Tories in Willenhall showed their lack of commitment to the town by not turning up for last night’s meeting of the Willenhall Area Panel .

Not surprising when their bosses on Walsall’s all Tory Cabinet are planning to shut down all six of the borough’s Area Panels as part of their draconian budget proposals currently out for “consultation”.

First up on last night’s agenda was the chance to have an input into proposals which will see a number of initiatives to revive Willenhall’s flagging economy. This was followed up by reviewing efforts to give support to Willenhall’s all important voluntary organisations.

Those of us who had bothered to turn up have called for extra funding to ensure that this work is maintained when current funding runs out in March. The Panel have also agreed to fund a couple of schemes to help improve access for the disabled.

It’ll be interesting to see what excuses the Tories in Willenhall North and Short Heath come up with for missing the opportunity to do something positive for our town.