Former mayor back in saddle

Apr 9 2008 By Paul Bradley

A FORMER Worcestershire mayor is on the road again after an honest worker found his stolen electric trike.

Stephen Rushton, an ex-first citizen of Kidderminster, said he was delighted to be reunited with the £800 machine.

It was taken from outside his home at Bridge Road, Kidderminster, but found dumped near a factory unit by engineer Neil Vivash.

Mr Rushton, aged 60, said: "I am absolutely delighted with the result and to know there are at least some public spirited people who are willing not to turn a blind eye.

"People often complain about crime but they are not helping. If people came forward more often it would make the job of the police a lot easier.

"It's just a simple phone call but people often don't report things and officers can only act on the information they receive.

"Something might appear insignificant but may link in with other things that are important to the police."

Mr Rushton, a Cookley and Wolverley Parish Council member, called the police last month after his Electro Ped tricycle was swiped.

He said he held little hope for its safe return but just a few days later it was spotted by Neil Vivash near the premises of Titan Steel Wheels, where he works.

Mr Vivash contacted police after an appeal was placed in the Birmingham Mail.

PC Sally Sliwinska said: "We're glad we were able to get Mr Rushton's bike back for him and very grateful to Mr Vivash for getting in touch.

"We would always encourage people to come forward and report anything they consider suspicious or think could help a police investigation."