OPINION: 'A week of political drama at the town hall'

Derek Long isn’t a name that will be too familiar with Star readers.

But he has been an important part of the council cabinet over the past year and comes with experience in local government and the civil service.

His immediate job has been to steady the ship after the sudden resignation of Barrie Grunewald.

However, with local elections around the corner, further political twists could await. Next Thursday’s elections will be followed days later by the St Helens Labour Group’s annual meeting where other candidates are expected to throw their hats into the ring for a further leadership vote.

Whoever wins that will be in position to lead the political direction of the town hall.

Meanwhile, last week saw the first meeting of the Joint Agency Group, which will aim to tackle crime and disorder issues in the town centre.

The group includes representatives of the police and fire services, youth services, the town centre management team, councillors and community groups.

Star readers have been crying out for action in the town centre. For too long issues such as professional begging (see page 12), drunkenness and youth disorder – particularly on some evenings – have rumbled on, seemingly without being addressed.

The group – dubbed the JAG – must show it has teeth and is not just a talking shop.

If it can do something about those issues and find a sustainable solution to prevent problems recurring then its creation will be welcomed.

Finally, it was a great pleasure to attend the St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals staff awards on Friday night, where the Star presented the People’s Choice Award (which is based on nominations from our readers) to the Maternity Department.

Working in the NHS is an immensely challenging job – and as you will have read in the Star and the national press – the demands have reached unprecedented levels this year.

The staff deserve their night of celebration and their moment in the spotlight. Congratulations to all the winners.