Leanne Greenwood Aims to Serve Balderstone & Kirkholt as Labour's By-Election Candidate

Leanne Greenwood is poised to represent the Labour Party in the upcoming Balderstone & Kirkholt by-election on May 1st, bringing with her a commitment to community service and a track record of local action. Greenwood expresses her enthusiasm, stating, "It is a privilege to stand for Labour. I have a passion for helping others and experience that I can use to serve residents along with the Balderstone and Kirkholt Labour team."

Former ward councillor Elsie Blundell has endorsed Greenwood, saying, "It has been an honour representing Balderstone and Kirkholt for the past three years. Leanne will be a brilliant councillor."

Greenwood's active involvement in the community is already evident. She has been a vocal advocate for Balderstone Park, successfully securing a £5580 grant from the Rochdale South Township to enhance and maintain the park's facilities.

A key concern for Greenwood is the issue of speeding vehicles on Queensway, Oldham Road, and Broad Lane. She has been actively pressuring the council and the police to address this problem, demonstrating her commitment to road safety. In a meeting with Rochdale Council leader Neil Emmott, a solution involving the implementation of more speed bumps was proposed.

However, this solution has drawn critique. A former co-chairperson of the Rochdale Green Party, and previous candidate for the Balderstone & Kirkholt ward, argues that speed bumps alone are insufficient. They contend that the more pressing issue is the prevalence of drivers operating vehicles without valid licenses, insurance, or road tax, suggesting that a focus on tackling illegal driving is paramount. Furthermore, in an earlier election pitch, the Green Party member advocated for compulsory MOT checks as a measure to contribute to improved road safety.

Beyond road safety, the Labour team is outlining a comprehensive plan for the ward. Their pledges include:

Improved Lighting: Providing enhanced lighting on walking routes between Gerrard Street and Oldham Road, and between Cavendish Road and Queens Drive, aiming to create safer and more accessible pedestrian areas.
Social Housing Repairs: Prioritising the timely completion of social housing repair jobs to improve living conditions for residents.
Fly-Tipping Prevention: Tackling the persistent issue of fly-tipping to maintain the cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of the ward.
Addressing Anti-Social Behaviour: Collaborating with the police to address anti-social behaviour concerns, focusing on resolving problems at specific neighbourhood hotspots.

As the May 1st by-election approaches, Leanne Greenwood and the Labour team hope to win the trust of Balderstone & Kirkholt residents by championing a proactive approach to local issues and a commitment to improving the quality of life for all.