HOME Secretary Dr John Reid visited Accrington today (Tuesday) to help Hyndburn Labour Party launch its Local Election campaign.
Dr Reid met local members including Hyndburn MP Greg Pope, Councillor Graham Jones, leader of Hyndburn Labour Party and the borough's youngest party member, 17-year-old Jessica Ibrahim.
They talked about issues affecting the borough, including the recent taxi licensing scandal exposed by the Observer, in which a convicted sex offender was granted a private hire licence by Hyndburn Borough Council. Dr Reid praised the Observer for its campaign in highlighting the need for women to feel safe taking taxis in the borough
He also discussed the need for neighbourhood wardens, more police and community safety officers and anti-social behaviour.
And, he also had words of encouragement for Accrington Stanley football club as it faces a relegation battle, saying: "Like football and as in politics, it is not just the skill but endurance and the capacity to keep going when everything looks very difficult. That's the difference betwen those who show leaderships and stay and those who don't."
