Letter to the Shuttle regarding the Olympics

4.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 12th Oct 2008

Dear Editor,

On the 22nd of August, I sent out a press release suggesting that Wyre Forest should celebrate its Olympians with an open top bus ride, a gathering at Aggborough Stadium or something similar that would involve the local children and encourage sports. Barring appearing briefly on a local newspaper website, the letter didn't receive much coverage.

To follow up, Liberal Democrat Councillor, Peter Dyke suggested that the council did something to thank our Olympians for representing Wyre Forest so brilliantly, especially Paralympian swimmer, Clare Cashmore, who brought home a medal. I spoke to the Mayor, Marcus Hart in early September who said he'd recommended a civic reception in their honour, but nothing has been said since then.

As I said to Marcus at the time, the last thing we want is a bunch of civic dignitaries having yet another free meal with some athletes who 1. have had enough free meals in the last few weeks to last a lifetime and 2. probably have sports diets.

Most of all, how pompous of the council to think this is what the people of Wyre Forest or the Olympic athletes want. Our Olympians should be an inspiration to our school students. They should be meeting them, hearing what it was like, shaking their hands, getting their autographs.

Come on Mr Mayor and Mr Council Leader, pull your fingers out and arrange something at Aggborough or some other space where all the schoolkids of Wyre Forest can meet their heroes - people who will inspire them.

Yours sincerely,

Neville Farmer

Wyre Forest Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman

Contact Number: 07966 150444