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.