Dear John,
As always, the last month has been rather enjoyable and shows the breadth of activities that are going on locally and also those that MPs get invited to attend and support.
I live in Horwich so enjoyed the Good Friday trek to the Pike. The weather was perfect for the walk, I bumped into friends along the way and the crowds delighted in the good weather and beautiful scenery.
The outdoor activities carried on with the Anderton Centre hosting a ‘Sports and Public Services’ for ten of Greater Manchester’s colleges. The site was perfect for the outdoor activities and was chosen by Bolton College as they were this year’s host for the annual event.
I had a go some of the activities but wearing a suit for the day meant that I could avoid going out on the water which looked rather cold.
The Minister for the Railways visited Bolton during recess and I was able to speak up for a direct route from London to Bolton and, as he is also responsible for regional investment, the delivery of junction seven for the M61. I always take every opportunity to press ministers for more local investment.
I attended the opening of the new Elizabeth Park in Bolton town centre which was rather nice but the most important part of the visit was to see the scale of the redevelopment of parts of the town centre. Huge numbers of flats and houses are being built there which protects our green spaces, cuts road traffic and will, in time, play a big part in the revitalisation of Bolton.
Cllr Steven Chadwick regularly gets involved in and organises projects for the benefit of the local community and I was delighted to join him to help repaint the railings outside of St Mary’s Primary School in Horwich.
It was a pleasure to be invited to Cleveland Prep School, in Heaton, to open their new nursery especially as the children put on a little show and entertainment.
The link between Platt and the Chequerbent roundabout in Westhoughton has not been delivered even though it was a requirement from Bolton Council. Rather than force the developer to meet their obligations, the Council has let them off. I’ve taken it up with the leader of the Council and its Chief Exec.
I’m pleased that TfGM has clarified that they will use far less of the parking space than first thought at Daisy Hill Railway Station which will mean there is somewhat less disruption for local residents as they install the new lift.
With proposals coming forward with the new football regulator and the University of Bolton looking at changing its name, there is so much going on and I would appreciate hearing your views.
Yours sincerely,
