A good week of rowing for local people

As I drive off towards a weekend of spashing around with my kids at Alton Towers, I'm reflecting on a good, honest week of rowing for local people.

We've rowed over libraries, Mail columnist Adrian Goldberg claiming that 'business transformation' in Yardley = cuts, a view fiercely rejected by deputy council leader (and Yardley councillor) Paul Tilsley.

The result has been three or four page leads debating the isue, the last one a 450-word pledge from Coun Tilsley pledging never to cut them. On the record promise stuff. Good for local people.

We've rowed about whether the Mail should have published a 'school risk list' related to the city's gangs, the geographical areas they exist in and the threat of recruitment from said schools.

Some at the council (not all) have raged that the Mail should never have published the list. Yet the list was FIRST published by the council (but only for the eyes of teachers).

We stand by our decision that the parents of Brum need the same tools as teachers to guide them in protecting their children.

We've rowed over the proposed 'Municipal Bank', and whether or not the council have 'scrapped' their initial plan of the old-style institution (please note the council say that there has been no idea scrapped, and it is all set to come to cabinet for a decision - a criticism of our view that we have published in the Mail).

My point?

Well, the media SHOULD row with the powers that be, whoever they are (this week the council), we SHOULD keep them on their toes, we SHOULD stick up for readers' rights, services and views.

Does it mean the Birmingham Mail is always right in every view it projects? Not necessarily, but becuase we exist with balance we openly invite rights of reply and encourage readers to make their own minds up.

But it feels good to have a few passionate conversations about the city in which we live.

Now... time for that pool. I feel a big splash coming.