Letter from Parliament - Jim Dobbin MP

I was shocked at the recent decision by Tesco to move 600 jobs to Widnes from Wincanton Distribution in Middleton. This was a complete surprise and I understand there had been little or no discussion with the Local Authority. This was a commercial decision based on the need to be closer to the docks in Liverpool and the need for expansion. Although employees have been offered jobs in Widnes, it is no consolation to local families. I only hope that Rochdale Borough Council will offer support to all those seeking new employment.

Don’t be conned by David Cameron’s latest announcement offering Co-operative methods to Public Sector workers. He obviously has no idea about the Co-op movement and don’t forget this is the man who supported Tory attacks on Trade Unions over the years. Public Sector workers won’t be taken in by this empty gesture.

I note that Conservative plans to begin cutting public spending immediately have been heavily criticised by over 60 leading academics, all experts on economics. They assert that reducing the stimulus at this stage would create a substantial delay in recovery for the UK. It would create increased unemployment and push families further into poverty.

Of course this is exactly what the last Tory government did and we had high unemployment and inflation of over 15%. This latest criticism highlights George Osborne’s inexperience and weakness as Shadow Chancellor.

The Lib Dems as usual have little to contribute to this debate. I do give them credit for one thing… they are adept at giving the impression that someone else is in control of the Council. Never shall the Lib Dem controlled Council take the blame for any decisions they make. Pointing at pot holes, looking into wheelie bins or staring sadly at empty gritting bins throughout the borough is a Lib Dem speciality. Accepting the blame for failure of their policies is not their way. It’s always the fault of an officer of the council or the opposition parties. So, to all Lib Dem councillors, remember, if you make the policies, the responsibility is yours.

We are entering a period of uncertainty for my constituents and the country. It would be a travesty to lose the investments in schools, health and the police that have been at the forefront of re-generation in the constituency and in cities throughout the UK. The re-generation of Castleton in particular, which has suffered from major closures at Whipp & Bourne, Corus and Woolworths, will be high on my agenda and take up more of my time.

It’s been heart warming to see the help and support that many of our elderly people are getting from friends and neighbours. I have heard many examples of this in recent weeks during the cold weather and with more winter problems on the way, please keep up the care and good neighbour support which is much needed and appreciated by the old and vulnerable in our communities.

I was able to visit Bamford Primary School and was welcomed by Deputy Head Mr Lewis. The centre piece of the Assembly was a lesson on Samba music as part of a music week at the school and in every class I was told how much the pupils had enjoyed it. The atmosphere was relaxed but concentration on their lessons was evident and I thank them all for their kindness and hospitality.

I did my Desmesne advice surgery at the Community centre and as it is on at the same time as the pensioners’ lunch I am able to enjoy a quick chat with them.

I moved on to Hopwood Hall afterwards to the review of the year. The Principal Derek O’Toole and his staff put on an extremely professional review, organised by Councillor Donna Martin who works at the college. It gave good firsthand information about performance and new plans for the future that involves all of my constituency.

On Saturday I had my Middleton surgery in the Shopping Arcade where my constituents have the opportunity to air their grievances and seek help with problems.

I then went down to Cardiff to visit my family for 2 days.