From, Dr Rob Pocock Labour's Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Sutton Coldfield Constituency Sutton Constituency Campaign Centre, 46 Rectory Park Ave, Sutton Coldfield, B75 7BN tel / messages 07767 32 6704 email RobPocock@SuttonMP.org CAMPAIGNERS CALL FOR MERE GREEN SHOPS CONSULTATION Sutton Coldfield Labour Party's Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Dr Rob Pocock has teamed up with residents living around the Mere Green shopping centre who are concerned about plans to redevelop prominent shops and flats around the centre. Now Dr Pocock is pressing Sutton Municipal Charities for a full-scale community consultation exercise over the proposals. Dr Pocock was contacted by local resident Mr Brett Sidaway who raised concerns about the lack of consultation over the options for redevelopment. Speaking after the meeting, Dr Pocock said, "This is a golden opportunity for the whole local community to play an active part in shaping up the proposed improvements. I don't think people are against the idea of the improvements - in fact they could be a positive boost for the area if they are well designed. What's missing however is a genuine community-led focus for the scheme. I'm calling on the Municipal Charities to take this chance to show just what can be achieved with a positive initiative to engage the whole community in the design and development of the plans. Surely we need to learn from the Cala Brassington fiasco which lacked consultation from the outset. My own suggestion is for a full scale 'community planning workshop' where local people - residents and shopkeepers - could take part in a 'Planning for Real' exercise, and put forward suggestions on how to ensure the renovations include features and facilities that truly meet local needs". Mr Brett Sidaway, who is one of the residents living above the shops, said, "We just want the local community to have a proper input to the new designs. The meeting with Dr Pocock was very positive and there was a whole range of ideas we came up with, to press the case for a community-led approach to the scheme. I hope the Municipal Charities will listen favourably to our ideas" The campaign is being planned on a non-political basis, and anyone interested can write to Dr Pocock at 46 Rectory Park Avenue B75 7BN. ENDS Dr Pocock is the Labour Party's Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the Sutton Coldfield Constituency.