A leading member of the ruling Conservative Group conceded that our roads are a disgrace at the recent full meeting of Bury Council.

The admission from Cllr Gunther was in response to a question from Lib Dem councillor, Mary D’Albert (St.Mary’s ward).

But most astonishing was the reply that for the period May 07 to June 09 Bury Council has paid out on 333 highways claims with the total amounting to a shocking £2.1 Million. The average claim was just under £6500.

This is further evidence if needed that Bury’s roads are in a terrible state and in need of massive investment. At he full council meeting we called on the Council to consider drastic action, if need be obtaining one off loans to bring inject much needed funds into the highways maintenance programme.

The Conservative leader of the council conceded that the amount needed to bring our roads up to speed is more likely to be in the region of £40 million.

One thing is sure we need action now, because our roads are getting worse, claims are going through the roof and accidents are likely to happen.

Today is the first Armed Forces Day -a day to remember past and serving armed forces personnel.

Taking into account the extraordinary service and committment of our service personnel across the world and domestically in recent years then surely this commemorative day is not before time.

This country is naturally proud of the men and women who serve this country, often in extremely difficult not to mention dangerous cirumstances. Prepared to lay down their lives if necessary.

I for one will be remembering past members of my family that have served this country and thinking of those especially in Afghanistan and still in Iraq that are being called on to risk the ultimate sacrifice.

Cllr Sheila Magnall followed the House of Commons speaker in making a very competent debut at Wednesdays full council meeting at the town hall, maintaining a firm control of proceedings and not afraid to make judgments. Clearly the lady is not to be messed with!

However it is a shame she is operating in an apparently ever diminishing democratic environment at the Town hall.

To recap the Conservatives have made it more difficult for members of the public to ask questions at council, they have limited questions from councillors at Full Council and restricted questions at Executive meetings, they require further notice of questions in writing. On top of that they are in my opinion trying to restrict the scrutiny commissions scrutiny of policy and limiting the scrutiny commissions work programme of items they may wish to scrutinise. And if that wasn’t bad enough if an item is scrutinised, any recommendations to teh Executive tend to be ignored - at least if opposition members have had a significant input.

We desperately need to open up our democracy and re-engage with members of the public. The public we serve!

It’s time our democratic decision making and policy review structures were completely reviewed, if necessary with the aid of independant advisors or members.

Last night I took the opportunity to question the Conservative leader of the Council about his references during the week to disabled children attending Radcliffe Riverside. He had stated at a previous meeting that “It’s a reality of life” and the move to The Derby High could pose “A bit of a problem” as it does not have disabled access.

Whilst he clarified his comments last night, I told him that his remarks had been totally insensitive to the concerns of disabled people in the Borough not least Radcliffe and he should have apologised.

I also put it to him that the disability access issue is symptomatic of a Conservative Council making policy in a panic, on-the hoof and that the reorganisation of high schools had been mishandled and was a shambles.

He neither apologised or agreed with me - no surprise there. What was surprising was the leader of the Labour group accusing me of hypocrisy. This was apparently because we supported the motion to proceed with merger (with the Derby) to get the school built. Cheap points scoring, when he knows full well we never agreed to close Riverside before The Derby High. And we have consistently pressed for the pupils, parents, staff and Governors to be fully consulted and kept on side all along. Of course what we now know is that the Tories panicked and the rest is history.

I thought the new speaker, John Bercow made a competent start today at his first PMQ’s. It can’t be easy knowing most of your party colleagues voted against you and the Labour party only voted for you cos’ they don’t want to get the blame if and when things go pear shaped again!

But he started to impose himself - cutting short a couple of MP’s that threatened to waffle on, calling for MP’s to be quite while people spoke etc, and in his post PMQ’s statement he has demanded that Ministers make statements to the Commons BEFORE varied radio and TV programmes. How will the spin doctors cope - we’ll see what happens when that dictat is tested.

Pity he can’t force people to answer questions properly, never mind one step at a time.

The first case of swine flu has been reported in Bury. A 13 year old pupil of The Derby High School has been confirmed as having mild symptoms.

It is understood she may have contracted the virus on a visit to Scotland recently.

As a result the school have taken appropriate measures to contain the virus and have sent home identified possible contacts with the affected pupil. I understand about 50 pupils have been sent home. 

Police investigated a quite staggering 300 cases of child abuse in Bury last year and a further 180 complaints from residents worried about child welfare etc.

Vic D’Albert commented, “These are frankly frightening statistics and in many ways a sad reflection on modern society. I just hope and pray that these statistics represent most if not all of the “iceberg” rather than the tip. There is no place for abuse in our society whether child or elder abuse and I would implore anyone who is worried about an individuals welfare and the possibility of abuse to contact the authorities immediately. I also applaud the Police and Council officers for their efforts and diligence in what must often be very trying and disturbing circumstances.”

Bury Police also confirmed that between 90 and 110 incidents of domestic violence are reported in Bury each week. The unit also investigates 120 reports of serious sexual offences each year, including 40 rapes, and 300 video interviews per year are conducted with vulnerable witnesses and victims. Around 100 complaints are received in Bury each year about the abuse of elderly and vulnerable people.

To report a crime contact the unit by calling (0161) 872 5050.

Yesterday was Prestwich Carnival - and the climax to the Ist Love Prestwich Festival
Despite gloomy skies and an early shower the weather played ball. And the crowds came out in their thousands.
Congratulations to the organisers and the stall holders and parade participants that all played their part in ensuring it was a great day for all concerned. Well done to everyone involved.

More pictures here.

To all fellow hard working, long suffering, dedicated rivers of paternal love and affection out there!

Well no harm in making the most of the occassion is there.

Off to Prestwich Carnival shortly to rattle a bucket, while daughter sleeps off the excesses of her latest visit to Manchester’s nightlife. No doubt big card and pressy on their way, uhmm.

And to avoid confusion this isn’t the mythical heavenly paradise of tranquility and beauty, rather the once a month entertainment-fest at Prestwich’s Carlton Club. I know, I know, it’s easy to make the mistake.

Sadly I couldn’t stay all night due to my “other halfs” ear drums insisting they had suffered enough. For the record, I enjoyed the entertainment  (I am a sucker for any live music) - the comic, Verne Griffiths and Antistar a 5 piece rock band that made an excellent debut perfomance. I also particularly enjoyed the update about the shangri-la cat “Barry”. Believe me you had to be there.

Well done to the organisers, I can’t begin to imagine how difficult it is to put together a monthly variety enetertainment such as shangri-la, but its an excellent event and long may it have continued success and go from strength to strength.

Of course a few people recognised me as a local politician - one jester questioned whether I would be putting this on my expenses. Ho Ho Ho, how I laughed.