Cllr David Taylor

15/06/2026

* Two tier policing, do you see it? *

Over recent months, many residents have raised concerns with me about what they describe as “two‑tier policing”. These worries aren’t just about national political leadership or high‑profile cases. They come from people who feel that the system isn’t always applied consistently or fairly.

The recent case involving Mr Nowak, and the disturbing footage of how he was so so poorly man handled by the police, after being brutally and fatally stabbed, has only deepened those concerns. When people see very different policing responses in different situations, it understandably fuels frustration.

* Are we seeing inconsistent decisions by individual officers, or is there a wider issue in how priorities and targets are set?

What is clear is that the law must be applied equally, regardless of background, community, or circumstance.

I have not seen two tier policing myself in Redditch although some youngsters have told me different. Could this have been
discrimination against white British citizens or just poor judgment from an individual officer? Or could it be the perception of the arrested individual, just unhappy they’ve been arrested at all?

The black community will tell you a very different story. Stop and search statistics show you are 4 times more likely to be stop and searched if you are black, that rises to 40+ times more likely in certain areas.

Any perception that different groups are treated differently damages trust and must be addressed.

We’ve seen in Ireland how quickly frustration can spill over when people feel unheard or unfairly treated. Unless the Government takes these concerns seriously and ensures a level playing field, that anger will continue to grow.

This isn’t about dividing communities. It’s about restoring confidence in a system that must treat everyone fairly.

Equal policing, equal standards, equal accountability. It is that simple.

10/06/2026

Youth unemployment rising again in our town. Worcestershire County Council needs to start putting Redditch first!

09/06/2026

* Matchborough Pump Track *

I’ve been contacted today by a resident whose 14‑year‑old son is launching a petition to support installing lighting at the pump track behind the Wild Goose pub.

For anyone who doesn’t know, the pump track sits right next to the skate park and the BMX track and is used by cycling residents of all ages. It opened in 2024.

As someone born and raised in Matchborough, me and my mates were on the BMX track constantly. These community parks are important and even necessary for locals to come together and share a common passion.

The pump track is heavily used, especially by young people who simply want a safe place to ride, keep fit, and make friends.

I’ve already approached the Leader of Redditch Borough Council directly today to explore funding options for lighting. If that route doesn’t deliver, I’ll be contacting ALL Redditch councillors to ask them to support the project using their own divisional funding.

This is exactly the kind of small but meaningful investment that keeps kids active, safe, and connected to their community.

Watch this space…

Link below to the petition:

https://www.change.org/lights_reddich-pumptrack

09/06/2026

* UPDATE - Arrow Valley Park concerns *

I have a had a reply from the offices of the PCC following my letter below. It is more of a generic reply saying they will come back to me soon.

At least the ball is rolling…

Dear John,

I am writing to raise concerns shared with me by local residents regarding ongoing antisocial behaviour in Arrow Valley Park, Redditch.

Over recent weeks, groups of youths have been gathering in and around the park, riding electric scooters at high speed along pedestrian paths. This has created a significant safety risk for walkers, families, and other park users. Several residents have reported near misses, and the situation escalated further this past weekend when a man was reportedly attacked.

Understandably, this has caused considerable anxiety within the community. Residents are worried about both their personal safety and the general atmosphere in an area that should be a safe and welcoming public space.

I would be grateful if you could look into this matter urgently and advise what steps can be taken to increase police presence, deter this behaviour, and reassure the public. Any support or intervention you can provide would be greatly appreciated by the community.

Thank you for your attention to this important issue.

Best Regards,

David Taylor
Group Leader – Worcestershire Independent Group
County Councillor Redditch East
Worcestershire County Council

08/06/2026

* Arrow valley lake incidents increasing *

There has been another concerning incident in which a man was reportedly attacked by a group of young people in the local area.

I have written to the Police and Crime Commissioner to request support and clarity on what measures can be taken to improve safety around the park.

A couple of residents have contacted me to say they now feel uneasy visiting the park, and there are reports that at least one individual involved may have been carrying a knife.

Incidents like this understandably cause anxiety in the community.

CCTV coverage may be one of the practical steps needed to help identify those responsible and ensure accountability.

If you witnessed the incident or have any information that could help, please comment or message privately so it can be passed on to the appropriate authorities.

02/06/2026

* Calls for Redditch Mayor to quit *

The newly elected Mayor of Redditch, Councillor Sue Eacock, is dominating local headlines today following serious allegations of racism and homophobia.

Years of historic Twitter posts have resurfaced, and circulated across social media.

Cllr Eacock has not yet made any public comment, but it is difficult to see how this ends well for her.

I have also heard that invitations from LGBTQ+ groups have already been withdrawn. This, in just a few hours and just today.

Many residents know her as a hardworking councillor and a committed Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care within the Reform administration. But once allegations of this nature break, the end result is always the same.

When the drums start beating, the noise only grows louder.

Opinions are part of political life, but these comments go far beyond what the public expects from someone holding civic office.

I fear this story will continue to roll on, with even more material emerging.

At this point, the only route that preserves any dignity for Councillor Eacock is to step down and make a public apology.

Time is absolutely of the essence…and the clock is ticking by the minute.

01/06/2026

* Alex Hospital is getting it all wrong *

Over the last 24 hours, I’ve seen something that has genuinely shaken me. What I witnessed at the Alexandra Hospital tells a very bleak story about what our society has become.

I’ll spare the long background and go straight to the point:

The NHS is not prioritising vulnerable, innocent women over lawbreaking (and in one case) drunken men. I say that without hesitation because I saw it with my own eyes.

In the secondary waiting room, six women, all clearly unwell, distressed, and in need of help, were left for hours with little to no support.

* A cancer patient crying from 11pm until 5am because she couldn’t get pain relief or see a doctor.
* An elderly woman so confused she didn’t know her own name, left alone in a corner.
* A woman in her early 50s with dangerously high blood pressure, sweating heavily, with no observations being taken.
* Another elderly patient who had been in A&E since 10am the previous morning, still in the same chair at 5am.

And then came the moment that defied belief.

Two men, brought in separately under police guard, each with three officers in full uniform, were immediately taken to private cubicles. One to sleep off a night of heavy drinking. The other to rest with his foot raised because of what looked like a swollen ankle.

So this is where we are now.

Law‑abiding women left to suffer in chairs for hours, while detainees are given priority space, privacy, and attention.

This isn’t exaggeration. This is what I witnessed first-hand. And it speaks to a system that has become confused, unfair, and, frankly, ignorant of basic compassion.

I won’t even begin to describe the attitude and lack of empathy from some staff, that’s a separate issue entirely.

I also don't need to explain the frustration that there were 6 police officers sat in A & E for hours on end. That's 6 more officers not out solving crimes or protecting our residents.

Here is what I do know. This is not the society I want to live in. Seemingly self inflicted wounded criminals given priority over completely innocent poorly, suffering woman.

I will be submitting a formal complaint, and I would genuinely like to hear if others have had similar experiences.

We cannot keep accepting this. We have to push for change.

Please reach out to me if I can highlight your experience.

28/05/2026

* Redditch Library building stay or go? *

The new Redditch council administration is only in its second day, one major unresolved question remains firmly on the agenda:

Will the Redditch Library continue in its current form, and in its current location?

Several years ago, there was open discussion and contracts written up about demolition. The building is ageing, in poor condition, and regardless of whether the library stays or moves, significant investment is unavoidable.

I’m not privy to the new Leader’s policy direction, but it is hard to imagine this issue being left untouched for long. It is one of the most practical decisions facing the new administration.

In just under 12 months, Worcestershire will elect its new unitary authority. During the first year as a shadow authority, every public asset across the county will undergo a full review. I’ve already looked into assets in my cabinet position for LGR last November. Not at the depth needed to decide on the fate of every building, at that point my goal was to extract data, not make decisions on individual protects.

But from now up until next year, all assets will need to be considered including its usefulness and purpose, its value for taxpayers, and its long‑term viability.

That means the library building will not escape scrutiny. Its condition, cost, and future use will all be assessed alongside other assets.

A library is essential to Redditch. That much is certain. But does it need to remain in its current location, in a building that could be argued, is no longer fit for purpose?

This is where the new administration will have to plant its flag. Whether they choose refurbishment, relocation, or redevelopment, it will be one of the earliest and most defining decisions of their term.

What do you think?

*image is for illustration only.

26/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/18ndxG84dS/?mibextid=wwXIfr

I’m incredibly honoured and proud to have been appointed Portfolio Holder for Housing at Redditch Borough Council under the leadership of Councillor Dormer.

This appointment is not only a personal privilege, but also a significant moment as it marks another first and an important step forward for the Worcestershire Independent Group. It shows the continued growth of our group and demonstrates that independent voices can play a key role in delivering for residents.

Housing is one of the most important issues facing people across our town. Whether it’s ensuring families have access to safe and affordable homes, tackling homelessness, improving housing standards, or supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community, I know how important this role is.

I want residents to know that I will work tirelessly on their behalf. I will listen, engage and work hard to make sure housing needs across Redditch are taken seriously and that those facing homelessness or housing difficulties receive the support they deserve.

As an Independent, one thing I want to make absolutely clear is that every decision I make in this role will be resident-led. I’m not tied to national party politics or driven by agendas set in Westminster. My focus will always be on what is right for the people of Redditch and what delivers the best outcomes for our communities.

Every resident deserves the security and dignity of having a place to call home, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to help deliver positive change for our town.

I look forward to getting started and working with colleagues, partners and residents to make a real difference for Redditch.