Is there someone ready to lead the charge?

THIS column’s call for our local politicians to work together for the good of the local area continues to prompt responses – but little action.

Two weeks ago, the acting leader of the Tories in Rossendale, Annabel Shipley, said that this column’s idea of parties putting politics to one side was ‘idealistic’ because ‘cross party working has never been high on the Labour Party’s agenda.’

Last week, Rossendale MP Jake Berry said he was fully supportive of the idea of Rossendale’s political leaders singing as one choir for the area, but then said: “It’s difficult to sing along when the leader of the choir loses half her instruments, won’t share her sheet music and then refuses to let anyone else pick up the tune.

“I will gladly work hand in glove with anyone regardless of their political allegiances for the good of Rossendale.

“The fact remains however that under the current leadership at Rossendale Council, decisions have been made that have cost the people of the this Valley over £5m and not one person has been held responsible.”

That is, of course, true, and the Empty Homes Scandal at the council continues to infiltrate almost every discussion involving the council.

But even if the council hadn’t found itself in hot water – and on the hook – for the Empty Homes Scheme after the company employed to run it went bust, it would still be facing huge holes in its annual budget.

The same is true of Lancashire county council.

These financial black holes are a product of a reduction in grants from government – and it’s only going to get worse.

Working together doesn’t mean not holding each other to account.

It does mean being able to put party politics aside every now and again to make sure we don’t face a situation where Rossendale and Lancashire county councils don’t go bust.

There must be someone, somewhere, ready to lead that charge.