Locally, I have been out and about. Earlier this month, I spoke to students at Nelson & Colne College who are on the Public Services course. I also had an opportunity to speak about education issues with the excellent new Principal of the College, Lyn Surgeon.

And a few days ago I had the opportunity of raising the whole question of Education Maintenance Allowances in a debate at Westminster. The behaviour of Liberata here in Pendle was truly shocking. The company has now lost the contract which has gone back to Capita (who held it before) but, amazingly, no penalties are to be paid by the company for screwing up so comprehensively. Indeed, the tax payer is giving Liberata £4 million to compensate it for the IT equipment and systems which are to be transferred to Capita. You really couldn’t make it up.
 
I think we were all shocked to find out earlier this month that there is a very sizeable nest of BNP members here in Pendle. With 77, we have one of the highest constituency memberships in the country, including one or two who are known to me.
 
Last week, I called a meeting of Whitefield residents at the Community Hall on Leeds Road. My constituency office is on the edge of the Whitefield ward and I am acutely aware of the dereliction on my own doorstep. I am absolutely determined the people of Whitefield - after all the promises over the years - are given a clear idea of what is going to happen and when.

We need a timeline which spells out what the Council, Elevate and all the other oirganisations involved, will be doing.

There has been too much buck passing. Too much delay. Too many excuses.