Letter from Parliament - Jim Dobbin MP

Date published: 22/09/2009

I watched an interesting programme last week called “The Love of Money” about the boom years before the economic downturn.

It described the part played by banks and financial institutions in encouraging over-lending to house buyers especially the prime selling pressures that took place in the USA, the collapse of Lehmann Bothers, the world’s largest financial group which had a toxic effect on the global economy.

The Prime Minister was featured throughout and showed a remarkable understanding of global markets and took tough decisive action that was designed to protect the stability of the economy. Don’t forget, the UK is one of the most powerful financial centres in the world and was therefore hit very hard by this economic failure.

The bail out of Northern Rock, Bradford and Bingley and other banks was absolutely necessary to prevent a domino effect. This stimulus was necessary to offer support to hard pressed families and businesses to try and limit unemployment.

As the recession comes to an end and we begin to see growth in the economy, it would be wrong to attack the public sector. Therefore I support continued investment in Health, Housing, Education and other services. To reduce it in any way at this crucial time would be a backward step.

The public and private sectors feed off each other. That is why it’s good to see a programme of house building in place in parts of my constituency - the first local authority new building for many years. Local builders will benefit from this investment.

It’s good to see the new health facilities appear across the borough and the continued capital investments in schools. All of this will create jobs which will benefit the local economy and help keep people in work and spending in our local shops.

I am seriously concerned at rumours I am hearing about care home closures and increased charges for council services. Care for the elderly and for disabled people ought to be a priority for protected funding. If these rumours are correct it would be a direct attack on the most vulnerable in our community and should be resisted.

I am also concerned at the rising cost of hiring Council facilities. My office is being approached by a number of groups who in previous years have hired our civic centres for musical productions and now feel they can no longer afford to use civic amenities and will have to look elsewhere. This will be a huge loss to local people who have faithfully supported our music and artistic societies. I feel these pricing policies should be reviewed urgently before we create a number of white elephants across the borough.

It’s great to see both Heywood and Middleton markets bounce back. Our markets are a benefit to both town centres economically and socially. They have become meeting places for shoppers where they can have a cup of coffee and a chat and should also increase the potential of our local shops.

I managed to fit in a quick visit to Long St Methodist Church on Saturday 12 September. I never fail to be impressed by the unique architecture of local architect Edgar Wood. Middleton has a truly famous son in Edgar Wood who gave the town a distinct modern architectural style and history. I also visited the Church of the Latter Day Saints in Ashton Lane. This was my first visit and I found a warm welcome. The tour of the church was interesting and I was impressed in particular by the emphasis on family life.

We attended a meeting in Bolton for the North West Myasthenia Gravis Association where we were presented with bronze awards for our support in Parliament for the MG cause over the years.

I visited Boarshaw Sure Start attached to the Primary School. As I have said before these centres provide valuable support for young parents and are a tremendous asset.

I was a guest at the Greater Manchester North Scouts County AGM. The Scouts and Guides provide activities for young people and their leaders should be commended for giving up so much of their free time and their efforts to what is surely a vocation. Rochdale Music Service as usual provided superb entertainment.

I had a meeting with Middleton Town Centre Manager Jim MacMahon to be briefed about the future plans for the town centre and market.

I attended an interfaith event at Salford Cathedral in the afternoon for the opening of the new Cathedral Centre by Bishop Brain.

The centre will be a tremendous asset to the Community.

In the evening I went to the Anglican Cathedral in Manchester at the invitation of St Michael and St George’s Churches Bamford and Oakenrod. The event was a brilliant presentation of ART for GOD by local artists who displayed their work. Artist Ghislaine Howard was the guest speaker and illustrated a Christian message through her artwork which is to be exhibited at the Cathedral later this year. It is well worth a visit.

We were guests of Manchester Airport at the Halle Orchestra in Bridgewater Hall for a stunning and enjoyable musical feast. I was able to visit the model railway exhibition in the training centre in Long St Middleton where I saw a great display by our Heywood enthusiasts.

After writing this article Pat and I will be off for a few days to the Lake District for our first break of the recess