We need housing plan we can all support

in as many months has done little for the economy or for confidence in our national leadership.

However, in my view and with Rishi’s prudent economic policies, we have a far better chance of turning the economic corner quickly.

The issues our residents and businesses face are clear for all to see, the alarming cost of living crisis, particularly energy and food costs and the spiral of rising interest rates.

Throughout his whole leadership campaign Rishi spoke of tackling inflation as a priority and I will look forward to our new government doing exactly that for the good of us all.

What feels like the great British housing debate took another step forward over the last month with written arguments to the Places for Everyone inspectors being submitted.

Mine have been submitted too in an attempt to save our greenbelt from unnecessary destruction and I now have a date in my diary next February to attend one of those hearings where my considerations will be taken into account.

I know the plan in its current form is a real concern to many and I will continue to argue against it’s inherent flaws in the hope that common sense will win out at the end of the day.

Surely a plan we can all support would be far better than one dividing communities as the proposed one does.

● Last Friday I attended a charity fire walk at Springhill Hospice, a charity close to many of our hearts.

I was amazed to see so many fund raising volunteers hot footing it (quite literally) across a bed of hot coals.

Amongst them were our Mayor Councillor Ali Ahmed and my colleague Councillor Peter Winkler.

Well done to them and to all those who took part.

It was quite astonishing to see so many walk over the hot coals at temperatures in excess of 600 degrees centigrade not just once but twice as they raised money for such a tremendous cause and community asset.

Last Saturday I had the honour and pleasure of judging Little Pink Borough along with Councillor Ashley Dearnley.

This year Kath and Andy O’donnell have organized another fantastic fundraiser and after seven years of dedication, commitment and hard work they have created a very special annual event that has captured the hearts and minds of the local community.

Almost every shop window across Littleborough was filled with very creative and attractive displays reminding us of how fundraising such as this really makes a difference to many in their hour of need.

I must also pay tribute to everyone who took part and donated too for their generosity and enthusiasm, the collective response was heart warming and brought about a real sense of community spirit.

Of course the most difficult decision was selecting a winner but to be honest everyone who took part was a winner.

Well done Kath and Andy your efforts are an inspiration to us all.

We all face uncertain times and the coming months will not be easy for lots of people.

But the last two events I have written about really were uplifting and remind me of all the fantastic people we have in our borough and epitomize the great spirit we have within it.