Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Former Tory boss paints the town blue

Sue Carr
9/ 5/2005

GLOSSOP shoppers spotted a famous face poring over the fruit and veg on Friday.

Former Conservative leader William Hague visited the town to boost Andrew Bingham's bid to win the High Peak seat in Thursday's General Election.

Supporters joined the politicians on a walk around Glossop's outdoor and indoor markets as part of Mr Hague's tour of the West Midlands.

"William came to see what we were doing and to lend his support to our campaign" said Mr Bingham.

"We took him around the markets as it's always a busy place. There are different issues in every area of the High Peak, but he had quite a few interesting chats with people about the important issues in Glossop."

Top priority was pensions security after the Turner and Newall disaster which hit hundreds of workers in nearby Chapel.

Locals were also concerned about the Glossop spur road and bypass and wanted more police and a tougher approach to tackling crime.

Mr Bingham said: "I am very conscious that the people of Glossop sometimes feel forgotten especially as it's the biggest town in the area, but William got a great reception.

"I think quite a few people were startled as well. He'd been on Newsnight the night before so they were a bit shocked to see him walking down the street towards them and had to do a double take!"