Something that makes us stand out is our leafy tree lined roads – it attracts people to live here.

From above, it’s wonderful – from down below, some of our trees are causing problems. Many were planted a hundred years ago - fast growing, inexpensive (they were seeded in the council’s own green houses) and would thrive in the air pollution of the time. May of them are now more than twice the height of the homes they used to complement.

Reported problems:
• blocking out light - having your lights on in rooms in the day time is expensive and causes some people to feel ’sad’ due to a loss of natural light
• leaves constantly blocking drain pipes – fine only if you are fit and able to clean your gutters yourself on a regular basis
• roots causing pavement and walls to crack – as the tree tries to thrive where its base is covered with tarmac or flags

Uneven pavements then cause trip and fall hazards for my residents – and broken bones don’t always heal well as you get older! Trees that obscure street lights make walking at night a problem and people then feel unsafe.

The Council’s tree officer told me that its impossible to look after all of the highway trees effectively within a tight budget and so he literally works on the could-be dangerous ones and prunes the others as best they are able to.

This doesn’t help my residents – some think that the trees would be wonderful in a park but outside their home, they are a nuisance. Other residents love them to bits and go absolutely bananas when any get trimmed or removed (usually blasting down the phone or email at me). I agree, trees actually help to reduce pollution and we need them but not if they than cause dangers or problems to people’s homes or where they need to walk safely so we can encourage more people to walk and not drive.

So I’ve sent yet another email on behalf of yet another resident asking what can be done to help. I share their feelings of frustration of both residents and tree officer that more cannot be done – YET - …… I await the reply from our hard-pressed council tree officer ….

FAIRNESS is one of our underpinning values as a party – and something I’ve had huge amounts of correspondence about over the past two weeks. Our Council is working towards making sure that their staff are on the right pay scale for the job that they do. On the surface this sounds perfectly legitimate.

However, we’ve been getting letters and emails from staff telling us that when they were interviewed and received feedback, as part of the review, they were assured that they were on the right scale - only to find out later that they would take a cut in pay. I’ve also been told that they are not allowed to represent themselves or be represented at their appeal re loss of salary. I’d been led to believe that all salaries that would drop, would be frozen for three years so that any staff (and the ‘Council’ didn’t think it would be many) could get used to the prospect of a drop in pay or apply for a job else where or apply for a better job where they are. Now I’m told, by worried staff, that this may not be so.

There has also been discussion between us as Lib Dem Cllrs – to find out what we all think and Richard (Cllr Baum) has put our concerns and questions together to the Head of Personnel. We await replies. Meanwhile I have been asking the staff who have been contacting me if they are receiving and following the advice of their Union and if they feel that their Human Rights are being infringed as they cannot be present at their appeal, to contact the Commission for Equality and Human Rights in Manchester.

The overall outcome for our Tory-led Bury Council is that they have lost the goodwill of their staff as so many are aggrieved – is that a positive way forward?

Its local horticultural show in a few weeks - last years was amazing and I cannot believe its here again. Out and about locally, gardeners are keeping a firm eye on the weather to see which blooms and vegetables they will ’show’. There will be sculptures of fruit and veg entries from local children, crafts and the professionally Tatton-like presented flowers, displays and vegetables such as five onions on a plate … which may sound corny - but it’s all about local people growing veg and fruit and helping and encouraging other to too. Dale, our local reporter has put a piece on the Prestwich & Whitefield Guide’s web site and assures me that he’s ordered a photographer. I love our local events such as the Clough Day and this - so many people travel far and wide to see things, forgetting that there’s lots going on locally - under our very noses!

Today polling stations are open in the referendum to decide whether Bury should have an elected Mayor.
People should vote at their normal polling stations (that we used for the elections in May). The polling stations are open from 7.00am - 10.00pm. You do not need your polling card to vote.
If you have a postal vote which hasn’t yet been returned, you can fill this in in the normal way and take it round to your local polling station.

The local Liberal Democrats are urging everyone to vote NO in the election because we believe this to be an undemocratic waste of public money. Lots of people have questions about this important issue, the local Lib Dems have produced this factsheet
to answer some of your questions.

On July 3rd, the people of Bury will be asked to vote in a referendum. You should have already received your polling cards and people who have a postal vote should have received their ballot papers in the last few days. Everyone will have their chance to say whether or not you want the way the Council is run to change, so that it is led by an elected Mayor.

Lots of people have questions about this important issue, the local Lib Dems have produced this factsheet
to answer some of your questions.

Work has been a busy and also very, very sad place to be this week. The very tragic death of one of our young students has jolted us to reflect at this loss, the loss to his family and friends and to society as a whole. I was fortunate to be able to attend the memorial Mass held in our Chapel today. It was a very sensitive, calming and carefully put together time to celebrate what he meant to his family, our students, staff and the college. As many of the students attending are of different faiths and none, the service booklet also directed students through different parts of the service and what they symbolise. It was very fitting.

What an amazing meeting – showing the Tories in their true colours and also deciding to limit democracy at council meetings … a … ‘We Are in Charge’ …. approach …. in limiting our involvement …. is a dangerous place to be when locally, we need to work together on so many issues to find sustainable solutions to meet local issues and needs. Even a Tory who spoke out, had to toe the whip and vote against his own beliefs of fair, open and honest debate.

Richard later presented our motion about further proposed Post Office closures. His pitch, timing, research, structure and body language was spot on. All parties voted to support our Motion voicing our concerns and objections to further closures as well as a need for a more community centred approach that is sustainable too. More creative approaches to services being supported are needed.

Last weekend was a Wendy’s 40th b’day party at a campsite in beautiful, quaint Dent. A special time to catch up with folk we’ve not seen for ages and ages. It made me remember that I need to think about friends and family and not just work, work, work! So with that in mind I surprised Mum when I popped in for a coffee, after college. Something I need to do more often!

Marking late coursework, an exam board key skill quality visit, case work and our councillor group meeting have filled the rest of the week nicely. The only fly in the ointment is being mis-quoted in this week’s Jewish Telegraph by Dr Wise. When Richard Baum and I met with him, he wanted to know why generally I avoid the press unless absolutely necessary – this is a stark reminder!

I was fortunate to be at our annual North West Lib Dem dinner last night - Nick Clegg’s after dinner speech was superb, motivational and without a prompt sheet! He’s knowledgeable and focused with the right carefully considerred policies to make a difference as well as a growing supportive army of MPs and party members! It’s a shame it wasn’t being filmed! He was also good at answering questions put to him. I liked the way that he didn’t over use hand gestures or sound bites - which the other two party leaders do - which makes them come across as puppets without originality! I also had the amazing opportunity to ask advice on how to approach Dr Wise and his article in JC from Jim Hancock. It was strange to be able to talk with somebody whom I’ve listened to on the radio, for so many years! He’s personable and genuinely interested in people, without the know-it all arrogance of many, which is how it should be.

It’s a showery day, making me not looking forward to touting for petition signatures against Post Office closures in Bury and Radcliffe! However, its important that we get our message across to people adn make sure they know whats happening! I also need to get our Focus leaflet into letter boxes this week before we circulate another about Bury’s Mayoral Referendum. My leaflets are delayed for a number of reasons, one being a war my chiropodist and I have been waging on a small army of warts on my foot, making walking painful for a while!

PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR POST OFFICES - SAY NO TO CLOSURE

Under proposals submitted by The Post Office and supported by the Labour Government, a further 5 Post Offices are being proposed for closure in the Bury area.

They are at Limefield on Walmersley Road, Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe, Elton, Greenmount and Rochdale Road.

We believe these are much valued community facilities that are depended upon by many in our communities, especially the elderly.The Post Office is now consulting on their proposals. Please sign and encourage friends to sign. The more support we can get the more likely we can make The Post Office listen to local people.

Sign the petition here

In the wake of the announcement that dozens of post offices in and around Greater Manchester, 5 in Bury and 11 across the Stockport Borough, are scheduled for closure, Liberal Democrats from across the area have launched a petition to ‘Save our Post Offices’.

Hazel Grove Constituency MP Andrew Stunell, Cheadle Constituency MP Mark Hunter, Manchester Withington MP John Leech and Rochdale MP Paul Rowen, along with Lib Dem Councillors and activists launched the petition today in central Manchester by holding a demonstration to oppose the plans and asking local residents to sign up in support of the protest.

Speaking after the launch Mr Hunter said: “It’s not too late for action on this issue. I hope local people will speak out and sign our petition to save their local post office. Many are under threat now and many more will surely follow if the Government gets is way.

“Post Offices are a vital part of the community; they often help to keep local other shops afloat and are relied on by a very wide variety of people particularly the elderly and young mums. It seems to me that Labour is fast becoming a Government that knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. The Liberal Democrats are committed to the future of the Post Office and we will keep up our campaign to show the Government that local people want to keep their Post Offices open.”

Mr Stunell added: “We lost a lot of Post Offices in this area when the Conservatives were last in Government, and now we are faced with a Labour Government that does not understand how strongly people feel about their local Post Office.

In fact the situation could soon get even worse - the Post Office Card Account that many pensioners rely on for drawing their pensions and benefits is being reviewed and if that work is lost by Royal Mail than even more Post Offices will surely be closed in the future.

The Liberal Democrats have a viable plan to prevent further closures and help to sustain the network; a plan that wouldn’t cost the earth that would invest in our local Post Office network not chop it up. Post Offices should be local and should be supporting our communities and we will continue to fight with our local community to save them.”

Elected Mayor discussions, ridiculous post office closure proposals, developments towards City Regions, capital building investment/refurbishment and school places reviews for primary and high schools … its only Wednesday! Tomorrow is a Litter Scrutiny sub-group to explore how we can stop people dumping, littering as well as get dog-owners to be more responsible about doggie doohs.

Close to our home a few nights ago, a neighbour disturbed his late night burglar and was very seriously assaulted. I hope he recovers and can come home from hospital soon. Being hurt in your own home by an unwelcome predator is both a very nasty invasion of your privacy and personal feelings of safety and security and worryingly, on the increase.

Residents have asked us to find out when more re-cycling will take place as many residents (5, 000 of them) as well as schools/youth and community centres still don’t all have a brown bin for composting garden and other such waste or full access to re-cycling activities.

Fellow St Mary’s Lib Dem Cllr Donal O’Hanlon and I were at the first meeting of the Scrutiny Commission for Environment, Economy and Transport last night and a report about re-cycling was tabled for our discussion/comment/scrutiny.

Apparently there is a review taking place to work out how to use the equipment (trucks) and staff teams more effectively in order to be able to extend re-cycling more efficiently. It’s hoped that more brown bins will be available by the end of 2008 and that the Council, can take recyclables from schools by incorporating them into new collection routes.

As to the green bags for paper/card/catalogues/directories - although it’s accepted that the green bags are not fully sufficient/fit for purpose and they blow around - alternatives explored at present have not turned up anything more viable - as yet. And if households need more than 2 green bags they can have them - just phone Bury council (253 5000) or email me and I’ll deliver them with your Focus.

I am shocked to find out that households are still only enabling the Council to collect 26% of possible material for re-cycling of what they produce - this is ridiculous! We all need to do more!

All the Greater Manchester Councils (except Wigan) all work together for re-cycling and waste disposal to develop a joined-up approach as well as keep costs in check. There are new re-cycling sorting plants coming on-line over the next 2-3 years which will also increase the quality of re-recyclable materials that the Greater Manchester Councils can jointly sell/pass to companies to then re-cycle. The more companies want different materials from household rubbish to re-cycle, the more that can then be collected from us householders.

An interesting development, is that a Bury charity called re-Build, refurbishes furniture for needy people. The Council now takes bulky items that are suitable over to them to mend/repair instead of putting it in landfill! This is what should be happening. Re-build also have volunteers who need to have work experience working for them, too - so its more than a furniture re-vamping process but a real community-based approach.

However, for may residents, the issue of re-cycling is blood-boiling stuff – as much of our rubbish, ie unsolicited letters and unnecessary packaging, we have to dispose of, we didn’t ask for in the first place!

I ‘phoned one of our residents, to see how she’s recovering from a nasty pavement fall. As well as lots of stitches above her eye, she’s lost feeling to part of her scalp and was telling me how odd it feels when she’s blow-drying her hair. However, she was looking forward to a week away in the family caravan; I hope she has a well-deserved rest and break. After several other calls, I chatted with one of our supporters, she’s really been hit sideways by both a family bereavement and nasty bug. Cllr colleague, Steve, is pleased that some ugly and dangerous old coal-bunkers will be removed from the gardens of bungalows for retired people. Hubby and Cllr colleague, Andrew’s still chasing broken promises to re-house a local family as well as recovering from mountains of leafleting in the by-election.

Yesterday, we took our youngest son out to lunch at Sam’s Chop House. He was delighted to be able to eat as well as watch the Monaco Grand Prix! Celebrating the end of his BTEC studies and hoped for results, it will not be long before he’s also away at Uni. Whilst the ‘boys’ were sorting out their mobiles, I escaped to buy some new makeup ready for both an evening out and a course I’m being sent on in a few weeks. Jodie on Selfridge’s Clinique counter was a marvel. She not only showed me new colours and how to use products better, I left with newly ‘painted’ face and step by step chart ….. as well as new bits and pieces …

By half nine this morning, my husband still in bed, I had my arm down a drain. I’d been putting this job off for weeks. Being mucky and smelly, I decided to finish digging a tree root out of the back garden, move a fir tree and a few bushes around, ‘turned’ the compost heap and take up some of our crazy paving to plant herbs. All I need now is a cool rainy day to ‘bed’ everything in again! A day’s rain is all I need as we’ve got leaflets to get out and I haven’t done any all weekend …. so need to show willing ….

I’m a by-election widdow at present, ‘Hubby’ has been juggling family life, his job as well as working on the Crewe and Nantwich by-election. He’s shattered but really enjoying things and I’m just a little concerned that he’ll not know what to do with himself at the weekend, when the results are in and he’s got to slow down a bit. However, we have our own local community leaflet to finish, print and fold ready to get out asap too!

I’m returned from our local Bury Friends of the Earth meeting. They are supporting the Manchester wide Congestion Charging Bid – I still have very mixed feelings and huge, huge concerns. I agree that we need to improve public transport but local councils could have been doing this for years – they have been caught on the hoof with climate change concerns and congested roads and feel the need to be seen to be doing ‘something’. The ‘something’ ie TIF bid has far too many problems and difficulties to overcome and also creates an additional tax on the ordinary working person. So yes, invest and improve public transport (but who will use it at night if it’s not safe) BUT find another way without taxing the ordinary motorist who can ill afford either a hybrid car (to be exempt) or to pay the tax!

Away from my rant – my student’s work is still coming in, in dribs and drabs – yesterday I managed to get coursework work ‘signed off’ that should have been completed last year. It’s as though some of them live in a computer game, a bubble far from reality that if they are not doing a conventional A level with its associated exams – the alternative means they have coursework that they really need to do! Perhaps if we stopped their EMA payments when their third piece of coursework didn’t appear, they would be forced to either find a job or get on with their work – time to go, ranting again! There again, I’ll not be able to afford to get to my teaching job if congestion charging comes along …. maybe I’ll have to start looking for something else … nearer home …

This afternoon we’re all getting together at Cllrs Vic and Mary’s home to celebrate our local election success with friends and supporters to thank them. It will be great to get together and chat rather than the snatched conversations we’ve had over envelope stuffing and leafleting over the last few weeks!

The highlights of this week were ‘Mayor Making’, folowed by afternoon tea and our first full Council meeting of the year followed by our briefing with council officers who want to chop the cash-payment facilities at our local library that we disagree with. We then had a two hour meeting to explore the outcomes of the Urbed study. This is a community consultation mapping process to explore what businesses, land owners and residents vision for the future of our small town that we lovingly call ‘Prestwich Village’. Its been a great process to explore what everybody would like but whether it actually influences the main ‘players’ in the area, of whom I suspect, think that tall over development making every shopping and community area similar with another at the cheapest possible price …..with little or not enough comittment to help create a more environmentally sustainable community, vital for our future. The consultation report was then shared with residents and community partners at our LAP the following evening. Initial reaction also raised concerns of too many, too tal buildings. However, there is agreement that our warn-out shopping centre needs re-developing.

Next week – marking coursework for the BTEC Care course I work on – and supporting students to find inner enthusiasm and energy to complete outstanding work. There is a sub-group SEN meeting at the school where I am a governor a Friends of the Earth meeting in Bury and time to be able to pop around to see residents who need support to get things sorted.

At our councillor group AGM – I became the link Cllr for young people in Prestwich as well as Lib Dem representative on the Youth Cabinet, which meets at Bury town Hall. I’m also on Environment, Economy and Transport Scrutiny Commission, with the brief for the Environment (Donal to have Economy & Transport). I’m also on an Equality working group for the Council.

This week has been catch-up – case work and marking. I’ve been liaising between two residents about an overly large tree between their gardens, finding out about disability support for ramps for a resident, lobbying for pavement repairs – where a lovely resident fell and has had plastic surgery to stitch up her face (she’s had a really horrid time and is in a mess as well as really shaken-up) – and asked why after spending over 1 million £, our road re-modelling at the Bury Old Rd/Scholes/Sheepfoot junction …. has a huge dip ….. to the point that residents feel its dangerous ….

Tonight is Richard and Tamzin’s house warming party and tomorrow, Prestwich Village Clough Day … see you there?

Both house and garden have been blitzed this weekend – as well as contacting BT about nuisance text messages being sent to my ‘phone. This morning it was just before 8am, the dirty message un-repeatable and the service now cancelled! My answer machine can also skip messages – so I don’t have to listen to the rude ones on that, either.  Both of my brothers, who live and work oversees in different countries, ‘phoned and it was great to catch up.  They’ve been following the election results through the web and BBC - it was good to talk with them, I didn’t know they were so interested in politics!  I’ll be able to catch up with one and family, whilst they are back in the UK for a few weeks over the summer and need to find time to go visit the other.

Next week is for supporting my students, their coursework marks go to the exam board shortly. Fed up and tired, they need huge amounts of patience and TLC; others some need a shove or two, to ensure that I get them to complete with the best possible opportunity to do well.

Politically, we have our Group AGM on Thursday eve. I’ve just talked with Tim, with my wish list of which committees I’d like to be on for our Area Partnership and Council Scrutiny Commissions. I also have phone calls to make and residents to see – to catch up with case work that I’d not been able to do last week. There seems to be an array of tree issues … fence problems and Council House Roofers leaving a messy trail behind them …

I’m frustrated with my tree issue too or at least with my inability to remove the base of the huge overgrown shrub (Cast Oil Plant) that was far too close to the fence at the bottom of our garden. The woody branches have been sawn ready to dry out and use on our log-burning stove; the roots are really stubborn. I’ve dug around and hacked with an axe but run out of energy. I’ve got a fir tree that I grew from a seedling, ten years ago, ready for the spot. Hopefully my son will feel sympathetic and put his youthful energy and muscles into it, next week (as well as cut the grass!).

Liberal Democrats at Bury’s election count last night:

Here’s our new team of Councillors in St Mary’s Ward - Donal O’Hanlon, Mary D’Albert and Richard Baum…… Labour MP Ivan Lewis sneaks past behind.

Lib Dem Councillors elected last night Mary D’Albert, Vic D’Albert and Ann Garner with some of their group colleagues Steve Wright, Wilf Davison and Donal O’Hanlon.

More pictures here

Liberal Democrats have continued to move forward on Bury Council making another gain from Labour and holding off a challenges from the Conservatives. This is the fifth election in a row in Bury where we have made gains.

Full results to follow, but in our key wards in Prestwich the results were as follows:

Holyrood
Vic D’Albert (Lib Dem) 1632
Labour 669
Conservative 852

St Mary’s
Mary D’Albert (Lib Dem) 1308
Labour 1013
Conservatives 692

Sedgley
Ann Garner (Lib Dem) 1488
Labour 906
Conservatives 1238

Across Prestwich the share of the vote was:
Liberal Democrats - 45%
Labour 26%
Conservatives 28%

The Liberal Democrats now have ALL NINE councillors in Prestwich. We’ll be doing our best all year round to stand up for the local community.

Across the motorway Lib Dem candidate Julie Baum put in a stunning performance to move into second place with a 50% increase in the Lib Dem vote.
Besses
Julie Baum (Lib Dem) 614
Labour 1084
Conservatives 584
Others 354

Well done to all our candidates, but particularly to re-elected Councillors Vic D’Albert and Ann Garner, and to new Councillor Mary D’Albert.
A huge thank you to the whole Lib Dem campaign team for a stunning result. Full results to follow.

6am leafleting this morning whilst most folk slept, little was on the road and birds flew freely around gardens hunting for breakfast, was great fun … now its late - I’ve just got home from the election ‘count’ at Bury Sports Centre. 

I’m relieved that I will be able to continue as a Sedgley Councillor, we have held Sedgley by around 250 votes (close call again).  Mary D’Albert is our new Lib Dem Prestwich Councillor, for St Mary’s Ward.  So, at long last, I’m not the only Lib Dem Woman councillor with 7 men! 

The Tories now hold Bury firmly - so our lobbying and sticking up for Prestwich begins again, in earnest!  Thank you for the help, support, cups of tea and warmth on the doorstep, there’s much to do - as ever!  I’m going to bed -  my students will expect me to be bright and bubbly for their lessons … 

Please don’t forget to vote in the important local elections on Thursday 1 May 2008. These elections will decide who will represent you at the Council for the next four years.

Ann Garner, our hard working local councillor for the last 5 years is the Liberal Democrat Focus Team candidate on Thursday.

Important Information
- Polling Stations are open from 7.00am - 10.00pm
- You don’t need your polling card to vote
- If you have a postal ballot, but have not yet sent it in, you can complete it as normal and take the completed envelope to your local polling station on the day.

Polling Stations in Sedgley
Downham Crescent/Meade Hill Road areas - Mobile Van on Meade Hill Road
Park Road and Brooklands Road areas - Mobile Van on Castle Hill Road
Kings Road, Bishops Road, Sedgley Park Road areas - Sedgley Park Primary School, Bishops Road
George Street, Bland Road areas - Mobile Van on Portugal Road
Whittaker Lane and Bent Hill areas - St Hilda’s Primary on Whittaker Lane
Recory Lane, Park View and Deyne Avenue areas - Park View Primary

If you need any more information, or need a lift to the polling station call our helpline on 0161 798 0117

Thank you!

Apologies for the Video Hight - we need to upgrade our software!

Election statement to readers of the Bury Times:

Liberal Democrats across Bury have had a brilliant response from local residents. People are telling us that they are fed up of Labour closing post offices, taxing poorer people and watching the economy slide. People are uncertain what the Conservatives stand for, and haven’t noticed any improvement since they took over last year.

Liberal Democrats in Bury have three clear priorities:

We want safe, thriving communities across Bury. People must feel safe in their own streets and communities. This isn’t just about tackling crime, it’s about stronger, united communities. That’s why we’re opposing Post Office closures and why we secured massively increased funding for children in the Council budget. It’s also why we have always opposed the unfair and divisive congestion charge.

We want Bury to be the greenest Metropolitan Borough in Britain. Last year Lib Dems secured blue recycling bins for every house, and this year more money for parks and cleaning. We cherish Bury’s beautiful environment. We will work hard to protect it.

We believe in giving power to local people, not keeping it at the Town Hall. This means that decisions should be made locally in the six towns that make up Bury. It means local people making decisions at the most local level about the services that effect communities.

On May 1st we have a choice - A return to the 21 years of neglect under Labour’s rule in Bury, uncertainty under the Tories, or a clear vision for a better Bury from your local Liberal Democrats.

Went straight from teaching to King’s Road playground for a quick swing, awaiting interviewer and camera man, for today’s 5-7pm news programme.  The feature is the local elections and issues in different council wards, through interviews with candidates and residents.  One of the main issues in our ward is traffic: speeding, rat runs, amount of and air pollution because of.  So I talked about encouraging parents to walk their children to school – but to do more of that we need doggie-dooh free streets and safe places to cross roads, too!   What I’m hoping for is the power of this piece to get our Council Officers to put more resources into our area to tackle poor, dirty pavements and improved crossing points (including the Bury New Road/Hilton/Scholes Lane junction)!  We’ve been lobbying for an improved school crossing for Park View on Bury New Road – for 17 years – this year with the help of lobbying parents and the local press and Channel M – it was partly improved …

We’ve been out with leaflets in between showers as well as enjoying cups of tea with supporters, leaving them with leaflets to get out next week (as well as posters to display).  Last year, at this time, we were getting tanned, not delivering in hats and gloves!  I’ve just put casseroles on, for our meals for next week, after canvassing.  A week and a half to go and then a Bank Holiday weekend so I can catch up with my garden!  Last night was great - an Oscar party for Jason’s 40th  It was great to mix outside our political pals for a few hours, too!

Coming home from work, two very small children were playing on the main road, in Salford’s Lower Broughton, throwing a doll into the path of cars and then darting to retrieve it.  It was scary – the biggest child wasn’t more than four or five.  I decided that they were playing a dangerous game and pulled in to find them and make their parents aware. 

It took me ages to weave back and got lost in the blocked-off side streets.  I parked up and went to meander around on foot.   I was really shocked at how blocking off the streets to stop rat-runs has separated the larger more affluent homes from the terraced homes below, too.  There was an area that I assume had once held garages, now full of broken glass and a small park with dumped rubbish and children playing in a skip.  I couldn’t see the little girls and hoped they had been found already.  My Dad grew up in these streets, I remember it from my childhood when I visited my Gran and it wasn’t so neglected and run down.  I hope that regeneration of the area improves it!   

As I don’t teach on a Wednesday afternoon, I was fortunate to be able to attend the Service of Thanksgiving for Charles Cross at St Mary’s Church, who was in charge of Prestwich Urban and District Council up until its merger with Bury in 1974.  He then became a barrister and continued to help and support Prestwich organisations, up until recently.  It was really interesting to hear all about his life and hobby of sailing as well as to meet some of his colleagues and friends.

I was so very glad when Vic called it a day and we could leave canvassing tonight.  Don’t get me wrong, I actually enjoy knocking on doors to talk with residents but tonight, my feet were not only cold but numb!

I took my new Lib Dem mug to work today - on seeing it, Mel almost tripped, in her efforts towards our staffroom fridge.   She had, as usual, huge bags of stuff for teaching and marking as well as her (as she has healthy food for lunch rather then my quick buttie from the canteen) buttie box.  - … ANNNNNN  is that suitable ….. ???????????

My new bright yellow Mug says ‘Beat the …. Bad News Party’ on it but she only saw the lib dem Logo and ‘Bad News Party’   !!!

My colleagues are amazing, talented, keep me focused and make sure I laugh more often than I would, without them.

It’s amazing how fast the year comes around again.  Mike came out to canvass with us tonight, it’s almost as though the last year never happened and we’ve turned back the clock.  We knocked on doors again – and after many years, so many residents are well known to us all.  It’s really odd when you are walking to a door and you remember the conversation you had with the family, last year ……you also remember the residents who don’t agree with you ….  you pause before you ring the doorbell for a repeat ….. 

At work I have my enthusiasm for my job and get on with my classes, as its too easy to focus on election work alone.  My long-suffering head of department has just had to endure one of my lessons, for my annual lesson ‘observation’ (poor man) and I am spending hours ‘feeding back’ to students, about coursework that (still) needs changing before we post samples of their work to the exam board next week.  Work provides a rest from pounding the streets and pushing our Lib Dem message through letterboxes and personal exchange.   Election time is a strange beast few understand unless they too, are involved.

Where has the sunny pre-election lead-up gone?  I need my hat and gloves again!  Case work is rolling in, leaflets need delivering and we’ve got lots of doors to knock on to speak to residents about our local May 1^st elections.  I’m back from nipping down to Plymouth to visit my son who is heading towards university exams in a few weeks.  It was good to meet his flat mates, have a wiz around Plymouth Sound in a motor boat and enjoy the train journey there and back, too.  

Now I’m back, a few hard weeks of campaigning are ahead - and I’m up for election this year too.  I am amazed that I have been a local councillor for five years - it’s been five very quick years - I have learnt so much about local government, lobbying for resident’s rights and services, working on consultations to get improvements and supporting residents to apply for grants and when things go wrong, complain, too.  There’s still so very much do do - I hope residents can put their trust in me again, to help them.

Nick Clegg has sent this email to all members – pity I’m too far away from

London to join the protests this weekend:

“Today I have written to the Prime Minister asking him to pull out of this weekend’s ceremony welcoming the Olympic torch to London in advance of the Beijing Games.  When China made its bid to host the Olympics, the Deputy Mayor of Beijing said that this was an indication of

China’s wish to “promote” democracy and human rights.  But it has done nothing of the sort.  Recent events in Tibet, broken promises over media freedoms, ongoing human rights abuses and intransigence over the humanitarian catastrophe in Darfur have made a mockery of

China’s “commitment” to progressive freedoms. As the prospective host of the 2012 Games, Britain has a particular responsibility to hold

China to account for its broken promises and its poor record on human rights. 

Gordon Brown should not attend this weekend’s event or any future events to mark the Beijing Games - including the opening ceremony on 8th August – until

China lives up to the expectations placed upon it by the Olympic Charter. The Charter states that “Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles”. 

China should do that by taking four clear steps.

First, President Hu Jintao should agree to meet the Dalai Lama for face-to-face talks on a mutually acceptable solution to the contested status of

Tibet and the treatment of Tibetans.

Second, China should honour its commitment to allow the free access of foreign journalists to all parts of the country and to talk to any individual who gives consent to be interviewed: China should not use the Olympics as an excuse to further restrict the freedom of its domestic media.

Third, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China should use its influence in Khartoum to remove obstacles to the United Nations-African Mission in

Darfur.

Fourth,

China should demonstrate its commitment to civil and political rights by ratifying the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).I  believe firmly in the spirit of the Olympic Games, and in the value of human rights and civil liberties. 

We should use the opportunity of the Olympic Games to exert pressure on

China to live up to those values; and the British government should express its clear disapproval until it does so. Best wishes,
Nick Clegg MP
Leader of the Liberal Democrats”

I couldn’t agree more!    

Liberal Democrats have announced a full team of candidates to contest the elections for Bury Council on Thursday 1 May 2008. One third of the seats on the Council are up for election, with one councillor to be elected in each of the 17 wards.

Two Councillors are seeking re-election - Vic D’Albert in Holyrood and Ann Garner in Sedgley.

Liberal Democrat candidates are:
Ramsbottom, Tottington and North Manor
Ramsbottom - Janet Turner
Tottington - David Foss
North Manor - Ewan Arthur
Bury West
Elton - Robert Sloss
Church - Tamsin Thomson
Bury East
Moorside - Nissa Finney
East - Emma Davison
Redvales - Paul Jenkins
Radcliffe
Radcliffe North - Lynne Molloy
Radcliffe West - Joanne O’Hanlon
Radcliffe East - Mike Halsall
Whitefield and Unsworth
Unsworth - Theo Tzymcyca
Besses - Julie Baum
Pilkington Park - Wayne Burrows
Prestwich
Holyrood - Vic D’Albert
St Mary’s - Mary D’Albert
Sedgley - Ann Garner

The Lib Dems have claimed to be the “practical” party of local government at the launch of their campaign for council elections in England and Wales. Leader Nick Clegg said the party’s record was a “success story - quality services, and value for money”.

Speaking at the campaign launch in Sheffield, he accused Labour of failing on crime and the Tories of having “no stomach” for addressing green issues.

The party currently controls 29 local authorities across Britain, and is defending 700 Council seats on May 1st. We also hope to make other gains in Bury, including of course in St Mary’s.

Today, Nick Clegg said the party had come up with local solutions to problems including housing, crime and the environment.

“The Liberal Democrat record in local government is a success story - quality services, and value for money. And we are ready to apply the lessons that we have learned to councils throughout this country. “ He said: “We don’t promise to fix or solve every problem, but we do promise to give people a say, to give them the opportunity to fix things for themselves.”

Last night, the Tory Council Leader mixed up Prestwich with Whitefield and admitted he only gets down to our end of Bury every few weeks or so.  So, in the far too long and acrimonious political verbadshindaggerings of the meeting, it made me wonder why?   What’s wrong with us?  Is it the smelly haze of the Water Treatment Plant?  Which is a posh title given to our sewage works – that reeks all summer and is bearable in the winter, only?  Artificial perfume is pumped into the air in large quantities as an odour suppressant.  Unfortunately I am sceptical about anything put in the air that we then breathe in – is it safe, I always wonder?  The again, I also wonder about mobile phone use and car emissions, too. 

Previously I’d been told, when asking, that United Utilities is a private company (not a public utility any longer) and not a Council partner, so you cannot interfere or work with them.  So, I asked:

‘In view of the Council’s positive approach to partnership working, what steps are underway to work with and improve the smelly sewage works at Blackford Bridge?’ 

The Tory Executive member, from north Bury, didn’t know there was a sewage works there or that it is a problem.  However, she has agreed to look into it.  It would be really, really fabulous if residents could breathe in real air rather than artificial enhancements – and the smelly haze – depending on the weather and heat, can waft over to Sunnybank and into Unsworth and over to the cemetery and Albert Street (near our famous luggage factory).  Something else to follow-up.

At each Council meeting, you are entitled to submit questions to the Leader or bodies that the Council works with such as Fire, Police, Waste and Transport.  There is also time put aside for the public to ask questions (not all councils still allow the public to ask questions at meetings ie Manchester!) there is also a slot for councillors to ask ‘free’ questions, that you don’t need to pre-submit.   

Our written questions explored the progress of our Prestwich Urbed study as we’re passionate that our urban village is re-built to be the most positive benefit to residents and businesses as well as the environment.  The study is a consultation process to explore views and needs of our area. We also asked about progress to ensure Children’s Sure Start Centres is kept on track, about help for our Jewish communities for Passover refuse collections, the creation of an Alley Gating policy (as its well over-due and no projects can go ahead without it), Litter enforcement (as we feel there is far too little in our area).   

Finally, my colleague Steve Wright had submitted a question about energy efficiency of council buildings as a promised study has not yet been completed.  If we don’t know the emissions and energy inefficiency, how can you take steps to prove you are becoming more efficient, if you don’t know your starting point?  The report is delayed but happening, we are promised it, for early in the next municipal year – so we need to chase this up – as we do the alley-gating policy, after the local elections. 

Good ‘green’ news is that a feasibility study is being undertaken to explore using solar panels to heat Ramsbottom swimming pool – great stuff – I just hope that projects like this happen though, as initial investment is needed for long-term savings both for the council’s coffers as well as for the environment.

I’ve been putting a graffiti list together – helped by residents who e-mail/phone to add to the list.  The list has been sent to Bury Council with a request for a concerted effort to rid our area of it – and keep a firm eye to prevent it from happening again:

·                Side of house on Bury Old Road on corner by the British Legion.

·                War Memorial by St Margaret’s Church

·                Bollards on pedestrian crossing islands on Heywood Road at the Rectory Lane junction & Heys Road.

·                Fencing on ginnel from Heywood Road to Park Place.

·                Prestwich Clough, most recently ‘Welshy’ on the bridge.

·                Footpath tunnels that go under the motorway, junction 17 of M60. Also on various utility boxes, bins, etc, and the electricity sub-station in Prestwich Clough and on Church Lane.

The silent walk of witness organised by Churches Together in Prestwich, lead by the Cross to remember and celebrate that God loves each and every one of us, took place in Prestwich this morning.  We walked from St Mary’s Church through the village, to Tesco - where there was a short service in the windy chill reminded residents, petrol pump visitors and shoppers - people outside the walls of local Churches, that Good Fridayis a special day in the Christian Calendar. 

Ivan Lewis and David Chaytor both voted to close post offices in the debate last night in Parliament. All Lib Dem MPs voted to save them (as did tories).  See link to Hansard records.

Please note that on Sundays, re-surfacing of the Sheepfoot/Scholes/Bury Old Rd junction will be re-surfaced in such a way that you may not be allowed to make right/left turns.  Simpler re-surfacing will take place in the week.  Work at the junction is behind due to the weather.  I met with residents the other day, who are still concerned at the site of the bus stop for the 135 bus, flowing towards Prestwich - with junction changes, it’s even more exposed.  GMPTA have promised to re-review this bus stop site asap.

After an intensive time supporting my students to catch up with outstanding coursework, before our exam board’s deadline, I have a week to catch up with case work, deliver leaflets and see residents. It’s been a mad, mad few weeks!

BOGUS CALLER WARNING TO ELDERLY RESIDENTS
Police in Whitefield and Prestwich are urging residents to be extra careful after three burglaries involving bogus callers in the Whitefield (Frankton Road and Higher Lane) and Prestwich area (Albert Avenue).

The offender stated he was from the Council and needed to turn off taps in the property. Entry was allowed on this basis and whilst distracting the elderly occupants, the offender managed to steal an amount of cash.

Officers believe the same offenders have committed these three offences. One is described as a white male, fat, approximately 40 years of age, with a round face and wearing a dark coloured woolen hat, dark zipped fleece jacket and blue jeans. The other is described as a white male, approximately 30 years of age, with a thin dirty face and wearing a dark woolly hat and zipped fleece jacket.

Gaynor Mason, crime reduction advisor for Bury police said: “Don’t let anyone into your property if you are not expecting them to call. It’s a sad fact that some criminals impersonate officials to prey on vulnerable people and it’s extremely rare that a representative will call round unannounced.

“We would urge anyone who does have callers at the door to ask for identification. All official workers do carry identification and are pleased to show it. If you are still unsure then ring the company by looking up the number in the phone book. Any legitimate caller would be happy to wait while their credentials are being checked.

“People may feel embarrassed that they have become a victim of this type of crime but it’s important these crimes are reported, so we can investigate and catch the perpetrators.

“We would also ask anyone with elderly relatives, especially those that live alone, to make them aware of these crime prevention measures as they are more likely to be targeted.”

If anyone knows the identity of the offender they should contact the priority crime unit at Bury on 0161 856 8179 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Liberal  Democrats in Bury have accused Ivan Lewis MP and David Chaytor MP of failing to support local services after they voted to support the Government’s massive post office closure programme.

The Government has ordered that one in five branches be closed. Opposition MPs tried to stop the closure programme on 19th March when a motion was proposed in the House of Commons demanding the Government halt their plans to make 2500 branches shut up shop.

But enough Labour MPs rallied around the Government’s closure plans to reject the motion and ensure the closure programme can continue unhindered. Two of those voting to close post offices were Bury’s MP.

Disappointed local Liberal Democrat campaigners are calling on Ivan Lewis and David Chaytor to explain why s/he voted to close post offices.
“Our MPs have let down people in Bury by voting to allow the closures to continue,” said Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson Vic D’Albert. “In May the announcement will be made as to which branches here will be put forward for closure. This was an opportunity for Ivan Lewis and David Chayor to make a stand on behalf of residents. I am disappointed they have backed the Government rather than local people.

“The loss of post offices will hit communities hard in Bury. They are vital assets for many local people and closing them will cause many difficulties for older people and others with mobility problems, in particular.
“Despite the decision of our MPs to help the Government press ahead with closure, Liberal Democrats are continuing to fight the demolition of the post office network.”

It was odd to hold our NW conference yesterday, the weekend after the National Spring Conference in Liverpool and surprisingly, well attended.  My husband had volunteered me to help – my job was to issue conference badges and write ones for those coming on the day ….. what a hoot …. my spelling is appalling and I’ve never come across some of the places people came from either.  I put a E not an A in Wirral (ie squirrel).  Neither did I recognise an MP (I’ve only been to Southport once , for a course at a college) but at least I’d read articles he’d written and knew how to spell his name and not compound my embarrassment which was a great hoot to the man sitting next to me!   

The training I did, courtesy of ALDC, was as always brill and I’m ready to put my new knowledge and skills into action.  Next job on my list to get my nomination papers signed so I can re-stand as a Cllr – I must be nuts to offer to do another four year stint.  I enjoy helping residents and meeting new people and being involved with residents groups but really, really, really dislike long, formal, boring meetings. 

Highest rated case work referral for the past month is RATS and roof damage due to squirrels!  One even came from under a bush by the entrance to the Town Hall last week to say hello as I passed!   I spoke to the gentleman on reception to report it, to be told not to worry they come inside when it’s quiet to play in the foyer!  A purge is needed!

There is nothing worse than being ‘under the weather’, when there is much to do.  I’ve had enforced lists making: of students whose coursework is outstanding, lists of jobs for our council ward as well as beginning a list of graffiti to ask for an area- wide clean-up.  So I sent out an e-pal request to make up my graffiti ‘Little List’ also asking if ‘Little List’ is from the Mikado.  Straight away the Hendersons replied that it is – so I’ve spent a few hours listening to an to my Mum’s old LP Ace of Club’s D’Oyly Carte copy.  You do have to listen to the whole opera to appreciate ‘I have a little list’ – the lyrics without connection to the plot make me look like a tory – of which I can assure you I’m not – if everybody was on the ‘list’, there would be nobody left. 

My enjoyment was followed by local resident Jules’ phone call update about her cycling business: National Cycling Academy with great ideas for a community event too.  

So, Andrew might be Lib Dem conferencing in Liverpool and I might be here instead, of my Ferry Enjoyable day with him, heigh ho.

Why is it that every time we produce our carefully created Focus Leaflets, mistakes are spotted after printing and not during proof-reading?   

‘Bland Road’s traffic rat-run is now working effectively, bringing a new harmony and peace for residents’.    NO NO NO NO NO NO ……… We’ve got the road split up into two and bollards HAVE BEEN PLACED to put an end to the rat-run  …… Hopefully my dyslexic-slip will be grinned over whilst I hold my head in shame! 

This week’s evenings have been far too MANY, long and busy.  My laundry needs attention and I have piles of people to get back to instead (much more interesting than chores).  I’ve visited a Sure Start Children’s Centre – brill local community hub (really positive fact-finding visit); managed not to fall asleep in our Budget Setting Council Meeting (and asked a re-cycling question that residents and I hadn’t managed to get answered); interviewed perspective students for next year at the college where I work

…. HIGHLIGHT …. (middle-aged woman thing) shook Nick Clegg’s hand (looks like I’ll now have to join his fan club) and enjoyed the Wolf Fund dinner that went with the hand-shake (will add photo from the hand-shake if its any good). 

Next week: Pupils with Special Needs sub-group of Parrenthorn High School (where I am a governor) meeting, Councillors Training Meeting to discuss training needs of, Sure Start Children’s Centre Sub-group, Developing Sustainable Communities Working Group for Prestwich (which I Chair) and my final evening meeting of the week is a full governing body of Parrenthorn High School (which start at 7 and often finish at 10). 

AT PRESENT THERE IS NOTHING IN MY DIARY FOR FRIDAY EVENING – so its been assigned for marking my students’ coursework (with a glass of red wine and chocolate bar treat to look forward to afterwards).

Lib Dem’s Secure More Money for Children and Young People, and more money for Parks and Cleaner Streets 

Liberal Democrat Councillors saved services for young people and vulnerable children and secured extra expenditure on much needed environmental services such as parks, cleaner streets and environmental enforcement in Bury Council’s budget for next year.

The Lib Dem proposals, which were agreed and have become part of the budget:

- saved advice services for children and money for youth services across Bury

- saved services for disabled children, the “young carers” service and provision for children who are at risk

- secured new money for our parks and environmental services

 

- secured new money for a cleaner environment such as street cleaning and enforcement such as dog fouling and fly-tipping

 Cllr Tim Pickstone, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group said:

 “This is a difficult budget again for Bury. We all need to be clear on why these difficult savings once again have to be made. The blame is quite clearly with the Labour Government who, despite many years of pressure, continue to effectively give Bury a “poor deal”.

“Services to young people are already stretched  -  A vibrant youth support service is essential to ensure educational staying on rates and engagement in training or employment, with the subsequent positive impact on reducing anti-social behaviour”

“We are not prepared to put up with an unsafe reduction in support for vulnerable children, and to not see advances in supporting the environment in this borough.”

Cllr Richard Baum, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Resources said

“The people of this Borough want cleaner streets, green space and safe places for their families. And the Liberal Democrat group will ensure that as much as possible is done to give them what they want. Our proposals tonight are to invest in parks in this Borough to ensure that every community has a well-managed place of peace and greenery to enjoy.

Attacking the Labour Party Proposal to cut vital services for a zero Council Tax rise Cllr Pickstone said:

“This proposal is madness. We would all like to have a zero council tax rise, but the Labour Party are proposing to scrap £700,000 on much needed services for disabled people, are proposing to scrap services for young people and vulnerable children, and proposing to run Bury Council into the ground by running reserves down to a dangerous level. This is a disgrace - I am shocked that that Labour Party will stoop so low in a pathetic attempt to gain votes.

“There are two opposition parties in Bury. One, the Lib Dems, have achieved over £1/3 million of expenditure on young people, children and the environment, while Labour have achieved nothing but a cheap gimmick at the expense of vulnerable people.” 

We’ve been out campaigning and taking ‘photos for our next Focus leaflet.  Half term is almost over, our home is tidyish, my marking done, case work caught up with and lessons for next week planned (the ironing has been ignored- by everybody as usual).  I’ve spent a few precious days in the garden, catching up on spring-time work in order for my plants to have what they need.  I also finally got round to read Sebastian Fauks’ ‘Human Traces’, which I thoroughly enjoyed.  Still catching up, we finally had our Shrove Tuesday pancakes last night.  Even when life is too hectic and we have to wait a while, it’s a tradition I’ll never miss.  It’s also good to still be able to remember how to make them, without looking at the recipe!

The Climate Change Poster Competition for young people that I’ve been involved with has enabled Bury Council to produce a virtual calendar that you can download so it can be a desktop or people can print off each month themselves so it also saves printing costs and mailing!  It’s a great!  I hope that the schools and young people who took part enjoy it!

Half term has enabled me to attend ADAB’s Muslim Awareness Training event yesterday – it was good to mix with people from other faiths and communities and explore how we can create more understanding and tolerance together, of each other. 

At an Italian in Stockport, we had a great meal together but escaped before the disco – we don’t go out together very often but it’s really good to spend time with colleagues outside the confines of classroom and staffroom!  I was due to drive us back but looking at the snowy forecast, I backed out and luckily Andrew was more than happy to be behind the wheel.  Unfortunatley most of our snow has melted.  I’d been looking forward to getting Grandpa’s pipe and old cap out ready for the snowman I was hoping to make!  Looks like I’ll have to go out and leaflet after all!

This embryonic group is developing really well and the reluctant secretary was wonderful, welcoming newcomers and encouraging them to get involved – however, the rat and drain problem that’s literally plagued the area for the past year still isn’t being sorted and residents are getting fed up, being bogged down by the same problems that are not getting resolved.  Steve and I have enjoyed supporting this group to grwo and develop.

Was one of the topics presented by our PCT partner, explored through our Developing Communities working Group this week – a sub group of our Local Area Partnership for Prestwich.  What’s frightening is the statistics that in 14 years, 40% of the working population of Bury will retire.  Unless we up-skill people presently not working and ensure that everybody else is fit and healthy, there will be a huge shortage of workers – so I assume that the retirement age will move and I’ll be stuck at work for EVER!!!!!

Hassanat Ahmed, at our Holocaust Memorial Service, on Monday evening said ‘It is with common love for Abraham and his family that both Muslims and Jews should look towards the future, a future of understanding respect and most of all peace’.  I couldn’t agree with him more.  The service was poignant and reflective of the loss through Nazi persecution and destruction as well as for other communities all over the world, when crimes against humanity are committed.

The campaign to save the Woodhead Tunnel for public transport initiatives rather than allowing the National Grid to take it over for electricity cables, then seal up the two smaller tunnels it presently uses has caused a huge amount of public concern and debate.  Apparently once taken over for cables, it cannot be used for anything else for forty years, i.e. the life span of the cables.  It does seem like a great missed opportunity to improve public transport networks – if the work goes ahead without full investigation to decide on the best use for the tunnel.  The only problem is that all three tunnels seem to be owned by the National Grid …

The  Electoral Reform Society has strongly come out against Government Proposals for MPs to decide how they should be elected – whether to make their appointment truly representative or keep our present first past the post voting systems.  See the Make My Vote Count web site - a coalition lobby group, with an on-line petition and loads of info.

“Nowadays, with our modern mania for morality, everyone has to pose as a paragon of purity, incorruptibility, and all the other seven deadly virtues”

Oscar Wilde’s ‘Ideal Husband’ was a fantastic ending to the week and a rare evening with my hubby out together, on our own and not at a political or work-related event.  It’s a pity we didn’t have the energy to stay out afterwards for a bite to eat rather than heading for the take-away near home!  For me, this week has been a community and education mix of evening events.   

This Monday evening we have our annual Holocaust Memorial Service.  It is a very moving service, which brings together young people from our different faith and community schools to remind us all of the atrocities of the past.  It aims to remind us that we must learn from history and not to let human beings do such dreadful things to each other.  My nephew is taking part in the service this year, as Head Boy he will represent his school.  It’s been interesting to listen to his views, feelings and experiences of the practice sessions leading up to this event.  His parents and teachers are nurturing a very capable, astute and tolerant young man.

At least I’m honest.  With vest, jumper, thick fleece jacket, hat, Vibram soled rambling shoes (terrible grip on wet pavements), I braved the winter dampness to leaflet this morning.  I’d even put extra protection nail varnish on – as I am apt to get my fingers stuck in snappy-flappy-nippy letterboxes and loose bits.  I do enjoy being able to talk to residents as I deliver though – but few were out. One jumped out of his car to demand how we stand on congestion charging – he was delighted at our present stance – and suggested improvements needed for their neighbourhood.  His suggestions were soon fed back to my two fellow cllrs and we agree they are worth exploring.  All I need to do now is remember which house he lives in to report back to him!

If you’d like to attend the Local Area Partnership meeting for Prestwich (LAP) - the next meeting is Tuesday 15th January from 6.30pm at St Monicas’s High School.  The meetings now run differently than our previous Area Board. Now we have the business meeting of the partners who represent Prestwich (Councillors, PCT (Primary Care Trust partner rep), Police rep, Schools rep, Council Officer rep, Faith representatives (at present, one personfrom the Council of Churches and one from the Jewish Rep Council), local Businesses Representative, Tennants/Residents Group’s rep etc..we still have places for more community representatives.) first, followed by question time from residents and then presentations about things happening in our area. Meetings are approximately every 6 weeks.

The major happening - is the beginnings of research towards plans for a new-look centre of Prestwich village - URBIS has been commissioned to investigate and consult what we need to happen to the Longfield/area/shops etc… in order for change for the future.  Bury Rock development and the new Radcliffe Centre has been before us in the queue for re-development and it’s now our turn.  So we all need to start visioning and thinking what we need for the centre of our community i.e. health/leisure/sport/shops/library/heritage/art/open spaces/parking/sustainability/environmentally sound/pedestrian access …

Arthur phoned me yesterday evening - reminding me that my un-collected newspaper in Green Bags were still outside my house - as was his.  If you are on the Tuesday bin round, green bags were to be collected yesterday (Thursday) but they had problems getting to us - I got an email apology this morning - they collected at lunchtime.If you’d like a new green bag/an additional one - I still have 10 new ones in the garage, looking for new homes - I am more than happy to drop one or two through your letter box.   I just need an email for your Sedgley address: mail@anngarner.net

Our new party leader, Nick Clegg’s New Year Message, is clear and motivational.  We also need to work harder to get our message across to lobby for more people to vote for us.  We need to work harder to do this by “using clear, precise and simple language, cutting through the jargon and the cant, exposing duplicity and manipulation.”  Our messages need to express what we want to do and can do, not just looking good or sounding good.  Language that is fit for purpose. 

(Title: W. Nicholson’s “The Wind Singer”; Language: J. Humphry’s “Lost for Words”)

Back-Pay I got mine – both of – for my full-time teaching job and part-time political Councillor work/role for Bury MBC. So, why haven’t the Police got theirs? Bury MBC pays its share from our local Council Tax payers money into Police coffers and for one, I expect Police pay rises to he honoured!

Alan Gordon vice-Chair of the Police Federation commenting for The Observer, today, says that it’s caused the Government extreme embarrassment …. He thinks that ‘they were hoping that the whole problem would disappear over the Christmas break’ …. Will that be when the Police are at home with their families like teacher, me…. or WORKING …….. and feeling very annoyed that their public sector counterparts are hitting the Christmas Sales with their back-pay?

Switched to a relaxing Christmas cheer and ready to settle with a book, last night – news of the shocking assassination of Benazir Bhutto brought me back to the reality of politics and violence in other countries, especially the dangers to women politicians when they put themselves forward to challenge the status quo.  BBC 4’s Women’s Hour focused on this, this morning, beginning with the re-transmission of their July interview with Benazir and her hopes for the political future of Pakistan. They followed with a superb piece about women in Kenya and how many are continually bullied by men who consider their place to be at home and not in the political arena - if you didn’t catch it - you can for the next 7 days!

Supplementary Info: Accident Statistics (from Bury MBC) - this is very worrying!          

Injury collision info in the most recent standard 3 year monitoring period available to us ( ie 01/10/04 - 30/09/07 ) it has been revealed that there have been 15 injury collisions which have occurred at this junction during this period.  Fourteen of these injury collisions resulted in slight injury and one of the injury collisions was recorded as a serious injury collision. 

The collisions resulted in 27 casualties from the 15 injury collisions recorded. Twenty one of the casualties were either drivers or passengers, 2 were motorcyclists, 3 were pedal cyclists and 1 casualty was a pedestrian.

I much prefer to walk, its better for you and a steady pace burns 100 calories per hour ….. However, to walk in urban villages such as Prestwich, you need to be able to cross the roads!  We’ve got a new ‘joined-up’ Police-operated traffic management system for arterial roads to the City of Manchester.  Which means that lights are operated and altered to suit traffic flow.  An impact for us locally is that traffic junction light change sequences are speedier.  This has resulted in more traffic accidents from motorists who jump lights as they turn to read as well as impossibility for pedestrians to cross some road junctions.  However, traffic flow has improved and standing traffic with resulting pollution, reduced.  

The A56 junction of Bury New Road with Hilton Lane/Scholes Lane is now a particular problem, concerning many residents and school children.  As it’s also a junction that I use regularly, I see children and Mums darting across and stupid drivers refusing to allow them time to cross- how sick can people be when they start to drive up to people to push them off the road.  I was so mad I wanted to drive into one man recently as he forced a mother with a pram and two children to literally run for their lives.  But that’s not the answer! 

So at our recent Council meeting, I asked the question about why this junction is so dangerous and yet there are no plans for improvements due to the scale of costs of doing it.  I’d lobbied for a re-modelling survey and costings to be done and have been told it will be over £1 million!  I’ve asked to Scoot to slow traffic down there and a lolly-pop school crossing service.  Ah……… but the junction is unsuitable for a crossing patrol - ……. – is it too dangerous for one?  When the junction is finally improved, I was told, they will certainly consider a crossing!   I’ve been working to get this junction improved for several years and it’s getting more and more dangerous and will continue to campaign for it.

Do we have the record for the greatest number of new party leaders in two years?   At least we can now settle down and get to business - getting our message across and persuading residents to vote for us.  I’ve just been helping at a Christmas party for gentlemen who live at a rehabilitation hostel in Manchester. 

It’s part of my day-job as a teacher, not my political hobby - something we do, as a college, each year.  I was there to support my students who were helping our guests to have a lovely meal and enjoy carols, turns and bingo. One of the care workers and I recognised each other - I leaflet her home regularly.  She tries each year to get her husband and son to vote - they don’t and we had a really positive conversation about how difficult it is to get people to believe that their vote is vitally important and by voting for us we can make a difference. 

She’s a great lady, one of the ‘Joans’ of life - she works hard caring for the home’s residents and enabling them to move on with their lives, she has her family and looks after her Dad too.  She’s the lady who lives next door to us - or that we hope that she d