There is change ahead

Ever so often I get presented with a new pair of slippers. Hadn’t asked for them, didn’t think I needed them as the current pair do just fine, thank you.

They stay unworn for a while. Then the old one’s head towards the slipper graveyard, sometimes snatched in a last moment , but short lived, stay of execution.

Then I put my footwear bereavement behind me and find that the new, well intended slippers were equally as good, if not better than their predecessors. Then a year or three later, guess what happens...

I’ve initiated and implemented some pretty big changes over the years:- in our wonderful King George’s Hall here in Blackburn, Waves leisure pool, making our sports and leisure facilities more available to more people, the all weather facilities in Witton, our much envied chain of community centres, improving our schools and teaching across the Borough.

I once stopped and listened from a distance to the sound of children playing in a school playground; laughing, shouting, singing.

I helped in a little way to create that glorious sound of children innocently doing what they should; enjoying their childhood.

But now we’re in for a few very bumpy years, aren’t we?

Massive cuts for councils, the Police, Fire and Rescue and other people services like the health and social care, schools and colleges and our highly revered voluntary, community and faith sector.

I don’t envy our local leaders, be they in town halls or elsewhere.

There is change ahead.

We have to face up to it and try and shape it into opportunity.