A new direction for Bury South

I cannot remember a summer like this when we have lurched from one crisis to another either here at home or elsewhere in the world. At least it now appears to be safe to go to City Centres again at night although I did notice a larger police presence than I can recall in the past in Manchester City Centre the other night although it was busy which was also encouraging.

It is always the same in life that a few spoil the image of many and on that note I wish to add my personal congratuatlions to the many teenagers who have passed A’level or GCSE examinations over the past two weeks and wish them all luck with their future lives.

I have taken a rest from my blog during the last few weeks having enjoyed a short break away with my daughter in Spain immmediately prior to which I attended my son’s graduation – so some quality family time. I have of course still been busy attending meetings and events and spent a glorious sunny afternoon at the Farmers’ market in Radcliffe at the end of the last month – it was a pity only a few traders turned up.

Like most people in the country today we were glued to the scenes unfolding before our eyes last night on the TV at the rioting going on in London and elsewhere. I have heard unconfirmed reports that this has now spread to Salford but have no doubt it will continue tonight in our capital city. I admire the police for the work they are doing and I am sure they all have every law abiding citizens’ backing to do everything in their power to stop this rioting, theft and what is blatantly criminal behaviour. I hope that it stops soon, people’s homes are being destroyed and generations of family businesses ruined. One question we have all been asking today is ‘where are the parents’. In spite of numerous pleas last night for parents to take control of their children – many as young as 7 or 8 were seen on our TV screens wandering around the streets.

I hope that we will quickly see an end to this terrible behaviour but I fear that last night will not be the end.