The May 7th local elections are vitally important for the future of the borough. The ruling chaotic coalition of Independents, Greens and Liberal Democrats propped up by the Conservatives have let Burnley and Padiham down.

Major employers have recently left the town, new industrial estates have been downgraded to warehousing and Heasandford is becoming an industrial desert as what should be high tech sites are designated for household waste handling.

Town centre investment is scarce, the long promised Youth Zone is in the slow lane, Padiham flood defences face delay after delay and the Manchester Road rail station access improvements remain unfunded and on the drawing board after years of promises. It is a catalogue of failure in addition to the litter strewn pot-hole infested streets blighted by anti-social behaviour across many neighbourhoods.

It shouldn’t and doesn’t have to be like this.

placeholder image — Labour leader Coun. Mark Townsend

The Labour Group are in opposition on Burnley Council but have been the driving force in bringing forward recent ideas to bring change across the whole of Burnley and Padiham. The chaotic coalition found it impossible to reject our recent budget proposals targeted at helping residents. Comprising of a significant increase in the empty homes programme, council tax support for the terminally ill, free kids swimming for families, free swimming lessons for children in low income families during school holidays, food support for those in financial hardship in Padiham and a freeze in burial and cremation charges.

If Labour have more influence after May we will build on this as well as focus on keeping our Borough clean, reducing anti social behaviour, bringing higher paid jobs, investing in our town centres and delivering the affordable homes we need.

This is not a national election. No elected councillor will solve any wars or reduce illegal immigration. What they will have to do is organise the biggest shake up in local government in 50 years. To do this will require knowledge, experience and the ability to build relationships with our near neighbours to get the best deal for Burnley and Padiham.

Electing Labour councillors on May 7th will bring the fresh ideas, stability and partnership working that will rebuild Burnley and take it forward in these uncertain times.