VIEWPOINT FOR 3 APRIL 2008 
FROM DR RICHARD TAYLOR MP

This week I have an important message from the Big Lottery Fund. 
The fourth year of our People's Millions programme is being launched. This is a partnership with ITV under which organisations can apply for one of 90 grants of up to £50,000 for communities to transform their local environments by improving green spaces, buildings and amenities. Projects to help people to use and enjoy their local environments will be considered also. Local authorities, schools, health bodies, voluntary or community groups and social enterprises can all apply.

Application forms and entry packs are available from 0845 0 10 11 12 or www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/peoplesmillions . The closing date is 15 May and the short list will be announced on 29 October followed by television voting from 24 – 28 November 2008. Do consider applying as most of the groups who have succeeded in previous years had not applied for Lottery Grants before.
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From time to time I chair meetings of people responsible for marketing and keeping our main industrial heritage tourist attractions in the public eye. The Severn Valley Railway and Railway Museum, the Bewdley and County Museums, the Churchill Water-Powered Forge and the developing Carpet Museum are represented and we have had representatives from British Waterways and the owners of Weavers Wharf. 

The aim is to try to bring to reality an Industrial Heritage Trail that would attract more people to Wyre Forest not only to visit the attractions but also to support the improving opportunities for retail therapy. If there are other items of our industrial heritage unknown to us we would like to hear about them. I therefore invite anyone responsible for such extra ventures to draw themselves to our attention by writing to me with details at 137, Franche Road, Kidderminster DY11 5AP.
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Some months ago I had a meeting with Rt. Hon. Dawn Primarolo, MP, Minister of State (Public Health) with two other MPs on behalf of patients with long term painful conditions who have found that after the withdrawal of co-proxamol, the pain killer containing paracetamol and dextropropoxyphene known to be dangerous in overdose, have been unable to find a satisfactory alternative. 

I pointed out that in the British National Formulary (BNF) of September 2007 the only reference to co-proxamol was in the index where it baldly stated "discontinued" and that this was not an adequate reflection of the situation. To my great satisfaction the Minister acted on my concerns and the latest BNF index entry after co-proxamol refers the reader to page 226 where it states "Co-proxamol tablets (unlicensed) may still be prescribed for patients who find it difficult to change, because, for example, alternatives are not effective or suitable". At least we have a Health Minister who listens to concerns and acts on them.
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I find it hard to understand the workings of the major political parties. On Tuesday we had the Second Reading of the Counter-Terrorism Bill that seeks to extend the period of detention from 28 to 42 days without proof of efficacy. Speaker after speaker from both sides spoke to condemn the proposal and we looked set for a Government defeat. But! No vote was called allowing Government Ministers time to change their stance in Committee and a chance to save their collective skin.

R.T.

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