Salford Online Q & A

The local news website Salford Online asked all candidates in the local elections the following questions. I thought I'd share my responses with you.

1. Why have you decided to stand?

I wish to stand in Langworthy ward in order to continue representing the people in this community. I feel passionately about helping to improve the lives of Salford residents. I want to ensure I make a difference by having an influence in policy making and playing my part in delivering quality services for the people of Salford, despite the savage and unfair cuts imposed by this coalition government.

2. What do you see as the main problems affecting your area?

The main problems in the ward are anti-social behaviour, in particular noise nuisance and vandalism; environmental issues such as fly-tipping and concerns that the regeneration of Langworthy will not be completed.

3. How would you go about solving those problems?

  In relation to anti-social behaviour, partnership working is crucial. I will continue to engage with the police, community and other partners through the Neighbourhood Partnership Board, Community Committee and ‘BEAT’ meetings across the ward in order to tackle this problem . In this present climate of police cuts we need to ensure that the neighbourhood police officers are retained.

With regards to fly-tipping, I will continue to work with the council, residents and other partners such as Salix Homes to ensure a cleaner environment for everyone. I liaise regularly with the co-located team who target hotspots in the ward on a weekly basis. I also want to ensure we continue with the ‘SNAP’ weeks which have been very successful across the city at reducing crime and improving the environment.

Regeneration continues to be a challenge and is paramount for a sustainable community. I have been working with residents and partners on the Pendleton Private Finance Initiative (PFI) Steering Group for the past few years. The previous Labour Government had approved credits of £121 million to provide residents with high standard housing of their choice and a much improved environment. At present the coalition government is conducting a value for money assessment and we are awaiting their response before approval. I am ensuring pressure is put on the government to approve this project. I have also been working with Salix Homes, residents and other partners such as the Seedley and Langworthy Trust (SALT) on the Neighbourhood Blueprint Panels to identify priorities based on need in order to continue to deliver physical and social regeneration in the area.

 

Salford Tories told to go back to school.

Salford Tories have been told they need to go back to school after their leaflet  proclaiming six reasons not to vote Labour was given a zero grade by those in the know.

The following claims have been roundly dismissed:

CLAIM 1: The Council has written of £8 million debt.

TRUTH: This is money that the Council will try to collect but is finding it hard to do so – sometimes because the person owing money has died. All the Council has done is to make an accounting change so the books don’t show the money coming in this year. The Council shouldn’t pla n to spend money it can’t rely on coming in! The Tory chair of the Council’s audit committee said there was nothing wrong with these decisions.

CLAIM 2: The Council borrowed £17m to build a community stadium.

TRUTH: The Council borrowed the money but this will not affect Council taxpayers. The money will be paid back by the company which will run the stadium. Getting investment for a prestige public facility and having someone else pay sounds  like a reason to vote Labour.

CLAIM 3: The Council paid for a lease which it owns

TRUTH:  Completely wrong! The Council bought back a lease so it would own the freehold. This  will increase  the value of the land and  get a better deal for Council taxpayers when it is sold on. Another reason to vote Labour.

CLAIM 4: Car parking charges were introduced without consultation

TRUTH: The car parking charges have not yet been introduced.  Why? Because the formal consultation is taking place.

CLAIM 5: The council reduced Chapel Street to one lane

TRUTH: Chapel Street will have two lanes. It is one lane during roadworks. The work is being paid for by Europe and the Development Agency. It will lead to new jobs, new homes, new businesses and a better environment.

CLAIM 6: The Council gave planning permission for schools with no access.

TRUTH: A complete fiction! By law the Council has to decide at least whether a development is acceptable in principle and whether access is possible when considering giving ‘outline permission’.  The Council did this. Sometimes the Council has asked applicants if they can find a better access before seeking ‘detailed permission’. A sensible approach.

Campaigning.

The Labour Party Candidate Gina Loveday out leafleting on Citrus Way

It's been a fantastic week to go out campaigning in the sunshine this week. Lots of positive response on the doorstep when we've been out canvassing and as always I've picked up a number of cases which I'm dealing with for people. Indeed today I picked up the issue of the Paddock Pub, which was supposed to be developed a couple of years ago, but the developer went into liquidation. The property has now changed hands a number of times and there seems to be no future plans. I will be chasing this up again on Tuesday to get the latest position and get back to those residents that raised it with me.

I've now started delivering my election address right across Langworthy Ward letting people know what I and the Salford Labour Party stand for. I hope people will take time to read it and consider voting for me.

It is only a Labour Council and councillors that can deliver in Salford and in Langworthy Ward. We've seen how the Liberal Democrats behave doing u turn after u turn to support and prop up the Conservative Government. Indeed things aren't much different on Salford City Council. The Salford Liberal Democrats more often than not support the Conservative Party. As Cllr Warmisham often says the Salford Lib Dems are just the rump of the Salford Tory Party !

Vote Lib Dem get Conservative.

LOVEDAY  X

Pendleton PFI

I have very grave concerns at present as we wait for the Homes and Communities Agency to report back to the minister after asking for further efficiencies to be made regarding the Pendleton PFI Project.

Welcome to Gina's Blog

Hi,

My name is Gina Loveday and I am standing as the Labour Candidate in Langworthy Ward because I feel passionately about helping to improve the lives of the people in this community. I want to ensure I make a difference by having an influence in policy making and playing my part in delivering quality services for the people of Salford, despite the savage and unfair cuts imposed by this Coalition Government.