Droylsden East Labour: 2009

BNP Nazis - Don't like it up em

Thursday 3 December 2009

They "Don't like it up em"

That was the catchphrase made popular by Corporal Jones in Dads Army. How right he was.

Although the phrase was aimed at the fascists in Nazi Germany it is also true today – especially when describing the reaction of the Nazi BNP in Tameside.

Following the delivery of our most recent regular community Rose leaflet, which contained the story below, your Labour Councillors received some interesting responses from the Nazi BNP, including an angry telephone call from the boss of the BNP in Tameside. Someone who, incidentally, pleaded GUILTY in court to a charge of abusing his next door neighbour.

The first response was given in a blog by Anthony Jones a previous BNP boss.

tonydj said..

I don’t recognise any of the three young men giving the nazi salute. Where is the proof they are BNP members?

OK so the Nazi BNP in Tameside denies the charge. No surprise there.

The phone call was more illuminating. The current boss of Tameside’s Nazi BNP did not ask for proof. Instead his main concerns were firstly asking us to give him the names and secondly with making us aware that they were NOT in their (Tameside BNP’s) ranks. Again no surprise.

The surprise would have been if they had admitted that they knew these 3 men were BNP members.

The Droylsden Labour party are happy to give a commitment. If any of the 3 men giving the Nazi salute wish to contact us directly and confirm they are not members of the Nazi BNP, in Tameside or elsewhere, we will gladly adjust our statement.

Until then we will continue to highlight how the BNP are a nazi party and dangerous. Not only to our community in Droylsden but to communities in Tameside and throughout the Country.

Another Regular Labour Community newsletter being delivered

Thursday 26 November 2009

Your 3 Labour Councillors and your Droylsden East Labour team believe in keeping residents informed about what is happening in our Town.

We are able to keep people informed because we regularly deliver a FREE quarterly newsletter to every household. We also deliver a Christmas card to residents and during elections we would deliver at least an extra 2 dedicated leaflets.

This means that for the last 2 decades your Droylsden East Labour team have delivered quite literally hundreds of thousands of newsletters to local people. We are the only political party that can make this claim as well as back it up with evidence.

The popularity of any political party will to a certain extent always be determined by national events however here in Droylsden we know we have residents who stick strongly with your Labour team, electing Labour Councillors with healthy majorities, because local people know we will continue to work hard all year for Droylsden.

The images below show our current newsletter that has just been delivered to 5000 homes in Droylsden.

Droylsden's new Citizens Advice Bureau service

Saturday 21 November 2009

When, over 8 years ago, the CAB moved out of Droylsden we told them it was the wrong move.

As Councillor Kieran Quinn said

"We believed that our residents deserved this service to stay in our Town. Many local people, especially the elderly, found it difficult to get to Ashton when they needed some quick advice. We collected a petition at the time which gained huge support but the CAB refused to listen.

Local people know how hard your Labour team work for Droylsden and as you would expect we never gave up hope for its eventual return.

Although I sit on the Droylsden Fairshare panel that has helped support financially the CAB coming back to our Town a special thanks needs to be passed to Droylsden’s WAC (Water Adventure Centre) for all their hard work in pushing this matter."

The above leaflet gives the full information. CAB Droylsden.

Every Tuesday from 2pm till 5pm in their premises on Fairfield Locks a no appointment needed drop in service is available.

For more information call 301 2673.

Traffic controls planned following requests from local people.

For many people parking restrictions are a pain. However in the vast majority of instances they serve an essential service making sure that traffic can flow freely.

The two schemes above have come about because local people felt that the way these areas were being used with cars and vans parking on bends and near a roundabout was dangerous.

The first is the Roundabout linking Richmond Street, Jack Lane and Lees Park Way. A regular occurrence is to see vans parked right up to the junction.

The second is along Williamson Lane and Ellen Street which is behind the doctor’s surgery on Ashton Road. Cars regularly park here inconsiderately blocking exits and by parking on the bends, causing real difficulty passing.

If you want to comment to the Council on these schemes you need to do so before December 6th 2009.

Droylsden Labour supports Young carers charity

Councillor Jim Middleton is a trustee of this superb local charity.

As Jim Middleton says

"The young carers charity helps give young people who look after a parents a chance to enjoy a life with other kids in similar circumstances.

They have days out and trips away which helps recharge their energies."

If you would like to know more or help please use the contact details below.

Friends of Tameside young carers

Post Office House

Corporation Road

Hyde

SK14 1AB

Are you one of the 96% of people who will be a Tory Tax loser

Thursday 19 November 2009

The Tories are the friends of the wealthy. They have no shame in promoting, as one of their manifesto priorities, a scheme that is designed to give money to millionaires.

If you want to see if you will benefit from this Tory proposal or in fact whether you are one of the 96% of the population who will not get any help at all from this Tory proposal click on the link above and see for yourself

Grant support to Moravian Scouts Group

Sunday 15 November 2009

Cllr Susan Quinn was pleased to be able to pop along to one of the regular Scout meetings last week.

In early summer, as we described here fully previously, disaster nearly struck this Scout Group when an arsonist targeted their scout hut and caused a great deal of damage.

The timing was particularly difficult because they were at the final stages of planning their summer activities including attending scout camps.

By working closely with your local councillors and helped by other local groups and businesses, disaster was turned to triumph.

Replacing lost equipment costs money and Cllr Sue Quinn presented the group a cheque for £900 to cover this cost.

As Cllr Quinn said “The 413th Scouts can now carry on the great work they do week in and week out. I am pleased we were able to help here. As local Councillors we help many Droylsden Groups carry out their core activities. The voluntary sector in Droylsden is healthy and successful and I am pleased that together we can help voluntary groups in our Town.”

Pictured here is Cllr Susan Quinn and the 413th Manchester Scout Group.

Droylsden's new Post Office officially opens

Saturday 14 November 2009

It seems that for the last 15 years, obviously on your behalf, your Labour Councillors have continually opposed the closures of local Post Offices. We know how important Postal services are to Droylsden residents.

Since the main Post Office counter on Craven street closed in 1996 we have had threat following threat of total closure of Droylsden's main office.

Along with David Heyes MP your 3 Droylsden East Labour Councillors were pleased to support the main post office moving a short way to Manchester Road getting bigger, more modern premises.

As Councillor Kieran Quinn said " This investment has secured a main post office in Droylsden. Fingers crossed but we may have finally convinced the Post offfice that Droylsden needs a main Post Office to give Droylsden residents the full range of services they deserve."

We also support the move of Greenside Lane Post Office to new premises on Sunnyside Road.

The picture above shows Droylsden East Councillors Susan Quinn and Jim Middleton along with West Ward colleagues and David Heyes MP at the official opening on Nov 13th.

We will remember them

Tuesday 10 November 2009

The crowds at the annual remembrance Sunday parade and the service at Droylsden’s war memorial were the largest for decades. What was especially noticeable was the numbers of younger people who took part.

The parade was organised once again by the Droylsden British Legion who did an excellent job with the help and support of Tameside Council.

The route was altered slightly because of the work taking place in Villemomble Square but as usual the salute was taken at the end outside the Kings Head following a poignant service at the war memorial.

The laying of wreaths at the war memorial was led by Droylsden Councillor Susan Quinn in her capacity as the Deputy Mayor of Tameside. In attendance also were Councillors Kieran Quinn, Jim Middleton and Ged Cooney.

Commenting Sue said “I have been attending these remembrance parades for more years than I care to admit, long before I became a Councillor. There was a time when the numbers taking part were falling and we wondered what the future held.”

“I know that many people are questioning whether we should still be sending our soldiers to fight in places like Afghanistan. However these conflicts have brought home to a newer younger generation the true cost and sacrifice made by brave soldiers not only with those who have lost their lives but also with those who have lost their health or mobility.”

“It is right we remember them now and that we continue to do so for many years to come.”

The picture above shows Cllr Susan Quinn, Cllr Kieran Quinn and Cllr Jim Middleton with members of the Droylsden British Legion following Sundays parade.

Remembering ALL our Heroes

Saturday 31 October 2009

November is the traditional month for national remembrance.

For decades Droylsden Labour Party have stood in silent prayer for all those brave men & women who, both now and in the past, have given either their lives or their health or their mobility, in the defence of our country and it’s freedom.

In Droylsden we are the ONLY political Party that has consistently honoured these brave people over the years.

Many of the people we will remember on November 11th died fighting fascism & tyranny.

Only recently the fascist BNP were exposed trying to hijack for political gain the sacrifice given by our brave armed services. People know the BNP are a fascist and racist party.

We will once again stand firm against these Nazis and their poison.

Lumb Mill, Littlemoss. Heritage remembered

Thursday 29 October 2009

In the 1860’s Littlemoss was a still small rural village, close to the growing town of Droylsden. Like many places on the East of Manchester during this period of the Industrial revolution landowners built large cotton mills such as Lumb Mill in Littlemoss to manufacture the goods that helped the British Empire grow.

During this period, as people sought work, Droylsden’s population doubled from around 3000 to 8000 residents. Lumb Mill brought work to thousands of Droylsden residents during it’s 130 years. Ending it’s days producing plastic goods for Sharna Ware.

When Lumb Mill was demolished in the Mid 90’s local people like Susan Marsh wanted to make sure that they saved a part of the Mill to remember our town’s heritage. Susan Marsh and her colleagues , with the help of Tameside Labour Council, saved This entrance stone which was until recently stored at Littlemoss school.

It is moving once more going to Heginbottom Mill in Ashton for safe keeping, after your local Councillors were asked to help. As Cllr Kieran Quinn said "This may be a small remnant of a great mill but it is our link to a past that made Droylsden the proud town we see today."

If you have any ideas for a permanent home let your Labour team know.

Veterens oppose the BNP

Tuesday 20 October 2009

More and more people and organisations are adding their voices to the overwhelming opposition to the BNP and their policies, making sure the public know what the BNP stands for.

The vast majority of decent hardworking women and men, students and retired citizens accept that the BNP are an extremist party.

They have hijacked images and stories from our diverse and proud history and twisted them to fit the BNP's narrow definition of "Britishness." A twisted definition that tries to remove from the records contributions to the British identity from brave men and women including a holder of the Victoria Cross as well as the Ghurkhas.

The video clip below is a recent addition.

It makes clear the reputation of the British Military is under attack. The BNP are cynically exploiting the reputation of Britain’s military to promote their nasty brand of racism, segregation and intolerance.

It is a deliberate political strategy to exploit the good name of the British Armed Services and to manipulate public opinion.

It is time we said enough. The Military's image is not to be used for a political party’s gain.

Littlemoss Residents Fun Day a great success

Tuesday 1 September 2009

August Bank Holiday weekend is traditionally the time for carnivals, street parties and communities coming together.

This was no different for the residents on the birds estate in Littlemoss who put together a family fun day to help strengthen the already strong community identity in the area.

Your 3 Labour Councillors have given this group support since they came together less than a year ago.

As Cllr Kieran Quinn said “Myself and Cllr Susan Quinn thought that the fun day was a huge success. Not only did it bring neighbours together to have fun it also raised funds to help improve the activities of the residents group.”

The Droylsden East Partnership which is chaired by Cllr Kieran Quinn helped with the costs of this fun day by donating £500 towards the costs and as Cllr Susan Quinn further commented “I hope that this becomes an annual event and your local Labour team will continue to work with the residents here to help improve the area.”

Strengthening the links with Droylsden's community

Wednesday 26 August 2009

Project BRIDGE is the title given to an initiative taking place currently in large parts of Droylsden East. This initiative has the full backing of your 3 Labour Councillors who are taking an active role in the projects success.

It is an attempt by the Police, The Fire service, Tameside's Patrollers service as well as the Council and other agencies to not only let local people know what is being done in Droylsden East to reduce crime and anti social behaviour but also to make Droylsden a safer place to live, work or raise a family.

A presentation at the Moravian College was held last week to a receptive audience who not only heard about the work being undertaken but which also asked questions and shared information with the services represented.

Cllr Susan Quinn commenting said "This is another example of the variety of initiatives we encourage to come to this area. This is not just about extra resources but more about making sure those resources are spent well and in the areas of highest need."

Cllr Jim Middleton added "As Chair of the popular Droylsden District Assembly I will make sure that we continue to work with the Police and the Fire service to get the best our of them for local people."

Project Bridge will be running for some time yet and we will keep you up to date with any outcomes or changes. Above are pictures of Councillors and local people taking part in the evening etc.

Turning disaster into triumph

Saturday 1 August 2009

The previous story highlights how an arson attack on the 413th scouts group at the Moravian settlement could have been a disaster for this particular group.

This was never going to happen once they looked around for support. Not only did your 3 Labour Councillors rally to the cause but the same happened with local people and businesses in our Droylsden community.

The pictures below show the scouts last week at an open day as well as some photos of the new equipment purchased with the donation provided by your Labour Councillors. This ranges from camping gas to utensils to storage boxes.

The organisers have thanked us for our support and they left for camp on Friday morning at 9.30am. The tents have been borrowed from 250th St Mary's group and they managed to beg steal and borrow other items to make sure that kids have the camp they expected.

Altogether a real story of turning disaster into triumph in Droylsden.

Scout Hut Arson Tragedy

Saturday 18 July 2009

Sadly on Wednesday night the scout hut behind the Moravian settlement was subject to an arson attack.

The fire was contained to 1 out of 3 of the huts, but unfortunately the fire was in the storage hut where all the scouts’ equipment was kept. To make matters worse the Group had just recently purchased lots of new equipment in readiness for a busy summer.

With the summer holidays right on top of the group and plans well advanced for activity including a summer camp for the young children they were unsure about what to do next and they turned to your Droylsden East Labour Councillors for help.

As Cllr Sue Quinn said, "When I heard about this I knew we had to help. The scouts are an excellent organisation who work with children from all background and show them values through activity that more children should learn."

"Your 3 Droylsden East Labour Councillors will make sure we rally behind this group and already we have committed £1000 so they can quickly buy cookers, tents, etc needed to make sure the camp goes ahead."

Adding to this Cllr Kieran Quinn said "Whoever did this should be ashamed. Young Droylsden residents will have fewer things to do this summer because of this despicable act. The attack has highlighted additional security needs here and another job will be to work out how best we can secure the 3 buildings so this is less likely to happen again."

Sad though this arson attack is it also allows us the opportunity to show Droylsden at its best. There have already been many offers of help from local people and plans are already being formed to put together an event to raise funds for future activity.

Councillors help residents with litter pick.

Saturday 4 July 2009

There is an area of copse to the rear of Foxley Close, Juniper Crescent and Linden Way that borders Copperas fields that not only some anti social activity but is also used as a litter bin for dog walkers poop bags and underage drinkers.

It is our intention to do a wider and more in depth clear up later in the year, when the shrubbery is not as dense, but local residents wanted to make a start and so a litter pick was organised.

The Councillors provided the safety gear, gloves, bags, etc through the district assembly and the pick began.

The scale of the clear up soon became clear and the effort put in was commendable. In a space of two and a half hours 24 heavy duty black bags were collected and disposed of.

The next litter pick is being considered for early autumn. If you want to lend a hand mke sure you forward on your details.

The Pictures show. Cllr Kieran Quinn and Cllr Susan Quinn helping out. Also the band of litter pickers.

Britain Keeps the Post Public

Wednesday 1 July 2009

The Communication Workers Union welcomes Lord Mandelson’s statement in Parliament confirming that the Postal Services Bill will not be heard by Parliament.

Droylsden East Councillors Kieran and Susan Quinn, seen above with members of the Manchester CWU, have both been out on the streets with the CWU - The Posties Union - campaigning to keep the post public.

As Cllr Kieran Quinn said this once again shows the power of the British public. They let Mandelson know they opposed his plans.

As Cllr Susan Quinn said "As someone who has delivered the mail to households in East Manchester I know the value the public get from a wholly publicly owned Royal Mail."

CWU general secretary Billy Hayes said: “The government has not only looked at market forces but has listened to the British public. “Privatisation was a deeply unpopular suggestion from day one.

“We now look forward to resolving issues which remain around pensions, regulation and modernisation. “The CWU is as committed as anyone to improving relations in Royal Mail. Now that this uncertainty has been lifted there is a great opportunity to step up a gear in modernising Royal Mail in the public sector.”

For Guardian coverage log on to http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/jul/01/royal-mail-mandelson-part-privatisation

Armed Services Day Celebrations

Sunday 28 June 2009

Councillor Kieran Quinn has had the privilege to know and work alongside many service personnel, not just in Droylsden but elsewhere also.

Indeed along with Councillor Susan Quinn the current Deputy Mayor of Tameside they represented to Borough at the recent Preston military show.

As Cllr Quinn said "Many Droylsden residents put their lives on the line for this Country. They never questioned the service or indeed the sacrifice required. Service, to this Country alone was enough.

Armed Services day is designed so veterans can show the pride they have in having served their country with distinction.

Whether it was service in years gone by or indeed current service in places like Afghanistan or Iraq your Droylsden East Labour team have pride in knowing that in Tameside we will always stand shoulder to shoulder with veterans."

Littlemoss Memorial Gardens

Sunday 14 June 2009

Thanks must go to Sandra Street and her committee for driving this project.

The Littlemoss War Memorial Garden Committee, supported by your 3 Labour Councillors, Susan Quinn, Kieran Quinn and Jim Middleton, successfully bid for money from the Fairshare group to return this area to it’s former glory.

A place of tranquillity, to honour those from our community who fought for peace and never returned. The war memorials in Droylsden honour the brave men and women from our town who died fighting the tyranny and hate that fascism breeds.

The main work on the perimiter has now finished and the next steps are planting and the placing of a special stone plinth to place the names of the fallen, it will then be "officially" opened.

Recently the garden committee members let residents see where they were up to and also discuss with residents the next steps.
Here we see Jack with Cllr Jim Middleton.

The day was marked when Cllr Jack Davis (at the time the Mayor of Tameside) and a former Littlemoss resident formally planted a symbolic new shrub to mark the garden’s next phase.

Just as Jack arrived the heavens opened. However a great time was had by all and maybe who knows - an annual event may have been born.

Keep the Post Public

Saturday 13 June 2009

Councillors Kieran Quinn and Susan Quinn are both members of the Communication Workers Union. The Posties Union.

Over the years they have led many campaigns throughout Tameside against Post Office closures.

Kieran served for many years on the counter at Droylsden Post Office before it was franchised.

Recently alongside Cllr Jim Middleton they led the successful campaign to keep Edge Lane Post Office open against a concerted attempt by to close it.

As Cllr Kieran Quinn said "The Post Office is a national public service. It is cherished because it serves everyone in our community. Rich or poor, old or young. It delivers mail to every address in the UK.Everyone accepts the need to modernise the industry but this can be done without selling bits to the highest bidder. Indeed the plan to sell off part of Royal Mail to a foreign company is particularly appalling."

Thankfully 90% of the British public support our campaign and they have put immense pressure on all MPs to vote these daft ideas out. Indeed the latest news is that Lord Mandelson has already accepted his plan has failed and he is looking for a way out.

Above you see Cllrs Kieran Quinn and Susan Quinn with CWU members campaigning to Keep the Post Public.

Tameside Euro election results 2009

Friday 12 June 2009

Thanks for sticking with Labour.

The 2009 Euro results in Tameside showed how voters appreciate the excellent work your Labour Council does every day. Voters know it is not by chance that Tameside’s Labour Council is one of the best performing councils in the country.

Over the last decade - with Labour at the helm - Tameside has been transformed.

Given a clear choice at this election, voters - once again - placed Labour first.

They stuck with Labour in difficult circumstances because they know that even in these unprecedented economic times Tameside Council is helping local businesses and workers find jobs and opportunities through its “works first” programme.

The Tories had privately talked up their chances of unseating Labour however they fell a long way short, coming second.

UKIP came third well ahead of the BNP. (The BNP vote in Tameside actually fell short from its 2004 euro level). As usual the Lib Dems were a long way behind at this election.

The last month has been a testing time for politics of every colour. The outrageous claims of a few MPs have rightly caused anger and dismay among voters. Many took the opportunity to send the Government a clear message. Reform how parliament operates or pay the price at the next general election. That is a message we endorse.

Voters in Tameside stuck with Labour - for that we are indebted - our pledge to local people is to make sure your faith in Labour continues to be returned in the years to come.

Fun and Surprises on Copperas field

Saturday 30 May 2009

The Copperas Field fun day is becoming an annual event. Organised by the Friends of copperas field group who have been going for about 5 years and who work closely with the communities that border the field to help make the field a safer and more enjoyable place for local people.

Recently they were awarded funding from the Fairshare organisation to carry out an assessment of community needs on the fields and to put together a plan to improve facilities here. The fun day costs were also met through help from the Droylsden East partnership which is chaired by Cllr Kieran Quinn.

Graham Halliwell, one of the main organisers said “The main task this year for the friends group was to ask people what they want to see on the fields. And to choose their priorities from a list of options.” “To help a steering committee was set up comprising residents, local councillors and T3SC to put together a range of about 15 questions that seek to understand the needs of local people. They range from questions about placing teen shelters through to questions about wildlife sanctuaries to opinions on how safe and secure the field is to use.” The results will take a few weeks to collate and will then be used to plan activity and improvements.

Keith Crockett another friends organiser said “This year was a great success. We had wonderful weather, lots of fun events including an ice rink and a climbing wall.” ” It was a pleasure to see such a wide variety of visitors, most from around the local area, have such a great time. Our special guest this year was Deputy Mayor Cllr Susan Quinn who has worked so closely with us, and who helped set up last year’s event.”

An even bigger surprise was when X factor winner Shane Ward, on a weekend break from recording, turned up with friends and family who live locally to have a go on the events. This caused quite a stir and made an already successful day more memorable.

As Cllr Sue Quinn commented, “The friends group can be proud of all they achieved here this week. Local people I talked to support everything you are trying to do here and with this backing our ambitions for copperas field will be met in full.”

“Who knows in future years we may well have a music festival here on the field and we can invite Shane Ward back to be our headline act.”

Metro-Link update

Your Labour team have long campaigned for Metrolink to come to Droylsden. We know that once the tram runs from Piccadilly Station through Clayton into the town centre– then on through Audenshaw and on to Ashton - local people will benefit.

Being part of a modern, reliable and extended tram network, linked to all parts of Greater Manchester, will make sure Droylsden shares in the benefits Metrolink brings to the local economy. One benefit being house prices - which are usually higher for Towns with the tram than those without.

However we pledged that we would keep people fully informed once work started.

Cllr Sue Quinn has led the criticism of the way the GMPTE handled the Town Centre works. As Sue said “It is vital we let people know about developments every step of the way, and as early as possible so you can prepare alternative routes.”

UPDATE; Market Street re-opens midnight on Sunday 31st May.