Just don’t try to visit the centre! (From Dudley News)

Just don’t try to visit the centre!

11:53am Wednesday 27th June 2007 in Letters

DUDLEY North MP Ian Austin invited Tourism Minister Shawn Woodward to visit our top tourist attractions in Dudley.

Those of us who live in the area are very proud of our heritage.

For instance, we have the geology of Castle Hill dating back to 420 million years, Dudley Castle first built in 1070 and the canal network that played a vital role in transporting raw materials and manufactured goods to other parts of the country.

In more recent times Dudley Zoo opening in May 1937 and the nearby Black Country Living Museum is a testament to our past.

What an excellent heritage to have in these few square miles just outside Dudley town centre.

I hope Mr Woodward did not ask Mr Austin if he could visit the tourist information centre advertising these marvellous attractions because we do not have one.

Dudley Council closed it down.

Never mind, if Mr Woodward comes on another visit in a few years' time he will see how £5m has been spent on the refurbishment of Dudley Zoo and how the Black Country Living Museum will have expanded its exhibits.

Also in the heart of these world class attractions will be 65 new houses for him and visitors to see.

This is once again another shortsighted example by Dudley Council to give outline planning permission for the construction of these dwellings, which will spoil this unique landscape forever and stop any further expansion of the zoo.

There must be someone within the council who does not like to see Dudley capitalise on its heritage or have any idea what constitutes the meaning of the word.

Douglas T Davies
Dudley