Euro MP welcomes choice of leading Glass Heritage campaigner for council battle

2.27.46pm GMT Wed 27th Jan 2010

Liz Lynne toured Broadfield House Glass Museum with Janet Hendry last year and strongly supports efforts to save it

Black Country Euro MP Liz Lynne has welcomed the selection by local LibDems of heritage campaigner Janet Hendry as council candidate in the key ward of Kingswinford South.

The Leader of the Save Our Glass Heritage Group, Janet Hendry has worked tirelessly over the last year to save Broadfield House Glass Museum after the Conservative-run Dudley Council announced plans to close it down.

Liz Lynne met Janet Hendry during a tour of the threatened museum last year and discussed her grassroots protest plans.

The MEP also has also assisted local campaigns against Britain's most powerful mobile phone mast at High Acres, bringing an international expert in electro-sensitivity to meet residents last January.

Liz Lynne said: "I was delighted to hear that Janet Hendry is to stand for council. She is one of the most dedicated and effective community campaigners I have met - and Kingswinford has quite a tradition of these.

"Politics needs passionate, committed people who are prepared to get out there and fight for their communities and for local facilities at the heart of those communities - such as this much loved museum of the area's world famous glass industry.

"I know she also shares the all-year-round community approach of Dave Tyler and Lynn Boleyn who have done so much to put Kingswinford on the map in Dudley town hall and beyond."

Liberal Democrat Group Leader, Councillor Dave Tyler said: "We are delighted Janet has decided to join us.

"Janet Henry is another hard working and dedicated local lady who has already proved she will not be afraid to stand up for her local community and ask the awkward questions, just like Liz Lynne! And also our previous local councillors Lynn Boleyn and Lorely Burt before her."

Janet Hendry said: "I decided to join the Lib Dems because they care for the community and work hard all year round to help residents with their problems before anything else."

"Our glass heritage is extremely important-glass making has been here locally for over 400 years. I can't believe that the Conservatives want to close such an internationally important museum-they should be turning this into a world class glass site".

She added: "We have had two strong campaigns this year on Coseley Swimming Baths and Broadfield House Glass Museum and I hope to promote my ward and listen to the people. Only then can we promote our towns and villages to their best advantage."

ENDS