who will not qualify for their pensions at the age of 60. The problem is that the Government changed their pension age in 1995 but failed to tell them until it was too late to upgrade their pensions. Many are now facing considerable hardship.

Shropshire Councillor Heather Kidd has hit out at Shropshire Councils continued failure to resurface what many residents describe as the 'worst road in Shropshire.' Indeed just a handful or years ago it was in the top ten worst roads in Shropshire BUT nothing was done to rectify it. Roads such as this are put into a central pot for decision and it does seem that it does not always recognise local problems.

We call on the Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) to not go ahead with the proposal of only one control room and one call centre between our Fire and Police services.

Former Leader of South Shropshire District Council and Shropshire Councillor Heather Kidd has been chosen to take on Philip Dunne in the General Election. Heather is well known for her campaigns for the Health Service, Schools and better Broadband and mobile phone signal in our very rural constituency. She also pioneered affordable housing policies which delivered affordable housing to rent an buy in South Shropshire.

Lib Dems in Southern Shropshire are celebrating a strong performance in the area on 4th May 74% of the holding all 7 Shropshire Council seats they were defending, most with increased majorities.

These include:

Chirbury and Worthen - Heather Kidd 78% of the vote

Bishops Castle - Jonny Keeley 74%

Clun Division - Nigel Hartin 56%

Shropshire Tory manifesto cheats with photo of mental health workers from Oz

You couldn't make this story up. If it hasn't already arrived, you might soon be getting a copy of the Shropshire Conservative manifesto through your letterbox. Most of us would think that the banner photograph on the front page of the manifesto is of thirteen Tory activists or supporters. But look carefully. It took me a while to spot what is wrong with the photograph. Then it clicked.

Norman Lamb MP, Lib Dem spokesman on Health, visited Ludlow on Friday (31st March) to discuss good practice on health care in rural areas.

Ludlow Councillor and practice nurse, Tracey Huffer, said: "Norman was Health Minister between 2010-15 and currently represents a very similar rural area to Shropshire. We had an excellent session discussing health issues in Shropshire and in Ludlow and South West Shropshire in particular."

HEALTH CHIEF VISTS BISHOPS CASTLE AND CLUN

Initiative for radical new healthcare system for rural Shropshire.

Simon Freeman, the new CEO of the Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group, can to visit South West Shropshire yesterday (Thursday 14^th March) to see for himself the problems of delivering health care in rural Shropshire.

Commenting the recent announcement in the budget over broadband and 5G investment, Cllr Heather Kidd, LGA Lib Dem Spokesperson on rural issues, said:

"Many people, especially in more rural areas, still struggle to access fast enough broadband. And getting 4G or even 3G technology can be a challenge. Councils must work with mobile operators to improve the coverage they provide to local businesses and residents. The LGA has also called on Ofcom to provide more accurate local coverage reports that reflect people's experiences on the ground and provide a better picture of the coverage they will receive.

Shropshire Councillor Heather Kidd has welcomed the final erection of brown tourist signs around her home village of Chirbury over a year after they were ordered and 4 months after she found them mouldering at the back of a council depot.

Heather said: "Chirbury is quite a historic village and we have been looking forward to these signs going up for quite a while."