TRAFFORD women born in the 1950s’ lit Manchester Town Hall purple to fight for pensions justice.

The event, organised by Wendy Eachus, co-ordinator of The Trafford Action Group which campaigns to raise awareness of local women affected by changes to their pension age, saw women from all over the country come together to listen to speeches by councillors and MPs from across Greater Manchester, including Kate Green and Trafford Cllr Andy Western.

Representatives from trade unions GMB and Unison also supported the event.

The 1995 Pensions Act increased the State Pension Age (SPA) for women from 60 to 65 between April 2010 and 2020, to bring it in line with that of men.

But in 2011, the coalition government moved the goalposts so that the SPA has reached 65 by November 2018, then rising to 66 by 2020, leaving some women having to wait an additional six years to get their pensions.

Women born in the 1950s believe that the changes meant that they have not been given adequate notice of changes and have been unable to plan for their new circumstances, leaving them in serious financial difficulty. Thousands of women across Trafford are affected.

On Friday January 19, Manchester Town Hall was lit up purple to raise awareness of the hardship faced by the women and their campaign for pensions justice.

Wendy said: "I was delighted by the high turn out and support from women and other groups who came to join us from different parts of the country.

"Months of planning and hard work resulted in an amazing day which we will remember for a long time

"Anyone wanting further information about the campaign and how to get involved can contact me via Kate Greens office 749 9120."

Kate Green MP, who has supported Trafford women in their fight for pensions justice for the past several years, spoke at the event.

She said: “I was thrilled to see Manchester Town Hall lit up purple to honour the struggle of 1950s women for pensions justice.

“It looked incredible, and has helped raise awareness of the struggle of 1950s women affected by the government’s thoughtless changes to the state pension.

“Congratulations to Wendy and all the fabulous 1950s women I’ve campaigned with for making this happen. I’ll continue to speak up for their right to be treated fairly”