Burnley & Nelson Stories

[Mitch]

My colleague and I were sitting in the park with twenty children, whose ages ranged from three to fifteen years. We decided to take the children around the lake onto the playing fields, two girls who walked ahead were accosted by two older girls and their headscarves were grabbed off their heads and thrown into the river. As we encountered the girls and their friends they began hurling racial abuse at us, we ignored them and walked towards the playground, but they followed us and as soon as our children began playing, the two girls joined by their friends began harassing the children, pushing them around and pushing the swings until the children were terrified. I gathered the children together away from the swings. The children saw that the roundabout was free and all rushed towards it, with the result that the teenagers went over and started crazily turning it faster and faster until all the children were screaming. I rushed towards a young man, carrying the three year old and pleaded with him to intervene, as he brought it to a stop the girls lashed out at him and then, being incited by their woman friend, who was in charge of two babies in a pram, they darted about hitting and grabbing the children. I put the child down and with my good arm (the other being in a plaster cast) lunged at the woman and grabbing her by the throat began shaking her and told her to stop it. Once the children were gathered together in a group I let go and we quickly marched towards the exit. As we attempted to leave we were threatened and harangued until two adult males came to our aid. Even in spite of that they continued throwing twigs and branches at us, one branch skimmed passed the head of a three week old baby, as the mother looked on in horror.

To cut a long story short the police arrived, they said they could have had a word with the girls but as they had now gone off across the road it didn’t seem appropriate. I complained about this attitude only to be told, “We’re sick up to here of your domestic disputes!”.

From that day on I knew we would have to look out for ourselves, that is the reality for anyone who is a little bit different.

[Mitch]

A STATEMENT BY LOCAL TRADE UNIONISTS

BURNLEY - A TOWN TO BE PROUD OF.

"Burnley is a great town with a proud history. It's people played a pivotal role in the industrial revolution, without which the technological wonders of our age would have been impossible. People came from all over to make their homes here. How tragic that a mention of Burnley in the media does not now relate to the achievements of our people, or even to the Clarets, but to the chaos and destruction of the disturbances in 2001.

Local politicians, community campaigners, trade unionists, local businesses and religious groups are seeking to unite and rebuild the reputation and future of our town amidst a real debate about policies. There are real problems, but the Government have listened to local campaigners and are committing massive resources to improve housing and schools.

RECORD OF FAILURE.

Yet the BNP seek to drag us all down. Don't be fooled. They conceal neo-fascist politics behind a veneer of pavement politics. Their party has faced severe internal divisions. They have done nothing and said little since being elected. Voters are entitled to know why their councillors do not speak freely about their politics and ideas for Burnley. They have only been outspoken when attacking attempts by local Councillors and campaigners to secure improvements, like the £150 million that may come our way to improve our schools. Or BNP Councillor Brian Turner for Cliviger & Worsthorne attacking, to the disgust of local residents, the Cliviger Challenge aimed at improving facilities in the area.

They have used the disturbances to cynically turn Burnley folk against one another. They staggered everyone when they announced to the world in July 2003 that they would make no policy proposals until they get more Councillors, June 2004 at the absolute earliest. They then proved their point by steadfastly refusing to make proposals at the crucial Budget Meeting. This meeting deals with crucial spending priorities for the year and Council Tax levels. Burnley voters are entitled to expect that a party that claims to be an opposition makes clear where it stands. But no, only silence. They have been rejected in two by-elections, one caused by a violent incident. They were then rocked by the resignation of Maureen Stowe who became an Independent to better serve her constituents.
The BNP have not progressed any of their election promises. There is not an opposition party in history that has got away with such dereliction of duty. Whilst local Councillors, community campaigners and trade unionists press for more resources and better jobs and services for Burnley, the BNP apparently will keep us in suspense until they win power. Providing apathy doesn't win the day, this can be stopped if Burnley people turn out and use their vote, a right which was hard fought for, and vote on the real issues.
THE REAL BNP
Many people who were taken in by the BNP now regret it. Thinking they were new and different, a number of Burnley people gave them a chance, perhaps in some cases as a protest against other parties. Yet the truth is, the BNP are not concerned about the problems of Burnley. They are a party lead by extremist anti-Semitic zealots who use genuine concerns to whip up racial hatred. Their arrogance was demonstrated by their leader, Nick Griffin who accused Tory leader Michael Howard of coming onto "his turf" when he visited the town. What a cheek. Griffin does not live in the North West, let alone Burnley. His claim is based on their successes last year. Yet the 8500 who voted BNP are only 13% of the 65000 entitled to vote. Burnley is not a BNP town. If the decent majority vote, they can be stopped.

[Mitch]

About stories, my local spare shop has been under attack in that the local BNP councillor and Burnley and Pendle community housing have accused them of selling drink to underaged kids. Fortunately he told me that because there was no proof just hearsay, the case has been dropped. He has agreed to be on the site moreover because after the first elections where the BNP did well people would come in and say they wouldn't shop there any more and youths were jumping on his car. He also wrote to the papers last summer about the youths hanging around his shop many of whom come from Padiham. There is a family in padiham who have had their house/shop fire bombed. Also there is the question of the BNP using other people's grief to capitalize on bad feeling towards ethnic minorities. A woman from my works lost her granchild to a hit and run driver who was a refugee that had been refused leave to stay. The BNP used this as a campaign and she went on tv to denounce the BNP for doing so. Similarly a case involving a young lad who was stabbed by asians. The family are fighting to get a memorial removed that the BNP erected without their permission. If I hear anything else I'll send it.

[octoberlost]

Have you lot thought of doing a newsletter, where you could publicise alot of this stuff?

[Mitch]

octoberlost said:

Have you lot thought of doing a newsletter, where you could publicise alot of this stuff?

Octoberlost - what a brilliant idea.

Here's another brilliant idea - why don't you get your arse to Burnley and set up a newsletter.

In the meantime this web forum serves well as a newsletter, and has the added advantage of opening up access for contributions from everyone - bottom up, octoberlost, hey wot.

You could also make yourself useful by handing out some of this leaflet - I'll email it to you if you can find the time.

[michele cryer]

Hey Mitch, fantastic set of posts..and yeehaa..the leaflet..lol...I still have to get my arse out and about and start leaving them in popular places...and popping them thru the occasional letter box

Thanks for highlighting these stories...

[francis]

Fight the Fascists.

When they came for the communists , we were not communists, - so we did nothing.

When they came for the Jews, we were not Jews, - so we did nothing.

When they came for the Social Democrats, we were not Social Democrats, - so we did nothing.

When they came for the Trade Unionists, we were not Trade Unionists, - so we did nothing.

When they came for the liberals and intellectuals, we were scared, - -so we did nothing.

When they came for us, we looked for help, - but we were alone.

Martin Niemoller.

1st, World War, U. Boat Commander. Post War, Baptist Minister and Pacifist.

2nd, World War. Anti-Hitler Conspirator, Pacifist and Concentration Camp Victim.

The above was printed by 'Spider' for Burnley Anarchist Group.

[francis]

Re Statement by Local Trade Unionists.

Whilst I support the aims of the Local Trade Unionists in wanting to unite against the Fascists, it is misleading to single them out for blame. What we should look at is what made so many local people vote for them and
give them so much support?

What we have had over the last fifty years is a gradual collapse of political will by the political parties to protect and defend working class interests,,never mind advance them. Social Democratic politics have been seen as a failure.

The politicians, at the top, were simply servants of international corporatism. The needs of the working class for a decent life were ignored. Filth nd refuse lay in the streets uncollected. What is more the local parties ignored the pleas of the working class for help. Their only concern was for re-election. As long as they got the vote at election time our needs could be forgotten.

The Fascists might be all the things attributed to them in the Trade Union Letter, but they had more sense that the left or the Labour and Trade Union activists. They saw an opening and took it. Young men, respectful and well dressed armed with literature and videos paid visits to anyone who showed any interest at all. The Fascists were given real support by the Labour and Conservatives getting on the racist / immigration bandwagon. Further it is well to realise that the Fascists bore the brunt of a well sustained onslaught at this last set of elections and whilst they lost one seat they gained another. I pay all respect to the trade union activists who gave out copies of Searchlight and other anti-fascist literature but remember they gave out literature supporting the Labour Council and Labour Party. They gave out literature that told people to cast their vote for anyone but the BNP. Yet the fascists, as vile as they are, have not made inroads in to working class living standards, through miserable pensions, or stood to one side whilst greedy capitalists have driven coach and horses through working class retirement pension. Neither have they taken us in to a series of wars without ever asking or seeking our agreement. There was at no time a real discussion about Yugoslavia and they resorted to downright lies regarding Iraq.

What should we do then?

We should stop supporting our oppressors with time and money! Cut out of the Union Levy. Refuse to vote at elections, local or national. Resign from individual membership of the Labour Party.

Then begin reconstruction. Build working class organisations. Community Councils, Workers Councils
on site. Residents Associations and Tenants Councils, all of which shoul;d be affiliated through Local, Regional and National bodies.

Weshould surely work through our own ideas and bodies. Bodies that are responsible tothe working classes not to some remote political party or Government. We have to grow up and begin to take decisions on events and policies that affect the lives of our families and friends, policies that effect the whole class.

[Mitch]

Euston we have a problem!

It is impossible to get through to a doctors surgery by phone most of the time in Nelson. I have spoken to several people in Nelson about this and they have had similar problems.


I'm sure the Liberals in Pendle are onto it - NOT.

[michele cryer]

Well said Mitch, I too have heard lots of complaints about this situation and it is about time somebody addressed it...

[Mitch]

www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/4975

www.guardian.co.uk/arts/news/story/0,,1341889,00.html

news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/uk/2000/newsmakers/1913049.stm

www.totalcress.co.uk/jeremyhardy/jeremyhardyswork.html

I do think Burnley Borough Council were a bunch of prats for cancelling the Jeremy Hardy show at the Mechanics, and I signed a letter to the Burnley Express to that effect.

What I also think though is that again an opportunist media have used Burnley as some metaphoric backdrop - taking this comedians comment out of context. What I'd be interested to see would be a full transcription of his interview on 'Address to the Nation', Radio 4. The comment that the media homed in on was made within the context of ..... He wasn't inciting anyone to violence, he was critiquing "the attitudes of the left and its attempts to rationalise all types of behaviour and views - in this case those of the BNP".
(see -http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/uk/2000/newsmakers/1913049.stm)


I want the context, but can find it nowhere as usual. Did anyone out there hear the full episode of 'Address to the Nation', radio 4. To note, apparently he was lamthingying attitdues of the left in the address - bet you won't find that angle in Socialist Worker.

So congratualations again to the national media, certain left groups, and Burnley Borough Council idiots for stiffling debate, creativity and contextual understanding.

What does anyone else think about this?? And is anyone out there digging into the context of Hardy's comments.

Perhaps Jeremy can help us here, and post a full transcript of the address on this forum so we can get the full picture??

[michele cryer]

www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/news/2004/11/03/15262.shtml

I have not been able to find a full transcript of the interview online either, however I have written to the staff at the above website and requested a copy of it...hopefully they will send me one!!

[Mitch]

IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM CRAG - Cloverhill Residents Action Group

"The Mobile telephone company Hutchinson 3G UK has applied for planning consent to build a 30 Metre/100ft high cell phone mast at the end of Brunswick Street at Lima Engineering on the G Plan saw mill site. If you object to this development you must make your objections known to the Planning Department, c/o The Town Hall, Market Street, Nelson, before the 6th December 2004. There will be a petition circulating around the most affected area and you can also contact your local councillors and MP".


www.pendle.gov.uk/planning/planning_home.html
Pendle Borough Council Planning Department

Alternatively, as I have, email them at:
[e-mail]

This proposed mobile phone mast at the end of Brunswick Street borders a large Nelson residential area, and is very close to mine and many of my friend's houses.

Here's a link to an interesting article by Caroline Lucus of the Green Party - note in this article countries like Sweden and Italy have strong regulations on placing mobile phone masts near residential areas. Also note the lack of public information given out by central government in the UK.

www.carolinelucasmep.org.uk/news/Mastsanity050303.htm

And here's some extracts from letters of protest sent by local residents in other areas - found on:
www.mastsanity.org

"I am greatly concerned about the effect the radiation from this mast may have on my health and those living close to it. No-one should have their health placed at risk when clear, unequivocal concerns have been raised by nationally appointed health bodies on the long term health effects of constant bombardment by microwave radiation. This technology has not yet been proved as safe. I (and the majority of my neighbours) have deep-seated concerns and worries regarding mobile masts and their perceived detrimental effect on health grounds. Current research on this matter has merely concentrated on the effects of tissue heating only from microwave emitting antenna. There is, however, a large body of scientific research that now challenges this view with regard to other possible symptoms such as increased cancer risk, sterility, etc"

[Mitch]

The email I sent earlier to the Planning Department, Pendle Borough Council:

To: [e-mail]

Re: Concerns over errection of High Cell Phone Mast at the End of Brunswick Street, Nelson

TO THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, NELSON TOWN HALL

I am greatly concerned about the effect the radiation from this 30 Metre/100ft high cell phone mast, requested planning permission submitted by Hutchinson 3GUK. I'm particularly concerned about the effects such masts may have on my health and those living close to it. No-one should have their health placed at risk when clear, unequivocal concerns have been raised by nationally appointed health bodies on the long term health effects of constant bombardment by microwave radiation. This technology has not yet been proved as safe. Myself and many of my friends in Nelson have strong concerns and worries regarding mobile masts and their perceived detrimental effect on health grounds. Current research on this matter has merely concentrated on the effects of tissue heating only from microwave emitting antenna. There is, however, a large body of scientific research that now challenges this view with regard to other possible symptoms such as increased cancer risk, sterility, etc.

I strongly object to the errection of such a Mast just several yards from my front door in Nelson, and hope that you will refuse planning permission for this directly adjacent to such a large residential area. I find it unbelievable that you are actually even considering such a plan in a current context of inconclusive research into the effects of Mobile Phone Masts placed close to residential areas. Perhaps you are aware that countries like Italy and Sweden have strong legislation preventing such action.


A very concerned local resident
(address)

[michele cryer]

Thank you for pointing out this matter Mitch...would be a good idea for lots of us to copy the gist of your email to the council, and write our own...

[Mitch]

There are three types of phone systems in use - 2nd generation phones, straight forward telephone, and 3rd generation phones (which allow pictures and other information to be exchanged and permits access to the internet. There is also TETRA which is used by the police and emergency services. Each operate at different frequencies.

Hutchison are very active with their new 3G MAST rollout. Having publicaly claimed that they are very sympathetic to people’s concerns, by holding regular public consultations. However, when they found a loophole, they decided to install a base station on Habergham Mill, which would send their main beams onto two schools, namely St Hilda’s RC High School and Cherryfold Primary School. The antennae are 26m above ground and had this been a free standing mast it would have required full planning consent and Hutchison would have to consult with the Governors of these schools. Not only did they not consult, they did not even inform them of their proposal. Secondly they have put in an appeal against the refusal by Burnley Development Control Committee to place antennae on a chimney in the conservation area of Briercliffe. Over 500 people signed a petition against this installation together with over 70 letters of objection. This ‘caring’ company is ignoring completely the public’s wishes.

Hutchison are off again trying to errect a 3G 100ft telecomms tower in Brunswick St, Nelson. Cloverhill Residents are coming together, collecting a petition to stop this, but hopefully building a broader campaign to stop this unscrupulous company who have no regard for public health from rolling out their masts across Burnley and Pendle.

MEETING TONIGHT AT ST JOHNS SOUTHWORTH SOCIAL CENTRE, VAUGHAN ST, NELSON, 5TH JAN, 7.30PM

MORE NEWS TOMORROW ON DEVELOPMENTS.


Note Hutchison's partners - www.hutchison3g.com/aboutus/partner.omp

For more information see:
www.mastsanity.org/

[Mitch]

Last night's meeting of Walvenden Residents Together Against MASTS went very well, and continued on till nearly 10pm!

Those involved are well researched on the issues, and I learnt much from the meeting.

Central government have received huge payouts from large phone companies who want to roll out these Masts.

This 100ft Mast at Lima Engineering near Walvenden reservoir was not questioned by it's largely casual workforce - when approached to sign the petition. There is no doubt fear of losing what already is 'precarious!' employment. Lima Engineering will be receiving a large amount - in site rent fees from Hutchison per annum.

Consultation with the local community has been practically non-existent, Hutchison look for loopholes, and Pendle Borough Council are happy to comply.

There will be a stand in Nelson Town Centre this Saturday 8th, from 11am-1pm. All welcome to support and assist.

A decision will be made at the meeting on Monday, 10th January at 7pm at Nelson Town Hall, Market Street as to whether this Mast will be given the goahead. Again all public support/attendance in the public gallery welcome.

[michele cryer]

Thanks for bringing the mast situations of Burnley and Nelson to our attention...I will be happy to assist with the stand on Saturday...

[Mitch]

OH MY GOD - HERE COMES THAT NEW LABOUR CARROT
HANDS UP IF YOU THINK BURNLEY ACTION PARTNERSHIP (BAP) IS A LOAD OF MARKETING C R A P!

www.burnleytoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=12&ArticleID=931813

www.burnleytoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=12&ArticleID=931837

Private money, private business influence and control coming to Burnley big time.

One of their 'A brighter future is in the pipeline" bullet points is, guess what,

EXPANSION OF TESCO SUPERSTORE - fantastic, more low paid jobs, excellent.

Another one is:

NEW HOMEBASE SUPERSTORE

Another one is:

NEW TECHNOLOGY CENTRE ON MICHELIN SITE
(that'll be another throw-up IT centre to replace the one they've just pulled out of at Shuttleworth Mead, Padiham).

Peter Pike says, 'We are at an exciting time in Burnley...'.

Hype, bollocks, vomit vomit.

Who will bite the carrot - community groups? local government councillors and workers, left groups (mentioning no names!?).

Watch out, a second part of the phase - 'Better Burnley - a new view' is an invasion of an 'army of ambassadors'. Have Burnley Council representatives been taking lessons from Bush and his warmongering lingo?

They create the problems, then come in top down to our communities to save the day and sort the problems out. Oh dear, I recognise a few faces in the photo on the front page of the Burnley Express today. I hope they all choke on the carrot. They are biting hard and looking rather busy! Meanwhile, many in Burnley and Nelson are on casual contracts and low pay struggling to make ends meet.