Eric Pickles Brings Westminster Magic to West Lindsey

As exclusively revealed on here at the start of July the Rt. Hon. Eric Pickles MP, Her Majesty's Principle Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, visited West Lindsey, Lincolnshire yesterday.

Arriving at Retford Station Mr. Pickles was greeted by Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr. Burt Keimach, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward) and Chairman of West Lindsey Distirct Council, Cllr. William Parry, Conservative (Scotter Ward).

Eric Pickles and Liam Smith, lock wands at the opening of the
Room of Requirement at Hemswell Cliff Primary School
(c) John Jenkins/Lincolnshire Echo

Mr. Pickles was speeded away to Hemswell Cliff Primary School yesterday to open a new £10,000 community facility, their 'Room of Requirement'. Named after a secret room within Hogwarts Castle, the library will be open to residents inside and outside of school hours. The Secretary of state even engaged in a wand duel with one pupil to celebrate the opening of a Harry Potter-inspired library.

Mr Pickles praised villagers for their 'heart' in trying to improve the community. Mr Pickles. told pupils:

"If I had known this was being named after Harry Potter I would have wanted a wand.

"I am not from the Ministry of Magic but times are hard."

Speaking of Roman philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero. Mr Pickles said:

"He said for complete contentment that what you need is a garden and a library. Today he would have said what you need is a garden and a Room of Requirement."

The ninety-one pupils from the school sang two songs which Mr. Pickles praised. Head teacher Mrs. Suzanne Scott said:

"It's a great honour to welcome the secretary of state to our school.

"We are looking forward to using this facility along with our community."

After touring the school, Mr Pickles was briefed on West Lindsey District Council's plans to revitalise ex-RAF bases at Hemswell Cliff, Brookenby and Newtoft, plus RAF Scampton by Cllr. Paul Howitt-Cowan, Conservative (Hemswell Ward), who said the aim was to create more community spaces.

Having seen some of the dilapidated buildings, Mr Pickles said:

"I will rattle the MoD's cage on this as this is a place we should celebrate. What you do have should be a joyous occasion. It shouldn't be like visiting the Bronx. In fact, the Bronx is better."

Mr Pickles later visited Gainsborough to hear about the work of West Lindsey District Council and the way an 'entrepurnurial council' is being delivered.

In the evening Mr. Pickles was guest of honour at a Gala Dinner held at the Gainsborough Golf Glub, Belt Road, Thonock.