I was up in Burnley again recently as it is conference recess, although I am not complaining.
I love our town and really feel very proud of all the positive things going on at the moment.
Monday morning started with a visit to Bootstrap, a work programme which has had amazing success with young people and I was delighted to meet some of their clients who access apprenticeships.
I am so encouraged by programmes such as this, as they demonstrate clearly the vision and appreciation of ensuring young people are equipped with skills for the future, and thus a means to have a job for the future.
Wednesday was a great day where I went along to the launch of a new business. Months ago I was contacted by a constituent who invited me to see the device he had cleverly created. I am always supportive of new businesses and ideas that will make a difference.
Kevin Haworth (52) had wondered how to capture the lost heat from his wood-burning stove, while saving the planet and cash. Now he hopes his newly-devised Recoheat airflow recovery system will leave homes glowing and householders smiling. I hope he is Padiham’s next success story!
The device means Kevin’s fire used half as much wood and the house was warmer and his domestic gas bill had dropped to £20 a month. The results he has got are quite incredible and it’s very clever from an engineering perspective as well. He made it in his own kitchen and the amount it could save in terms of bills, and the environment, is remarkable. Kevin has established a website, {http://www.recoheat.co.uk|www.recoheat.co.uk}, and I would encourage you all to check it out.
I was also delighted with the unemployment figures released on Wednesday – unemployment is down in Burnley to 4.2%, which is remarkable and an all-time low. It is great to see so much investment and jobs in our town that clearly is reflected in this figure. I am proud of my commitment to ensuring we attract businesses to our town, and my work does not stop now, the longer this figure keeps lowering, the better.
I then went along to Padiham Green Primary School for the Save the Padiham Greenway and was delighted to hear about all that is going on, and furthermore learn some new things about my local habitat.
I was also contacted again by several constituents concerned about the proposed travellers’ site and they invited me to a meeting to discuss things further. I know many people are deeply concerned by this and I am doing all I can on this issue. I am pleased the council is continuing to fulfil their duty of assessment as they are required, for councils locally must ensure there is provision if necessary. There is a difference, however, between accessing a need and creating one. There has never been a need for a travellers’ site in Burnley, and this remains so. The implications of this would affect thousands of Burnley residents and I find it astonishing money has been spent on commissioning this report over other services or projects in town.