Lord Patten of Barnes, the Prime Minister’s special representative for the Papal visit, has visited Birmingham today (July 9) to view preparations for the Pope’s visit to the city.
Birmingham City Council will be facilitating and enabling the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman by Pope Benedict XVI in the city’s Cofton Park on September 19.
During today’s visit, Lord Patten met with Councillor Alan Rudge, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Human Resources, tasked with overseeing the council’s role during the Papal visit, which is being led by the Government and the Catholic Church.
Councillor Alan Rudge,Cabinet Member for Equalities and Human Resources,said:
“The visit is a momentous occasion for our city and for the West Midlands. We have a world class reputation for hosting events and will be delighted to welcome our friends from across the region, country and world.”
The party toured the leafy environs of the park in glorious sunshine, visited the resting place of Cardinal Newman and then met with church representatives at Birmingham Oratory.
The planned visit will be the first by the Pope to the UK since 1982.
ENDS
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Chris
As a state visit this event is being co-ordinated by Central Government.
As you will be aware, the switch from Coventry to Birmingham was only recently made and plans for the visit are being amended accordingly.
However we are very aware of local concerns and will inform residents regarding issues such as traffic management and parking as soon as possible.
I am a local resident and have not been informed of anything ???
Still only 7 weeks to go one can only wait and hope ???
Given recent events in GERMANY , A POP GROUPS XMAS PERFORMANCE IN THE CITY CENTER and the threats of protest you would expect more or will we get yet another review after the event ???
Edie
This is a multi-agency event and of course the concerns of residents are being addressed. Organisers of the visit will keep residents informed of all the arrangements as and when detailed information is available.
As usual, no consideration, information or guidance for the local residents whose lives are about to be disrupted by the 80,000 official visitors. And has any consideration been given to the tends of thousands who will descend without tickets? What of the thousands of demonstrators who are likely to cause disruption? What arrangements are in place to protect the properties of those living in the immediate and surrounding area?