Linthwaite youngsters in spotlight for right reason

FOLLOWING all the bad press regarding a group of youngsters in Linthwaite over the past few months, I would like to praise a group of youngsters from Linthwaite Methodist Young Players who have given up their time to attend rehearsals for a great performance of Cinderella.

The acting, singing and dancing by the youngsters was brilliantly performed, and the costumes and props were excellent, especially the carriage.

A massive thank-you to all the adults involved who also give up their time to help the show happen every year; without their help these youngsters would not be able to show off their talents.

The pantomime brought back great memories of when I stood on the same stage as a teenager performing in shows. I hope these youngsters will have the same happy memories in years to come as I and many other people will have.

Once again a big thank-you to all involved. season, a time when many families are struggling financially, I’m supporting The Children’s Society campaign to protect the estimated 15,700 children living in problem debt in Kirklees.

Children living in families in problem debt are five times more likely to be unhappy than children in families without debt troubles. That’s why we’re calling on the Government to introduce a ‘Breathing Space’ scheme – to give parents time to get their finances back in order and repay their debts in a safe and affordable way.

Too often families fall into debt because of unexpected life events. They need time and space to get their finances back on track to repay their debts, rather than being chased by bailiffs and having fees and charges added, pushing them ever deeper into a perpetual cycle of debt.

At a time when some families are being forced to cut back on essentials like food and heating, we need our politicians to get behind this campaign to help protect families in Kirklees from falling further into the debt trap.