POLITICIANS, councillors and a famous lawyer were among those supporting the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign's Local Day Of Action in Leigh town centre.

The Leigh constituency and surrounding areas' branch of the national campaign was delighted to receive public backing from well-known faces at Bradshawgate last Friday.

Cllr Joanne Platt and Julie Hilling, Labour candidates for Leigh and Bolton West respectively at the General Election taking place next week, gave speeches in support of the campaign.

As did the Labour Party's General Election campaign co-ordinator Andrew Gwynne, a former MP for Denton and Reddish, and famous lawyer and political campaigner Peter Stefanovic.

Pat Morgan, one of the founding members of the WASPI branch, said: "We had a very successful day indeed and were thrilled to be joined by some star guests.

"We attracted far more attention than we expected and it became clear that many people weren't just shopping but had come into town specifically to see us and talk to us.

"We had eight new ladies join our group in the two hours we were there.

"Others took away information to pass to friends and relatives affected by the state pension changes.

"Many more took away our posters and contact details.

"We had nothing but support and encouragement from everyone who stopped by.

"We drew quite a crowd and would like to thank the community in Leigh for showing such interest and offering us such valuable support and Bradshawgate Cafe for allowing us to use its power for the PA system."

The branch also attended the Leigh Carnival of Colour today.

The WASPI campaign aims to convince the Government to make 'fair transitional arrangements' for a group of women who now have to wait up to six more years to receive their state pension.

This follows the Government fast-tracking plans to increase the state pension age (SPA) for women from 60 to 66.

Most people were completely unaware of the move – which could cost women born on or after April 6, 1951, thousands of pounds – as it received little publicity.

The Leigh constituency and surrounding areas WASPI branch meets at Leigh Sports Village’s Holiday Inn Express.

For more information e-mail lpgwaspi@gmail.com or search for 'LPG WASPI – news' on Facebook.