Archive | Aug - Sept 08
CAMPAIGN 10 years on - National Minimum Wage 17/08/08
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This year marks the tenth anniversary of Labour passing the National Minimum Wage Act. It remains one of the government’s proudest achievements having benefited millions of people.

Almost everyone who works in the UK is legally entitled to be paid the National Minimum Wage – that includes people employed permanently, by an agency, part-time workers, casual workers, or people on a short-term contract.

Everyone deserves a proper wage, and we don’t want to go back to the days when people could earn just £1.20 for an hour’s hard work.

Ten years on Labour is building on this success and strengthening fairness in the workplace by making tips additional to the minimum wage. 

When David Cameron campaigned against the National Minimum Wage, wages of as little as £1.20 an hour were common and legal.  That’s just £1.38 an hour in today’s prices.

So when he tries to tell you that he cares about families and people struggling to make ends meet, just imagine what it would be like to live on £1.38 an hour today. 

David Cameron said the minimum wage "would send unemployment straight back up" but Labour has delivered a rising minimum wage and more people in work than ever before. 

Pin Find out more by visiting http://www.labour.org.uk/minimumwage

NEWS Green belt development fought 14/08/08
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Labour Councillors are supporting residents in Woodhouses who have objected to plans to build two new houses in the Greenbelt between the village and Failsworth at The Meadows, Failsworth Road.

If approved the plans would see the gap between the two areas narrowed, impacting on the open aspect of the green space.

Whilst the development is within an existing garden, rather than the open field, it is still considered to be part of the Greenbelt, and as such is protected from development by council policy.


Above: The site of the proposed development. Image courtesy of Google.com

Councillor Jim McMahon said "the council considers this to be in the Greenbelt and the rules are clear - only under exceptional circumstances will development be allowed. Exceptional circumstances have not been demonstrated in this application and as such should not be allowed to go ahead, otherwise it sets a dangerous precedent.".
Pin For information on the planning application CLICK HERE.
 
NEWS Propps Hall road safety calls 12/08/08
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Labour Councillors Glenys Butterworth and Aileen have responded to calls from local residents who have requested measures to slow drivers down on Propps Hall estate.

They have supported the Residents Petition and also urged traffic calming measures for Propps Hall Drive and Clive Road to improve road safety. This includes extending railings around the Childrens Centre and School to enhance safety.

Councillor Glenys Butterworth

The saga of road surfaces in Failsworth continues. Over the past year Glenys and Aileen Bell have made representations to the Highways Department about the deplorable state of Stott Street,  Farm Street, Propps Hall Drive and Marlborough Drive. 

 Councillor Glenys Butterworth (shown above) said "some would have you believe there was no action on the condition of roads in Failsworth West. This is complete non-sense and we have proof that we have been working - with residents - to get these concerns addressed. Although we accept these things take time and cost alot of money we have waited long enough and want to see action".
 
NEWS NO to Lord Lane takeaway plan 12/08/08
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Labour councillors and David Heyes, MP have joined forces to oppose a planning application which will see a take away with late night opening hours opened on Lord Lane.

Currently Lord Lane Lunch Hour has limited opening hours but this new application would see serving until 11.30pm Monday to Saturday and a new extractor unit installed.

Councillor Jim McMahon said "this is a predominately residential area which already has a chip shop within a few metres. There is no shortage of takeaways in Failsworth and this is far from an ideal location. We have submitted our objections and hope the council takes note".

Pin For information on the planning application CLICK HERE.

*In this original article we stated the Lord Lane Lunch Hour had closed, this was an error. This business is still trading.