I am a local campaigner, born and bred in Saddleworth, who has now moved back to Lees after working at the United Nations in Geneva. I now help to run an accreditation scheme for companies who pay their fair share of tax, the Fair Tax Mark.
Many local residents currently feel like they are not getting what they need from Oldham Council; whether it’s the number of potholes in the streets, litter, or the endless delays over Saddleworth School.
The council needs to do more to engage in Saddleworth and Lees. There isn’t an endless pot of money, but residents don’t feel that spending is going on the things that make a difference. We are losing local services, such as Springhead Post Office. Labour’s plans to build on green sites across Saddleworth and Lees threatens the green spaces of Ashbrook and Thornley Brook valleys. We need to be providing positives instead.
As a local councillor on the front line, I will ensure that people are heard, that they get honest support when they need it, and that the council can prove that it spends the money it has fairly and equitably.
To have a community that cares, the council has to show the community that it cares about them.
That means things like funding for youth services, which the Liberal Democrats are fighting to increase. That means not cutting street cleaning services and keeping promises on street repairs.
The council needs to lead the way. Whether it’s through simple steps like banning single use plastics, something the Liberal Democrats have got the council to do. Or by being better at providing services and listening to residents, I am determined to make a difference.