Why we need to take back control of our high streets | Burnley MP column

A weird column this week. Normally I say how much I’ve been up to over the last 7 days, and I’ve always been open with you about what I enjoy and what I find difficult – well, full disclosure, this week I’ve been in France, on holiday. I’ll be back on Wednesday (for me the future, for you the past).

Otherwise, I’ve been at home in Burnley and Cliviger for recess, getting out and about across the constituency. You’ve got to like talking to people in this job – I never understand people who go into politics and don’t like people. I love that part of what I do.

In that vein, I’ll be hosting a coffee morning on Saturday 15th August, from 10am–12pm at Padiham Road Methodist Church on Brassey Street. Come down for a chat, a coffee, or if there’s an issue you need a hand with. No politics and you don’t have to agree with me – plenty come just for a chin wag. Also, a great opportunity to witness my Dale Winton on Supermarket Sweep-esque tan…

Recess always reminds me how lucky I am to live where I do. The views across Burnley, Padiham and Brierfield really are beautiful. We’re all proud of our place, and that pride doesn’t just stop at our rolling fields and beautiful views, it extends into our high streets too.

We can all point out a shop we reckon is dodgy: vape shops, gambling and betting shops, rogue businesses, making it difficult for decent local independents to survive.

This week, our Prime Minister Andy Burnham has taken a big step in the right direction. He’s seen the same issues we have and knows local people have too often been left powerless to stop it.

New planning rules will mean vape shops and adult gaming centres can’t simply keep popping up without residents having a say. I think that’s a good thing.

Importantly, these new powers can help prevent vape shops opening near schools. We all know how widespread vaping has become among young people, and we need to do everything we can to tackle what could become a serious public health crisis if we don’t act.

But I can already hear people asking: what about the shops that are already there?

Well, we need to do something about those too. Police and local authorities will have the power to close premises for up to 12 months (double the previous limit). It gives police more time to investigate premises linked to organised crime and prevents rogue operators from simply reopening. Ultimately, it’s about keeping our communities safer and authorities using powers at their disposal.

I love our town centres, and that’s why, week after week, I’m talking to businesses about what matters most to them. I’ve visited everywhere from our banks and coffee shops to Primark and Down Town, because now is the time to back the incredible organisations already investing here.

And this is just the start. I won’t rant about it now, but if we’re serious about regeneration, we need to look beyond our high streets too. That’s why I’m continuing my campaign to turn our brownfield sites into much-needed local and social housing, regardless of who the PM is.

We have land sitting empty or underused while local families are crying out for decent, affordable homes. That simply doesn’t make sense. We should put that land to work for local people but that’s one for another day.

So whether it’s our high streets, our housing or our brownfield sites, I’ll keep fighting for regeneration that works for us.

I’m still here, still working, and still fighting for you – for Burnley, Padiham and Brierfield – even if, admittedly, this week I’ve been abroad.