Campaigners honoured at Trafford Town Hall

Campaigners who have fought for women’s pension rights have been honoured at Trafford Town Hall.

Trafford Council leader Cllr Andrew Western unveiled a plaque while Trafford Mayor Tom Ross planted a tree in the memorial gardens to commemorate the work done by the Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) group, known locally as the Trafford Action Group.

Waspi members have been campaigning both in Trafford and on the national stage to make all women born in the 1950s aware of the changes to the statutory pension age.

The tree and a time capsule were awarded to Waspi by Manchester Airport, while the Town Hall was lit up purple in January in honour of their fight.

Cllr Western said:

I am really proud of the work by these extraordinary women and it is a privilege to unveil this plaque."

The Mayor paid tribute to the work done by Wendy Eachus, who has led the campaigning.

He said:

It has been my pleasure to work with this group and one of the highlights of my year has been seeing the town hall lit up purple."

Wendy said their campaign had helped ensure people were aware of changes to the State Pension Age, which will rise to 66 in 2020.

She added:

We are so grateful to the council for supporting us."

Stretford and Urmston MP Kate Green also helped Waspi members compile the time capsule which will be stored in the Town Hall vault.

Ms Green said:

This is an amazing choice of memories for an amazing campaign."