LICHFIELD’S MP says former coal mining communities have been at the back of a list for support for far too long.
Cllr Dave Robertson made his comments at a Coalfields Regeneration Trust speech.
The Labour MP said areas such as Handsacre and Burntwood had been let down by previous Conservative governments.
He said:
“The pit patch coalfield in my area hasn’t had a Labour MP and a Labour government at the same time since 1974, so we have just crossed 50 years.
“I think that’s particularly acute in the town of Burntwood and the village of Handsacre because those areas have been ignored, starved of investment and have just been at the back of the list for far too long.
“But was is really clear when you reach out and speak to communities in those areas that there is absolutely no reason for that. Those communities are strong, vibrant, together and every single person is willing to work together and push it forwards. They just need the help of their MP and their government.”
Mr Robertson added that he was keen to ensure a brighter future for areas with a mining heritage.
“I’m proud to be part of a Labour government that will be driving that mission in all of our coalfields and all of our communities to make sure that everybody can thrive.
“Alongside amazing charities like the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, we can make a real difference and together we can breathe life back into those communities and return that economic prosperity to the areas that powered the world for a century.”
