POLICE WERE called to Freehold station on Thursday 8th March following reports of a man in his 50s being brutally attacked by a gang of men. 

Last year a man was struck by a rock which was thrown through the tram window at the same location.

I, along with local residents and councillors, have been raising complaints about anti-social behaviour on the track for years. We have specifically highlighted this station as a hot spot where young people gather creating a threatening environment for passengers going to and from the tram station.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Continue reading “The attack at Freehold Metrolink station is shocking in how brutal it was but sadly it was not surprising.”

YESTERDAY I led an Adjournment Debate in Parliament calling for a renewed vision for Greater Manchester’s public transport system. I called on the Government to support the work of Transport for Greater Manchester, local councils and the Mayor Andy Burnham by giving the city region the resource to, in particular, extend the current Metrolink system.

Continue reading “The Government must help realise a new vision for Greater Manchester’s transport system”

LAST WEEK I was delighted to attend the launch of Annie Kenney House at the Oasis Academy School within my constituency. I met with the inspiring youngsters who had named their House after Annie Kenney after undertaking a study of her life in their history class.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Continue reading “Annie Kenney House – Oasis Academy”

IT DOESN’T seem too long ago that we had the commons debate in Parliament, 3^rd November to be exact. But despite our frustrations on the day it is clear that a fire has been well and truly lit under the votes at 16 issue. It can’t and won’t be ignored. And now it seems there are whispers of support all across the Tory camp.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Continue reading “Votes at 16: Our democracy has always evolved and a moment comes when the mood for change is undeniable”

IN FEBRUARY we marked 100 years since women were first given the vote, and this week we celebrate International Women’s Day.

We marked the day by inviting sculptor Denise Dutton to Oldham to see the site of Annie Kenney statue in Oldham town centre. Annie was a key figure in the suffragette movement, and prior to that lived and worked in Oldham. She was the only working class woman to hold a senior position in the ‘Women’s Social and Political Union’ (WSPU), which spearheaded the campaign for universal suffrage under the banner ‘Votes for Women.’

Continue reading “International Women’s Day 2018”

NATIONAL apprenticeships week is a time to celebrate this excellent opportunity for young people, and the work businesses do to help. I myself started my career as an apprentice, and I owe a lot to the opportunities I was given. But it is also a time for the government to reflect on how this career path can be significantly improved. 

Continue reading “National Apprenticeship Week”

I WAS delighted and honoured to host Dame Vera Baird QC, Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria in a  visit to my constituency today. Dame Baird came to show her support for the Annie Kenney Project, an inspirational role model herself I was delighted to present her with a limited edition of an Annie Kenney print donated by Manchester based artist Stan Chow.

 

Vera Baird is now the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria. Vera, an Oldhamer herself I learned, used to live at number 95 Coalshaw Green Rd, in the Chadderton South ward of my constituency. Determined not to let the rain put us off, we enjoyed a lovely walk around Chadderton South visiting the home she grew up in, and Coalshaw Green Park whilst she shared some fond memories of her childhood.