Thursday 27^th November

Home from my summer hols and would you believe it I have a heavy cold which I suppose if I was a man it would be Flu!!

          We had a lovely time in Orlando especially as two of our grandchildren were with us, so excited it was lovely.

          While nobody is above the law the arrest of Damian Green leaves many questions unanswered, too many to list, but quite frightening. How will the police protect the privileged relationship between an MP and constituents not least in relation to matters involving the police when they seized his computers? Which member of the House of Commons authorised the police to suspend Mr Greens Parliamentary email? These answers and many more should be addressed, don't forget those people are representing us and we are owed an explanation.

Friday 28^th  November

Can't believe all this in the nationals that Gordon Brown has saved the world, they don't think that in America.

Going there so soon after their elections it was good to ask for views on the selection of Mr Obama!! The overall comments were that Bush had to go and change was desperately needed and Barrack Obama was the man to instigate that change.

          Good to be back dealing with reality. Met with Pontins and all ends tied up over the siting of our plane as reported in the press, their new HQ is super.

Saturday 29^th   November

A week end to go through all my correspondence which is vast and my cold is getting worse oh dear!!

Monday 1^st December

Such excitement about and afternoons meeting was full of good cheer, enjoyed my hols but glad to be back, the children missed us, how lucky we are.

          While in America the case of baby P was widely reported as was the Shannon Matthews case. The case of baby P too sickening for many to read. How did it happen? Nothing short of a full investigation with heads rolling, but to late for that little baby, I can hardly express my feelings.

Tuesday 2^nd December

A mixture of official meetings and Christmas cheer but it is good to get back to dealing with real life.

          Sad that many elderly residents don't know what the future holds for them and many small and medium sized businesses will suffer and must have help.

Wednesday 3^rd December

My Communities meeting this morning and Area Committee tonight. Shame the Area Committee is developing a reputation that is not good for Southport!!! political point scoring, how sad, surely the plight of our community is the priority but I am advised we have a worried opposition party!!

Thursday 4th December

Ward work all day with house calls needed to address some of the issues.

          Visited Woodvale and the flats following a horrendous report, will judge the situation on completion of the repair/refurbishment programme.

          While in America and taking the opportunity of speaking to local people, it was evident the result of the election was because they recognise they need change and this was reflected in their choice of Obama. We badly need change, how can we rely on a PM who as Chancellor had put us in such a vulnerable situation that we will struggle to cope with a global recession. The UK has the highest borrowing in the developed world!!!

Friday 5^th December

Attended luncheon at the Adelphi Hotel with Chris Grayling, joined by Debbi Jones so had a chance for a natter.

          Back to ward work and fundraiser for Kew in the evening. Carers day was recognised and highlighted the excellent work they all do in fact without Carers we could not exist.

          How ashamed we should be that the UK has a higher proportion of its children living in workless households than any other EU country. Since Gordon Brown became PM we have had 30 amendments on welfare reform and 9 major strategy documents.....but little real action.

Saturday 6^th/Sunday 7^th December

Ward work all weekend and some Christmas shopping.

Monday 8th December

Town Hall meeting over community safety issue and on to Normandy Veterans luncheon at the Scarisbrick Hotel which was lovely, to go through so much and stay together has to be applauded those brave men did so much.

          Meeting at Merefield School and having been elected as Chairman I find it a huge privilege.

Tuesday 9^th December

Great meeting covering Ainsdale Beach, with definite plans being put together to rectify the flooding at its entrance. It is agreed it is the best beach on this coast and  plans for the future will be of benefit to many people.

          My Equalities meeting this afternoon gave the opportunity to review Diversity Week and confirm that Shining Stars will be held in Southport next year. This event gives us the opportunity of recognising the talents of children who despite adversity have succeeded in achieving some success in their lives that has also touched the lives of others.

Fundraiser tonight for local organisation, very enjoyable.

Wednesday 10^th December

Ward work and Christmas shopping, still trying to catch up after 2 weeks hols.

          I am now a member of the Cultural Forum which recognises the need to give support through grants to organisations across the borough and identifies those eligible. The range of events that are supported is incredible.

          Left Forum just before the end to attend a meeting of the Southport Dialysis Unit Fund at the Old School House. While always supporting them they have asked me to be on their official committee and I am delighted.

Thursday 11^th December

Cabinet meeting today and school visits this afternoon which is always enjoyable.

          Invited onto Community Radio tonight, listened to Martin Hovden's music programme last night with the local bands it was excellent, better than you often hear professionally, gosh what talent we have, well done Martin you should explore this talent and let us all enjoy it.

Friday 12^th December

Ken poorly, has genuine flu, had lunchtime meeting followed by a few visits to Lord Street retail premises.

          Went off home to see my invalid as he looks and sounds awful, however we attended the Panto at Formby High School in the evening it was great and Adam our grandson a member of the cast thoroughly enjoyed himself, we were  proud grandparents.

Saturday 13^th December

Attended YMCA Gym Club at Segars Lane Ainsdale, although Ken was still not well he insisted on going, he loves it and looks forward to our yearly invitation. They were superb, marvellous, absolutely great and the tiny ones were so confident.

          Home to paperwork.

Sunday 14^th December

Unfortunately could not attend Salvation Army Carol Concert it would have been unwise as Kens flu has worsened obviously TLC is needed urgently.

Monday 15^th December

Checked a number of planning issues in Southport then on to house visits in Birkdale.

          Fundraiser at Dolce Vita which was great, Mario always makes us so welcome and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Tuesday 16^th December

Went to check Woodvale Flats and visited the Clinic. Met Terry Jones who came back for a coffee, unfortunately we had a car accident but it was not Terry's fault as the lady involved admitted blame. Terry went off to hospital but I had a meeting at the Town Hall so if I feel any worse will go tomorrow.

          Meeting ended 5pm and I have a headache so am cancelling the evening event at the Arts Centre.        

          Went home and slept all night!!

Wednesday 17^th December

Felt not good, went to hospital and then home. Attended Woodvale Seasonal Festivities at night as Davina their Manager had gone to a lot of trouble. Met up with a group from Leisure and other old friends so I am glad I went.

          Great concerns being raised on Browns Pre Budget Report it was not about helping families but keeping Gordon Brown in power. Our national debt has doubled under Brown to over £1 trillion

Thursday 18^th December

Should have gone to the Royal with the Play Council but had to cancel, feeling better tonight and got a lot of paperwork done. Concerns raised about Royal Mail but we should be looking at their pension fund and ensure the Government does not use it to fill the black hole in public finances.

          Many elderly people are concerned for whatever future they have left and many young people are concerned if there will be a future.

How can anyone support a Prime Minister who needs to be propped up by Lord Mandelson, it is frightening.

Friday 19^th December

House visits across Southport, nice to see people looking forward to Christmas but definitely great concerns for the future.

          Did not attend the Chief Executives leaving event this afternoon as my neck, following the car accident on Tuesday, is giving me problems and decided to give it a miss and take the opportunity to rest, have a lot of work over the week end so want to get myself fit.

          When unemployment rose above 1.8 million we hear New Labour MEP's have voted against the opt-outs that helps to protect British jobs!!!

Reducing the flexibility of our labour market when we are going into recession is madness, perhaps Gordon Brown is too busy saving the world which when in a

America recently was certainly not acknowledged.

Saturday 20^th December

Visited some elderly residents, checked on the Community Garden and off to the Market to meet up with some friends.

          Caught up with Tommy Mann who has just returned from USA where we met up. He looked great, what a lovely man a proven excellent Mayor and a great disappointment he was not re-elected as a Cambridge Ward Councillor, he really cared for people and many have expressed their sorrow at losing him.

          Today read further information on Baby P heartbreaking that he was allowed to die despite 60 visits from Harringay Social Services, all involved should be sacked and never allowed to work with children and vulnerable people ever again.

Sunday 21^st December

Only now getting our decorations up but after reading the Baby P reports it brings life into reality and the decorations and when they go up is unimportant.

          Looking forward to having the family with us on Christmas Day and knowing how happy they will be, I cannot even begin to understand how anyone can cause distress to young children or anyone for that matter.

          I want to be Southport's MP and will never let its residents down and I appreciate all those who have contacted me offering their support and help.

          I am advised the Lib-Dems are advertising themselves as local Lib-Dem Councillors in Ainsdale, how very sad, surely local is your ward!!! They obviously don't recognise the democratic right of residents to choose their local Councillors by election, still never mind if what I am told is accurate it is a sad day they have to go to such lengths to get recognition, my colleagues and I will continue to work as we have always done.

Off to Conference to give support to those who meet employment barriers. Made the opening speech and welcomed the "Signing Choir" who were magnificent.

Met a lot of Southport residents who seemed to know who I was, which was appreciated.

Went to Tesco to sell poppies with George, it was great fun and again so many people stopped to talk, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Watched America's choice for President and all very exciting, it will be interesting to observe.

Must get my phone calls in tonight and catch up with correspondence as I have a full day tomorrow and a children's show tomorrow night at Crosby Civic Hall

At the Town Hall for 11am with prior site meeting in Ainsdale.

Met Pastor Pete at his request at the Town Hall regarding issues that Shoreline Church are covering.

On to the Arts Centre to watch a play by young people, it was most enjoyable but didn't get away until late.

American Elections taking over our television, intend to stay up to watch all the results.

 With Simon Burnett

With Scott Stevens.

Invited to Splash World event funded from my department, Community Safety, provided for young people to get them off the streets. Dunes was full providing fun for over 300 young people and included swimming, a climbing wall, football and fun in the main hall with computer exercise games.

The support of staff led by Andrew Hall, Simon Burnett and Splash World Manager Scott Stevens ensured a great night was had by all. Third of three events to address mischief night disorder with evidence that the first event had reduced disorder across the borough by 17%, further facts on additional events and assessed crime reduction to follow.

Further events for Southport young people 13 - 19 years old to be re-introduced shortly.   

Thank you to everyone who made us so welcome, you have my support in providing for our young people and I look forward to the over 60's events with free swimming which I was advised are to be planned.

The enthusiasm to provide a great service for our young people cannot be put into words but everyone I met, including Andrew, Simon and Scott, were bursting with it, I like that, if you can't do a job properly don't do it!!!

Home to watch the elections and didn't go to bed until 4am and up at  7am, good job I don't need much sleep.

I am launching a Conference at the Convention Centre tomorrow covering employment and I am looking forward to meeting all our speakers. This is part of the Equalities Partnership of which I am Chairman and a huge supporter of its principles.

I am helping an elderly resident in Kew to sell poppies, he is 88years old and his wife is taking a few hours off and this is were they have asked for help. I am looking forward to helping them and will leave the Conference at 2pm for a few hours.

Meeting with residents at the Town Hall and supporting the move of Ainsdale family to Bootle leaving behind poor housing on Sandbrook Way.

Condition of the flats in Sandbrook Way is unacceptable and if I had not pushed for an environmental inspection these properties would be remaining. Having been successful in moving some families with children it is my intention that no one remains living in properties that are disgraceful.

Home late afternoon to more calls regarding housing and refuse issues.

Ken and I are at the "Shining Star Awards" at Aintree Racecourse. As Chairman of the Equalities Partnership it is my department who have organised this event when awards, sponsored by Council departments and other organisations, are given to children and young people who have done outstanding things by supporting their families who may be ill, supporting school friends or the community, and in some cases coping with illness themselves. A great night when I had the honour of starting the night off and also presenting a £400 cheque to the Shiniest Star in Sefton.

A tear and pride in our young people they are the best.

A full day with paperwork, reading reports and getting my house organised prior to my 2 weeks summer holidays.

Apparently in the past the Lib-Dems advised as many people as they could that I was on a 3 week holiday sunning myself to avoid the decisions of the day. How strange as they continue to try and give false information about me. I am an open book, 2 weeks summer holidays taken at times to fit in with my commitments, a practice I have always adopted, never mind what do they say, while they are talking about me they are leaving others alone.

Baby sitting again tonight for Phil and Katie our son and daughter in law who live in Hillside. However we mustn't forger our duties nearer home of feeding the rabbits which are soon to be joined by 2 guinea pigs, our granddaughter in Ainsdale is animal mad so while they are away granddad and manger (their name for me) are in charge. This is great for me as an animal lover but I think Ken went off rabbits when it took him an hour during the summer to get them back into their hutch.

The financial situation remains, surely not a time to be promoting Gordon Brown and what he has done. He has left the British economy the least well prepared in the world to deal with the downturn.  He is now borrowing to pay for increased spending on unemployment benefit not to get us out of the recession.

Surely a Government should try to help families and businesses now and not leave future generations to pick up the tab or make it more difficult for rate cuts to be made by the Bank of England.

The choice is labours irresponsible borrowing now and higher taxes later?? From the Conservatives let the Bank of England cut interest rates now and lay ground for lower taxes later.

We will stick to fiscal responsibility. We will do everything possible to help the independent Bank of England cut interest rates, and we will use targeted, funded help to get money into people's pockets by freezing their council tax, and to protect jobs by supporting small businesses. By ensuring that we don't borrow without limit in a recession, as Gordon Brown wants to do, we will open the way to lower taxes in the economic recovery.

Meeting at Ainsdale Clinic to address issues for a Children's Unit in Southport.

A number of people present who had been steadfast in their commitment for a Unit north of the borough.

Quite rightly PCT are to issue a press release on our behalf to ensure the correct information is provided as this is a project that will benefit all parents in Southport and Formby. Well done to Leigh Griffin Chief Executive of the PCT and Paul Acres their chairman both approachable caring individuals. We should never have had to wait 51/2 years but the responsibility does not necessarily lie with them.

On to meet Sefton Councils new Chief Executive who is a woman and perceived to be strong and committed and meeting her did not disappoint me.

Off with Ken to visit our son and his family who live in Barrow Bridge, a suburb of Bolton that is beautiful. As a music teacher now working with schools and deprived children he is one of the kindest people I have ever met and we are very proud of him. An ex pupil of his is Shane Ward who won the X-Factor and continues to visit our sons music studios each year to give support to the  young people, many proving to have a talent they did not know existed.

Our little granddaughter was pleased to see us and although the intention was  to watch her play football at the Reebock Stadium followed by her gym classes, we ended up staying in for a good old catch up on how she was doing at school as she was not feeling too good.  Our daughter in law also teaches music and is a singer and was off to provide entertainment at a celebration event.

Thank goodness when we got home our heating was on as Ken thought he had switched it off while decorating.

A night in watching the TV which was great.