Lots going on across Burnley and Padiham this week, and a big part was the celebrations to mark 10 years since our area was named the Most Enterprising in the UK. This achievement recognised the enormous contribution of our business community – large and small – who do so much for us. From employment and investment in the borough, to the sponsorship many provide for our youth teams and events. Without a thriving private sector our borough just wouldn’t be what it is.
This week has also seen another of my coach trips to Westminster. There’s now been a good number of these, with residents from right across the borough and even one of the Burnley Express’s own reporters Sue Plunkett.
It was at 6:45am outside of Burnley Bus Station yesterday (Thursday) that the latest one began, as 40 residents waited to board the coach. And I have to say I absolutely love running these. Not just because they’ve been shown to be popular and successful, but because they allow so many local people to visit what is the centre of our British democracy.
Politics can often feel too distant and removed, and I hope these trips, alongside the talks I do in schools and elsewhere do something to close that gap. Because politics isn’t about those who get elected, it’s about those we serve.
So I hope everyone who came this week enjoyed the day, and if you’re interested in a future trip then please let me know by dropping me an email (I’m running another trip in November and some more next year too).
And, as ever, I’m continuing to work on several local issues to ensure they stay on the radar and get sorted quickly. This includes the Padiham flood defence scheme, and today (Friday) I’ll be meeting with the Environment Agency to get an update on where we are.
Residents will have seen that the wall behind Padiham Town Hall has now been fully upgraded and increased in height, with work now taking place to upgrade the flood wall on the Bendwood Estate. Further works will be needed too, which will need a full business case and planning application to Burnley Borough Council. I’ll be finding out what stage these are at so we can ensure they’re submitted as soon as possible, so the remainder of the work can be carried out.
Finally, with Sunday being the start of Conservative Party Conference I’ll be heading to Manchester for that, and I’ll keep everyone updated with what goes on.
