Candidate slams ‘cynical’ pre-election move
A ROW has erupted over LCC’s decision to reopen Helmshore Mills after Labour’s local election candidate claimed it was a ‘cynical’ pre-election move by the Tories.
Responding to MP Jake Berry’s comments about the decision, Ross Charnock said: “Like any Labour member, I welcome investment in our heritage and particularly public services. However, there is little difference in what Jake Berry is proposing, to the status of the museum as ‘closed’.
“Three-day opening, on a temporary basis, is a cynical ploy for headlines at the cheapest possible price during our local elections. The museum only closed because of Tory government cuts and what is being proposed is only a continuation of the work Labour began when they were running Lancashire County Council.”
County Coun Aidy Riggott, LCC’s lead member for cultural services, said he was surprised by the claims, replying: “The Conservative administration is proud to reopen the museum which was clearly closed unnecessarily by his comrades in the Labour Party when they were in control at County Hall.
“Mr Charnock may also want to question why his comrades voted against our proposal to reopen the Helmshore Textile Mill and whether they are in fact proud of Lancashire’s heritage offering.
“I am confident that the residents of Helmshore will see it is in fact Mr Charnock who is making a cynical play for headlines, not the Conservatives running the County Council who once again are putting right the many, many wrongs and mess we have inherited from the Labour Party.”
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