Aldi Defibrillator activated on '999' call (twice this week!)
The defibrillator sited at Aldi near the traffic lights in Standish was activated on Wednesday night following a '999' call. Paramedics returned the defib to Wigan Ambulance Station where it was tested after use. We organised a new battery and pads and the defib is now back in the box and 'live' again on the NWAS 999 system.
The second activation was on Saturday following a collapse at Lidl, first responders were on the scene quickly and it was not used! Unfortunately this turned out to be a very close family friend who is now in ICU. Thoughts and prayers are with his family.
The second activation was on Saturday following a collapse at Lidl, first responders were on the scene quickly and it was not used! Unfortunately this turned out to be a very close family friend who is now in ICU. Thoughts and prayers are with his family.
As we have 2 defibs we always have a backup. Very proud to have helped with these. I have been into Lidl to see if they would get one of their own. Long process but worth a try!
Tory Party Conference
While a few mindless people attempted to spoil the otherwise peaceful anti austerity protests in Manchester which I would never condone, the real focus should be on the Conservative Fringe Meetings.
With a majority of only twelve, and less than 30% voting within the meetings, some of the fringe meetings at Tory conference were behaving as if they have a mandate to impose even more extreme austerity on vulnerable people. This one is an example:
'Ministers should waste no time to make unpopular cuts to pensioner benefits, a think tank director said. Many of those hit by a cut to the winter fuel allowance might "not be around" at the next election, said Alex Wild of the Taxpayers' Alliance. And others would forget which party had done it,' He said:
"The first of which will sound a little bit morbid - some of the people... won't be around to vote against you in the next election. So that's just a practical point, and the other point is they might have forgotten by then
If you did it now, chances are that in 2020 someone who has had their winter fuel cut might be thinking, 'Oh I can't remember, was it this government or was it the last one? I'm not quite sure."
How utterly disgusting! We have a large number of pensioners in Standish and many are veterans, giving years of their lives to serve their country. Is this how we should treat them?
David Cameron's Speech
Included in Mr Cameron's speech was his plans for housing:
"Under the plans, builders in England will no longer be forced to offer low-cost rented homes in new developments.
Instead they will be able to offer "starter homes" for first-time buyers under 40 as well, at discounted prices. The price of the "starter homes" after the discount is applied will be capped at £250,000 and £450,000 in London - and those who buy them will be prevented from selling them for a quick profit under the new policy, which aides say will provide 200,000 new homes by 2020."
I don't know about you but this doesn't seem like a good deal for Standish! It would mean saving for a deposit of up to £12,500. I am guessing not many of our young people could afford that! Unfortunately following zero attendance and then his resignation from the Planning Committee by Cllr George Fairhurst, Standish now has no voice on this vital committee.
Wigan Business Expo
was held today, Friday, organised by Wigan Council to promote business in the area it had an excellent start with the opening Keynote Speaker Simon Weston who said:
"Wigan Council is making a difference and is innovative in supporting our armed forces families "
Wigan Council agreed to allocate £500,000 towards a veterans hub in Wigan. This was agreed in the Full Council Budget meeting. The 3 Standish Independent Councillors (all members of the Fairhurst Family) DECLINED TO VOTE FOR THIS!!
Visit the Council website for more information: https://www.wigan.gov.uk/News/Articles/2015/March/Major-500,000-investment-in-armed-forces-hub-for-Wigan-Borough.aspx
Former Labour Chancellor Denis Healy Dies
Denis Healy, former Chancellor and a Member of Parliament for 40 years, died aged 98 on Saturday 3rd October. Away from politics he was a talented artist and musician. Jeremy Corbyn tweeted:"Denis Healey was a Labour giant whose record of service to party and country stands as his testament."
Denis was married to Edna for 60 years, she died before him in 2010. I will remember him for his humour and as one of the Labour Greats.
