Democracy requires open discussion between the people and the politicians

Dear Ed and Bob

I’ve just been on the top deck of a bus to take a look at the proposed Metro extension from Edgbaston Village tram stop to Quinton on the south side of Hagley Road pavement/footway.  Two major buildings will be demolished, many front gardens, open space and thousands of shrubs and trees felled and car parking lost. This will worsen the climate emergency, resource depletion, and ecological decline of life on earth.

Without any democratic accountability - no discussion, debate or vote, TfWM is pushing ahead with Metro extensions.  However, before they do anymore work on it, the January 2020 £15 BILLION Metro expansion programme must go out to consultation; the councillors must discuss, then debate in open forum, whether or not this is a good idea.

I would like to suggest that our regional Greener Together public forum should discuss the matter, including what should be done about the WBHE to Merry Hill, Brierley Hill and the unused sections of the ready built, 56 Kms principal mainline railway between Burton on Trent and Stourbridge.

Can this be done, please Ed - and Bob?

Democracy requires open discussion between the people and the politicians. Edinburgh City Council has followed democracy in this way, twice, before going ahead with their tramways.

Best wishes