Jake Berry
I RECENTLY completed a tour of the North as the Northern Powerhouse Minister covering over 1200 miles, talking to businesses and workers across the North of England, most importantly workers of J&J Ormerod in Stacksteads.
The two most important issues raised were education and transport.
I am really proud of all the schools, teachers, support staff and pupils in the Valley, however I have been clear we need to drive up standards to equip our young people for the challenges that lie ahead.
Recent figures showed that 65 per cent of children in primary school today will be doing jobs that currently do not exist. That is why I am so pleased that Fearns is to become a Star Academy.
This change for Fearns is a once in a generation opportunity to transform the lives of every young person studying at that school. This is why I have given my personal commitment to see the change through.
At the recent Conservative Conference, I was delighted to see one of our local star teachers, Ben Wood from Haslingden High, who was representing teachers of Religious Education and showcasing Religious Education at our local schools. I believe we in Rossendale can be proud we have such high quality teachers talking about the value of their subjects on a national stage.
As someone who travels on the M66, like many others, I was not surprised to see that it was named as the most congested road in Britain.
This is partly due to the ongoing works to the M60 and M62 which are now nearly completed.
This has improved the situation on the M66 markedly over recent months, however, it reinforces the case for the Rossendale Rail Link.
Whilst opinion is divided about the best route, I personally favour extending the tram from Bury. I am delighted that the council has now thrown its weight behind the campaign.
Whilst spending £15,000 on a study will not in itself deliver on the ambition, it does help the council get behind the broad coalition who want to see this change. These projects are very long term and people will rightly say there have been studies before, however, this time I hope with the council, our county council and your Member of Parliament working together we can make progress. I have always been clear that we should lay political difference aside and work together towards this goal.
As the future prosperity of Rossendale is worth fighting for, driving it forwards is the responsibility of us all.
Occasionally, you often see something around the Rossendale Valley so beautiful that it stops you in your tracks.
This happened recently whilst walking my dog in Stubbins. Now almost at an end, the floral displays which have been organised by Stubbins Village Residents Association have been superb. And, most appropriately of all, as we approach the centenary of the end of the First World War, they are in Lancashire regimental colours.