We have been enjoying some lovely weather over the last few days and it looks like its set to last for at least another weeks. I can’t remember the last time we had such a long period of such hot weather with amazing clear blue sky though I do hope we haven’t used up all of our summer in one go.
Whilst this sun is welcome, my thoughts have been very much with the firefighters battling blazes across our moorland over the last week. Firefighters have been working in very difficult conditions on fires in Saddleworth Moor and Winter Hill for some days, however over the weekend, two huge wildfires on Winter Hill merged into one. Police have now declared it a major incident.
There are around 150 firefighters helping and efforts are being concentrated on safeguarding the television transmitter and communication masts on Winter Hill, as well as protecting nearby properties.
A 22-year-old was arrested earlier last week on suspicion of deliberately starting one of the fires – it seems absolutely madness that someone would deliberately start a fire that has led to so much damage and put peoples’ lives in such danger.
Unbelievably, I have had constituents contact me with reports of other people deliberately starting fires with branches in grass. What could start as a simple fire can, with the dry conditions, quickly turn into something much more serious. If you’re thinking about starting a fire – just don’t bother. The fire service are extremely busy as it is.
If you are out and about walking in the countryside, please be careful. Fires can be started even by accident – by cigarette butts and disposable barbeques. Even leaving glass bottles on grass can lead to a fires when sunlight shines through them.
The weather forecast looks like we’re not due to get any rain anytime soon. With the dry conditions set to continue, this will make things even more challenging for the fire service, particularly with the wind we have been having.
Please stay away from the area around Winter Hill, including the roads, whilst the fire is still blazing and please be careful when you’re out and about in the countryside. Let’s hope this fire goes out soon but we may have to wait for the sunshine to end with an almighty thunderstorm.
The Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson paid a visit to one of our area’s most important manufacturers. I was pleased to join him at defence manufacturers MBDA, followed by a visit to Broughton House, a charity for Greater Manchester veterans.
It was good to welcome the Secretary of State here – his visit shows the important of local manufacturing, as well as our ongoing support and work we do for our veterans’ community.
And lastly, I had the pleasure of attending Atherton Carnival recently. It is always a highlight in the calendar and I think that this year’s was the best yet.
I had a fantastic time on the top of the bus – complete with ukulele band! – as part of the procession and there were many great stalls and performances at Meadowbank playing fields. Speaking to people afterwards, I know that the carnival was enjoyed by all.
Around 2,000 people attended this year, with residents lining the streets to watch the procession of community groups, all in the glorious sunshine.
Atherton always has such fantastic community spirit – there are few places I can think of that match our town’s civic pride.
Thank you to the organisers for putting on such a fantastic event. I know Brian and Eileen Seddon and the rest of the carnival committee work tirelessly and their hard work paid off.
I’m already looking forward to next year’s carnival!