Corrie Star Makes Party Fizz With Festive Fun

Corrie Star Makes Party Fizz With Festive Fun



Soap actress Jennie McAlpine brought extra festive cheer to the council’s Supported Employment Service celebration evening.
“I am so proud of you all,” the 27 year old told those attending the Ince town hall event this week. “You do great work and are a huge inspiration.”
No stranger to volunteering to work with people with particular needs, Fizz Stape actress Jennie McAlpine gave her time freely to present awards to locals who have been supported into jobs with assistance from the council. Certificates were presented for long service – including Lisa Bradbury’s 15 years with Britannia Bridge School in Ince and David Hall for 15 years’ service with Asda (previously Netto) in the centre of Leigh.
Senior council officers and politicians were there, including deputy leader Cllr David Molyneux and cabinet champion for customers Cllr Chris Ready, who have both visited many of the service users in their places of work in the last year.
Cllr Molyneux said: “The firms represented tonight already make an important contribution to jobs and the economy in our borough. But they are not just an ordinary business, because they make time to do extraordinary things by supporting a diverse workforce.”
MPs Andy Burnham and Yvonne Fovargue spent time meeting the employees and their bosses. Mr Burnham was encouraged by the numbers of people from Leigh who have held down long term employment in the borough and Ms Yvonne Fovargue singled out the Northern Feather pillow factory, which successfully employs several people under Supported Employment.
The awards night enables the council to acknowledge the long term achievements of individuals who they’ve supported into permanent work, as well as applaud bosses from firms like Northern Harvest, Morrisons, the Co-Op and Ashton’s Northern Feather who have excelled in displaying good equal opportunities practice and employing a workforce that reflects local communities.
As the fun part of the evening began, Andy Burnham also presented Jennie McAlpine with her own

Aspull welcomes international wrestlers

Aspull welcomes international wrestlers

It’s Aspull International

It’s Aspull International!



It’s no secret that wresting puts Wigan on the map across the world. And this week, Aspull’s annual wrestling club competition has once again seen the town take on a real overseas feel.



Guest of honour at the Robin Park venue was the council’s cabinet champion for leisure, Cllr Chris Ready. As the competition began, he welcomed competitors from far and wide. “It’s always a pleasure to support Aspull Wrestling Club,” he said. “And this year we’ve been joined by visitors from the south Pacific and Pakistan. It’s great to see the international recognition for our town. ”



Maria Dunn from Guam, an island a few thousand miles east of the Philippines, is in training for the London Olympics. She’s staying in Wigan to take advantage of the town’s long association with the sport. Maria was joined by Ali Mohammid.



Ali was delighted to be the latest of his family to come to Wigan, after one of his brothers’ competed here in 2009. “Mine is a family of wrestlers from the Punjab,” he said. “We run a gym for over 100 young people in one of Pakistan’s biggest cities, Gujranwala. Five of my brothers are Commonwealth medalists.”



Both international visitors won their matches convincingly.



Local wrestling legend Roy Wood, himself currently being considered for the Unsung hero award in this year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, said: “It was excellent to welcome Marian and Ali and to have Chris Ready as our special guest. Aspull has always been about teamwork and I’d like to thank the dedicated parents and helpers who support our wrestlers.”

Lend a book, lend a hand

Lend a book, lend a hand

Putting their stamp on local services: Cllrs Ready and Conway are promoting their local library. “We need to get the community into Aspull library and supporting its facilities,” says Cllr Chris Ready.

As the cabinet member responsible for leisure and culture, Cllr Ready is keen to see residents getting even more closely involved in the facilities provided for them by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust and council.

“Libraries should be the hub of our towns and villages,” he adds, “Internet access, DVDs, reading sessions for children and of course, thousands of books offering learning, leisure and enjoyment. But everyone needs to use their library and, if you can, lend a hand when we lend you a book.”

The council’s ruling cabinet recently heard details of the need to reduce the library budget by £1.1m following government cuts. Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s proposals to ensure the service remains accessible across the borough includes changes to some locations and opening hours, using a retail tiering method familiar to the big supermarkets.

And it also means the council are on the lookout for more people to volunteer and help out.

Cllr Ready and Aspull ward councillor colleague Ron Conway this week joined library co-ordinator Kim Collins at Aspull Library to find out about how people can get involved.

Cllr Ready says: “People feel rightly passionate about their libraries so we have worked very hard and listened very closely to what library users had to say. Now we have innovative plans to ensure they stay accessible to everyone.”

Under changes planned, the two town centre libraries will operate the longest opening hours and the broadest range of products and services. They will open between 50 and 55 hours per week. In the smaller town centres, libraries will offer a broad range of book stock, information and activities. Many of these will be co-located with or host other services. They will open 35 to 40 hours per week. In urban areas, a ‘Libraries Express’ service will deliver core services such as books and computers. These will be self service and delivered in partnership with other public or community services. They will open for a minimum of 18 hours per week.

Cllr Conway adds: “We need to reach out to more people. If you can spare some time and get involved, Aspull Library would really welcome your support.”

There’s No Business Like It

There’s No Business Like It

He’s one of the most recognisable faces in Wigan today – but Cllr Chris Ready has met someone who was one of the most well-known of the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Today, few may remember tuning in to “Oh Boy” or “Six Five Special”, but as the leading entertainment shows of the age, stars like Marty Wilde and Cliff Richard were regularly joined by The Vernons Girls. Formed from employees at Liverpool’s football coupon firm, the Vernons Girls’ singing and dancing was a major part of the big music shows of the day. The ladies also make records, appeared at Royal Variety Performances and on stages right across the UK.

“It’s my brief to support culture and leisure in the borough,” says Chris, “and it’s always a privilege to meet those who have worked hard to provide entertainment for others and form a little part of our cultural memories.”

Margaret Cleary, now Margaret Boden, was one of those girls. She remembers queuing with Nat King Cole for a cuppa, going to Marty Wilde’s wedding and doing summer season with Ruby Murray.

“We got to meet all the stars,” she recalls. “A sing-along with Des O’Connor in his hotel room and meeting Sammy Davis Jr at the Royal Command Performance. Innocent days with the public’s idols – but they were down-to-earth people who were great to work with.”

Margaret toured the country – making several trips to the north west – with the Vernons Girls - before moving on to work in John Lewis in Liverpool. She kept in with her dancing, but assumed that the showbiz days were over.

And then Cliff Richard rang. “He asked me if I could join one of his retrospective shows,” Margaret says. “Some of the original Vernons Girls were to do Wembley with him to showcase his 50s era music – and he was lovely. Our first day of rehearsal was as if we’d never been away – although the size of the show was much, much bigger than those old days on stage.”

Margaret loved working with Cliff’s regular musicians, The Shadows.

Chris adds: “Next year, we’re being joined by Hank Marvin of the Shadows at the Wigan Jazz Festival, and that festival continues to attract other big names as well. It’s a pleasure to meet with someone who was a part of showbiz at such an amazing

keep fit

HUNDREDS of Wiganers have taken a tour round the new Life Centre.


It has only been open a few days, but more than 3,000 people have already visited the new south site of the Wigan Life Centre.

Hundreds have signed up for the new Profiles Health and Fitness Centre and swimming lessons have been booking up fast.

Among the new intake for the gym are some of the borough’s leading politicians.

Cabinet members, councillors Chris Ready, Sue Loudon and Ged Bretherton were put through their paces this week as part of their induction.

Coun Ready, Cabinet member for Leisure, said: “These state-of-the-art facilities are amazing. You couldn’t ask for more.”

For information on the Life Centre visit www.wigan.gov.uk. For information about the new pool and fitness centre visit www.wlct.org/activelife or call 01942 489611.

Creating a ‘racquet’ at Wigan Market Place

Creating a ‘racquet’ at Wigan Market Place

Paralympic Gold Winners Come to Wigan

Paralympic Gold Winners Come to Wigan

Welcome Credit Union Official Opening

Welcome Credit Union Official Opening

live interview on radio manchester

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p00h30qm/Andy_Crane_10_06_2011/

Come on Wigan Borough - support the town as the Latics play Stoke

Come on Wigan Borough - support the town as the Latics play Stoke

The exciting new Wigan Life Centre - 100 days to go

The exciting new Wigan Life Centre - 100 days to go

Leader of Wigan Council, Lord Peter Smith, announces his cabinet for the year ahead

Leader of Wigan Council, Lord Peter Smith, announces his cabinet for the year ahead

Bank Holiday Monday 30th May - 1,500 rugby players from over 60 teams will gather at St Cuthbert’s on Montrose Avenue to celebrate the game - and everyone is invited

Bank Holiday Monday 30th May - 1,500 rugby players from over 60 teams will gather at St Cuthbert’s on Montrose Avenue to celebrate the game - and everyone is invited

Election 2011

Aspull New Springs Whelley
Ready Christopher Labour 2,509 24.64% 65.66
Liberal 796 7.82% 20.83%
Conservative 482 4.73% 12.61%


Voter Turn Out 37.52% Total 3,821

A RED NOSE DAY AT NEW SPRINGS

A RED NOSE DAY AT NEW SPRINGS

Cllrs Chris Ready and Ron Conway presenting a cheque for £1000 to New Springs Lions ARLFC Both councillors supported the bid for grant funding from the Community Foundation of Manchester which was funded by Comic Relief. The grant will be spent on much needed rugby training equipment for the junior section. The club is developing a new under 8s team and would love to hear from anyone who would like to consider shirt sponsor ship contact John Shaw on Wigan 01942 494874.

Top Lock Royal Wedding celebrations

Cllrs Chris Ready and Ron Conway joined residents of new springs to celebrate the royal wedding over 150 residents joined in the fun

Jean Fieldhouse secretary of the top lock residents committee said we really enjoyed the day we would like to thank local business for their donations gallimores,oakdale,british bakery and a big thanks to Ron and Chris for attending and helping us
the committee members who organised the day were Hilda Faulkerner Mary Goodman,Jean Fieldhouse,Christine Herbert

Hospice Cash Boost

Local business man Keith Burns is always keen to put something back in the community this year he organised a darts dominoes pool extravaganza at the moorgate pub
Keith commented I wanted everyone to enjoy the games and raise some worthwhile funds for the hospice we raised 362 pounds
Maxine Armstrong from the hospice said we can't thank Keith enough its activitys like this are the life blood of the hospice
We know that keith and the staff at the moorgate put a lot. of time and effort into the days events so its a big thank you from everyone at the hospice

Pictured with Keith Burns are Maxine Armstrong {hospice}
Councillor Chris Ready
landlady Vicky and landlord Scott, Ronny Smith darts winner, Stuart Hock pool winner

A Roaring Success

A Roaring Success
During the past 3 months come hail rain or shine, pupils from our Lady’s RC Primary School have taken an active part in the “Come and Play with Lions” Rugby League Training Programme, organised by members of New Springs Lions A.R.L.F.C. Every pupil that took an active part in the programme has been awarded a certificate and a medal, which were presented by Labour Councillor Chris Ready. Three of the schools ex pupils, Elizabeth Unsworth, who successfully organised the TAG rugby event which took place at the end of the programme, Jake Bithell and Robin Wright were also given a special award for their work as Assistant Junior Coaches during the programme.
The clubs development Officer, John Shaw made the following comment “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Cllr Chris Ready the staff, pupils of the school along with Wigan Sports Development Unit for supporting the “Come and Play With Lions” Programme Once again the programme has been a roaring success.

Brownies Easter Bonnet competition

Cllrs Chris Ready and Ron Conway presenting prizes to the 22nd wigan town st johns brownies for the Easter bonnet competition
The winning brownies were as follows
1st place Demi-Lee Gore
2nd Amy Young
3rd Gracie Brooks

Aspull get a taste of Ireland

Andy Webster, parent and coach at Aspull Juniors went on a normal family holiday to Spain and got talking to friends from Ireland.

As the conversation turned to football, Andy and his Irish counterparts found they had something in common - they were both involved in big local football clubs. Over a Spanish beer, they arranged a tour for their under 8s and under 11s and 18 months later it became a reality. 50 kids and 40 adults came from Ireland to Aspull to play two matches. The teams were treated to the usual Wigan welcome with Cllrs Ready and Conway on hand to provide and present medals and plaques to the visitors

Generation game

Generation game

On the recent tour from Ireland, their under 8s and under 11s played Aspull juniors. The men in the middle were father and son Manny Flores and his 15 year old son Jordan Flores both refereeing.

Manny is chairmen of Aspull juniors and Jordan is an excellent footballer with a great future. Father and son are pictured with Cllrs Conway and Ready.

Chris Ready watched both games and gave his verdict on the refs performances: "Jordan handled the game from start to finish always keeping up with the game with some excellent decisions, in contrast to his dad who struggled to keep up with the under 8s!"

On a serious note the games were a great success.

The Big Interview with the premier league

Cllr Chris Ready being interviewed by premier league tv Chris was asked what the impact relegation of the latics would have on the town
simple answer were not going to get relegated

please support

Councillor Steps in to help Alex

Councillor Steps in to help Alex

Meet Alex. He’s three, full of smiles and lives with mum and dad in Whelley. He loves zooming around on his scooter and playing with all his toys.

But every day Alex needs physiotherapy because of a rare condition affecting his legs. It’s called Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy – and means he needs plastic leg splints to walk around.

Parents Marie and Robert were disappointed that the NHS do not fund the necessary operations to overcome Alex’s problems, but have learned that a procedure is available in America which has had a hundred per cent success rate.

Ward councillor and cabinet customer champion Chris Ready heard about Alex’s plight and has spent time with his parents to suggest fund raising and promotional ideas to help raise the necessary cash to send Alex to Missouri’s St Louis Children’s Hospital.

Cllr Ready says: “Alex is just like any other little boy – lively, full of fun and with a cheeky smile. And he is just one operation away from living a normal life free of spasticity and leg splints. But it comes at a cost.”

Dad Robert says that that they need to raise £40,000. “The operation, plus the cost of travel, accommodation and aftercare physiotherapy is expensive,” he says. “But I know we can raise it. From bag packing at the supermarket to climbing Snowdon and skydiving, people are doing amazing things for Alex.”

Dr Park of the St Louis Hospital performs Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy. It’s a procedure that’s been carried out there for nearly 30 years on over 2000 patients with a hundred per cent success rate. The procedure involves cutting the ‘bad’ nerves going into the patient’s legs which causes the spasticity – and the result is a significant improvement in walking and posture.

Cllr Ready adds: “The generosity of local people has been amazing and I’m proud to have been asked to help. I’m sure that we can work together to help this lad back onto his feet.”

See www.alexjames-hopefund.co.uk for more details

Working with Lisa Nandy Mp

Chris Works on a weekly basis with Lisa Nandy discussing issues in the Aspull, New Springs and Whelley Ward Chris says its so important to keep up to speed with developments from Lisa office

Lisa comments Chris puts so much effort into his community work is passion and drive is fantastic he's one of the best cllrs i have worked with when you work with Chris its real teamwork.

Aspull Juniors Cash Boost

Manny Flores pictured with the open age team Aspull Juniors with Cllrs Hilton,Ready and Conway
the team recieved a Cash Boost for the club

Manny commented the support from our cllrs is superb they support all our community groups from brownies to over 60s
keep up the good work and thanks

Chris Ready said the work our community groups do is so important its what makes our area a community

Big Brothers Luke Backs Chris's Campaign

Luke Marsdens of Big Brother Fame backs Chris's election Campaign

Luke Comments as a resident of Chris's Ward i have see first hand the work he as done over the years in the community his passion and commitment to Wigan is second to none.

Fly Tipping

Me2You Charity Evening

We had an exellent evening at the charity bash at the Monaco all the team do an exellent job including our daughter Kelly we are very proud of her i only took a couple of pictures i am sure there will be more around

Restoration work has begun on Greater Manchester’s last remaining windmill, at Haigh near Wigan.

The historic wind pump, built in 1845, was originally used to pump water from two ponds to the reservoir at nearby Haigh Brewery but has remained disused for decades.

Now, thanks to a successful £60,000 Heritage Lottery fund bid by Wigan Council, essential remedial work, including replacing the broken and missing sails, is finally underway.

Council Conversation Officer Jason Kennedy joined cabinet member and local ward councillor Chris Ready at the site this week to see how the job was going.

Cllr Ready, who was instrumental in getting the lottery bid, says: “I’m delighted to see work begin on site and the contractors, G Bullen, using their unique expertise to restore this iconic building for the benefit of future generations. This was only possible through great partnership working between the council the parish council and the windmill society/

“Haigh is a key gateway into Wigan’s Greenheart regional park and the project will also promote a new windmill walk and interpretation of the heritage value and significance of the windmill. Upon completion of the work, Haigh Parish Council and the Friends of Haigh Windmill will assume responsibility for its upkeep.”

Wigan Council’s Environmental Education Team has also been working with four local schools to teach children the history of the windmill.

The project will be marked by the creation of a mosaic outside St David’s School designed with the help of pupils at the school. Completion of the work will be celebrated with an opening event due to be held during the National Mills weekend in May.

Flying the flag for Armed Forces Day

Flying the flag for Armed Forces Day

They make great personal sacrifices, showing tremendous strength and loyalty to our country and
On Saturday 25 June, the borough will honour the bravery and commitment our armed forces and veterans for this years Armed Forces day at Leigh Sports Village .
Wigan Labour councillors have donated £5100 towards the event.
Veterans Association chairman, Des White said:
Without this donation the Armed Forces day would not take place. This has made it possible for VeteransÂ’ issues to be featured in discussions with local and central government where the key decisions are taking place. Our mutual support and partnership has helped make events like the Armed Forces Day a success.
"We are delighted to continue to support our dedicated servicemen and ex-servicemen, says Council Leader Lord Peter Smith.
Its important that they are given recognition for the work that they do in often very difficult conditions.
Borough residents showed great support for our armed forces at last year's event adds Cllr Chris Ready.
Im sure this year’s Armed Forces day will continue the success!
The Veteran’s council are calling on schools, colleges and businesses to support Wigan’s armed forces community.
For further information regarding Armed Forces day visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk/
To find out more about the Veteran’s Council visit www.veteranscouncil.org.uk

GIRL POWER at New Springs Lions

GIRL POWER
Girls not only play with Lionesses at New Springs Lions ARLFC, they are also coaches. Cllr Chris Ready and Cllr Ron Conway presented our recently qualified five lady coaches with their RFL Certificate. The Club’s Development Officer, John Shaw, commented that our ladies should be proud of their achievements. They are among some of the first female coaches in Wigan. They not only coach Rugby, they promote fitness within the girl’s team, and they also take an active role in the Club’s after school program. The Club would like to take this opportunity to congratulate lionesses on their success. We would also like to thank Cllrs Ready and Conway for their support of the “Come and Play With Lions” schools program; the main aim of this activity to introduce young people to sport and fitness.

Back to school for singing star Simon William

Back to school for singing star Simon William
He’s sold-out a performance at the DW Stadium…
Supported soul legends The Drifters...
And performed at a star-studded X-Factor party…
But now rising singing star Simon William is about to embark on a tour with a difference.
The 23 year-old, who hails from Standish is getting ready to share his insider knowledge of how to break into the entertainment industry with some fledgling stars of tomorrow.

With the support of Aspull Ward Member and Council Cabinet Member Chris Ready, Simon will be presenting his master-class in breaking into showbiz with children at schools in his local areas of Aspull and Standish.

Former Standish High School pupil Simon cites a range of influences as diverse as Frank Sinatra, Robbie Williams and Green Day! He says: “My message to young people is that if you dedicate yourself to the music and don’t give up on your dream, you’ll be amazed by what you can achieve.”

But it’s not just all about life in the spotlight for Simon, because he’s also dedicated to charity work.
His self-penned debut which is due out in November called “I’ll Protect You” is dedicated to the Forces charity Help for Heroes. But before that he will be putting on a special charity gig at Hindley’s Monaco Ballroom on Friday (March 18). Proceeds from the event will go to local bereavement charity From Me 2 You.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Simon on the school visits,” says Cllr Ready. “He’s a talented young man with a big future and a big heart. I’m sure he’ll make Wigan proud!”

Although he may be moving on to bigger things in the future, Simon who is a big Latics fan will never forget his roots.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of my family and friends in Aspull, they’ve all been really supportive.”
So how would Simon describe his sound?
“Catchy songs, with meaningful lyrics. Each song tells a story people can relate to. In a nutshell, good old fashioned pop!”
Simon performs both covers and original material and has made a name for himself from humble beginnings playing pubs, clubs and weddings.
“What I love more than anything is the performance,” Simon said. “For me, getting up on stage is the greatest feeling in the world. When I saw Robbie Williams, a big influence of mine, play Knebworth I knew that's what I wanted to do.”
Simon William is live at The Monaco Ballroom on Friday March 18. For more information contact From Me 2 You on 01942 522234.

Up for the Cup!

Up for the Cup!





“I’m rooting for Wigan,” says council leader Lord Peter Smith. The big game - Warriors v St George Illawarra Dragons – is looming ever closer and the town is pledging its support as our local champions look to win the World Club Challenge.



Cllr Smith, along with the cabinet’s customer lead Cllr Chris Ready and culture champion Cllr Brian Baldwin, joined two local sporting legends today in Wigan. The venue was the equally famous trophy shop on the Wiend in the town centre as they pledged support for the lads’ 27th February match.

“It’s a big celebration, a great occasion for Wigan, let’s hope Wigan can come out on top,” he says.
Cheering on the team, local heroes of yesteryear Billy Boston and Andy Gregory called at standards trophy shop on the Wiend – where the impressive collection of sporting memorabilia was temporarily dwarfed by the arrival of the Probiz cup itself.

Billy Boston said he was looking forward to the game: “It’s only a club game but it’s much more, “ he said. “It’s the top Australian team against the top English team If they continue what they started it will be a good game.” Andy Gregory and Billy agreed that it promises to be a tough game but Wigan can win.

In recent weeks leading politicians have been meeting with both the Warriors and the Latics, not to discuss pitch tactics, but to further develop ties between town and teams. Wigan Athletic lent their weight to a major campaign about domestic violence this week and players from the Warriors toured a number of local schools to meet loyal young fans.

Shop owner Ross Winstanley was delighted to pledge his support to the rugby lads and to the council’s campaign to work ever more closely with local sporting talent. “The work done with the Warriors – and the Latics – is important for our town’s pride,” says Ross Winstanley. “Let’s get behind our local teams.”

Warriors Against the Dragons

Warriors Against the Dragons

On February 27, the Rugby League World Club Challenge will be coming to Wigan’s DW Stadium. The Warriors will take on the Illawara Dragons and with the aim of being declared the best team in the world.

And the council is cheering on the team for their support for the community and the work that players and officials do in partnership with schools and other local groups.

Council leader Lord Peter Smith and cabinet member Cllr Chris Ready joined Thomas Leulai and Michael McGuire pitchside this week to thank them. The halfback and manager both said they were backing the town.

Lord Smith says: “We’re delighted to wish the Warriors well this time for their upcoming club challenge. I’m sure the whole town – and the whole borough – will want to see our sportsmen succeed in the battle between Australian champions St George Illawarra and our own Super League winners.”

The Probiz World Cup Challenge, held between the champions of the Australasian National Rugby League and the European Super League competitions, will be held at the DW Stadium on February 27.

Thomas Leulai says: “I’m really looking forward to the World Cup Challenge. It will be a great opportunity for us to challenge ourselves. We will represent Wigan and England, so we’re all prepared to give 100 per cent and hopefully put Wigan on the map internationally.”

Cllr Ready has been meeting top officials from both the Latics and the Warriors and is impressed with their passion for their town as well as their sport. “The work they do in the community is superb and behind the scenes both clubs work in partnership effectively,” he adds.

“They’re getting behind Wigan, so we’ve got to get behind them!” says Cllr Ready. “Both our top flight teams and everyone at the council is committed to making Wigan a success so let’s all back our sporting heroes and help them help us. “

Schools Swimming Gala 2011

This years swimming gala was won by Our Ladys who beat Aspull Church by 1 point others schools who took part are canon sharples, St Davids,Holy Family,St johns and St Michaels Councillor Chris Ready provided and presented the medals

Don’t Pass By

Don’t Pass By
It’s the ticket to freedom for millions of senior citizens across the country, and for thousands of local pensioners too. The bus pass is a gateway to a full and active life, as well as one of those universal rights of passage for the population as they retire from work.
But with government cut backs threatening all aspects of public services, Cllr Chris Ready is concerned that older people may become an easy target for the next round of coalition cuts. “Pensioners are rightly proud of their bus pass,” says Cllr Ready. “It is a badge of independence and freedom for them, and well-earned after a lifetime paying in to the system.”
Pensioners, such as this group at XXXXXX say that they are alarmed at the idea of being stripped of their bus passes. Cllr Ready adds: “Not everyone can afford to run a car, and perhaps infirmity and age means that driving is no longer an option. Buses offer a green alternative to owning your own car and their routes link in with many of the public buildings and shops that older people enjoy visiting.”

Cllr Ready and his new Grey Army want to send a signal to Whitehall that the benefits to health, the environment and to the dignity of the over 60s that free bus passes bring is something to treasure…not something for the Treasury.