Lazy Burnley MP scared into representing his constituancy by the BNP
Jack | 08.04.2002 15:13
How the BNP "threat" has encouraged a lazy local MP to actually talk to his constituants for a change.
BNP Keeps Peter Pike on his Toes
You would have thought that the British National Party were the last organisation that would be calling the tune for Burnley's Labour MP Peter Pike. But since the BNP's local electoral breakthrough in June, Peter's life just seems to revolve around the BNP and everything he does is related to their growing support in the town.
Residents of Rosehill were flabbergasted when he knocked on their doors during the November by-election to ask them not to support the BNP. Sophie Gardner of Burnley Wood didn't even know who he was!
"He might have been my MP for the last 18 years, but I had never seen him before November. When I told him I was voting BNP he got very excited and called one of his colleagues over. They spent ten minutes telling me how Labour would promise to listen more to people in the future."
The Burnley MP is now so worried by the growth of the BNP in the town that he is to take to the streets in a bid to improve his relationship with constituents.
"This year I am going to meet my constituents on their own street. This should overcome any difficulties they may have with getting out and travelling into town to see me."
Following their MP's lead, Burnley's Labour Council has also promised to listen more. To publicised these new credentials are launching a pilot scheme of 'Area Forums' which will apparently give people a greater say in how the town is run, and how money is spent.
"Everyone wants to listen to us now," says a delighted Mrs Gardner 64, who has lived in Burnley Wood all her life.
"Before the BNP were around, nobody listened to us and nobody cared. I think they are the best thing that has happened to Burnley."
You would have thought that the British National Party were the last organisation that would be calling the tune for Burnley's Labour MP Peter Pike. But since the BNP's local electoral breakthrough in June, Peter's life just seems to revolve around the BNP and everything he does is related to their growing support in the town.
Residents of Rosehill were flabbergasted when he knocked on their doors during the November by-election to ask them not to support the BNP. Sophie Gardner of Burnley Wood didn't even know who he was!
"He might have been my MP for the last 18 years, but I had never seen him before November. When I told him I was voting BNP he got very excited and called one of his colleagues over. They spent ten minutes telling me how Labour would promise to listen more to people in the future."
The Burnley MP is now so worried by the growth of the BNP in the town that he is to take to the streets in a bid to improve his relationship with constituents.
"This year I am going to meet my constituents on their own street. This should overcome any difficulties they may have with getting out and travelling into town to see me."
Following their MP's lead, Burnley's Labour Council has also promised to listen more. To publicised these new credentials are launching a pilot scheme of 'Area Forums' which will apparently give people a greater say in how the town is run, and how money is spent.
"Everyone wants to listen to us now," says a delighted Mrs Gardner 64, who has lived in Burnley Wood all her life.
"Before the BNP were around, nobody listened to us and nobody cared. I think they are the best thing that has happened to Burnley."
Jack
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