Ivan Lewis and Labour should ‘watch this space’ for Radcliffe

Why on earth has it taken Ivan Lewis and the Labour group so long to find their feet?

While Ivan’s Government and the Labour group were in power for over 20 years, they promised to do everything, but in reality did nothing.

Promised to regenerate Radcliffe and failed as they “almost” signed the contact with the developers to regenerate Radcliffe.

Promised to build a new school but failed once again as they “almost” signed the contract to buy land to build the school.

Even Education Secretary Ed Balls questioned “why a new school for Radcliffe was not built when the opportunity was there from 2004 to 2007”, emphasising Labour’s shortcomings.

Even now Ivan’s Labour Government has this week announced their intention to cut £2bn from the schools and education budget.

How hypocritical is our Labour MP and the Labour group leader Cllr Mike Connolly and Deputy Cllr John Smith who accuse the Tories of plotting to make cuts to the education budget.

Since the new Conservative group took control in 2008, considerable improvements have taken place in Radcliffe. New toilets have been installed in the town centre. A new job club has been opened offering advice for people seeking work. Radcliffe Boys and Girls Club has been completely refurbished by the Conservative group who, with help from local volunteers, has worked throughout weekends to secure the future of the club as fit for the purpose to keep kids occupied.

Urbed is commissioned to review, and revise plans to regenerate Radcliffe including a new bus station and relocation of the Royal Mail distribution centre.

Responding to pleas from local businesses, Blackburn Street is to be reopened. After extensive consultation, Millwood Special School is to be rebuilt in Radcliffe. Land has been purchased to build a new state of the arts secondary school in Radcliffe. My advice to Ivan Lewis and his Labour colleagues is “sit down and watch this space”.

Cllr Jackie Harris Brookthorpe Road Bury