FOR the past 30 years, people in Blackburn have been able to rely on one thing – the chance to speak to their MP in person.

Every fortnight Jack Straw has held constituency surgeries around the town for residents who need his help or advice.

In some cases the queries have been easy to answer, but other issues have been long drawn out – even taking years to settle.

Mr Straw began the tradition in the 1980s but could have given the regular dates up when his party was elected to Government in 1997.

Instead, first the Home Office and then the Foreign Office found they had to work round his trips back up north.

In fact important overseas trips had to be scheduled around his appearances in community centres in the town.

Whatever your political colours it is hard to argue that Mr Straw has not been a hard working constituency MP despite his other high profile roles.

The troubles of people in Shadsworth, Mill Hill and Bank Top have always been a priority to him.

Now he has finally held his last ever surgery, complete with cake to remember his efforts.

Whoever takes his place after the May election will have big shoes to fill.