LABOUR is going from strength to strength and Radcliffe sons are leading the way!

That was the verdict of Bury South members at their recent annual meeting.

The new constituency chairman is Radcliffe North councillor Tim Chamberlain, who takes over from Radcliffe Central councillor Kevin Scarlett.

Coun Chamberlain said it was an honour to take charge in this "exciting" coming year which would see both the local and European elections.

"We look forward to these campaigns with great confidence," he said, adding that the people had confidence in Labour's integrity and ability to deliver on its promises.

"I am also confident that during the next 12 months people will continue to see the real changes brought about by this Labour government."

The constituency party, which covers Radcliffe, Whitefield and Prestwich, has enjoyed a healthy rise in membership during the last year.

Outgoing chairman, Coun Scarlett, said the Government had achieved a great deal both locally and nationally. "Bury Council is delivering one of the highest quality education services in the country," he said.

"The Health Action Zone bid and the plans for a major extension of Fairfield Hospital will ensure that we have the highest quality health care for the new millennium."

Bury South MP, Ivan Lewis told the meeting that Labour would continue to fulfil its manifesto commitments.

He said that, of the 177 pledges made, the Government had delivered 63, another 109 were on course, and just five had yet to be timetabled.

Upcoming laws would reform the House of Lords, boost the NHS, provide fairness at work and reform the welfare system including bringing in the working family tax credit.

"The forthcoming year will see the introduction of the national minimum wage and the restoration of free eye tests to pensioners," he added. "This is clear proof that Labour is delivering for the people of Bury South."

Other officers elected for the coming year were: vice-chairmen, Linda Harwood and Colin Jones; treasurer, Sylvia Mason; secretary, Margaret Broderick; membership secretary, Ian Walsh; Young Labour, Patrick Heneghan.

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