LIBERAL Democrats in Bury have called for a cut in income tax for people on low and middle incomes to help them beat the recession. 

“Inflation is at its highest for years,” said Vic D’Albert, Parliamentary spokesperson for Bury South. “Residents of Bury are struggling with rising fuel and housing costs. They need money in their pockets now. 

“Liberal Democrats are calling for a cut in income tax of 4p in the pound. It will be paid for by closing the loopholes used by the most wealthy to avoid paying tax. And we will increase the level of tax on the most polluting activities. 

“Too many people are faced with the appalling prospect of either eating properly or heating their homes. Action is needed now to help residents of Bury who are struggling with rising prices. 

“Many residents on low incomes are paying more in tax following the government’s decision to double the starting rate of income tax to 20p in the pound. Though the government was eventually forced to come forward with a package to compensate people for the tax increase, many are still worse off. 

“Cutting income tax will therefore give residents and our local economy a boost at a time when it is desperately needed.”

Local residents packed into Lady Wilton Hall in Simister last night for the monthly meeting of Simister Village Community Association.

The main item on the agenda was an update on the congestion charging zones and how it would affect Simister. originally the proposals were to site a charging “gate” on Simister Lane, on the motorway bridge. This would have meant that anyone leaving Simister in the rush hour would be charged - even if they were only visiting Prestwich or the nearby Parrenthorn and St.Margarets Schools.

They have now learned that the Passenger Transport Authority instead plan to site a charging gate at the junction of Blue Ball Lane and Simister Lane. This seemed to have the support of those present.

Other issues raised included parking on Farm lane near the junction with Simister lane and Razor wire fencing near Egypt lane. The Police highlighted the recent spate of burglaries across Prestwich and urged vigilance in the run up to Christmas. 

At last nights Special Council Meeting called to debate the Council Pay Review and regrading controversy, Bury’s ruling Conservative Group were finally exposed as not fit to govern Bury.

Both opposition parties sought a concensus to try and break the deadlock over the pay review issue which see many staff facing massive pay cuts. Both opposition parties committed to try and take the issue forward in a way that would seek to alleviate the hardship of staff adversely affected. Both opposition parties put political differences aside in an effort to draw a line under this issue and move forward.

The Conservative Group however were determined to pass the blame to previous administrations and were unwilling to move. They would not listen, they did not share the same frustration, anger and concern for the problems Bury’s staff are facing as a result.

But to me their biggest failure last night was their failure to govern. Governments whether local or national have to have the ability to rise above the fray to recognise what has to be done for the common good and be prepared to do the right thing - even if that means working with the opposition, even if that means admitting that mistakes have been made or things could have been done better.

It does not augur well for the major decisions Bury may face over the coming months under this Tory regime, that they were utterly implaccable and stonewalled all attempts at a concensus.

Remember the date October 27th 2008. Its the day Bury Conservatives showed that they don’t have the skills and abilities to govern Bury, they showed the people of Bury, not to mention staff packed into the public gallery , that they are frankly not fit for purpose.

For information Labour had proposed a motion calling for an all party working group. The Lib Dems proposed an amendment to that motion which was supported by Labour. The Conservatives voted down both our amendment and Labours motion.

The Lib Dem amendment supported by Labour was:

“This Council fully supports the principle of an open and transparent pay and grading review. However, we express our deep concern at the way the process has affected staff relations and morale. Council therefore resolves to begin a process which involves all parties and Trades Union representatives to develop a package of measures to support staff adversely affected by the scheme.”

I am delighted to report that the proposed Planning Application to demolish the victorian building at 33 Glebelands Road has been withdrawn.

Along with about 40 other residents I had opposed this development on the grounds of overdevelopment. The plans had proposed biulding 14 apartments on the site and a car park which would have seen the removal of protected trees as well.

I understand the application was withdrawn following concerns raised by the Planning Department about the height and scale of the building, tree removal and Highways concerns about the proposed access to the development.

I just hope that the developers go back to the drawing board and try and come up with something that would see this marvellous building in a popular area being preserved instead of being demolished. Buildings like this need to be preserved but more importantly utilised, the worst thing that could happen now is for the biulding to remain empty for many more years.

Well done to all who opposed this plan, however we must remain vigilant against further innapropriate proposed developments. 

I attended a Planning Control Committee meeting on tuesday night. Specifically I attended to support residents of Glebelands Road who are opposed to a large scale extension being attached to the rear of a large victorian semi. So what? Why bother?

Well what really upset me was that this property is bang smack in the middle of a conservation area and this particular building is owned and occupied by a charity that support recovering alcoholics and drug addicts. Over the years residents have put up with considerable disruption and now they are rewarded by an expansion programme that also seeks to alter significantly this property. As With Prestwich Heys applications for floodlights last year, I do think organisations have to consider when they are outgrowing their existing site and should consider moving to pastures new.

But despite all this it’s the conservation aspect that does for me. Whilst further up the road a larger even more impressive building is being proposed for demolition to be replaced by dreaded flats, on this property developers seek to attach a massive extension. Ok the building survives but is clearly disfigured.

We have to start standing up for our heritage and important buildings. Once demolished or disfigured thats pretty final, the deed is done. I never see extensions being demolished. 

I requested a site visit at the Planning meeting which was supported by the committee so I hope residents will turn out on November 25th to support this building being kept as it is.

I’d like to extend a big “Thank you” to all those that turned up to last nights Special Area Partnership meeting at the Longfield Centre.

It was encouraging to hear such fervent views being made about the draft plans for the regeneration of the village centre and as always people were very clear about what they want and what they don’t want.

I can offer assurances that all the points raised were noted as part of the consultation exercise and in particular I think its fair to highlight that the impression I gained was that there was significant support for the retention of the Railway and Nat pub, for a minimum number of flats (and thus height of buildings), greater parking provision, and reduction of the Bury new Road carriageway with widened pavements and parking bays.

In addition it was gratifying to see the strength of feeling for retention of the Longfield Suite and especially the main hall with its popular sprung dance floor and for an enlarged central plaza/square around the water feature area for markets and events.

If you are yet to see the plans please make sure you at least view the summary documents and send in your comments - what you like and what you don’t before the consultation finishes on November 24.

This is your opportunity to shape the future of Prestwich Town centre. We need to make sure we get it right and develop an environmentally and economically  sustainable attractive town centre that meets the needs hopes and aspirations of most Prestwich people and local businesses. Please grasp the opportunity and take part in the consultation.

I am growing increasingly concerned about the response to the current crisis by the Government.

The bail-out of banks including part nationalisation was welcomed by all parties as he best if only way forward to deal with problems in the financial sector.

But following the massive leap in unemployment, which was lets face it expected, and the cost of energy etc there is still tremendous pressure on ordinary working people and their families.  Yet the Government is reacting significantly slower to these problems.

I think its time the Government showed as much urgency with the plight of working families and small business as it has done for big business, Banks and the City. That means tax cuts, lower interest rates and real help with fuel bills for this winter to protect the elderly, infirm and children.

But remember we have the most conservative Labour Government ever - so we will have to wait, but for how long?

Every day more jobs are lost, every day more people are in more debt and our pensioners are living in fear of the next heating bill.

I am sure there are many like me who have watched the unfolding events of the economic crisis on our TV screens night after night have been worried and more than a little anxious for the impact on their jobs, families, communities and country.

However what is increasingly worrying me alongside the latest updates and proposals etc is the concern that the media are in danger of fuelling the crisis. As the crisis has grown so has the blanket coverage from TV and radio News and our newspapers. And, desperate for further information in our 24 hour news society there is a real danger that some of the coverage could enter the realms of speculation and risk undermining economic fortunes further.

We have seen the response and bail out proposals from the Government which have been rightly welcomed and supported by all main parties who I beleive are responding positively and rationally to the crisis. Now its time the media did the same and toned down some of their coverage with a calmer less hysterical approach.  The “Don’t panic” Dads army approach to some of the coverage won’t help anybody.

The news that Peter Mandelson is to receive £234,000 over the next three years is a disgrace at a time of widespread economic problems and at a time of rising unemployment as the country enters a recession.

The pay out is apparently a transitional payment for leaving his EU commissioners post early to take up his new Government post (3rd time lucky). But this is designed for circumstances when you don’t have another job lined up. Mandelson is going to be paid handsomely as a member of the cabinet and receive this as well.

If he has any political sense left he will not accept this pay out. His acceptance would be a slap in the face of all those who are facing economic hardship and unemployment.