The not-so-magic money tree is shaken again for delayed youth provision in Westhoughton

Westhoughton Liberal Democrats have announced a 'new £20,000 grant for Westhoughton youth and play services'; this comes after the most recent Westhoughton Town Council meeting held on Mon 26th June 2023. According to the Liberal Democrat page, 'My Westhoughton' it is claimed that the money has been made available from 'existing funding for youth provision' and 'leftover funds that were previously designated for the Coronation'.

Although this 'new' grant is positive for the area it is also important to remember how we got here. Unfortunately, the 'existing funding for youth provision' is only available as a result of the MISMANAGEMENT of the Town Council by the Liberal Democrats. This funding was intended to be paid to BLGC (Bolton Lads and Girls Club) in exchange for youth services in Westhoughton this year. This funding has been provided to BLGC each year for a number of years until this year when the opportunity to support this scheme was MISSED due to the Liberals missing an email from BLGC regarding the program. This information was uncovered when I brought the topic of youth services up at a meeting of the Town Council held on Tuesday 30th May 2023, OVER 5 WEEKS AGO.

In the article, Lib Dem Councillor Arthur Price, who represents Wingates ward, said: “Sadly youth and play services have been severely cut by the Tories and have been in decline for years". As much as I absolutely agree with this statement it is also true that this year kids in Westhoughton are likely to continue to go without play and youth services due to the actions, or rather lack of actions, of the Liberal Democrats. In addition to this, It is worth noting that the money 'previously designated for the Coronation' is the entire Coronation money pot. This is because the Lib Dems decided not to provide any local events or ways for the public to get involved in the celebrations in our town.

It seems very clear to me that, although the Liberal Democrats proclaim to be supporting our children and families in Westhoughton, their painfully slow approach to making decisions along with their blatant mismanagement of the Town Council means that local families miss out again and again.