Commenting on the Government’s ‘chain schools’ announcement, Vic D’Albert Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Bury South said:

“As if we haven’t had enough proposals and meddling in our childrens’ education over the past 13 years the Government has come up with another gimmick on the eve of a General election.  This latest gimmick is just more top-down meddling from a tired Government desperate to divert attention from its failure to raise standards in our schools.

“New providers could possibly help to turn around long-term failing schools, but do we really want Ed Balls to be handpicking all 500 of them?  

“But then again properly funded Local Education Authorities can also provide answers along with improved training for teaching staff and better school management.

“I would rather see our Government concentrating on getting the basics right, freeing up teachers from beurocracy and rectifying imbalances in education funding that sees Bury Council as one of the worst funded authorities in the country.

“Only the Liberal Democrats are committed to giving all schools the extra money they need to cut class sizes and provide children who are struggling with individual support.          

“We will make sure all schools have the freedom to provide an excellent standard of education, without the constant interference of Whitehall politicians.”

Last night it was Bury Councils awards night for Looked after children - children in care etc.

This years event was switched from the Elizabethan Suite to Bury FC’s Social Club on Gigg Lane. I was delighted to be able to attend along with colleagues, Cllr Wilf Davison and Cllr Mary D’Albert who is a member of the Councils Corporate Parenting Panel and other councillors, notably the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury.

Ostensibly it is an opportunity to celebrate and reward those children in the authority’s care who have achieved notable successes whether in academic fields or non-academic areas such as sport and the arts.

It was a very enjoyable occasion and it is clearly designed to bring everyopne together to celebrate their achievements. In true Holywood style nominations were read out, certificates of achievement handed out and winners in a number of categories were announced.

All in all a very enjoyable occasion and good to see so many happy faces! 

The Liberal Democrats have announced a major funding commitment to boost education in Bury. 

Nick Clegg has this week set out the Liberal Democrat manifesto commitment for a Pupil Premium that would invest around £11m of extra cash in Bury schools, raising the funding for disadvantaged pupils to private school levels. 

The money will be invested through the Pupil Premium pledge, part of a £2.5bn manifesto spending commitment. 

Vic D’Albert PPC for Bury South said: 

“It’s nothing short of a scandal that children in Bury continue to lose out under Labour. Some of the schools here receive significantly less money than the national average and something must be done. 

“Under our plans, Bury schools would get a further £10.78 m which they could use to cut class sizes and provide more individual support.” 

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said:  

“With this unfairness in funding it’s no surprise there is such a gap in achievement between children from the poorest backgrounds and those families who are better off. 

“Only when we get education funding back on track will be able to give all our children the fair start they deserve.”

If there is one single area where Labour has persistently failed many people in this country it would be in its attempts to reduce poverty and the poverty gap in Britain. And within that their pledge to eradicate Child poverty is the most miserable failure of all. 

A report by the National Equality Panel published today has stated that the gap between rich and poor in Britain is now wider than 40 years ago.

The Panel found that “Deep-seated and systemic differences” remain between men and women and minority groups in pay and employment.

This is despite this Labour Government throwing millions of pounds of taxpayers money at the issue and numerous initiatives.

The trouble is they have done just that - thrown millions of pounds at the problem, almost scatter cushion like, without going to the fundamental issues that drive poverty and curse many born into poverty. And coupled with new labours conservative approach to personal taxation, especially in their first Blair Parliament from ‘97, they have undermined their own ambitions to deal with poverty.

It’s probably their biggest failure and worst legacy to many over the course of a generation, who despite promises now bear the brutal scars of poverty and all that flows from it.

At last nights meeting of Polefield Tenants and Residents Association we had the usual collection of council officers, Police, residents and me!

As is usually the case the business was upbeat with plenty of positive developments.

Key business was the planning of the estates next fun day for the young people on the estate. This has now been arranged for the week of half term on wednesday, February 17th from 12 noon and will cover activities on the patch of land at the junction of Polefield Circle/Polefield Hall Rd and also on St.Josephs fields at the rear of Prestwich Heys.

On the morning of the 17th skips a couple of skips are to be delivered to the estate and volunteers are needed to help clean up the estate.

But it’s not just about young people.The Association has learned that an application for some funds to provide some “winter warmer” kits to elderly on the estate has been successful. As a result elderly residents will be receiving a bag of goodies to help them keep safe and warm this winter. These should be distributed in early February.

Nearly 40,000 children have been fined, cautioned or taken to court for alcohol-related offences in the last five years. The number has increased by over a quarter in that period, according to research by the Liberal Democrats. The key points are: 

·         39,714 people aged under 18 were fined, cautioned or taken to court for alcohol related offences between 2003 and 2007

·         This includes 124 children aged 10 to 12 and 6,111 aged 13 to 15

·         The number of under-18s fined, cautioned or taken to court for alcohol related offences has increased by 28.4% from 6,764 in 2003 to 8,686 in 2007

·         The number of 13 to 15 year olds being cautioned has increased by 17.4% and the number of 13 to 15 year olds being taken to court has increased by 19.9% in the same period.  

Vic D’Albert, Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate for Bury South said said:“These figures are absolutely shocking. It’s extremely worrying to see how many children are being dragged into the criminal justice system through alcohol abuse. The problem appears to be growing worse by leaps and bounds. 

“There has been a lot of Government talk about the alcohol crisis in this country but these figures show that they are completely failing to tackle this crisis. 

“Unless we change our drinking culture, we will condemn many of these children and adolescents to serious long-term alcohol-related illnesses or a life of crime. We must stamp out the sale of ultra-cheap alcohol being sold at pocket-money prices and improve the education of our children about the dangers of drink.

“The Government must get serious about this escalating problem. They must end the culture of cheap booze imports and show zero tolerance when enforcing a strict policy that those who sell alcohol to under-age children will lose their licence.”

Commenting on Ed Balls’ announcement that the Government is to water down plans on vetting and barring, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Bury South, Vic D’Albert said:

“At last the Government has injected some common sense into this issue. This u-turn is long overdue. The Governments heavy-handed approach to rules on parental vetting were likely to deny opportunities to young people, damaging extra curricular activities at schools and actually harm parental involvement with their children, rather than significantly improve their safety.

“There is still some concern however that this U-turn doesn’t go far enough.  

“The existing daft regulations on child protection require even police officers to go through an expensive and bureaucratic registration system. It’s not yet clear whether rules of this type are going to be swept away.We can only hope that the Governments will see sense on this aspect as well and make further reforms.”

Bury Conservatives conceded defeat again this week in their latest attempt at “cut first consult later”. They agreed not to cut the Councils Youth Services and instead merge it with the connexions service which provides help and support for 13-19 year olds.

OK admittedly not so much defeat as an ignominious retreat, but leaving many unswered questions that could still adversely affect the service.

For those not in the know at the last Council budget the Conservatives voted through a massive cut in finances for the service, then agreed that the issue should be consulted on following protests.

Then recently the Council scrutinised the decision and options and decided that keeping the service was the best option, leaving something like a £200,000 hole in the Council budget hence the merger proposal. Not so much a U-turn as a handbrake spin.

But this isn’t the first time this has happened. Three times this year the Conservatives have made decisions first and wondered about the implications later.

Read the rest of this entry.

Please find details of half term activities for next week in Prestwich for details of other events outside Prestwich during half term and all year round  you can visit Bury Council’s What’s On guide at  http://www.bury.gov.uk/Events/default.htm 

May I take this opportunity to ask if you are the parents/guardians  responsible for children who may Trick or Treat to ask them to take proper care when they knock on a door, if it is not answered, to walk away.  Many residents are vulnerable and do not wish to answer doors in the evening.

BUTTERSTILE SCHOOL

Dance Talent — Free October Half Term Workshop for children aged 4-11. Book ASAPSamantha IngramChildren’s Centre AdministratorButterstile 0161 253 7900

HEATON PARK SCHOOL

Free Sports Camp 10 am till 12 Mon-Fri, For further info call 253 7076

PRESTWICH CRICKET TENNIS & BOWLING CLUB

A Fun Event with a tennis theme will be held from 10.30 am to 12.00 noon on Wednesday 28th October 2009 aimed at children under 10 (although older children would be welcome). Entry fee £1 per child.12.30 pm - 3.00 pm, a tennis camp (coaching) where the charge will be £12 per person or £10 per person for members of the same family.Ring Keith on 0161 773 1677 for further details.  

SEDGLEY CHILDRENS CENTRE

Sedgley Children’s Centre would like to invite you to a Pink Community Café on Friday 30th October 10am - 1pm to raise money for Breast Cancer.For further information Tel: 253 7476

VENWOOD ROAD BALLZONE  Ballzone Sports Camp – Mon-Fri,1pm till 3.30.pmFor further info call 253 7076

I was delighted to be on hand to join in the presentation to Zack Hipps for winning the Prestwich Festival, “Prestwich has Junior Talent competition”.

Zack was presented with a framed canvass photo of himself with his sister - whom he beat in the competition, and a certificate of achievement.

I remember the competition very well. It was a lovely (rare) summers evening and there were some great performances from the young people. To me the whole event epitomised what the festival was all about. Hopefully next years event will be even bigger and better, but in the meantime congratulations to Zack, his sister and undoubtedly their very proud parents.

I was delighted to be able to take a tour of St.Michael’s RC Primary School in Whitefield today.

I had asked for an opportunity to go round the school in order that I may get to know the school a bit better. I was recently appointed to the school as a school Governor on behalf of the Local Education Authority. As I explained to Norman Duffin, the head teacher, I like to try and understand the school and be able to picture staff and the various parts of the building - I think that helps when I attend Governing Body meetings.

I was extremely impressed with the school, there seems to be a great atmosphere - a very happy school, and classrooms are bright and airy with tremendous displays on the walls.

Norman took the opportunity to outline some of the planned improvements for the school, which are quite exciting and will only enhance and improve the learning environment.

 I really enjoyed the opportunity and look forwad to forthcoming Governors meetings.

Plans for Heaton Park School’s Childrens Centre have been approved by Bury Council’s Planning Committee.

At last nights meeting the committee unanimously approved the plans for the new centre on Cuckoo Lane.

This will prove a tremendous asset for both the school but especially the local community. The School will be undergoing refurbishment soon and the Childrens Centre work is expected to be wrapped up in that development/refurbishment work.

When completed it will almost be the finishing touch to the transformation of Heaton Park Primary school that in addition to a nursery , will also be getting a recently approved nursery play area.

These facilities are most welcome in this area and much needed by the local community and especially valuable to nearby Polefield estate that is recognised as a deprived area.

At last nights Planning Committee I asked (on behalf of residents) that careful consideration be given to drainage issues surrounding the new development as in the past developments have adversely affected drainage of surface water into neighbouring properties. The committee noted my concerns

I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit Sedgley Childrens centre at Sedgley Park School yesterday.

The centre opened in July 2008, so it was great to see how it had progressed in 14 months since. The centre caters for all Sedgley’s diverse community including the growing muslim community and the orthodox Jewish community.

It was amazing to see the amazing rage of events that take place over the course of a week and to see and hear first hand about the facilities available and to see how health and childrens services are using the facilities.

The centre is clearly going from strength to strength and there clearly great pride and enthusiasm amongst the staff for the important services they are offering.

Congratulations to Vicky and the team for all their endeavours and achievements to date,

Well Done! (and thanks for the tea).

Is the world going mad? Are all men guilty until proved innocent? Is there so much danger exposed to our children when they take part in organised events?

The Government have today announced that parents who regularly drive children for sports or social clubs will have to undergo criminal record checks or face fines of up to £5,000 under new rules.

Along with parents who host foreign exchange students, they will fall under the scope of the Vetting and Barring Scheme, the Home Office has confirmed.

There is a real suggestion here that Government is losing the plot on this issue. At the very least it is a further civil liberties intrusion, at worst it will threaten the existence of small sports and other clubs.

What next ? Why not check out prospective fathers when their partners get pregnant? Why not get schools to carry out checks on parents who want to place their kids in their school?

It’s frankly ridiculous and we are in serious danger now of moving to a society of visible and invisible checkpoints. Perhaps this was one of the aims of the ID card scheme - they could carry our criminal record check details 

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne said the government was “in danger of creating a world in which we think every adult who approaches children means to do them harm”.

“Should parents who give other people’s children a lift to sports matches really face a £5,000 fine and criminal record if they fail to register?”

I wonder how long will it be before they extend this to the elderly or the disabled?

The worlds gone crazy.

Tory Councillor and MP hopeful Michelle Wiseman says she is confused.

She is confused ,she says, because whilst the Lib Dems are opposed to a sports zone being built on open parkland in Heaton Park, we were proposing (at last nights council meeting), to press for more sporting activities and initiatives in Bury in the run up to the Olympic Games in 2012.

I would urge Mrs Wiseman to get out more (and meet real members of the public) as things aren’t always as black and white as Conservative Central Office makes out.

The Lib Dems are opposed to the specific proposals because, put simply, they are:

a) in the wrong place

b) Not freely available for public use - charges may be as much as £45 for pitch hire and,

c) Will mean the end for yet another piece of Heaton Park .

They are primary reasons and when you throw in the damage to the environment and extra congestion and nuisance to neighbouring residents we feel that makes a compelling case.

That should not however mean we are opposed to sports facilities - for the record we did not oppose the building of the Commonwealth Bowling greens and pavilion etc. But why should we be building on historic open parkland when there are derelict brown field sites across North Manchester and Bury?

But what was most dissapointing from Mrs Wiseman was that her desperate attempt to sit on the Heaton Park fence was exposed last night after telling Heaton Park Action Group that they had her 100% support we now know that was a shallow empty committment.

As for our motion we believe the Olympic Games provides a great opportunity to encourage young and old alike to get involved in sports and improve fitness and health etc by tapping into that enthusiasm that will be growing over the next few years. So it was particularly dissapointing that Michelle and her Tory colleagues voted down our proposals which included the development of a Greater Manchester Leisure Card enabling all residents across greater manchester to get better more affordable access to facilities across the area.

Confused, Shallow, Fence sitting - Bury Conservatives, one change we don’t need.

Bury Council are “consulting” on the future of Bury’s Youth Service. This follows the decision in March to seek external partners to run the service in what was viewed by Lib Dems as a damaging cost cutting exercise.

The Youth Service promotes and delivers personal and social development to 11–25 year olds. It operates out of four local authority centres in Radcliffe, Whitefield, East Bury and Elton while the Phoenix Centre in Prestwich is used in partnership with Prestwich Methodist Youth Association.

Many partners work with the service, such as Connexions, the Youth Offending Service and schools.

It seems a tad disenguous that people are being for their views now several months after the decision was taken to cut back on the youth service. Any comments will be cash strapped by the councils earlier decision which ignored the views of the young people, youth workers and many councillors at the time.

Nevertheless of course if you don’t make your views known that will go against the youth service provision in Bury as well. So please do make your views known before Sunday, September 20, contact youthservicereview@bury.gov.uk or visit the service’s Facebook group. And please please please back Bury’s Youth Service - it needs better funding not chopping!

For more details and to ask questions, call Amy Svensson, improvement adviser, on 0161 253 6549.

Last night I was delighted to be able to attend the leaving party of Prestwich Area Youth Manager, James Perkin.

James became Prestwich Youth service manager 2 years ago and along with the rest of the Prestwich team has done tremendous work in the area, developing youth projects, reinvigorating the Phoenix centre and engaging young people on the issues that matter to them.

At last night leaving party, the greatest testament to his work over the past two years was the tributes paid by the young people themselves, especially the members of the band formed from the live music project that has been created at the Phoenix centre. They performed a number of songs, some well known, some self penned - including a special composition “James’s Song” , written in his honour.

It was a great night, I said a few words, but the best words came from the young people themselves.

What struck me though, and I said this to those there, was how vulnerable our front line services are. Over reliant on 1 or 2 people in an area each day to effectively try and deliver a service. People if asked might think there were 100’s of youth workers, 100’s of police officers. Yet the reality is that we are reliant on a small handful of highly committed, dedicated public servants.

As such it brought home to me again last night how fragile and vulnerable the youth service currently is, with the Tory threats of “outsourcing” or privatising the service hanging over it.

What the Conservative administration failed to realise (or perhaps they planned it that way), was by announcing their proposals they have threatened the very existence of the youth service - before they can even outsource it.

A new planning application has been received which is within Holyrood Ward of Prestwich as detailed below:-

Application number: 51622         Type of application: Full         Date Registered: 03/08/2009

Applicant: Bury Metropolitan Borough Council
Location: HEATON PARK CP SCHOOL, CUCKOO LANE, WHITEFIELD, M45 6TE
Proposal: EXTENSION AND REFURBISHMENT TO PROVIDE NEW CHILDREN’S CENTRE

Plans will be available to view on the Council’s website (see the Planning Dept link on the left) within 2 working days. Should you require further details please contact the case officer: Helen Longworth on: 0161 253 5322 or myself or my fellow Holyrood Councillors, Cllr Tim Pickstone or Cllr Wilf Davison.

I attended the “Stand up for Radcliffe” march on sunday afternoon organised by Churches Together and the local MP, however I am concerned that what was ostensibly a successful event with over 100 taking part, may have been marred by public comments by the local MP suggesting the Chief Executive of Bury Council had lied and had been dishonest regarding assurances given that all necessary contract had been (or would be) signed prior to Labour losing control of the council.

The allegations followed speakers including myself. First of all a representative of Radcliffe Churches Together was followed by a parent and a former head girl.

I then addressed the assembled marchers in Bury Council’s Town Hall car park. I thanked the organisers for providing this opportunity for concerned residents, parents and pupils to make their voices heard and made it clear that I was concerned that Bury Council was not listening to the concerns being raised about proposals for Radcliffe Riverside and The Derby High Schools. I said that Governments start failing the people when they stop listening to those that elected them. That leads to mistakes and in this case the mistakes they are about to make could disrupt and damage the education of many Radcliffe young people. Parents have a fundamental right to expect that their children will receive the best possible education from the local council.

Radcliffe deserves a first rate high school like every other town in Bury. Bury’s decision not only jeopardises the future of the new school to be built but will also have a damaging impact on Riverside pupils.

My comments were followed by Ivan Lewis’s allegations. Allegations that centre around apparent pledges made just prior to Labour losing control of the Council. According to Ivan Lewis the Chief Executive gave assurances that all necessary contracts re: the land for the new Riverside School were or would be signed before polling day. Subsequently this turned out to not be the case.

These allegations are extremely serious and will need to be investigated and responded to that is clear. However I am concerned that over and above these allegations the key issues are hear and now, not something that happened or didn’t happen two years ago.

We need to address real concerns faced by parents and pupils around the possible disruption of education, transport issues, disabled access and more.Sadly Ivan’s comments distract from those very real concerns and it is now likely that an almight row will now blow up about who said what and when, at a time when we should be addressing the concerns of the school community.

The Government are set to announce plans for fast tracking professionals into Social Work to help meet the critical shortage of social workers.

The pressure comes in light of the report into the Baby P death which highlighted the shortage of social workers at Haringey Council - A problem faced by many Councils.

Whilst I applaud every effort to bring more people into Social Work we have to be extremely careful that their inexperience coupled with on-the-job training pressures both with trainees and their experienced couterparts, doesn’t stretch our social services even further. 

The public needs to have confidence that the trainees aren’t getting a cut down training programme on the cheap that could ultimately put at risk even more children and vulnerable adults. We experience Social workers leaving or retiring all the time we could end up with a highly inexperienced and dangerously exposed social worker network.

At the end of the day we have to address the drain of social workers away from this service by bring pay and other benefits in line with the daily risks and pressures that they face.

To my mind that’s first base, we can then address the best ways of bringing more people into social work as quickly and expedient as appropriate bearing in mind the extreme vulnerability of their clientele and the high expectations of the general public.

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.

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.

It’s started with a storm at Prestwich Clough and should end in glorious sunshine at Prestwich Carnival. After 35 days, 55 events, 1,000’s of visitors to events, money raised for charity Prestwich Festival puts its feet up and says goodbye for 2009 with a final weekend of fun.

The final push starts tonight with a Friday Night Social - Shangri La at 8pm at, Carlton Club, Bury Old Road featuring live music and a stand up comedian. And of course this will be followed by the customary bumper weekend of family entertainment at the Prestwich Carnival.

On Saturday 20 June a Football Tournament organized by FC United of Manchester will take place from 9am until 4pm at St. Mary’s Park.

In addition the Friends of Butterstile School will be holding their traditional fund day from 12.00 noon at Butterstile Primary School. As part of the fun all the children from the school will have the chance to enter a series of competitions to celebrate Prestwich, the four categories are photographs, poems, paintings or portraits. I understand Cllr Donal O’Hanlon is in the stocks for the wet sponge throwing. Now that’s an attraction not to be missed!

And finally on Sunday 21 June Prestwich Carnival Grand Parade kicks off at 1pm. The Parade arrives in the park at 2.30pm with six arenas showcasing local talent.

Read the rest of this entry. Read the rest of this entry. Read the rest of this entry. Read the rest of this entry.

Only Cllr Bibby, the Conservative Leader of Bury Council, could manage to insult so many local people in one meeting.

The local paper is reporting that Cllr Bibby commented that being disabled was a “reality of life” after admitting that disabled children being sent to a school without disabled access would be a “bit of a problem”.

As someone who is disabled I am happy to enlighten Cllr Bibby that disability is more than a “bit of a problem” and, whilst it may be a reality of life, such throw-away remarks and obvious complete lack of understanding of disabled people, their concerns and needs in coping with the daily realities of life are  almost beyond contempt. In fact when I read the comments I had to read them twice, because I couldn’t believe that someone elected to represent local people,  including the disabled, could say such a thing.

Equally alarming is that Cllr Bibby is leader of the Council and no doubt responsible for disability stratagies and helping the disabled enjoy equal access to services and facilities. Oh dear.

Incredibly this furore came about because of the proposed closure of Riverside in a couple of years time with Radcliffe children being encouraged to attend the “non-disabled” access The Derby High School while a new Radcliffe school is being built.

Cllr Bibby hit top score in the insult stakes when not only he offended the disabled, but arguably the most vulnerable of disabled groups - the young disabled. It’s bad enough going through the inevitable growing pains and other emotional upheavals you ordinarily face at that stage in your life. You just want to fit in and join in - Something Cllr Bibby clearly doesn’t understand. I hope he has at least the courage to apologise or failing that perhaps the rest of the Conservative group will publicly distance themselves from his remarks.

Planners at Bury Council have given approval for state of the art new facilities at Prestwich Arts College, marking the end of a long campaign for improvements to the successful local school.

The Council’s Planning Control Committee voted on Tuesday 16th June to grant planning permission for a new dining room and arts auditorium for the school, which was threatened with closure back in 2005. Local Lib Dem Councillor Vic D’Albert welcomed the news saying “This is a great boost for the school and the whole Prestwich community. As the only high school in Bury without a dining room,  this is long overdue. We’ve been lobbying the Council for years, and finally common sense has prevailed and given Prestwich young people what they need.

Commenting on the new arts auditorium, Cllr Pickstone, who is also a governor of the school, said “This will be a first class facility for a top quality school. But more than that, it will be used as a community facility, bringing better arts provision for the whole of Prestwich. I’m delighted it’s been given the go-ahead.”

The new facilities will be built in the near future. Cllr Pickstone said “We need to listen to the concerns of local residents on Heys Road, Glebelands Road and other nearby streets to ensure that the plans do not adversely affect local residents. When we get the process right, Prestwich Arts College and the whole area will have splendid new facilities.

 Tonight I attended the latest Prestwich Festival event, “Prestwich has junior talent”. No prizes for guessing that the event, which was held in St.Mary’s Park, is based on the Britains got talent show. Mercifully the judges are lot kinder!

It was a marvellous event, with a couple of hundred people there, in glorious sunshine, and we were treated to performances from 8 talented young people from local schools. The event was organised by Parrenthorn and Prestwich Arts College - with their pupils managing the staging, lighting and sound etc.

All in all great entertainment and for me it’s what the festival is all about. Bringing local people together in local facilities, showcasing local talent, well done one and all!

This was the week that…

·         The Speaker of the House of Commons bowed to pressure and stood down [more]

·         The government finally backed down and granted Gurkhas and their families the right to settle in the UK [more]

·         Two Labour Lords became the first peers to be suspended from the House of Lords since 1642 [more]

·         The government’s car scrappage scheme got off to a chaotic start [more]

·         A Tory MP blamed the outcry over MPs expenses on public ‘jealousy’ [more]

·         The UK’s reputation suffered on credit markets as the outlook for government debt was downgraded [more]

·         A business leader attacked the government’s ‘economic vandalism’ [more]

·         Labour sunk to an all-time-low in opinion polls [more]

·         A group of Lib Dem MPs were named ‘heroes of the week’ [more]

Over the last week we learnt that…

·         Car production fell 55% in April [more]

·         Household spending has fallen at the fastest rate since 1980 this year [more]

·         Mortgage lending fell again in April, this time by 9% [more]

·         The government has paid out £15bn too much in tax credits since 2003 [more]

·         Spending on NHS management consultants has trebled in the last two years [more]

·         The UK economy has slid further into deflation [more]

·         Prison violence is increasing [more]

·         Government buildings, including the Department for Energy and Climate Change are not meeting green standards [more]

·         Jo Swinson, Lib Dem MP, has made the most parliamentary contributions of any Scottish MP [more]

Over the last week the Liberal Democrats…

·         Challenged the government to make the difficult decisions needed to cut the budget deficit [more]

·         Called for a complete transformation in the way politics is conducted [more]

·         Revealed that 24,000 people die prematurely every year in Britain due to air pollution [more]

·         Showed how the government managed to block the creation of 10,000 new jobs [more]

·         Held the government to account for failing to tackle Britain’s alcohol problems [more]

·         Uncovered a huge rise in sexually transmitted diseases among under 16s [more]

·         Warned that the UK is facing a junior doctors crisis [more]

·         Federal Executive published its response to the revelations of misuse of MPs expenses [more]

·         Lord Rennard announced he would be stepping down in September for health and family reasons after six years as Chief Executive of the party [more]

Congratulations to the Clough Centenary Committee and all those involved in Prestwich Clough Day 2009 at St.Mary’s Flower park, Prestwich.

As is often the case a war of nerves was played out with the weather, which on more than one occasion threatened to ruin the event, but as always everyone battled through and with typical British stiff upper lip stubbornness, people stuck it out.

Once again this event was well attended and hopefully aided by the extra publicity across Prestwich as the opening event in the Prestwich Festival.

Once again I failed miserably to get my hands on a fetish-for-food burger! (despite two attempts).

It was particularly enjoyable to see the enjoyment of the young children getting excited and carried away watching the punch and judy show. It just shows that entertainment doesn’t actually have to be “plugged in” to have fun and traditional entertainments can still be just as much fun  - if not more so.

Congratulations - on to the next event!

All combined for a typically broad ranging Prestwich Area Partnership meeting at Heaton Park School last night.

FESTIVAL

Area Partnership manager Carran O’Grady and Festival Organiser David Curtis gave a joint presentation on arrangements for the 1st Prestwich Festival which kicks off on sunday with the Clough Day in St.Mary’s Flower Park. From an initial hope that we may have about 10 events this inaugural festival has grown to a whopping 50 events. Much credit must go to the efforts of David and Carran amongst others.

OASIS

The Area partnership had requested an update on arrangements for the June Oasis concerts in Heaton Park.  Questioners asked about toilet provision, parking arrangements and security. There were also concerns raised about access to homes and polling stations. A 700 car parking facility will be available at Bowlee ticket holders are being advised that there is no local parking available. In addition there will be a massive security operation, including wheel clamping and monitoring of public drinking etc.

YOUNG PEOPLE

The partnership received a presentation from a representative of the Youth Inclusion Support Panel (YISP). YISP tries to intervene to help young people avoid the slippery slope to crime by intervening through referalls when young people get involved in anti-social behaviour. They help and support young people in meeting acceptable standards, adhering to ascceptable behaviour contracts etc and advising and offering help on youth issues.

HEALTHY EATING 

As opposed to tackling the the obese the NHS has instead launched a massive £75m campaign to encourage healthy eating. I’m sure most will have seen the nationwide TV advertising campaign. Basically it places greater emphasis on encouraging better, healthier eating habits and more exercise. It encourages parents to review what food they provide, portion control etc and develop more exercising for their children and themselves.

POLICE REPORT

PC Andy Ferguson gave a brief report at the end of the meeting informing the partnership that following a sustained campaign on Polefield the gang of young people that had caused much nuisance had been broken up and the estate is now much quieter.

There is to be a further campaign against the illegal use of quad bikes and scooters shortly. The campaign over last bank holiday weekend was a big success with several bikes confiscated. 

This was the week that…

·         The Budget was unveiled to severe criticism, revealing the dire state of the nation’s finances [more]

·         Labour broke their election manifesto promise by raising the top rate of income tax to 50% [more]

·         The Education Minister and the General Secretary of the Labour Party were drawn into the email smears scandal [more]; [more]

·         The Education Minister faced further criticism for allegedly ‘sexing up’ evidence given to an inquiry [more]

·         Francis Maude became the latest Conservative politician to become embroiled in an expenses scandal [more]

·         A former Labour MP resigned from the party, citing the culture of spin as her reason [more]

·         The Lib Dems new tax proposals were well received by influential political figures [more]

·         Unison, a Labour supporting union, attacked the government over their “childish venom” [more]

·         Allegations of ballot-box tampering threw the selection of a Labour parliamentary candidate into further controversy [more]

·         A leading think-tank said that the government’s income tax rises could lose the Treasury money [more] 

Over the last week we learnt that…

·         Unemployment has hit a new high of 2.1m [more]

·         The national debt has crept over 50% of GDP [more]

·         Deflation has arrived in Britain for the first time in 50 years [more]

·         The IMF are far less optimistic about the economy than Alistair Darling [more]

·         1 in 10 households are struggling to pay their council tax this year [more]

·         The care system is “catastrophic” for vulnerable children a report concludes [more]

·         The number of burglaries has risen for the second quarter in a row [more]

·         UK youth are some of the unhappiest in Europe [more]

Over the last week the Liberal Democrats…

·         Launched tax proposals including a pledge to cut income tax £700 for low and middle income earners [more]

·         Attacked the Budget as “a political supermarket sweep of random promises” [more]

·         Reacted to the Budget’s proposals for housing [more], broadband networks [more], car scrappage [more], energy [more] pensions [more], child poverty [more] and college funding [more]

·         Gained council seats from Labour, the Conservatives and an Independent in a spectacular week of council by-election results north and south of the border [more]; [more]

·         Nick Clegg rejected Gordon Brown’s proposals for reforming the system of MPs expenses [more]

·         Warned that the UK was facing a “credit crunch crime wave” [more]

·         Demanded that David Miliband corrects the Parliamentary record over torture allegations [more]

·         Led a debate calling on the government to provide greater support to armed forces veterans [more]

·         Criticised banks for charging exorbitant credit card interest rates [more]

·         Called for greater support for the children of nuclear test veterans [more]

This was the week that…

·         World leaders met in London and agreed to pump $1 trillion into the world economy [more]

·         A report showed that only 0.6% of the Government’s fiscal stimulus will be spent on green measures [more]

·         At least 4,000 jobs were lost in the UK across a range of sectors [more]

·         The UN named and shamed the UK over its response to the Somali refugee crisis [more]

·         The Home Secretary was criticised for charging the taxpayer for her husband’s adult films [more]

·         An inquiry began into a millionaire’s donations to the Tory party [more]

·         21 NHS trusts failed to meet new hygiene standards [more]

·         Lord Myners came under pressure to resign after he was accused of misleading Parliament [more]

·         A Select Committee called for the National Curriculum to be slimmed down – a Lib Dem policy [more]

·         The scandal into MPs expenses showed no sign of disappearing [more]; [more]

Over the last week we learnt that…

·         Unemployment will hit 3 million within two years [more]

·         The national DNA database has grown 40% in two years and now has more than 5 million people on it [more]

·         There are 10% fewer hospital beds today than there were three years ago [more]

·         The Government’s adult literacy drive is failing and wasting billions according to a government adviser [more]

·         According to most measures, house prices continued to fall in March [more]; [more]

·         Boris Johnson proposes to cut his environmental team in half [more]

·         160,000 kids left primary school without basic English and Maths competency [more]

·         Older people do not have fair access to mental health services in most mental health trusts [more]

·         The Europe Minister hasn’t read the Lisbon Treaty [more]

·         Conservative run Bournemouth Council are employing a transport manager who lives in Edinburgh – and paying £200,000 a year for his travel expenses [more]

Over the last week the Liberal Democrats…

·         Challenged Gordon Brown to turn the G20 agreement into real help for British people [more]

·         Led a debate challenging the Government in the House of Lords over tax havens [more]

·         Unveiled research showing that 80% of hospitals do not pass on knife crime information to the police [more]

·         Led a debate calling for a step up in nuclear non-proliferation action in the House of Lords [more]

·         Proposed a bill to end discrimination in the line of succession to the throne [more]

·         Highlighted shocking figures showing that prison assaults took place every half an hour in 2008 [more]

·         Called for the same guarantees of access for mental health care as for other health services [more]

Bury Liberal Democrats have accused Labour of playing with our children’s future after a stormy debate at the meeting of Bury Council on April 1st.

The Liberal Democrats defeated a Labour motion to Council which would have halted
plans to relocate the Derby High School to a newly built school in Radcliffe.
The relocation is crucial to over £80m of government funding as part of a “Building Schools for the Future” programme which will see new and refurbished schools all over the borough.

Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesman for Bury South, Cllr Vic D’Albert, accused Labour of political posturing over the move.

Cllr D’Albert said “Labour claim to be standing up for the people of Bury, but in fact they’re doing the opposite. They claim that the people of Radcliffe and East Bury will suffer under these plans, but how can that be when this is the best way to guarantee a new school for Radcliffe, and is an idea supported wholeheartedly by the governors of the Derby School?”

The defeated Labour motion called for two new schools to be built, one in Radcliffe and one in East Bury. Cllr D’Albert continued “Labour’s ideas simply don’t stack up. There aren’t enough children to fill two schools, and building two small ones won’t give our children the best education. The plans we support mean that children in Radcliffe and Bury will get a brand new, state of the art school that is close to their homes. Radcliffe will get the new school they’ve been promised for years, and we’ll be giving the Derby School what it wants too.”

The Lib Dems were particularly scathing of Labour’s potential scuttling of Building Schools for the Future money.

Cllr D’Albert said “The government are offering Bury a once in a lifetime chance of £80m for schools. But we only get the money if we tackle surplus places. This is one way of doing that. Labour dogma is putting all that at risk. The money isn’t just about a new school for Radcliffe, but also for substantial refurbishment of many others. Labour seem willing to sacrifice that. We are not. The future of our children is more important than political games.”

Variety and talent show for individuals, pairs and groups no larger than five, attending Prestwich Junior Schools

Prizes include:

•  £150 Canvass portrait 
• Family meal at Croma
• Music Vouchers for all finalists

Auditions are open, so turn up anytime between 3.30 and 5.50 on April 28^th at Parrenthorn High School.

The finalists will perform at “Prestwich has Junior Talent” in St Marys Park Thursday June 11^th  in front of a panel of industry professionals who will decide the winner. 

This event is part of the Love Prestwich Festival and is sponsored by the event organisers plus Prestwich Arts College and Parrenthorn High School 

For further details telephone 772 4405

At tonights full meeting of Bury Council the main item on the agenda was a motion from the Labour Group calling for the Council to withdraw its decision to build a new high school in Radcliffe and to join the Derby School and the Riverside school together on that new site.

There were passionate arguments from councillors representing all 3 parties for and against but in the end the Council voted against the motion and in favour of the earlier decision of the Council’s executive.

For me what decided this issue was the deadlines for the Building Schools for the Future Programme (BSF). Under the Councils bid for BSF funds Bury Council has applied for a package worth £80 million - to build a new school in Radcliffe, refurbish Elton, Broadoak and Bury Church and Elms Bank. If this Labour motion had been successful it would have jeopardised those crucial improvements especially the much needed new high school for Radcliffe.

So this is good news, its not a perfect deal by any stretch though and I feel both Conservatives and Labour have serious questions to answer about how this process became such a mess and has dragged on so long, but for now lets look forward to a new state of the art school in Radcliffe and lets start working to ensure Radcliffe childrens education does not suffer during this process.

Creation of a new Sports Zone, St Margaret’s Gate Entrance

Local Lib Dems are growing increasingly concerned at Plans for a Sports Zone in Heaton Park.

Plans are likely to come to Manchester Council’s Planning Committee before the summer for a “Sports Zone” near to the St Margaret’s Entrance of the Park. This would build on the existing Bowling Greens (created for the Commonwealth Games).

The proposed Sports Zone would include:
· 5-a-side pitches
· 7-a-side pitch
- Tennis Courts
· Spectator area
· Climbing wall
· Single storey pavilion comprising changing rooms, meeting rooms and bar
· Car parking

It would be run by a private company (ie there would be a charge for using the facilities normally, however it is proposed that it is made available for community use at non-peak times with free access for under 16 year olds. We’re also assured that there will be no activity after 9.00pm at night.

Vic D’Albert commented, “While in many ways this is a very positive development with the creation of much needed additional sporting facilities there are major worries too.” 

• Will the Prestwich Public and local schools and community groups receive free or discounted access or will that only be for Manchester City Council residents?
• This development would mean much more traffic along St.Margarets Road
• Should an historic public park have a large chunk hived off for the use of a private profit making business. Is this the start of further developments. MCC have already tried to build a school there!

“I am deeply concerned that local Prestwich residents  will once again get the short end of the stick with this development. We would urge all local residents to respond to the consultation and as your local councillors, myself Wilf and Tim will be responding formally to Bury Council and Manchester City Council on this issue. ”

The project is still at the planning stage and a public consultation exercise will take place in the Farm Centre, Heaton Park within the next 2 months following which the Planning Application will be submitted. (I will let people know when I have a date for this.)

What do you think?
Please let me know your views on this issue, which is likely to have a big impact on the St.Margarets area of Prestwich.

THIS WAS THE WEEK THAT…

·         House sales fell to their lowest level in at least 31 years [more]

·         The recession in the UK continued to gather pace [more]

·         A United Nations report declared that the UK had breached human rights [more]

·         Government divisions over the need to apologise for the economic crisis continued to grow [more]

·         A former cabinet minister publicly attacked Gordon Brown on Labour’s lack of ‘narrative’ [more]

·         Labour MPs rounded on the PM at Prime Minister’s Questions [more]

·         A business leader said that the government was focusing on ‘red herrings’ [more]

·         Government ministers failed to comprehensively reveal their financial interests [more]

·         A Tory MEP described climate change as a ‘media driven frenzy’ [more]

·         A Labour mayor resigned after his arrest over corruption charges [more]

OVER THE LAST WEEK WE LEARNT THAT….

·         Continued systematic failings in the social services are leaving vulnerable children at risk [more]

·         Almost one playing field a day was sold in 2008 despite government commitments to reverse this trend [more]

·         Many elderly people are looked after by untrained staff in unclean care homes [more]

·         One in six children did not get into their first choice secondary school [more]

·         New Royal Navy destroyers will be delivered £1.5bn over budget and two years late [more]

·         The private sector pension deficit is at a record £219bn – and is still growing [more]

·         One in four of the world’s CCTV cameras are in Britain [more]

·         Gordon Brown is the country’s most boring public speaker! [more]

OVER THE LAST WEEK THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS…

·         Revealed that over 1000 serving police officers have criminal convictions [more]

·         Said government economic proposals were “shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted” [more]

·         Visited Google to discuss internet privacy issues [more]

·         Called for dirty care homes to be closed down [more]

·         Demanded a public inquiry following revelations of heavy-handed policing at a protest last year [more]

·         Called for a tougher government response to reduce knife crime [more]

·         Exposed a huge decrease in the amount of domestically produced food consumed in the UK [more]

·         Attacked the government’s insubstantial approach to tackling domestic violence [more]

·         Accused the Home Office of being “illegal, immoral, and ineffective” for keeping the DNA of a baby on record [more]

This was the week that…

·         UK and world markets sank to new lows [more]

·         Repossessions and losses soared at the nationalised bank Northern Rock [more]

·         The Bank of England created £75bn to boost the economy in an unprecedented step [more]

·         Gordon Brown’s speech to Congress received a mixed reception [more]

·         20% of pupils failed to get into their first choice schools [more]

·         Government ministers finally admitted to mistakes over the economy [more]

·         A double Victoria Cross holder condemned the government’s treatment of veterans [more]

·         The government made a u-turn and adopted Lib Dem policy on voter registration [more]

·         Discontent over Brown’s leadership continued to grow [more] but his deputy did herself no favours [more]

Over the last week we learnt that…

·         Labour has spent £7bn on an army of consultants [more]

·         The government misled the public over opposition to Heathrow’s third runway [more]

·         A top Tory became the latest opposition MP to break parliamentary rules [more]

·         Government incompetence and waste has put UK soldiers at risk [more]

·         David Miliband spent £7,000 on ‘presentation’ lessons [more]

·         A breakthrough depression treatment launched two years ago is still not available in most of the country [more]

·         A Labour-dominated committee of MPs launched a stinging attack on the DCLG’s competence [more]

·         It could take a decade for the country to fully recover from the economic crisis [more]

·         12,000 kids could be left without primary school places in London alone [more]

·         One third of young people have carried a weapon in the last year [more]

Over the last week the Liberal Democrats…

·         Boycotted the government’s new unrepresentative Regional Select Committees [more]

·         Warned the government that it had run out of options to tackle the economic crisis [more]

·         Fought to cap individual party donations to £50,000 [more]

·         Voted against the continuation of control orders legislation [more]

·         Revealed that 45,000 pensioners were forced to sell their homes to pay for care homes [more]

·         Called on the Chancellor to stop propping up Labour’s failed PFI projects [more]

·         Pointed out that less than 3% of the government’s fiscal stimulus is going on green measures [more]

Last nights meeting welcomed a couple of new Governors and welcomed back an old friend - Mervyn Turnberg rejoining the Governors as a Community Governor.

Key points of note were:

• Governors raised concerns at Bury Councils shortage of Educational psychologists - a widespread problem but with implications for supporting children with special educational needs and leading to delays in “statementing” etc
• The Head teacher updated Governors on proposals to rebuild part of the school and refurbish aspects as part of a school moderniation programme which would also see a childrens centre being built
• It was reported that there has been an increase in the school roll since autumn with an additional 19 children on roll across all years.
• I asked that the school try and find ways to allow access to school facilities for the local Polefield Tenants and Residents Association.
• Concerns were raised about plans from the Government to pressure Bury Council into taking back “surplus” funds in the schools account. Some schools have been accused of hoarding funds and the Government would like excessive funds removed for use generally in the local education service. Schools are being consulted at present on 4 options being proposed by the Council. 

Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Bury South, Vic D’Albert has told Bury Council they “need to get a grip of the situation affecting Radcliffe Riverside and The Derby High Schools as they risk letting down both schools”. 

Problems with the planned re-building of Radcliffe Riverside on the old East Lancashire Paper Mill site has rumbled on for months and recently new plans that envisaged utilising The Derby High School site were mooted. Then following the Councils decision being approved The Derby School Governors rejected the proposals.

Vic D’Albert said, “This whole saga has veered from concern to anguish to anger amongst those affected. And now if Bury Council don’t deal with this issue properly they risk losing millions of pounds of investment in local High Schools.”

Under the Governments’ Building Schools for the future programme, Bury Council can tap into millions of pounds of grants for rebuilding and refurbishing local schools. Bury Council planned to tap into these funds for the rebuild of Radcliffe Riverside and refurbishment of other schools. However the Government makes it conditional that the Local Authority addresses issues of spare capacity (as a result of falling rolls) and they need assurances that all affected schools support the proposals. 

“The recent turn of events which has seen Radcliffe Riverside unhappy at plans and The Derby High reject the proposals, now means these proposals and the much needed funds are at best in serious jeopardy. Bury Council needs to get a grip of the situation for the benefit of all concerned. They need to bring people together, consult properly with all stakeholders and deal with this issue. If all concerned need to be locked up together in the town hall until the matter is resolved then so be it.

“This situation cannot be allowed to continue drifting with the arguments being raged through the local media.If Bury’s Conservative administration fail to deal with this properly they will adversely affect the future education of thousands of high schools students.”

I have today written to Bury Council’s Director of Childrens Services urging a special summit meeting of all concerned is organised in order to resolve the issue and progress the matter formally, breaking the deadlock. He has suggested representatives of both Governing bodies, Head teachers Officers, and the Councils Executive Portfolio holder should be involved at the very least.

Bury Conservatives have ignored the recession and forced through an inflation busting 4.79% Council Tax increase amidst cuts to public services at the special Budget setting Council meeting last night.

Much of the debate was focussed on the proposals to cut youth services in the second year of the 3 year budget approved. The Conservatives plan to cut £200,000 from the service by outsourcing aspects of this vital service.  A large number of young people attended to ask questions and lobby against the proposals.

The other controversial issue was the proposal to save money by turning  a number of street lights off at night. Full details of this proposal are yet to emerge, however it has to be made clear that this is a money saving measure from the Conservatives NOT an environmental energy saving measure. It clearly has not been thought through as yet and may well take some persuading before it happens. But that doesn’t bother the Conservatives.

Whilst there was a welcome cash injection for disabled adult services which has struggled with adequate funding, there were cuts across the service spectrum and further use of reserves.

Opposition parties proposed amendments which were both defeated by the Conservatives. The Lib Dems proposed an additional £300,000 for local street repairs and an additional £300,000 in support of a apackage of measures to support local businesses through the recession over the next 12 months. In addition we proposed a review of youth services - but significantly with a view to ploughing back any savings directly into providing better youth services across the borough.

The debate was marred by the constant “bating”, provocation and insulting behaviour by a number of senior members which in my opinion bordered on showing a lack of respect for their office and threatened to reduce the debate to a cross between a playground squabble and a circus.

I raised concerns in the debate that the Conservative group were using the budget to announce major policy initiatives involving significant resources, without any consideration by officers, scrutiny by councillors nor consultation with the public. This could lead to serious problems as the year progresses.

It is now clear to me that the Conservative strategy is to bump up Council Tax this year and cut services as there are no elections. Then prior to next years elections we will see more cuts in an attempt to set a council tax as close to 0% as possible. Politics of manipulation, deceit and cynicism.  

Last night saw the much needed and delayed scrutiny of elderly persons accomodation review proposals proposed by Bury Council.

In order to get these important proposals properly scrutinised the Lib Dem Council Group had to formally “Call-In” the decision of the Council Executive. The reason for this Call-In was to find out about the impact these proposals would have on people with learning disabilities and the proposals for the elderly accomodation review.

The whole process has been badly handled by Bury Conservatives from the start, with a strong pervading feeling that they were trying to rush these policies through amidst a reluctance to share information and curtail scrutiny.

Last nights scrutiny meeting was notable because after the initial presentation from officers, Council proposals and policies seemed to be peeled off in layers  one by one . Until by the end of the meeting at 10.15 there was seemingly a blank piece of paper left - on which the Council was assuring members and public that all users/stakeholders would be completely and thoroughly consulted on at all stages.

But there is now some confusion as to what we are now consulting on. Proposals for Care Villages for the elderly appear to be being reduced to aspirations rather than real objectives and “wellbeing “centres alongside care villages may or may not be for those with learning disabilities depending on any number of variables. In addition officers confirmed that there may be difficulties in achieving aspects of the councils own 2005 proposals for Learning disability services especially as they no longer have an implementation plan!

 All in all a worrying state of affairs. I left with the one positive feeling that everyone will be thoroughly consulted when we eventually have any firm proposals from this Tory Council. However I am very concerned that some important modernisation to services may never happen and I can’t help feeling that there has been an attempt to manipulate the democratic process, and even worse, the general public throughout this whole sorry saga.

The Committee made a number of recommendations in the end. Which included bringing a further report to scrutiny within 6 months - essentially an updated proposal for learning disability services with an implementation plan. However it was felt that we should not delay the consultation process and so allowed the general decision to move forward.

Democracy and public engagement are two areas of growing concern in Bury at the moment.

Bury’s young people turned out in force this evening to fight for Bury Youth Service.

Under proposals put forward by Bury Conservatives the service face £300,000 of cuts this year as Bury Council seeks to outsource much of the provision.

Campaigners fear this would ultimately mean the end of the service as it is , would lead to a “fractured” service and would mean crucial outreach work on some of our estates is no longer tenable.

“I was honoured to have been invited to say a few words to the protesters tonight”, commented Vic D’Albert, adding, “The Conservatives are dressing this up as improving efficiency and the fstark fact remains they are looking to save money and they see the Youth Service as an easy target. Bury Lib Dems are proud to back Bury’s young people and we will continue to campaign against these proposals and for a better resourced service providing the service improvements demanded by young people not cuts demanded by the Tories”.

Hundreds gathered at Bury Town Hall to vent their feelings in a good homoured turnout. “If nothing else they have sent a message loud and clear to Bury Conservatives tonight - Hands Off our youth service!”

An extra £4.2bn a year will have to be spent on tax credits if the government is to meet its target of halving child poverty, a report warns.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) estimates that 2.3 million children will be in poverty in 2010, missing the 1.7 million target set in 1999.  

It is fair to say if Labour miss their 2010 target the likelihood is they will never reach the 2020 target of eradicating child poverty in Britain. 

“Labours mishmash approach has cost the country and taxpayers dearly, while failing to deal with fundamental problems that lead to child poverty. And, as we plough into a recession the likelihood is that child poverty may well increase in line with unemployment.

Personally I don’t believe the answer lies in increased tax credits alone but also with family support schemes, advice and practical help for those in most need.”  

“The fact remains that between them Brown and Blair will have failed a generation of our poorest children, what a legacy for a Labour Government.”