Christmas 2007

Uncertainty still hangs over our estate but we will enjoy the festivities and look forward to 2008 with renewed determination to keep the homes we love.

Council have told us for 6 months that "it's only a proposal nothing has been decided" - not good enough.

We have given West Lancashire District Council our own "proposal" - refurbishment - and handed plans (our plan "B") for improvement to the area including external paintings, general maintenance of the area and street cleaning. These 3 programmes were halted to enable to estate to run down as they appear to be doing throughout Skelmersdale. We know this is the case, W.L.D.C. deny it, we live here so we know exactly what the plan is. This plan will not work it only strengthens our resolve to have proposals for demolition removed from regeneration plans for the town centre. The support we have grows by the day through letters of offers of help involving many local agencies and associations, schools, the Green Party (spokesman Peter Cranie), the Ecumenical Centre(spokesman Reverend Mick Neil), the Labour Group led by County Councillor Terry Rice, Firbeck Dental Practice and thousands of Skelmersdale people. The draft proposals have been moved back yet again, they will now be out for public scrutiny in mid March. At that time W.L.D.C. cabinet members have agreed to meet the Campaign Group and hold discussions. At the end of 6 months since we knew of these proposals and nearing New Year we ask the Council and their cabinet to treat us fairly, honestly and with the same respect we afford them. Listen to the people, after all W.L.D.C. maintains they always "want the best" for us. It is time the people of Skelmersdale found their voice and let this Tory run Council know that "enough is enough" and Skelmersdale will decide what it needs.

At a full Council meeting on Wednesday, 12th December, a County Councillor raised the subject of £750,000 which came to the Council "for Skelmersdale", every penny of that money was spent outside in Ormskirk! Is that fair?

W.L.D.C. now intend to close the Cash Offices in the Concourse, Skelmersdale and in Ormskirk on June 30th, 2008. Is that fair?

Firbeck and Findon residents could lose their homes for more (private) to be built. Is that fair?

We are not opposed to the plans to bring the town centre up to date but the land we occupy cannot be so important that we are dispersed and lose our community and our lives to be disrupted for good. How fair can it be if a couple, or single parent, loses a structually sound 3 bedroomed house to end up forcibly in a flat? IT'S NOT FAIR AND IT'S NOT RIGHT.

Homeowners to be offered market price plus 10% home loss payment. After working to provide themselves with a home they want for retirement it would be impossible to purchase like for like with such a shameful offer. THAT'S NOT FAIR AND IT'S NOT RIGHT.