I have just read about the National Union of Teachers ban on the Armed Forces coming into schools to promote the forces.
Apparently the resolution was passed at their annual conference because they beleive they are not being totally straight about the risks and dangers faced by recruits and as such are glamourising the the forces.
I have never heard such nonsense in all my life. Iraq and Afghanistan are feautured on our TV screens everynight, in newspapers and all over the net. Deaths are announced on news programmes. This is a highly disrespectful move by the NUT, sends the wrong message and may damage recruitment. Yes the dangers have to be outlined and I am sure that Forces recruitment officers make sure applicants know what they are getting into. I just hope the NUT changes its mind on this daft proposal and decides to work with the forces rather than slapping them in the face.

I attended the Area Partnership Chairs meeting on tuesday. The main item on the agenda was the review of Area Partnerships. Area Partnerships replaced the Area Boards and whilst there has been some clear improvements to how they operate and their effectiveness there has remained concerns about some issues hence the review.

I was dissapointed with the report that we received. By the time we got the report the biggest proposal was to change the name to Team Prestwich etc. The current Area Partnership Chairs generally disliked the name change so that stays the same for now.

The main reason for dissapointment was the fact that an opportunty has been missed to delegate more powers, resources and responsibilities to the Partnerships for services provided in their townships.  In addition there was precious little in the report to improve the links with community members who represent voluntary groups etc. I would like to see them exert more influence and feed there issues through to the Partnerships.

There were some good things - such as proposals to develop community members, encouraging greater support from our partners and improving the effectiveness of the Partnerships - the rest will have to wait at least until the further review promised for the autumn.

Liberal  Democrats in Bury have accused Ivan Lewis MP and David Chaytor MP of failing to support local services after they voted to support the Government’s massive post office closure programme.

The Government has ordered that one in five branches be closed. Opposition MPs tried to stop the closure programme on 19th March when a motion was proposed in the House of Commons demanding the Government halt their plans to make 2500 branches shut up shop.

But enough Labour MPs rallied around the Government’s closure plans to reject the motion and ensure the closure programme can continue unhindered. Two of those voting to close post offices were Bury’s MP.

Disappointed local Liberal Democrat campaigners are calling on Ivan Lewis and David Chaytor to explain why s/he voted to close post offices.
“Our MPs have let down people in Bury by voting to allow the closures to continue,” said Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson Vic D’Albert. “In May the announcement will be made as to which branches here will be put forward for closure. This was an opportunity for Ivan Lewis and David Chayor to make a stand on behalf of residents. I am disappointed they have backed the Government rather than local people.

“The loss of post offices will hit communities hard in Bury. They are vital assets for many local people and closing them will cause many difficulties for older people and others with mobility problems, in particular.
“Despite the decision of our MPs to help the Government press ahead with closure, Liberal Democrats are continuing to fight the demolition of the post office network.”

Last night the Council’s consultants for the Regeneration of Prestwich hosted a workshop to engage residents views on the issues regarding the development of Prestwich.
The event at the Longfield Suite was well attended with about 100 people - residents, Council officers , Councillors, local businesses and school representative present.

Amongst other things we were asked to highlight the best and worse features of the Town Centre, highlight towns that we would like to see at least attributes of introduced into plans for Prestwich and what we would like to see Prestwich be like in 15 years time - although personally I hope it doesn’t take that long - I’ll be 64!!!
We finished by highlighting areas that we would like to see developed across the town centre - with the reasons why.
All in all a very successful event that certainly got me thinking and focussed on the future of Prestwich - a Prestwich I hope we can all be proud of when the plans eventually come to fruition.
Well done Urbed - it’s over to you!

Last night I was delighted to add my signature to the approval/order for warning signs to be erected in Drinkwater Park. The signs are effectively warning signs to motor bikes not to use the park. They are essentially 1st warning signs, which mean that if they are subsequently caught in the park by Police they can receive a second warning which could lead to the bike being confiscated. Effectively the signs will speed up the process and will be a great aid to police activities in the park.
I am a great fan of the park and the Clough and beleive its one of Prestwich’s greatest assets. As an ex-biker I’ve nothing against bikes but the fact of the matter is not every area is compatible nor appropriate for bikes. Personally I see this area as a great area for walking, kids letting off steam, horse and pony riding, fishing and general fun and games and bringing people that bit closer to nature and I don’t think the roar of a 250cc engine spitting out petrol fumes and screaming through the park at speeds in excess of 30mph does anything to help that cause.

Last night I had a meeting with the Chairman of the Creative Living Centre about their current financial plight.
The Centre has financial difficulties since lottery funding has ceased and has had to lay off staff in order to ensure this important local organisation can survive. They are now desperately seeking new funds to secure the future of the centre and its services.
The centre provides a range of support services and activities for people suffering from various mental health problems from depression upwards. Its contribution to peoples well being is incalculable.
I provided hopefully some useful advice on some potential avenues for funding to explore and have agreed to make some enquiries myself. In addition I have suggested that they may wish to apply for a small grant from the Area Partnership towards one of their projects.

Nick Cleggs speech to the Lib Dem Spring Conference was not just memorable for its delivery without notes. In my view it signalled a very clear change in emphasis if not direction for the party. Highlighting a number of examples where vulnerable people have suffered in 21st century Britain under Labour, he made it clear that the time has come to stand up for those that need support in society and to fight for what’s right and for justice in modern Britain. It’s time to get angry and to put up no more.
He also ruled out joining Conservative or Labour Governments after the next election - but ruled in working with Governments to fix our broken system of government and democracy.
All in all an inspiring speech, an excellent first speech to conference and motivating for the coming local election campaign.

4TH - PRESTWICH AREA PARTNERSHIP - with a presentation from Prestwich regeneration consultants URBED and the OPEN FORUM for residents to raise issues. 6.30pm start (Open Forum from 7.30pm), Sedgley Park School, Bishops Road.

7th-9th LIB DEM SPRING CONFERENCE, Liverpool

12th - ST.MARY’S CE PRIMARY SCHOOL GOVERNORS

12th - FRIEND OF PRESTWICH FOREST PARK - Church Inn, Prestwich 7.00pm    

13th - PRESTWICH REGENERATION - URBED Workshop, Longfield Suite, Prestwich

17th - BURY LIB DEMS LOCAL PARTY , 7.00pm Elton Liberal Club, New George St, Bury. All members welcome.

18th - AREA PARTNERSHIP CHAIRS, Town Hall

26th - FULL COUNCIL MEETING, 7.00pm. Town Hall. Members of the public welcome - with public question time