Leigh Observer Column

One of my least favourite chores has to be the weekly family shop. But when, like me, you spend much of the week working away from home, you're not really in a position to argue when the boss shoves a long shopping list and a few 'bags for life' in your hand on a Sunday morning.

However, to delay the pain, I do have a horrible habit of leaving it to the very last minute. At around 3.45pm on a Sunday afternoon, I am often to be found racing around the aisles of the supermarkets of Leigh throwing random items into my trolley as the store announcer asks people to make their way to the check-out because the store is about to close.

Given this, you might think that I would be in favour of George Osborne's plan to relax the Sunday trading laws to allow opening beyond 4pm. But you would be wrong. When it comes before Parliament this Wednesday, I will be voting to oppose any change in the law and to keep Sunday special.

Anticipating that this vote was on the horizon, I have often taken the opportunity as I am packing my bags late on a Sunday to chat to people working on the checkouts to find out whether they support a change in the law. On the one hand, you could argue that it would offer them the chance to get extra working hours. Then again, customers only have so much money to spend. Longer store opening would not necessarily increase takings but could in fact result in spreading the same number of staff hours more thinly over a longer period.

What I have discovered from talking to shop-workers is that the vast majority are strongly against the change. Working in retail means they already have to put up with anti-social working hours. For those with kids, early closing on a Sunday gives them the breathing space they need on a Sunday night to get things ready for the school week ahead. If Osborne gets his way, this little oasis of time will be taken away from them and many will lose those precious hours with their little-ones ahead of the Monday morning school run. I also feel sure that, for younger shop staff without kids, a Sunday night off is a welcome way of recovering from a late Friday or Saturday night out.

But the truth is that there are even bigger arguments against relaxing the laws. I believe we have already allowed shopping to dominate far too much of our lives. I don't know about you but I don't want to live in a 24/7 society where we all have to bow down to the great god of retail. Surely it is a healthy thing for us all to take a step back on one day of the week and focus on the family, go to church, down to the pub or out for a long walk?

George Osborne like to claim that he is not forcing Sunday opening on anyone but instead will leave it up to local councils to decide whether or not to do it. But this is a dishonest position. He knows full well that the muscle of the big retailers far outweighs that of local authorities. If a council decided to take a stand against relaxing the hours, they would immediately face threats from retailers to up sticks and re-locate their stores in council areas that would agree to their demands. This Chancellor likes to pose as a friend of devolution. But the truth is he is an even bigger friend of big business and is more than happy to do their bidding.

I think the current system of 4pm closing works fine as it is. It simply focuses the mind of people like me to switch off the football and get down to the shop on time. And, to be honest, I am glad that it forces me to do that. Because it means that, on a Sunday night, I am home with the kids rather than traipsing aimlessly round the aisles looking for things to put in their packed lunches.

It is always a sure sign that the Government have got something seriously wrong when a broad coalition of interests unite against it. This ill-thought-through proposal has succeeded in uniting many of the church and faith groups with the excellent shop-workers Union Usdaw and with smaller independent retailers. And its seems that this powerful alliance has spooked a number of Tory MPs. The rumour in Parliament this week was that many are prepared to defy the Prime Minister and Chancellor and vote it down.

We will find out whether enough are prepared to put their money where there mouth is and vote their own Government down. But it does seem that the splits that have opened up in the Tory Party as a result of the EU referendum are creating a situation where Tory MPs are prepared to defy their Party on a broader range of issues.

For the sake of the many people in Leigh who work in retail, let's hope so. But I can assure them that I will be there in Parliament to cast my vote.

I will do that not just because I want to repay Usdaw for the great support they gave me in the Labour leadership election, nor because of my strong feeling that we should keep Sunday special. It is for both of those reasons. But there is an even more important one. It is because the next time I arrive at a checkout at 3.59pm on a Sunday with a full trolley, much to the annoyance of the person serving me, I want at least to be able to look them in the eye and say that I voted the right way!

Many people have been in touch with me over recent days to express their frustration that the car park of Pennington Flash has once again been over-taken by the caravans of a group of travellers. And I have to say that I have every sympathy with them.

The Flash is a wonderful asset at the heart of our community. It should be there for everyone to enjoy every single day and never dominated by one group or another to the detriment of others. Reports that people visiting the Flash in recent days have faced intimidation are simply not acceptable.

I will always be one of the first to say that we should respect the traditions and culture of the travelling community. But I will also not hold back in saying that respect needs to cut both ways. There needs to be a respect for this outstanding environment as an area of natural beauty and for the people who work to keep the Flash clean and make it what it is.

The Wigan Borough, like other local authorities, has a long-standing policy of designating certain areas as suitable for use by travellers. I am sure that many in the travelling community would argue that these sites are insufficient for their needs and that more need to be found. They may have a point. But that does not justify occupying such an important public facility like this.

I know that many people will ask why the council hasn't done more to stop this. But, to be fair to them, I know that they took all reasonable steps as quickly as they could to try and resolve this situation safely, including initiating legal proceedings. Our local ward councillors had a big part to play in that swift action and I would like to thank them for it.

Looking ahead, I think we need to find a better solution to prevent a repeat of last weekend. I know that Councillor John O'Brien has called for physical restrictions to be erected to prevent entrance to the Flash by vehicles of the kind that were on site in recent days. I fully support him in making that call. I suspect that council officers will reply by saying that the site also needs to be accessible to large maintenance vehicles. But surely it is not beyond the wit of man to devise a solution where a key could be provided to open any gates or headroom restrictions?

Another idea that the council is looking at is a borough-wide ban. This would mean that, if a similar situation arises in the future, the police and council will not have to wait for a court order to be granted but can act immediately.

I will be arguing that a permanent solution is needed and that both physical restrictions and a ban are needed. The Flash is the jewel in our local crown and it is fully justified that we should take steps to protect its use as an open space for everyone.

 

 

 

Andy Burnham hails Leigh rehabilitation village as groundbreaking

Leigh MP and Shadow Home Secreraty Andy Burnham's told WIshFM a groundbreaking new rehabilitation village will not only save lives in the Borough but also save millions of pounds.

A brand-new purpose-built wellbeing centre - Haven House - now neighbours community hub Patrick House on Leigh Road, which provides residential accommodation for those in the charity’s Recovery Academy.

Immediately behind is a row of smart new houses for people who have learning disabilities. The development of these properties - Duva Mews - was completed by the charity’s patrons, Patrick Joinery.

“In these times of financial austerity, we are so proud to have worked with all our partners and generous benefactors to find creative new ways to meet the health, wellbeing and social inclusion needs of vulnerable people in Leigh,” said the charity’s Chief Executive Pam Gilligan.

“The residents of our Recovery Academy have been helping the residents of Duva Mews to live independently in their own homes. People under the care of Haven House who are experiencing anxiety and other mental health conditions will have access to wellbeing groups and community events in Patrick House, where we also continue to welcome veterans for a weekly free brunch.

‘The community we are creating is not just one of bricks and mortar - though we are very proud of our new buildings. It’s about having shared values and supporting one another to achieve personal goals – whether that’s independence, social inclusion, recovery or mental wellbeing. Not only is this the best outcome for those individuals involved, it also reduces financial pressure on statutory health and social care providers, potentially saving the public purse millions.” 

Wish FM joined Mr Burnham on a tour of the facility :

"What Pam does here is get to the heart of people's problems and put them back on their feet and in the process save the borough millions of pounds. It's truly a fantastic thing we've got here; we need to shout about it more because other places don't have something as impressive or truly life changing as this." 

Update from Wigan Council on Pennington Flash Travellers

We’ve had lots of messages about the travellers at Pennington Flash. We have been working with the police to resolve the situation as quickly as possible and have visited and assessed the site. The group are due to leave on Sunday and we will be checking the site first thing on Monday morning. In the meantime we're advising residents not to visit this weekend for their own safety. Thank you for all your comments, we are looking at ways to protect the site in the future and will keep you updated.

Andy Burnham MP Visits Commando Joe's

LEIGH-based Commando Joe’s has received a nod of approval from MP Andy Burnham following his visit to the company headquarters in Meadow Croft Way.

The MP for Leigh visited the elite team of military veterans, who use their extensive experience to help build character and confidence in schools across the UK, to find out about the work they do at local schools.

He was so impressed that he has vowed to help Commando Joe’s continue to receive the funding needed for its 'important' work.

Mr Burnham said: “Commando Joe’s is proven to have a positive impact in the schools it works with, from improving behaviour to building character and resilience in young people. Having visited the company’s headquarters I have seen their passion and enthusiasm for helping children reach their potential. Pupils should leave school with a range of transferable skills and the confidence they need to succeed in their chosen careers. Programmes like the one that Commando Joe’s provides are playing an important role in helping young people achieve this, and I will be doing all I can to ensure the company continues to receive funding in order to carry out its work.”

Funded by the Department for Education, Commando Joe’s was set up in 2009 by Mike Hamilton after eight years in the British Army.

He set up the facility after seeing the positive effects that working as part of a team and gaining confidence can have and is delighted that his venture is helping to improve behaviour, attendance and academic results of more and more students.

Mike said: “We are fully dedicated to helping school children get the best start in life, and seeing that the work we do is having a measurable impact makes us even more determined to partner with other schools across the UK. The Department for Education funding plays a vital role in helping us to expand our services and we are extremely grateful for Andy’s support".

Lilford Park Flooding - Residents Meeting

I am holding a public meeting on Thursday 28th January at 7pm in the Turnpike in Leigh and all residents affected by the flooding of the Lilford Park area are invited.


The primary focus of this meeting will be to discuss why - what was a very serious flooding incident happened and why the flood basin in Lilford Park, which was built to protect people from flooding, failed to do so.
This meeting will be for those residents to get answers to all their questions and get a full explanation.


Residents affected by the floods are entitled to council tax relief, a credit on their water bill and also a council grant of £500.


For more information go to http://www.wigan.gov.uk/Resident/Crime-Emergencies/Flood-advice.aspx

Tommy Sale - Simply The Best of Us

When you do my job, it's very rare to be able to stand up and speak and find everyone in complete agreement with what you say.

But I know that, for today at least, in paying this tribute, I speak for every man, woman and child in this town.

Tommy Sale was quite simply the best of us - the greatest Leyther of them all.

I first met him fifteen years ago.

Perhaps because of the teacher in him, Tommy liked to give me a bit of guidance in those early days.

He took a particular interest in the first live TV interview I did.

I was standing on the green in front of Big Ben, more than a little nervous, and, through my earpiece, I heard the Granada Reports presenter Lucy Meacock say: "We can now go over to Westminster and speak to the new MP for Wigan, Andy Burnham."

Well, to say that my life flashed before my eyes is an under-statement. But I recovered enough to correct her. I was in fact the new MP for Leigh, I said.

The weekend after, in the old boardroom at Hilton Park, Tommy beckoned me over.

"Andy, I was very glad you put that girl on the television straight. MP for Wigan. What a terrible thing to say."

When it came to local loyalties, there was never any doubt where Tommy's lay.

A couple of years later, we were sitting together in the same stand and I was proudly telling him about my dream of the Leigh Sports Village. I was a young man in a hurry.

In his typical under-stated way, Tommy told me that he has some knowledge of doing something similar. He then proceeded to look out on the pitch and paint the picture of he and his team of volunteers, straight after the war, working day and night, ferrying bricks, cement and coal slack, to build the very ground where we were both sitting.

It was a humbling moment. Talk about me needing to get some time in!

This was a man who built our club and our town with his own hands, his brain, his passion, his sheer ambition for Leigh and its people.

But he didn't stop at the ground; he then went on to build the team.

Arguably the single most important thing Tommy did to put Leigh on the map came in the late 1960s.

With Leigh second bottom, he went over to a golf club in St Helen's and talked a certain 27 year-old Saint into becoming Leigh's coach.

He succeeded - and I don't think Leigh has ever quite recovered!

We went on a journey that took us to Wembley and our moment of national glory.

Adopting the legendary Alex Murphy as a Leyther stands as one of - if not the - most inspired signing in the history of Rugby League.

Tommy achieved great things. Not for himself. But for Leigh.

A great man but, just like this town, no airs and graces, always on a level with people.

He was Leigh personified.

The army took Tommy away for a while. He achieved the rank of Second Lieutenant, a good wage of £20 per week and was playing Rugby Union - or the Game of the Establishment, as he called it.

But he swapped it all to come back home, earn £4 a week as a gardener, and do what he wanted to do - play Rugby League for Leigh.

And this is what sets Tommy apart.

Other great people have been born here, but made their name away from Leigh. Tommy was born near here and made his name here, by devoting himself to this place.

That's why he's the greatest Leyther of them all.

When I was first elected, I remember getting letters about all kinds of things that people wanted for the town.

But one came more than any other - could I help get an honour for Tommy Sale?

Together with Peter Smith and Trevor Barton, we tried. But it didn't happen straight away.

Yet the letters just kept on coming, year after year.

I know I am looking right now at many of the people who sent them.

You knew what was right, you never gave up and, thanks to you, the day finally came when Tommy got what was rightfully his.

That MBE was celebrated as much as a trophy for our beloved club. And that says so much about this town - one man's success celebrated as if it was everyone's.

I will never forget the day when I had the proud honour of welcoming Tommy and his family to Parliament on the proud occasion of his receiving the award at the Palace.

I gave him a tour of the corridors of power and, as I steered him around, he kept whispering to me: "Andy - all this fuss for me. Can you imagine that?"

I kept telling him how, yes, I could imagine it. It was because of everything he had done and the way he had done it.

A man of standards, dignity, discipline but with a care for people.

The complete gentleman at all times.

Someone who never wavered from his mother's advice: "in life, you must learn two things; to give a little and take a little; but give more than you take."

Leigh values through and through. Tommy embodied them. It's why he was the best of us, the best of Leigh.

It was the manner in which he accepted his MBE that speaks volumes about him.

I repeat Tommy's words today at the request of his family because they tell you more than I ever could about the man, his values, his outlook on life.

You can almost hear him saying them now, so typical they are of him.

"The town of Leigh owes me nothing; it is I that should be thanking them, as well as St Peter's Church, Leigh Rugby League Club and all of my family for the wonderful life they have given me."

Tommy loved Leigh. But Leigh loved him too.

Goodnight and God bless Tommy.

Forever the greatest Leyther of them all.

Letter to Home Secretary Theresa May on police funding

Dear Theresa

I understand that final decisions are being taken on the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review and particularly the Police budget.

Yesterday in the House, I raised my concerns about the potential impact of the Government’s decisions on front-line policing. This is not the first time I have warned about this issue. You will recall that I called a full-day Opposition Day debate on this matter two weeks ago. However, it has now become more urgent in light of the terrible events in Paris.

The Chancellor has said that he is expecting to achieve non-protected departmental cuts of between 25-40%. As I am sure you would agree, cuts anywhere near this scale to the police service budget would have a devastating effect, with thousands more police officers lost and neighbourhood policing decimated.

I remain firmly of the view that efficiency savings up to 5% are achievable, but that anything above that is more difficult. This view has only been strengthened following the attacks in Paris.

I believe it is essential that we work to protect front-line officers and neighbourhood policing. We know that significant intelligence is gathered through community policing which aids the fight against extremism and terrorism. At a time when the threat of a terrorist attack in the UK is heightened, now is not the time to reduce the ability of the police to build important local relationships and gather that intelligence. 

As Peter Clarke, former Deputy Commissioner with the Specialist Operations Directorate, has said: “We risk breaking the ‘golden thread’ that runs through the police effort all the way from local communities to the farthest part of the world where, in an era of global terrorism, defence of the UK begins.”

But alongside strong neighbourhood policing, we also need to protect the ability of the police to respond to emergency situations as required and, as Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe has said, have sufficient firearms capability.

Protecting the public is not just about the counter-terrorism element of the police budget, but police funding as a whole.

In these changed circumstances, I believe that it would be unwise to ask the Police to deliver further difficult savings above 5% over the next five years.

As I said in the House yesterday, the Opposition wants to work constructively with the Government but will continue to challenge where we need to.

In that spirit, my colleague the Shadow Chancellor yesterday wrote to the Chancellor of the Exchequer offering our support for the enhanced expenditure needed to meet the increased threat to our security, including the police budget, be excluded from the parameters of the Charter for Budget Responsibility.

I welcome the funding that the Government has found for the security services but this cannot be seen in isolation from policing. If the Government proceeds with the proposed cuts, it would be a serious misjudgement and would put public safety at risk.

I hope you will give careful consideration to the issues I have raised and do all you can in the next few days to secure an acceptable settlement for the Police.

I am copying this letter to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.  

Yours sincerely

Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP
Shadow Home Secretary