West Park Labour Party

England Football Day

2010-06-10T17:28:00.002+01:00

Warm up for England’s World Cup opener with the USA this Saturday(12th June) by taking charge of your own robotic football team in Church Square.

Robotsoccer will be one of the highlights of an England Football Day in the square – complete with bunting, giveaways, England flags and cheering crowds.

Robotsoccer promises the euphoria of goalscoring – without the exertion of taking to the pitch. The game comes from the makers of TV’s Robot Wars.

It’s all part of the Football Association’s drive to get everyone behind the national team as they bid for World Cup glory in South Africa.

There will also be soccer-themed street entertainment, football freestylers and facepainting - in both Church Square and St Mary’s Market. St Mary’s market traders will also enter customers spending over £1 into a prize draw to win a superb 42” LCD TV.

The England Football kicks off at 11am in Church Square – with the final whistle due at 4pm.

Marie calls for cut in Councillors' expenses

2010-05-21T02:33:00.002+01:00

Marie Rimmer has called for a 4% reduction in councillor expenses

The new Labour Leader of St Helens Clouncil Marie Rimmer recommended that the Independent Remuneration Panel be asked to consider the proposal to the reduction which, she says, she has long since fought for.

“It is totally unacceptable that councillors receive a bigger increase than both employees who work for the Council and many working residents,” said Councillor Rimmer. “I want St.Helens to lead the way in a more equitable system of councillor expenses to ensure they never rise above a fair level and what is equitable with other working people. It’s all about what is fair and right.”

Join Labour Today

2010-05-13T01:03:00.002+01:00

Many local residents will be shocked at the recent developments that have witnessed the formation of a Tory/Lib Dem coalition government. We said during the election campaign that a vote for the Lib Dems was a vote to put David Cameron into 10 Downing Street and so it proved. The Labour Party has gained thousands of new members in the last few days to help us fight the Tory/Lib Dem “Coalition of cuts” ,and to help protect our public services.

Labour’s investment in schools, hospitals and communities helped undo much of the damage caused by the previous Tory government.If you want to join us in our fight please click on the link below.
https://secure2.labour.org.uk/join/

Marie Rimmer re-elected

2010-05-09T04:25:00.002+01:00

West Park Labour Councillor was re-elected in West Park with a thumping 2'000 vote majority.Marie polled over 3'000 votes on a night when Labour trounced the Lib Dem Tory alliance in St Helens. Labour gained 4 seats from the Lib Dems and one from the Tories to regain control of St Helens Council. Marie thanked all those who voted for her describing her result as "humbling". She also thanked the people of the borough for placing their trust in Labour.

Old Ravenhead Road

2009-11-17T13:25:00.003Z

Your Labour Team successfully pressed for a section of Ravenhead Old Road to be tarmaced recently. Cllr Marie Rimmer said “ The road was covered with potholes the size of bomb craters and it needed urgent repair. This campaigning success follows our success in getting a width restriction on the road to prevent HGVs using the road as a short cut .We are continually monitoring the problem of fly tipping on Old Ravenhead Road on behalf of local residents”

Local Mast Success

2009-11-17T13:22:00.002Z

West Park’s Labour Team joined forces with local residents to defeat an application by Vodaphone to site a mast on Prescot Road.Marie Rimmer said “ The mast would have been an unsightly blemish right in front of Pilkington’s Head Office which is a Grade 2 listed building. “

Latest West Park Rose out now

2009-05-05T01:51:00.002+01:00

The latest edition of West Park Labour Team's local Campaigning newsletter is being delivered to every home in the ward right now.The newsletter is compiled by local Labour volunteers and delivered by local volunteers.We are West Park's ONLY all local, all year round campaigning Party.

Alleyway Surfacing

2009-05-05T01:50:00.000+01:00

Alleyway Surfacing
and campaigning for more …..
Your Local Labour Councillors successfully fought for funding from West Park Fair Shares to have some alleyways constructed to adoptable standards in Grange Park Road, Legion Road, Elm Road, Crossley Road, Norfolk Road, Downs Road. Freckleton Road will be financed by the West Park Ward Fund.

We are continuing to press the Council to provide funding for similar work for the Bates Crescent Triangle and behind Clifton Terrace on Prescot Road. As always we will keep
residents informed ….

Queens Park Update

2009-05-05T01:47:00.001+01:00

It was a long wait and three years late but the investment Labour originally planned for Queens Park Leisure Centre seems to be
finally on the way – Touch wood!!.

Labour Councillor Robbie Ayres commented ”From Monday 30th March the building will be decommissioned and prepared for handover to contractors, which should occur at the end of May 2009. The final agreement on contracts is expected to be in place by the end of April with appropriate supporting council decisions. .

“The pool will be demolished and the existing sports hall will be refurbished to provide a brand new leisure complex.
The car park will be extended and covered by CCTV cameras. Extra spaced for disabled drivers and cyclists will be provided and the existing landscaping will be replaced and improved. The opening date will hopefully be in 2010 and we will be monitoring the progress of the plans to ensure there are no further delays, local people have waited long enough”

Hazel Grove

2009-05-05T01:42:00.002+01:00

West Park’s Local Labour Councillors recently held a meeting with the residents at Hazel Grove following the bombshell announcement that Arena Homes are to review the viability of the popular housing scheme.

Cllr Marie Rimmer commented” Hazel Grove is well established and close knit community of elderly residents and the news has come as a real shock to the residents. Arena have stated the lack of lifts in the buildings, and other issues make the accommodation unfit for purpose. Our view is we should not be losing housing provision for elderly residents and we are liaising with Arena and the Council to try and keep this community together. The residents are understandably very concerned and have elected a small group of representatives. Marie will be asking Arena to involve these representatives and herself throughout the review process. “

St Helens Lib Dem in Facebook storm

2009-01-23T18:42:00.002Z

A SENIOR St Helens Liberal Democrat Cllr David Crowther has been accused of posting insensitive remarks on the Facebook social networking website about the sudden deaths of two Labour local Labour Councillors.

Labour Group Leader and West Park Councillor Marie Rimmer,said: “I am disgusted and utterly appalled by Cllr Crowther’s comments.

“Mike Doyle and Ken Pinder were not only friends of mine but great public servants to the residents of St Helens.

“Politics at times can be combative but when a person passes away, usually political parties come together to celebrate that member’s contribution to public life. I really cannot believe the insensitivity of Cllr Crowther and demand that he apologises immediately to Cllr Doyle and Cllr Pinder’s widows and family members.”

Thatto Heath Dam

2008-12-25T02:36:00.002Z

Alarmed residents contacted your Labour Team after seeing JCB diggers and heavy machinery working at Thatto Heath Dam. Cllr Robbie Aryes said “Some residents were worried that a new open access was being constructed at the Dam.We have followed up this issue and discovered the Council are clearing vegetation and installing a new drain to prevent flooding to a property in Dickens Road.The water flow will then be monitored to see if the problem has been rectified. Thank you to everyone who contacted us about this issue”

Xmas West Park Rose now being delivered

2008-12-25T02:33:00.003Z

The Xmas edition of the West Park Rose-our local free campaigning newsletter is now being delivered in your area.Included is a free handy calender and all the latest news affecting your area.

Clean Bill of Health

2008-12-25T02:31:00.001Z

Your Labour Councillors would like to congratulate our local hospitals for meeting all standards for hygiene requirements following in depth studies and unannounced spot checks. Cllr Marie Rimmer commented” We know in St Helens what a great job our hospitals do, they have to take flak from local politicians trying to get a few quick headlines for themselves in the press but the results speak for themselves. It’s a great accolade for our local nurses and dedicated hospital staff”

Parking pain goes on for residents

2008-12-25T02:26:00.003Z

Many residents are still contacting your Labour Team regarding parking problems across West Park Ward.The main areas of concern are Prescot Road,West Park Road,Broadway and the perennial problem of overspill parking from Taylor Park in the Grosvenor Road area.Cllr Marie Rimmer said” We are in constant contact with the Council on all these issues and have asked for action to give residents some peace of mind.It seems the Lib Dem run Council has taken it’s eye off the ball and is concentrating most of it’s efforts in readiness for the expansion of on street parking charges in St Helens early in the new year.”

“We believe the Highways Department has done all it can to ‘encourage’ visitors to Taylor Park to use the Holme Road car park but residents at the Grosvenor Road end are still suffering .We will continue to urge the Council leadership to take this issue, and the parking issues in Prescot Road,Broadway and West Park Road, seriously.”

PICTURED:Cllr Marlene Quinn in West Park Road.

Youth Matters

2008-10-06T16:53:00.003+01:00

Following conversations with your Labour Councillors extra staff from the Youth Service have been deployed to West Park ward to help engage young people who are congregating on the streets in positive activities. Cllr Marlene Quinn said “The vast majority of kids are good kids and working together with the local youth service we can ensure they play a positive role in our community.”

Thatto Heath Park

2008-10-06T16:45:00.003+01:00

Members of West Park’s all local Labour Team spent a morning collecting bottles and beer cans from the shrubbery at Thatto Heath Park recently.Three carrier bags of cans and bottles were collected for recycling.

Cllr Marlene Quinn said ”We know there is an ongoing problem with drinking in the park, you only need to look at the amount of beer cans in the bushes to understand the issue. Please contact us if you spot any areas littered with cans and bottles.”

Queens Park Leisure centre

2008-10-06T16:43:00.003+01:00

Residents are reeling from the news that the Kids’ paddling pool and Squash Courts are to close at Queens Park Leisure centre. Local Labour Councillor Robbie Ayres commented “Despite all their hype the Lib Dems running the council have put no extra money into the capital funding programme for leisure and any improvements will have to come via increased revenue at the door. One saving grace is the Lib Dem led Council has belatedly taken the advice of St Helens Labour MP Shaun Woodward and bid for money made available by the Labour government to extend free swimming for all over 60’s and under 16’s right across the Borough. “

Latest West Park Rose delivered

2008-10-06T16:39:00.003+01:00

West Park Labour Teams latest Rose newsletter is being delivered across the ward right now.The Sept/Oct 2008 edition features news from Taylor Park/Thatto Heath Park. News about Queens Park leisure centre,school transport to Cowley and the issue of dumped used syringes.

Local news by the local team for local people.

A load of rubbish

2008-08-08T20:49:00.000+01:00

Residents are again contacting your Labour Team about the amount of rubbish collecting in local Alley Ways around West Park Ward. Recently we’ve followed up reports of rubbish in alleys at the rear of Chamberlain Street and Gladstone Street.

Cllr Marlene Quinn said” This is an ongoing problem we are working hard to try and address. Disabled residents have also contacted us with concerns that they no longer have adequate assistance with their wheelie bins, with other residents complaining about bins not being emptied in over five weeks, this is all since new contracts of employment were issued by the Lib Dem /Tory Council to permanent employees, along with the Council now using agency workers on refuse collection and street sweeping.. A fine mess they've made of the service you could set your clock by when Labour managed the Council”.

Proud of the NHS

2008-07-04T01:05:00.001+01:00

Our National Health Service is 60 years old on 5 July 2008, so let’s celebrate one of Britain’s most treasured institutions, that’s touched the lives of hundreds of millions of people.

Have your say on our NHS at http://www.labour.org.uk/proud/home

A very special resident

2008-07-03T19:13:00.004+01:00

Cllr Marie Rimmer and Cllr Marlene Quinn had the privilege of marking the 104th birthday of Mrs Chadwick , a regular at the ever popular "Luke Inn" at St Luke’s on Knowsley Road. Marie said "it was fantastic to be part of Mrs Chadwick’s birthday celebrations, what a great example Mrs Chadwick is to us all.”

Still think you know the Lib Dems?

2008-07-03T19:01:00.006+01:00

TRANSPORT COSTS

For those unable to travel by public or private means Adult Social Care and Health operates a dedicated transport service. This not only allows people with disabilities to travel around but also ensures they can attend Day Centres that provide social and leisure activities and to gain important life and workplace skills. This year The Lib Dems and Tories have increased the cost per journey from £1.12p to 2.50p per trip. A whopping increase of 123%!!!!

Still think you know the Lib Dems?

Think You Know The Lib Dems?

2008-07-03T18:56:00.005+01:00

Portland House

The pioneering Portland House in Newton-le-Willows was one of the first of its kind in the country and provides specialist 24-hour support for older people with dementia. It has been a great success after the previous Labour Council and Villages Community Housing first developed the centre.

This year the Lib Dems & Tories on St Helens Council are putting the charges at Portland House up from £84.95p per week to £178.92p per week.

Still think you know the Lib Dems?

Robbie gains West Park from Lib Dems

2008-05-02T03:09:00.004+01:00

Local Labour Campaigner Robbie Ayres wins West Park with a whopping 679 vote majority. Robbie has been part of Labour's local campaign team for the past year.

Robbie commented" I'd like to thank everyone who voted for me, working with Marie and Marlene I'll do my best for our area"

Labour made 2 gains in St Helens from the Lib Dems.The Lib Dems failed to take any of their targets.

the results

Ayres Robbie (Lab) 1493
Barton Richard William (Con) 329
Evans David (Lib Dem) 814
Swindells Eric John (BNP) 331

Lib Dems relegate Liverpool

2008-02-08T14:40:00.000Z

It took them a few years but the Lib Dems have finally managed to ensure Liverpool is rated the worst council in the country.The people of Liverpool deserve better.

Official: Liverpool city council is worst - yes, the WORST - in the country

LIVERPOOL has been named and shamed as the worst performing council in the country.
The city finished bottom of the national list.

It was one of only two English authorities to receive a one-star “inadequate” rating.
The only other, Rutland, finished above Liverpool because its prospects for improvement were better.

Liverpool’s humiliating performance in this year’s comprehensive performance assessment (CPA) was blamed on the council’s handling of taxpayers’ money

St Teresa's

2007-12-21T15:50:00.000Z

West Park’s Labour Team congratulated everyone involved in providing community activities at St Teresa’s Community Centre on Devon Street after they were successful in obtaining a grant of £7000 to help restore the centre. The Community centre caters for young people and the elderly. Cllr Marlene Quinn, who has been working with the Community Centre and offering advice on ways to access funding, commented” the commitment shown by people who help out at the centre is first class. The recent appeal for old mobile phones raised over £300 and the Centre are looking to apply for a further grant of £500 to help with youth activities. The Community Centre is making a real difference in the local community and it’s a privilege working with them ”

Mick Manning ,who helps at the centre, said “A simple phone call to West Park Labour Team asking for help in fund-raising pointed us in the right direction, we are now reaping the rewards. We bought a new pool table for the kids with the money from the old mobile phones and we still want more old mobile phones to help raise funds”

The Big Lib Dem Lights out-Again!!!

2007-12-21T15:48:00.001Z

For the second year running the Lib Dem/Tory alliance running the Council has cut funding for street lighting. Labour’s Marlene Quinn said “Street lighting is an import factor in reassuring the public and deterring crime. We will continue to expose the Lib Dem/Tory cuts at the Town Hall and fight for our area.”

Robbie joins post office fight

2007-12-21T15:44:00.001Z

Labour Campaigner Robbie Ayres has joined Cllrs Marie Rimmer and Marlene Quinn and local residents in the fight to try and save Cambridge Road Post Office from closure.

Robbie said ”To close this post office would be a catastrophe for the local community ,particularly local pensioners .The nearest Post Office would be the main PO on Bridge Street. The Bridge St office is always very busy with endless queues. If we lost Cambridge Road post office this would also have an adverse effect on the many shops in Cambridge Rd. The Post Office consultation on the proposed closure lasts six weeks and ends on December 17th. Your West Park Labour Team have delivered thousands of leaflets around the Newtown area urging people to write to the Post Office Consultation Team”:

Latest West Park Rose delivered

2007-12-21T15:37:00.000Z

The Xmas edition of West Park Labour Team's Rose newsletter is now being delivered.This is the third ward newsletter since last May's local elections and includes news about your Labour Team's local campaigns in your area.

St Teresa's Scoops Award

2007-07-29T02:14:00.000+01:00

St.Teresa’s Catholic Primary School has become the first school in St. Helens to achieve a Second Green Flag award from the national ENCAMS Eco Schools Campaign. The Devon Street school was initially awarded the prestigious Green Flag in May 2005 for its ongoing work and commitment to the environment.

Well done to all pupils,parents and staff!!!

Newtown Planters

2007-07-29T02:09:00.000+01:00

The removal of several planters around the Newtown area recently took place.These included planters in Devon,Sidney,Bronte,Exeter and Grafton Streets.

Labour Councillor Marlene Quinn said "Many residents had complained that the planters were a focal point for litter and anti social behaviour in the area.Several residents had plants shoved through their letterboxes that had been uprooted from the planters"

Labour's Care Boost

2007-06-22T21:13:00.001+01:00

The quality of life for older people in St. Helens care homes will improve as a result of a £225,000 refurbishment fund from the Labour Government. This is St Helens’ share of a national £67 million investment in England’s Care Homes by Labour.

Improvements will include:

Replacing worn-out carpeting or floor coverings to reduce the risk of falls.

Upgrading dining rooms.

Upgrading residents’ bedrooms and bathrooms

Improving gardens or outside spaces used by residents, to encourage outdoor exercise.

Alterations that would give the residents greater privacy.

Providing information technology that benefits older residents, such as access to internet and email.

Local Labour Councillor Marlene Quinn said” By distributing this funding to almost 7,000 care homes throughout England Labour are aiming to improve the lives of tens of thousands of people and their families. This is good news for our care homes in St Helens ”

Latest West Park Rose Delivered

2007-06-22T20:58:00.000+01:00

The latest edition of West Park Labour Team's community newsletter is being delivered to every home in West Park Ward right now.Local news, by local people for local people....

Labour Slams Town Hall Lib Dem Spin

2007-06-22T20:18:00.000+01:00

Labour has slammed the Council’s Lib Dem Leadership for their ‘pass the buck’ attitude and excessive spin.

Cllr Marlene Quinn said “Whenever bad news or a tough decision needs to be explained to the people of St Helens the Lib Dems offer up an anonymous ‘Council spokesperson ‘ to comment. But when a good news story breaks, usually involving money from the Labour Government, Lib Dems are literally falling over themselves to get their name attached to the story. It’s just the sort of irresponsible ’leadership’ we’ve come to expect from the Lib Dems and we will continue to hold them to full account on behalf of local residents.”

Sign Of The Times

2007-06-22T20:14:00.000+01:00

A new street sign was fitted in Lynn Close after residents contacted Marlene and Marie.Do you know of a local street sign in need of repair or replacement? Contact labour@westpark.org.uk

Phone Mast Blast

2007-06-22T20:13:00.000+01:00

Cllrs Marlene Quinn and Marie Rimmer have joined local residents in objecting to the proposed placement of a mobile phone mast on Prescot Road near Carmel College.

Marlene said”It is proposed to situate the mast in a high density residential area with large numbers of students of Carmel Sixth Form College accessing transport in the vicinity of this mast. There is still an issue regarding mast impact on health. We have notified residents in the area of our objections and concerns”

Ravenhead Plans Rejected Again

2007-06-22T20:08:00.000+01:00

The revised plans to build 400 new homes on the former glassworks site in Ravehead have been rejected . West Park’s Local Labour Team has lead the campaign against this unsuitable development from day one.

Labour Councillor Marie Rimmer commented “Ravenhead’s already congested roads simply couldn’t take hundreds of extra vehicles and the congestion along Prescot Road would have worsened. We’d like to thank all the residents who contacted us about this important local issue and we will continue to monitor the situation”

Marlene wins West Park

2007-05-04T10:13:00.000+01:00

Local Labour Campaigner Marlene Quinn won the election in West Park, gaining the seat from the Lib Dems, with a thumping 591 majority,a swing to Labour and Labour's highest vote in any ward across St Helens. Marlene Quinn said" Labour's majority went up in West Park as did our share of the vote. This is a victory for the community of West Park Ward and I will work just as hard in the council chamber as I do in our local community.I'd like to thank everyone who supported me and the many people who sent genuine messages of support during the campaign"

Marlene Quinn Labour Party 1741

Conservative Party 174
Liberal Democrat 1150
Community Action Party 50
BNP 220

Taylor Park Boathouse

2007-04-06T19:04:00.000+01:00

Marlene Quinn tries out the specially made celebration cake at the recent opening of Taylor Park’s new café with local residents and people involved in running the café from St John’s Ravenhead. It was Marlene’s suggestion that St John’s be involved in operating the café in Taylor Park. Marlene said “The opening is a credit to all the people from St John’s Centre, The Friends of Taylor Park and everyone else involved. I’m sure our local community will make good use of this excellent new facility. The service is excellent and all the produce is affordably priced. Over the past couple of years the park has been transformed with new facilities and the numbers of people using the park has increased substantially. It’s a real success story for our area and St Helens.”

West Street Action

2007-04-06T18:56:00.000+01:00

Local Campaigner Marlene Quinn reported this badly leaning road sign for repair in West Street.Real Labour Action, by the Real Local Team...

Dog Fouling Survey

2007-04-06T18:48:00.001+01:00

Marlene Quinn would like to thank the many people who returned our recent dog fouling survey. Marlene said” The survey was intended to find out the extent of the problem in our area and the response has been staggering. The responses so far state that dog fouling is a huge problem and that it is getting worse. We realise the vast majority of dog owners are responsible but more needs to be done to target the irresponsible small minority who allow their dogs to foul our public areas. Everyone agrees with this point. We will update you on this local campaign”

Thank You For your Help On this important issue

Marlene Quinn
Labour Campaigner

Who Are We?

2007-04-06T18:48:00.000+01:00

West Park’s Labour Team are local people just like you. We live in your area, use local facilities, attend local community meetings and resident’s groups and send our kids to local schools. What affects you, affects us. That’s why we work hard for our area.

*Cllr Marie Rimmer lives in Dilloway St..

*Marlene Quinn lives in Ravenhead...

*Our Branch Secretary lives in
Dunriding Lane..

*Our Branch Chair lives in Newtown..

*Our leaflet publisher lives in Grange Park..

*Our local team of volunteers who deliver your local Rose newsletter all live in your area…

*We are West Park’s Only all local, all year round campaigning Party

Why not join us and help us fight for our area?
Call us on 01744 60000

Local Youth Matters

2007-04-06T18:44:00.000+01:00

Local resident Marlene Quinn is delighted to be part of a team that is providing a safe place for our local youth to let off steam and engage in positive activity at St Teresa’s Hall.

Marlene said “The vast majority of local kids are good kids and it’s important to give them something to do to keep them off the streets and out of potential trouble. We are currently raising funds to provide more play equipment for local youngsters .You can help us, if you have any broken or unused mobile phones then please contact me on 600025.”

Marlene has also been co opted onto the management committee and she commented” we are looking for larger amounts of funding to make the hall easier to access for disabled
people and safer and more secure.”

Other activities at the Centre include:Senior Citizens Bingo Night, toddler group, youth club, slimming world and other local community activities.

Taylor Park Car Parking

2007-04-06T18:36:00.000+01:00

Labour Campaigner and local resident Marlene Quinn hit out at the grubby Lib Dem/Tory Alliance running St Helens Council after they blocked a Labour amendment to the council budget that would have added an extra £1.75 million capital receipt cash to improve local street lighting, footpaths and car parking facilities, including extra car parking at the Grosvenor Rd end of Taylor Park..

Marlene said “ Many residents have complained to us about street lighting, lack of car parking facilities in places like Taylor Park and the condition of many of our footpaths. We feel these areas of concern need to be tackled and said so. It seems the Lib Dems and Tories don’t agree. Had they accepted Labour's amendment both ends of Taylor Park would have benefited from new and improved car parking facilities.They have already shelved routine funded lighting replacement schemes and hiked up car parking charges. The additional funding would have had no impact on this year’s council tax level and we fully supported the proposed council tax rise of 2.5% .Labour had delivered 5 consecutive years of 2.5% council tax rises including last year’s council budget. We will keep fighting on the issues that matter to you in OUR West Park community and in the Town Hall”

Storm Damage

2007-03-01T11:44:00.000Z

Your Local Labour Team Working For Our Community

*Many residents contacted West Park’s Labour Team after the recent gale force winds lashed the local area. Residents living along Prescot Road called Labour Councillor Marie Rimmer after a street light was seen swaying in the high winds.Marie said “The light column’s concrete base was breaking up and the situation was becoming dangerous. Thankfully it was repaired quickly and I’d like to thank the residents who contacted me about this issue.”

*Elderly residents in Marsden Avenue contacted your Labour Team after the fence to the rear of their properties was blown down by the high winds. Labour Campaigner Marlene Quinn said “There were obvious security concerns as the gardens backed onto an unlit park. We contacted the housing repair team and a new fence was erected at the rear of the bungalows.”

*Many residents contacted your Labour Team after a huge tree fell across the footpath in Linear Park. Marlene Quinn said “There were reports that small children were climbing along the fallen tree and there could be an accident. The tree was removed after we contacted the council and pressed for swift action”

Merry Xmas And A Happy New Year

2006-12-23T02:36:00.000Z

West Park's Labour Team would like to wish all local residents best wishes for Xmas and the New Year. You can contact us any time regarding any local issue of importance to yourself.

West Park Labour Team

Recycle your Xmas trees

2006-12-23T02:32:00.000Z

You can take trees along to local parks in St. Helens on Sunday 7th January where Council Rangers will take them off your hands between 10am and 3pm. The parks are Mesnes Park (Naylor’s Wood car park), Bankes Park in Billinge, Sherdley Park, Victoria Park in Windle, Ashtons Green open space at Parr and Clinkham Wood at Moss Bank. Alternatively, take them to one of the following waste sites: Ravenhead at Burtonhead Road, Rainhill at Tasker Terrace, Newton at Junction Lane and Rainford at Southerns Lane.

Small trees - a maximum of 4ft tall - can be placed at the side of your green bin on the relevant collection day. Residents are also reminded that Christmas cards can be recycled by putting them into your green bin or taking them to WH Smith, Tesco or TJ Hughes between January 2nd and 31st.

Work well underway at St Helens Hospital

2006-12-22T05:39:00.000Z

Labour Campaigner Marlene Quinn has unreservedly welcomed the £85 million pound investment in St Helens Hospital.

Marlene commented commented” The £85m investment in St Helens Hospital will provide state-of-the-art diagnostic services and day and overnight surgical facilities at St Helens and Whiston Hospitals. With the new NHS Walk-in Centre complimenting services at our local hospitals "

The new facilities include: six operating theatres and 65 beds. And an expanded out-patient centre will be created which will have the capacity to deal with up to 200,000 out-patient visits every year.

Winter Heating Allowances

2006-12-22T05:36:00.000Z

Elderly residents should be receiving their winter heating allowance by now. Call 08459 15 15 15 if you need more information.The payments vary beyween £100 to £300 depending on your age.Many residents will remember the Tories freezing winter heating allowances at £10 for many years.The very same Tories now run the local council with their Lib Dem pals.

Lib Dem Axe Sharpened For Care Homes

2006-12-22T05:18:00.000Z

Ashtons Green Care Home in Parr is under threat from the Lib Dem Axe. Unions say staff have already been told that they will lose their jobs in March 2007 and elderly residents and their families face an uncertain future. Furious Labour Councillors confronted the Council’s Lib Dem leadership about the home's future. Labour had planned for the home to be redesigned to provide high quality accommodation and respite care.

In a further blow to local elderly residents and carers the Lib Dem Led Council has announced the closure of Larchfields Care Home in Newton .Labour's Marlene Quinn said " This announcement came just a couple of weeks before Xmas.The Lib Dems axed 6 care homes in Liverpool so we know all about Lib Dem rhetoric and Lib Dem reality when it comes to vulnerable residents". One local resident said "The residents of Larchfields are an elderly and frail group of people who have contributed to our society for many years. It is now time for us to repay and thank them for what they have done.Larchfields is their home where they are comfortable, familiar and cared for. The staff have become their extended family."

Marlene Slams Child's Play Delay

2006-12-22T05:10:00.000Z

Labour Campaigner has slammed the Lib Dem led regime at the Council for the constant dithering and delays over children’s play facilities in the ward.

Marlene said “Last spring we informed local people that Labour had set aside £1 million to be spent on children’s play facilities. Some of this money was to be used to install new children’s play equipment in Thatto Heath Park,Taylor Park, Dodd Ave and Queens Park. Sadly, the Lib Dems did a deal with the Tories to take control of the Council in May and the play facilities that should have been in place for the summer holidays have been constantly delayed by dithering within the new regime”

“It now looks like our local kids will get their new play equipment just in time for next spring. You can rest assured that West Park’s Labour Team will fight for these facilities. Because we are the only all local campaign team we are fighting for OUR community.”

Leslie Road

2006-12-22T05:09:00.000Z

Marie Rimmer has asked the council to include Leslie Road in the round of roads to be gritted during bad weather. Marie said “The steepness of the road makes it especially dangerous. So far the council have not agreed to grit Leslie Road but I intend to keep pressing on behalf of local residents.The council have agreed to an
extra grit bin for Leslie Road follwing requests from your Labour Team”

The Big Lib Dim Lights Out

2006-12-22T05:06:00.000Z

The Lib Dem Led Council in St Helens are raiding the Labour government’s Neighbourhood Renewal Fund to pay for routine street lighting replacement schemes. These funds were intended for improvements to deprived areas above and beyond normal council spending.

Street lighting is also being ‘prioritised’ and all routine council revenue replacement schemes have been shelved for this financial year.

Labour’s Marlene Quinn said” Labour provided Neighbourhood Renewal Funds to help improve deprived communities, not to replace council spending on street lighting. And if your street isn’t lucky enough to be thought of as a ‘priority’ it’s tough luck. Good street lighting is an important factor in fighting crime”

What do you think? Let us know at labour@westpark.org.uk

Taylor Park Car Parking

2006-12-22T05:02:00.000Z

Cllr Marie Rimmer commenting on this issue said ”I have received many questions about the extra car parking that was planned at the Grosvenor Rd end of Taylor Park. The plans were ready to submit to planning some time ago and it was intended extra parking spaces would be ready by summer 2006.Like everything else it appears to have vanished into a quagmire of delay and dither. I will continue pressing for action on behalf of residents and have written personally to all residents who have contacted me about this matter”.

Residents rap increase in dog fouling

2006-12-22T04:53:00.000Z

A big increase in dog fouling was by far the biggest concern of local residents in our recent survey. Labour Campaigner Marlene Quinn said “There is a definite feeling that this problem has got much worse in recent months. Residents from Hewitt Av, Cambridge Rd, Silkstone St, Chamberlain St ,Mulberry Ave, Marsden Ave, Oliver Rd and users of Queens Park have all made their feelings known to us on this issue. West Park’s Labour Team will be urging the Council to concentrate on the issues that matter most to local people. The vast majority of dog owners are perfectly responsible but this council needs to do more to target the irresponsible owners”

Labour successfully campaigned for extra dog bins in Queens Park and responsible dog owners are using them. Overflowing dog bins are a health hazard and this Lib Dem led Council needs to act...NOW!!

pictured:
Marlene Quinn at an overflowing dog waste bin in Queens Park.

A Load Of Old Rubbish

2006-12-22T04:43:00.000Z

Your Labour Team inspect a growing pile of rubbish in our area.It was reported for clean up.

Labour’s Marlene Quinn said “This huge pile of fly tipping in has been allowed to grow and a 3 piece suite was recently added for good measure. Is this the ‘improved environment’ the Lib Dems promised us at election time? Labour’s Council budget last spring provided an extra £1 million for the local environment and so far only 400k has been spent. Your Labour team has pressed for this mess to be cleaned up”

How is the Lib Dem led council dealing with rubbish in your area? Let Marlene know at labour@westpark.org.uk

Why are we waiting?

2006-11-12T17:10:00.000Z

Queens Park Lesiure Centre.
Still waiting for planned improvements.

Cllr Marie Rimmer has urged the Lib Dem Lead Council to get their act together and make some progress on the Council’s leisure strategy that was agreed in April.

Marie said “ Since the LD/Tory alliance took control of the council in May things have gone quiet on the proposed new soccer centre at Queens Park and the plans for the Boundary Road swimming pool. Residents can rest assured that I intend to keep asking the questions on behalf our community until firm answers are provided”

Another Labour Success

2006-11-12T17:04:00.000Z

Following feedback from our Old Eccleston survey Labour's Marlene Quinn pressed the council to replace the missing railings in the fence surrounding Dodd Avenue playing fields.This has now been done. Marlene Quinn informed local residents in the area via a Labour action flyer.

Marlene is pictured inspecting the missing railings.

Taylor Park Boathouse Cafe

2006-11-12T17:01:00.000Z

St John’s Centre will shortly be opening the Boathouse tea Rooms in Taylor Park. The Café will provide refreshments and afternoon teas . Labour Campaigner Marlene Quinn suggested that the people at St John’s should be involved with managing the Boathouse café last year. Marlene said “They do a great job at St John’s Centre and I am certain they will make a success of the boathouse café too” Hopefully the café will be open 7 days a week for park visitors during winter and summer.

Monday and Fridays at St John’s Centre, Crossley Road is dining day ,meals are served at 12.15. West Park Labour Councillor Marie Rimmer said “The food and company at the centre is excellent ,it’s a real asset to our community in West Park”

pictured are Marie Rimmer and Marlene Quinn with centre staff.

Thumbs Up in Newtown

2006-11-07T06:08:00.000Z

Cllr Marie Rimmer and Labour Campaigner Marlene Quinn met with local residents and a representative of Arriva to discuss the latest bus news in Newtown.Marlene said "The feedback from our recent survey has been fantastic and we have passed all your views onto Arriva. We have informed local residents of the new bus routes and the response has been very positive"

Arriva Bus Petitions

2006-10-14T12:06:00.000+01:00

West Park Labour Team joined forces with residents in the Newtown area to press Arriva to change some of their planned bus routes.

Campaigner Marlene Quinn said "We've had several meetings with local residents and Arriva and they have all been constructive.We helped collect petitions from the streets to be affected by the new service and Arriva have agreed to look at alternative routes put forward by residents and West Park's Labour Team.The important issue is to retain a bus service that takes into account local schools and the narrowness of some streets"

Grange Park Clean Up

2006-10-01T15:45:00.000+01:00

Labour Campaigner Marlene Quinn joined a local residents group on a clean up day in Grange Park.A local alley-way was cleared of rubbish and overgrown shrubs.Marlene said"It was hard work but well worthwhile, all the residents were pleased with the end result"

Taylor Park Kite Day

2006-10-01T15:36:00.000+01:00

Marlene Quinn and Cllr Marie Rimmer attended the recent Taylor Park kite making day.

"A great community event and very well attended" said Marie. Marlene and Marie are pictured with a local youngster and hand-made kite.

End Of The West Park N.E.Ws

2006-09-30T20:41:00.000+01:00

The Neighbourhood Environmental Wardens that had helped local people clean up our area have now been moved to another part of St Helens. Cllr Marie Rimmer said” We campaigned to get these wardens in our area and we were very saddened to hear they are now being moved elsewhere. If you have any problems with rubbish of fly tipping in your area please contact your local Labour Team on 600025”

Lib Dems increase charges

2006-09-30T19:54:00.000+01:00

The new ‘Lib Dem lead’ administration at the Town Hall has hit local youngsters and pensioners with a double the rate of inflation price increase to use local sports pitches. Cllr Marie Rimmer said “ We warned of this sort of thing during the local elections. The Lib Dem council in Liverpool were found to be operating a ‘profit not people’ leisure service by the Audit Commission and
it looks like their St Helens Lib Dem pals are going down the same route. These increases of 6.25% to use the pitches and 6.25% to use the changing rooms are utterly unwarranted “

Latest West Park Rose delivered

2006-09-25T20:20:00.000+01:00

The latest edition of our West Park Rose is being delivered to all homes in West Park right now. The West Park Rose is published and delivered by our local Labour Team who all live in West Park Ward. Working with and for the local community on issues that matter to you.....because we are the only all local campaigning party in West Park.

Bus Campaign Success

2006-09-24T19:19:00.000+01:00

Many residents have contacted Labour Campaigner Marlene Quinn expressing their dismay at Arriva's changes to local bus routes. Thanks to Marlene and Cllr Marie Rimmer's lobbying Merseytravel agreed to fund the number 170 (off peak) every 65 minutes.This was something but clearly not enough. After further lobbying Arriva agreed to meet Marie and Marlene on site after which they agreed to re route the 10C from 3rd Sept, this would once again provide a half hourly service along Dunriding Lane, Crossley Rd and Stafford Rd.

The 10C has now been renumbered the number 39 and the service has been extended to Broadgreen Hospital. Arriva apologised to Marie for inadequate advance notification of
the change in bus numbers.

Marlene Quinn said "The withdrawal of buses from Dunriding Lane, Stafford Rd and Crossley Rd had left a lot of residents stranded, particularly the elderly who struggled climbing Stafford Rd and Dunriding Lane, thank goodness our campaigning finally paid off “

Horace St/Rivington Rd Bus Campaign

2006-09-24T19:15:00.000+01:00

Labour Campaigner Marlene Quinn and Cllr Marie Rimmer are very concerned that the 31 bus service along Horace St is inappropriate due to the narrowness of the space available at the junction of Horace St and Rivington Rd, facing Queens Park School.

“Hazardous junction”

Marlene, who is a Governor at Queens Park School, said “I saw 3 buses attempting to negotiate the junction at the same time , the buses had to be re-routed amid traffic chaos and children crossing the road. This situation cannot continue and we have raised this matter with Arriva to ensure the bus is re-routed while still serving the local community.

Peter Street Centre plaque

2006-09-16T04:05:00.000+01:00

Marie unveils the plaque celebrating 100 years of the Peter Street Centre.

Peter Street Centre

2006-09-15T06:53:00.000+01:00

Marie Rimmer has welcomed the news that Peter Street Community Centre has won the national award for the best public /voluntary working partnership . Marie said "We have kept the public up to date with news on the progress at Peter Street for over 2 years and it's a great achievement by the community"

Marie is pictured with Audery Twiss ,Chairwoman of the Peter Street Steering Group at the Peter Street site earlier this year.

Ravenhead Urban Village- Plans Rejected

2006-09-14T03:42:00.000+01:00

We are pleased to report that the Council’s Planning Committee rejected the revised plans to build 388 new houses in the Ravenhead area. Marlene Quinn spoke at the Planning Committee, representing the views of local residents who had objected. Marlene, who is a Ravenhead resident, said “This decision is a victory for local residents and for common sense. The plans would have ensured traffic havoc for Ravenhead, with additional traffic lights adding to the congestion on Prescot Rd and a huge increase in vehicle traffic along Crossley Rd, Whittle Street and Stafford Rd.

The proposed area was totally unsuitable for so many new houses. I’d like to thank all the residents who objected and the many residents who contacted me about this very Important local issue. We will keep you informed of any further developments”

Borough Road Speeding Action

2006-09-13T08:18:00.000+01:00

The police are continuing to target speeding vehicles driving along Prescot/Borough Rd . In the latest actions they issued 30 fixed penalty notices, one man was arrested for failing to stop when instructed ,5 vehicles were removed from the road for not having insurance and a car reported as stolen from Manchester was stopped.

Labour Campaigner Marlene Quinn said "We support this continued police action without reservation.There have been several tragic accidents on this stretch of road and we hope speeding drivers get the message"

Scrambler Nuisance

2006-09-12T03:54:00.002+01:00

Residents living in the Elm Road/ Thatto Heath Park area contacted West Park Labour Councillor Marie Rimmer regarding scrambler bike nuisance in the area. Marie contacted the police and several bikes were seized, in addition Community Warden patrols were stepped up in the area. Marie said “Contact your Labour Team at labour@westpark.org.uk if your area suffers from this problem”

St John's Centre Ravenhead

2006-09-12T03:17:00.000+01:00

St John’s Centre will shortly be opening the Boathouse tea Rooms in Taylor Park. The Café will provide refreshments and afternoon teas with a Victorian theme. The café will be open 7 days a week for visitors to enjoy during winter and summer.

Monday and Fridays at St John’s Crossley Road is dining day ,meals are served at 12.15. Marie Rimmer said “The food and company at the centre is excellent ,it’s a real asset to our community in West Park”

Social exclusion - Join the debate

2006-09-12T03:07:00.000+01:00

One of this Labour government's proudest achievements has been to lift 800,000 children out of poverty and the building of a stable economy. This success has been built on significant investment in public services and sound financial management of the economy. Despite this success Labour ministers want to go further in reducing inequalities. We want to know where you think the government has got things right and where you think they could be doing things differently.

Join the debate here

Beating Bogus Callers

2006-09-12T02:55:00.000+01:00

You may have seen our free ‘Bogus Caller’ warning cards displayed in many windows in the West Park area. These cards can act as a deterrent to conmen and sneak thieves who trick their way into homes. Sadly this is still a problem in our area.

If you would like a ‘Bogus Caller’ warning card, or would like a new card to replace your old one please e mail us at labour@westpark.org.uk and we will post one to you.

Labour Campaigner Marlene Quinn holding one of our cards.

Marie Rimmer's New Surgeries

2006-09-12T02:50:00.000+01:00

Cllr Marie Rimmer now has a monthly surgery at St Luke’s. This replaces her Horace Street Library Surgery following the Library’s relocation to Peter Street.

Marie’s Surgeries are:
Thatto Heath Library
First Friday in the month
5pm until 6 pm.
St Luke’s Church Hall
Knowsley Rd
First Friday
in the month
6pm until 7pm.