Lib Dem fury at Mahmood

Jul 27 2007 By Adam Smith, Birmingham Mail

A BIRMINGHAM MP has been rebuked by a veteran councillor after attacking the city's offer to help flood victims from across the country.

Khalid Mahmood (Lab, Perry Barr) told the Birmingham Mail that councillors should "get their own backyard in order" by helping flood-hit families in Witton before offering a helping hand to people outside the city.

Now Coun Ray Hassall (Perry Barr) has hit out at the criticism of his fellow Lib Dems, John Hemming MP and Coun Paul Tilsley.

He said: "It would be very easy to say that Khalid Mahmood has lost the plot, but he never had the plot to lose.

"Pity. Instead of shouting his mouth off he should have checked what was happening.

"Ward councillors have been actively involved on at all times regarding the floods in Witton.

"We have had meetings with local residents to sort out problems and put in place measures to reduce problems in the future."

Coun Hassall claimed the Perry Barr MP could have done more to help his constituents.

He said: "Khalid was noticeable by his absence, not his presence.

"Government agencies were at fault here, not the council. Coun Hassall, cabinet member for leisure, believes Brummies should be proud that civic leaders are "playing the good Samaritan" and offering a helping hand to the homeless.

"And regarding about helping families in distress - does he have problems with that?

"Birmingham families who needed shelter only needed to ask for help and we were there to assist."

He added: "Spending emergency money - we ask residents what they would like - this is now being looked into.

"We are ahead of you on this, Khalid - go back to London!"