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The Times they are a-changing. Mike Hill and The Big Launch
It was with a sense of excitement and a sense of the community changing, that
people gathered at The Big Launch of Michael Hill’s election campaign on
Tuesday 10th February at Ribby Hall Village.
The invitation-only event was busy and buzzing with ideas and plans for the
months ahead. A highly professional event, guests were treated to bubbly and
canapés in the Garden Room decorated fittingly with balloons and banners.
Guests came from all quarters of the Fylde. Business people, members of local
fracking groups, Fylde residents, friends and family all sported their ‘Vote Hill’
rosettes and discussed the campaign literature, ideas for events and
canvassing strategies.
Michael made a more relaxed speech than most people are used to from his
fracking talks to explain his reasons behind standing for parliament. Although
not a single issue candidate, it was expected that fracking would be high on his
list as a shale gas expert and engineer. He highlighted the successes that he
and the community had had in highlighting the damage fracking would cause
to ‘this beautiful area in which we are all proud to live’. He emphasised the
variety of people and the variety of ways in which people had and were
continuing to contribute to protecting the Fylde area. This partnership had
been ‘humbling at times’ said Hill and he did not take for granted the efforts
people had made.
At the same time, Hill also felt it was important to note that local democratic
control would soon be lost by the ordinary people. Although L.C.C’s decision
on April 30th regarding the planning applications at Roseacre and Preston New
Road was very important, the Conservative party had made it clear through the
comments in George Osbourne’s letter leaked to the Guardian, that central
government would overrule decisions and impose its will on Lancashire. Hill
emphasized that the Fylde’s MP would be the key line of defence when it came
to protecting the Fylde. ‘’What we need is strong, capable and competent MP
to make the case against fracking. I am confident I can fulfil that role on behalf
of my family, for your families and for the Fylde.’’ It was a Big Ask at a Big
Launch but the guests were enthusiastic and more importantly galvanised for
the work ahead!
Promoted by Mandy Mills: Unit 2, Skyways Commercial Campus, Aviation House, Amy Johnson Way,
Blackpool Lancashire FY4 3RS on behalf of Michael Hill at same address