More success for Labour campaigners

Councillor Caleb Tomlinson, who represents Leyland Central ward, helped local residents off Chapel Brow who ere concerned about the possible development of yet another takeaway in the area. Caleb was able to provide them with advice and help as they tried to oppose the development. He also brought in the local press to add support to their campaign. The residents were delighted when the plan was dropped.

Residents organise Fun Day & BBQ

Matthew Tomlinson & Mick Titherington, Councillors for the Golden Hill ward attended a family fun day at Northbrook Primary school on Haig Avenue. The event was organised by the Broadfield Residents Association. There was a Brass Band, a BBQ, a chance to learn some circus skills, several other stalls and a guided tour of the Giant Veggie Patch. Mick said “Although I was awful at the circus skills I had a terrific time! Despite the weather plenty of people turned out and the Veggie Patch has really come on in leaps and bounds! Well done to everyone concerned!”

Chief Executive leaves South Ribble

South Ribble Council’s Chief Executive, Jean Hunter has announced her resignation. She will be leaving to join South Cambridgeshire Council in the near future. Labour leader Cllr. Matthew Tomlinson said “Jean will be a huge loss to South Ribble. She has been Chief Executive for a considerable time and the Council has changed so much under her leadership. We in the Labour Group wish her every success in the future.” Meanwhile the Tory leadership of the Council have set up a Committee to decide what do now.

Rented houses under threat

The Prime Minister’s latest ‘off the cuff’ announcement that people who live in rented houses shouldn’t expect to be able to live there forever has got their LibDem partners in a tizz. Mr Cameron’s bright idea could lead to an elderly couple who have paid their rent for 20 years or more and brought up a family in ‘their home’ being forcibly evicted when it was decided the house was now to big for them. The LibDem Deputy Leader was quick to point out that “This is not LibDem policy” Maybe Nick should be having a word with his new best friend.

We’re all in this together

This seems to be the rallying cry of the Tory millionaires who dominate Cabinet at the moment. We can’t help but think that ideas such as scrapping the Child Trust Fund, raising the retirement age, abolishing free swimming for pensioners, scrapping free milk for children at nursery, reducing access to Sure Start and raising the age at which you can claim a free bus pass will have more impact on the less well off than it will on any millionaire! Perhaps what they should be saying is “We’re all in this together….it’s just that you will be in it deeper than we will!!!

Something must be done!!!

Our new Tory mp has wasted no time in calling for ‘something’ to be done to reduce the number of accidents on South Ribble’s roads. “Hear, Hear.” that’s what we say. Now that her Party controls Parliament, the County Council and the District Council, surely decisive action can’t be far away. We’re not sure that announcing the beginning of the end of speed cameras is a great start though.

Why would you trust these men?

In the run up to the General Election, the Tories denied ‘scare stories’ that claimed they were planning to put VAT up. Both David Cameron and William Hague made categorical promises that a rise in VAT was not in their plans. Indeed, David Cameron explained to Jeremy Paxman why they were not going to do this. “I think you’ll find that it (VAT) is a regressive tax in that it hurts the poorest the most….” Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, who spent the entire election talking about the Tory tax bombshell went even further when he said, just three weeks before the election, “The LibDems will vote against any proposed rise in VAT” It appears that hurting the poorest the most seemed more attractive once they were in power!! Shame on them.

Health Secretary to visit Leyland

The Health Secretary, Andy Burnham MP, is to visit leyland on Saturday 13th March. He will be opening David Borrow MP's campaign offices in Towngate at 2pm and will be speaking to local residents about Labour's plans for the NHS.

Towngate? Where's that?

Tory Councillor Jim Hothersall admitted his lack of local knowledge at a recent Council meeting. Labour Councillor Tony Kelly expressed concern that the new parking arrangements would adversely affect residents whose houses on Towngate back out onto Sumner St car park. Jim Hothersall's reply...."I'm sorry, I am not familiar with the area!" Priceless!!! Cllr Hothersall lives in Middleforth.

Can you Dig it? No, you can't!!

Residents of Fox Lane were given a flat "No" when they asked the Tory Council to release land behind their houses for allotments. Local resident Tony Chetwin addressed the Council directly and asked that the former allotment site, which was mothballed when the Tesco store was being developed, be put back to use instead of lying derelict. Tory leisure supremo Phil Smith was having none of it. "It would be to difficult." seemed to be his main objection to the idea. Cllr Smith lives in New Longton.

'Smoke and Mirrors' masks reduction in free car parking spaces

Labour Councillor Caleb Tomlinson has revealed that the latest pilot scheme for parking in Leyland will result in a LOSS of 26 free car parking spaces. "There are currently 35 free spaces on Sumner St and 26 free spaces behind the Market. The new scheme only gives 35 spaces spread across Leyland. It's typical of the Tories to try and cover up this reduction in free car parking spaces. The launch a new scheme to great fanfare, but when the smoke and mirrors are removed it reveals another attempt to con the public."

Call for a lot more allotments!

The waiting list for allotments in South Ribble has over 100 names on it. At a recent Council meeting Councillor Matthew Tomlinson proposed a motion that forces the Council to take a more proactive role in seeking out new sites that could been used as allotments. “Allotments are growing in popularity, especially as people become more interested in where their food comes from. I think the Council needs to try harder to address this ‘growing’ need!”

West Paddock development dropped

Your Labour Councillors are delighted by the fact that the County Council has pulled out of a deal to buy the green space next to the Civic Centre on West Paddock. Cllr Matthew Tomlinson said “Although the land is set aside for development, there are many local residents who view this green space as a valuable asset. We always had reservations about the deal which would have seen South Ribble simply sell the land to the County Council. We would suggest that, in the current economic climate, the Council drops all plans so sell off this land.”

Residents succeed - with Labour Councillors help!

Residents of Bretherton Terrace were dismayed when planning permission was sought to build three storey houses on a patch of green land opposite their homes. However, with the help of Cllr Caleb Tomlinson and local Labour activist Cheryl Ledward Lee, a campaign was launched to enable local people to voice their concerns. Caleb and Cheryl spoke to residents and help organise a letter writing campaign to let the Council know what they thought. The Council decide to oppose the plans and they were withdrawn.

Giant Veggie Patch up and growing!

Plans to convert a plot of disused land off Bannister Drive into a community asset have come to fruition. Thanks to the efforts of local people, the local Health Service and the Council a patch of derelict land has been cleared and planted ready for the growing season. Cllr Mick Titherington said “This is a great example of local residents working with the authorities to develop a really exciting project. I will be doing all I can to encourage the success of this scheme.”