Letter from Parliament - Jim Dobbin MP

Jim Dobbin MP

The recess has given me the opportunity to assess the many capital projects that have either been completed or are underway. The scale of government involvement over the last 11 years in the constituency is massive. Every school has had improvements. Some schools are new, like Woodlands Primary in Heywood, and are the result of schools merging. The Furrow on Langley is another example. The new Sure-Start children’s centres have provided much needed support for young families across the constituency.

The new town centre developments for Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale will be the result of private and public sector partnerships. I visited the new Civic Centre in Middleton and was shown round by general manager John Taylor. The combined pool, sports and leisure complex will be a welcome family facility for all age groups. I look forward to its opening and its positive impact on Middleton. Heywood of course will also have a new sports village in the town centre plus a new educational centre for adult and vocational students. I must also mention the new health provision that is imminent in Heywood and coming to Middleton. These centres will be similar to the new centres in Alkrington and opposite the Railway Station in Rochdale. There are numerous other capital projects I could list but I use the ones I have highlighted to demonstrate the extent of the government investment since 1997 under the stewardship of the present Prime Minister as Chancellor.

Castleton schools have benefited from the Government educational capital improvement scheme, but the village itself needs some major attention, particularly since Whipp and Bourne, who have existed in Castleton for the past 100 years, are moving out. I am disappointed at the board’s decision and I have a sneaking feeling that they won’t remain in the UK much longer and that they will move to China or Eastern Europe to take advantage of the low cost labour.

Norden and Bamford may get a new health facility but its schools have also had considerable capital investment. It is of course a high cost residential area, whose problems tend to be more of planning issues around new housing developments. All in all much progress is being made on many different fronts and it is not the total doom and gloom scenario painted by the media. Investment in my constituency far outstrips the 20 years before 1997.

I have seen the results of polling on the new congestion charge, which claims to show that the majority of voters across the borough are supportive. I rather think the authority is using a large amount of discretion in coming to this conclusion. My bet is that a referendum will throw this proposal out at the end of the day.

I attended Desmesne Community Centre to speak to some young people who will be visiting me in Parliament later this year about my role in the legislative process and in Parliament. Mal and Chris and their team are keen to engage young people in the democratic process and this must be applauded.

I attended a public meeting in Castleton about the withdrawal of the 442 bus service from Alder Road and Kirklee Road organised by the local councillors. It was attended by Rossendale Buses and the officers from the relevant council departments. Public meetings never solve problems but usually, from the frank discussions that take place, a solution can be found. I have a feeling that an acceptable solution will be forthcoming that may satisfy the majority.

On Friday 29 August I attended a service in Long St Methodist church to celebrate the life of Malcolm Collinge who had touched the lives of so many people in Middleton in many different ways. His community work was illustrated superbly by his good friend Councillor Terry Linden. Malcolm will be sadly missed.

Before ending this week’s article, can I remind retired constituents to claim extra help for heating this winter. Although it is the end of summer, I do not want anyone to miss out on additional help that they are entitled to. If you haven’t received Winter Fuel Allowance before and you are not receiving State Pension or State Benefits then you need to apply. I supported the action to increase how much older people get to help with heating costs. If you claim by the 19 September you should receive your payment before Christmas. I’d also encourage people to contact their energy suppliers to see whether they qualify for a reduced tariff and to find out what they provide to improve energy efficiency. Sometimes it is worth shopping around suppliers as different firms offer different deals.

I spent last week in Romania looking at Rail Freight sites as part of a Parliamentary delegation. I have an interest in rail freight because of the nature of my constituency, the number of heavy goods vehicles that pass through it and the number of distribution parks that surround it. I shall expand on this crucial transport issue in a future article.