'Call for West Midlands velodrome to support growing community activities' - Your Letters and a picture of the Royal Oak crossroads captured in 1972

Having been a dedicated cyclist for over 60 years I have followed with interest the calls for a Birmingham/Black Country based Velodrome. Back in 2022, like many, I was utterly disgusted that yet again the Midlands would lose out to London – No Birmingham Velodrome for the Commonwealth Games!

Although retired from competition I am still a very active coach, taking groups to the tracks at Manchester, Newport in Wales and Derby which are all a fair distance to travel – London and Glasgow being out of the question! All these facilities are often fully booked months in advance, and such trips take a lot of planning. However, I am encouraged to see schools and groups from the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury areas making the journey to Derby for example.

So, I wondered, is it the image that the name ‘Velodrome’ conjures up that is holding back things in the Midlands and what is a Velodrome really? In reality, a velodrome is a multi-sport, leisure, conference, entertainment and performing arts centre for all ages and abilities! 

Such activities include badminton, table tennis, five-a-side football, yoga, Pilates, gym/exercise classes, dance classes, Zumba, plays and even pantomimes to list but a few! My plea goes out to The West Midlands Mayor Mr Richard Parker and to all the political parties to pull together and get a velodrome built and so leave a lasting and useful legacy for the community.

Robin Kyte, Shrewsbury

Why take the flags down?

I was appalled to read that Shropshire Council intends to remove the St George and Union Jack flags from lampposts. 

The post said it was because some had been left “torn and unsightly” following Storm Amy, while others “obscured road signs”. I live just off Mount Pleasant Road and this is simply not true.

I am nearly 71 years of age and I personally find the flags patriotic and a pleasure to see, especially on a lovely windy day when the flags are flying as they should, and I don’t see why they should be taken down on the false pretences of Shropshire Council. 

I think we should be proud of our flags and If any flags get damaged in the future the people that put them up there should have the right to replace them.

Lorraine Dodd, Shrewsbury

Awards should go to local heroes

I totally agree with the Star Comment that the honours system should move away from celebrities and politicians and reward our local heroes instead. They should be getting the limelight instead of those who have found fame or are just doing their job in government.

Harry Moss, Oswestry

Have an opinion? Want to be heard? We want to hear your voice!

Write to Readers' letters at [email protected]

Letters to the editor must include the writer’s name and address and will only be published anonymously in exceptional circumstances. The editor reserves the right to condense or amend letters.

Do you have any pictures from the past you would like to share with us? 

Do need help recognising an old street, old faces? If so, send them to [email protected] including your name, where you are from, and as much information as you can about the photo(s) and we will publish as many as we can online and in print.