News Andy Burnham MP for Leigh

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30/06/2008 - Burnham’s 5 key tests met as key projects for Leigh announced – Golborne Station and dedicated bus route

Leigh MP Andy Burnham has welcomed the announcement of two key projects by the government.

Leigh is set for a multi-million investment bonanza in public transport following a ministerial announcement in parliament. In Leigh the Transport Infrastructure Fund (TIF) package will see the introduction of an express bus route running from Leigh through Salford to Manchester operating on a separate track to general traffic ensuring much quicker progress.

TIF will deliver more seats on trains running through Atherton and increased capacity on trains travelling through Bolton. There will also be a multi-million pound refurbishment of railway stations including improvements at Hindley.

Plans to develop Golborne Station are also included in the package announced today and both Ian McCartney and Andy Burnham are to meet with rail bosses to take the development further.

Expert opinion put 1 job in 7 at risk if nothing was done to tackle growing road congestion by 2021 and the economic case for change was one of 5 key tests that the Leigh MP had to be satisfied had been met before backing the £2.5billion investment.

The five key tests were;

• A new rail station at Golborne
• A dedicated bus route from Leigh through to Manchester
• Increased capacity on local rail services from Atherton
• Jobs and the future prosperity of Leigh were not jeopardised
• Local rail station improvements at Hindley

Andy said, “I know that this package of measures will be of key public debate. I have listened to expert opinion and the views of local people and I would never jeopardise the future prosperity of the Leigh area by supporting a package that would put jobs at risk or fail to deliver on key public transport improvements."

“To ensure that people have real choices over how and when they travel, the majority of these improvements are planned to be delivered before the introduction of the local congestion charge in 2013. The charging scheme will operate only at peak times, when congestion is at its worst."

“That’s why I set five key tests to satisfy myself that the package of measures announced were not jeopardising the future of the Leigh area."

“In particular I welcome the inclusion of a rail station for Golborne and the dedicated bus route to Manchester. These are two key projects which I have campaigned for since my election in 2001. I want to thank all those who signed petitions and put pen to paper in support of a rail station for Golborne and both Ian McCartney and I will be meeting rail bosses in the near future to progress this issue."

“I also welcome the additional investment in rail services from Atherton and the improvements announced for Hindley railway station. These are both key issues which have been a feature of my constituency casework."

“I am satisfied that detailed analysis shows the combined package of investment in public transport and congestion charging would deliver far greater benefits to the region's economic growth and quality of life than either investment or a charging scheme alone.”

18/06/2008 - Andy blows his own trumpet in support of Wigan & Leigh Hospice

Winstanley College students have raised £200 for Wigan & Leigh Hospice with a 'Rocket Man' gig at Lowton Civic Hall.

Andy was on hand to present the cheque and the student musicians got more than they bargained for when Andy offered to play with them at a future gig.

Andy said, "I used to play a little bit of guitar and I told them that if, before they go to university, they arrange another concert in aid of the hospice, I would play with them."

"We hear so much about the bad things young people do but here is a great example of some of our talented youth helping those in our community who are on life's most difficult journey."

11/06/2008 - £49million Lottery Boost for the Borough

Andy Burnham has today welcomed news that over £49million of lottery grants were awarded to organisations in the Borough since the start of the National Lottery in 1995.

Organisations across the borough are securing grants and the Leigh MP is seeking to raise awareness of the availability of funding to assist diverse groups across the borough including local sports clubs, community groups, educational initiatives and environmental improvements.

Andy Burnham MP said, “I am really pleased that local groups are tapping into the grants that are available from the lottery, but I am sure that there are many more that would benefit from applying.”

“Lottery funding is providing a real boost for many organisations across the borough and during 2007/08, £3million has been awarded.”

“My message is simple, if you are involved in a local group and want to attract funding to assist in the development of a project then why not look to National Lottery Funding to help you achieve your goals?”

For further information visit the web at http://www.lotteryfunding.org.uk