LABOUR'S Shadow Secretary of State for Health has launched the party's Fair Deal 4 Bury campaign.

It was kick-started when Andy Burnham MP visited Bury Carers Centre on Silver Street where he spoke to a mixed audience of 60 people, including members of the public and carers.

He told the audience he was in the town for the launch of the campaign and to support councillor James Frith, who is to fight the Bury North seat for Labour at the next General Election.

Mr Burnham said: " Bury NHS faces a £20 million shortfall every year as a result of this Government's unfair funding. It's a disgrace that this funding black hole puts vital local NHS services at risk, including Bury Hospice.

“People in Bury North need a local MP who will stand up for them and, alongside Ivan Lewis MP in Bury South, get a Fair Deal for Bury. I know that James will lead that campaign to the heart of Westminster."

The MP then spoke about his vision for whole "person care" and Labour’s plans to integrate health, social, mental and physical health care if the party wins the election next year. Earlier this month, Labour promised 20,000 more nurses and 8,000 more doctors at their annual conference in Manchester.

Cllr Frith said: “At a time of great austerity, I believe fairness should matter most. But Bury doesn't get its fair share. This is why we are standing up for a Fair Deal for Bury.

" A fair deal isn’t about just more money. A fair deal understands we have to work well as a town. Co-operation, partnerships and innovation matter. A fair deal for Bury would ensure the right level of funding for this approach."

* To sign the petition: visit FairDeal4Bury.com