Rose Hill Marple Rail Services Saved From Temporary Axe

People power helps to save important rail service that links Hyde with Marple

From the 14 September, rail passengers in Hyde, Woodley and Marple would have been left high and dry by temporary changes to their rail service. In just over a week’s time, there would have been no trains from Rose Hill Marple apart from a once weekly parliamentary service. This would have meant more traffic congestion, little scope for social distancing on alternative routes, and more finicky journeys.

How COVID-19 was a Foil for Gerrymandering our ‘A’ Level Grades

Algorithm used to favour Eton over Eltham, Harrow over Harlow, and Millfield over Middleton

If you wish to better yourself, I urge you not to be Northern, working-class, nor a former pupil of a bog-standard comprehensive or academy in an impoverished area. That it seems is the message we are getting from this year’s ‘A’ Level results. A staggering 40% of results were downgraded from the teachers’ predictions at each College of Further Education and Sixth Form Department.

Rishi’s Meal Deal: Let Them Eat Luncheon Vouchers

Midweek meal ticket plan offers no real deal for families hit by Coronavirus

In the last two days since Chancellor Rishi Sunak made his Summer Statement, I was reminded of two things. The first was a children’s television programme which inspired two stunning C64 games. The second one was a more contemporary reference: a radio advert for Confused.com with references to cheap carbonara. In the advert, there is some confusion over cheap car insurance deals or cheap pasta meals.

I shall focus on the latter reference as few people under the age of 30 would have heard of Junior Kickstart. (Unless they have Half Man Half Biscuit’s This Leaden Pall LP where it is mentioned on the final track, Footprints). Kickstart (as in Sunak’s future employment programme) may be dealt with in a separate East of the M60 post.

Northern Nationalised: Franchise Transfers from Arriva Rail North to DfT

Northern franchise taken over by DfT as Operator of Last Resort from the 01 March

After several rumours and persistent lobbying by Northern English political figures in the last six months, it was announced today that Arriva lost its Northern rail franchise. Under the Anglo-German company’s tenure, the rail franchise was dogged by poor service, delayed rolling stock deliveries and gross overcrowding.

Why This Year’s General Election Is Our Most Critical One To Date

Why you MUST vote in the 2019 General Election

In the last century, there has been two General Elections that have changed the course of British society forever. One of them led to the creation of our Welfare State – most notably our National Health Service. The other one led to the privatisation of our public services and the taming of the labour movement.

TV Licences: Another Tory Promise Down the Tubes

Non-means tested free TV licence plan for over-75s binned

We’ve been here before, haven’t we? Anyone with half a brain would know that a Conservative Party election promise has the longevity of a Primark suit. As we age, our brain power begins to wane unless we exercise our mind with sudokus, quizzes or other creative activities.

It’s Up the Poll! 2019: Tameside’s Local Election Results

East of the M60‘s look at 2019’s local election results

• Lee Huntbach becomes Tameside’s first ever Green Party councillor;
• Shibley Alam gains Hyde Werneth seat from Conservatives – with a slender majority of five;
• So near yet so far for Stalybridge Town Party candidates;
• Plus details of the Mossley Town Council parish election results.

In what was supposedly not the best of nights for the Labour and Conservative parties, Labour maintained its hold in the Tameside MBC chambers. Throughout the North West of England, independent candidates and local parties had chipped away at the major parties.

It’s Up the Poll! 2019: Tameside’s Local Elections

East of the M60‘s preview of 2019’s local elections

Yes, folks, it is that time again: local election time. At this time of writing, one of two elections taking place this month. The other elections are the European Elections which the Tories have tried to wriggle out of due to their Brexit negotiations.

It’s Up the Poll! 2018: Tameside’s Local Election Results

East of the M60‘s look at 2018’s local election results

• Business as usual in Tameside as Labour retains hold on borough;
• National picture of UKIP vote going to Tories echoed in Tameside;
• Stalybridge Town Party challenges main two parties in the town’s three wards.

If you followed the BBC’s Local Election coverage, you would have noticed how Labour’s results have been portrayed as a crushing defeat. Or at worst a stalemate, in spite of getting its highest number of councillors since 1971. On the other hand, the Conservatives saw improved figures, due to the near collapse of UKIP.

Budget 2017: Money For Brexit (and Changes to UC)

East of the M60‘s frank verdict on Philip Hammond’s 2017 Budget

• Brexit department biggest winner of 2017 Budget;
• Slight changes for Universal Credit claimants;
• 16 – 25 Railcard extended to cover persons born from 1986 to 1991;
• Stamp Duty scrapped for first time buyers.

More than anything, today’s budget was a disappointment. Firstly, we are no clearer as to whether the Trans-Pennine electrification work is going ahead in its unabridged form. Secondly, it seems as if the money for the terrorist attack at Manchester Arena has gone to the Department for Exiting the European Union. Thirdly, those good eggs have cut the waiting time for Universal Credit (but don’t all rush at once).