They say that if you are working on something that you really care about, you don't have to be pushed. And whilst last week was incredibly busy this rang true during my summer surgery tour, which saw me hold over 23 open surgeries over the space of 7 days all across our borough.
It was so refreshing to have the time to speak to so many of you throughout Burnley, Padiham, Cliviger, Hapton, Worsthorne and Dunnockshaw. Because it’s only by making myself accessible to all residents will I be able to hear your views, enabling better representation in Parliament.
And whilst I heard about a variety of local issues that I will undoubtedly be able to help with, one of the main themes that came through was the level of optimism that exists amongst us. With an amazing vaccine rollout and life starting to return to normal, the mood that I found was upbeat; focused on what comes next and how our local politics, combined with a positive voice in Parliament can really get our borough firing on all cylinders; delivering on our plan to level up Burnley and Padiham.
This week has continued much in the same vein as last, with a jam-packed diary that has seen me visit numerous local employers to ask them what they need most when it comes to kickstarting our economic recovery. Covid-19 has caused issues for every one of us but with the national picture showing falling case rates, and the vaccination programme continuing at pace, we have an amazing opportunity to build back better.
For the first time this year, the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits is declining in almost every city and large town, including in our borough. That’s a result of the level of support that has been given during the pandemic but also the hard work of local businesses who want to get going again and drive our local economy forward. And you’ll struggle not to have seen the opening up of job vacancies as our local businesses start on the path to recovery.
This week I’ve also been conducting a pub tour in some of the most recognisable locations throughout Burnley and Padiham. Because not only is it a continuation of my desire to speak with as many of you as possible during this Parliamentary recess but a way for me to promote the Great British pub. They are the cornerstone of many of our communities, and the value of people coming together and engaging with their local community can not be overstated, especially after so long battling Covid-19. I’m sure I join thousands of you in welcoming the return of the social interactions provided by pubs and clubs. The industry has my complete support, whether by doing my bit to promote them, or by speaking up for the landlords and landladies that make a night out so enjoyable for us all.
So far, I’ve visited 14 in total. Everywhere from the Hapton Inn, the Park View, Prairie, Royal Dyche, Kettledrum, Lowerhouse Canteen and the Bridge Inn amongst others. I’ve tried to visit as many as possible. And whilst every single one has a unique atmosphere, they all share one thing in common - and that is their determination to provide their customers with a safe and welcoming atmosphere to meet one another. I’d like to pay tribute to everything they continue to do to keep us safe whilst meeting friends and family in the last stages of the pandemic.
On a final note, I’d also like to comment on the mindless vandalism that we all saw in the early hours of Tuesday morning. It’s absolutely disgusting that there are people who think it is acceptable to smash up bus shelters. Having spoken with the Police this week, joining two of our local PCSOs for a shift, I know they are just as determined to crack down on this type of anti-social behaviour as I am. What we witnessed on the route from Burnley to Padiham was completely unacceptable. There is simply no place for this vacuous vandalism - it's completely unacceptable and I hope the offenders are caught. If anybody has any CCTV footage then please contact Burnley and Padiham Police on 07811849898 or by emailing [email protected] and hopefully we can catch those responsible.
