With this year’s local elections just over a week away, here’s a run-down of what each of the political parties and independent candidates are offering residents in exchange for their vote.
Trafford Conservatives are fielding candidates in every ward that is being contested. They said they want to see change locally.
A spokesperson for the group said: “Whether it’s our roads full of potholes, unemptied bins, streets full of litter, parks full of broken play equipment, ad hoc bike lanes causing misery every day or the ‘unworkable’ congestion charge, Trafford residents deserve better.
“This is a local election about where you live and how your services are run. Labour who are propped up by Lib Dems and Greens, use the council to talk about national policies they have no control over instead of focusing on what they can do here.
“The Conservatives are the only party determined to protect jobs and livelihoods and ensure every child can go to a local school. We need to get the bins emptied and more waste recycled, fix our roads and pavements so everyone can use them.
“We need more trees to help the environment and not to allow any development on the Greenbelt. By doing this it will help stop the risk of more flooding, and stop our local services being overwhelmed.
“We will provide three hours free parking to support our community and small businesses, and keep our promise to build new, modern, energy efficient, leisure centres – not wallpapering over the cracks refurbishments proposed by Labour.
“So if you want to get Trafford back as a place we are all proud to call home again, then please vote for your local Conservative candidates.”
Trafford Greens are also fielding candidates in each ward being contested and are hoping to better their luck from last year.
Jane Leicester, Green Party candidate for Hale Central, said: “I work hard all year around and people know they can call on me. I hope to get elected this time to make more of a difference. Residents here have seen the impact Green councillors are having in Altrincham and want that for Hale too.”
Gareth Twose, Green Party candidate for Bowdon, said: “We’re getting a hugely positive response on the doorstep. Many people who have voted Conservative all their lives are thinking of voting Green this time around. People want a Green councillor to work on road safety, school run chaos and protecting our green spaces.”
Green group leader incumbent Dan Jerrome is up for re-election in Altrincham. He said: “We are seeing a real swing towards Green across the area. Many people are disillusioned with the national situation and people are increasingly worried about the climate crisis. Residents know that only the Greens can be trusted to protect our natural spaces and the next generation.”
A spokesperson for incumbent administration, Trafford Labour, which has candidates standing in every ward, said: “These are difficult times for residents, businesses and public services.
“Nonetheless Trafford Labour will continue to do our best to protect frontline services, whilst taking forward a range of key initiatives to achieve our principle objectives of reducing health inequalities, supporting people out of poverty and tackling the climate emergency.
“We will also continue to act on the priorities of local residents: increasing funding for highway maintenance and active travel; investing £20m in local schools and continuing our ambitious plans to increase social housing supply and refurbish our leisure centres.
“Only Trafford Labour has a clear programme to lead our borough over the next 12 months –please lend us your support on Thursday May 5.”
Trafford’s Liberal Democrats Party, which also has candidates standing in all wards up for contest, say they are promising change.
A Liberal Democrats spokesperson said: “Right now we have a cost of living crisis doing real damage to peoples’ lives. In government, we have a Conservative Party that is only concerned about staying in power. They are in this for themselves. Liberal Democrat councillors are in this to move our communities forward.
“Our campaign is focused on backing local businesses with free parking and lower business rates. We will continue our work to safeguard our communities against the effects of flash flooding and severe weather. And we will launch an insulation project to bring our crumbling social housing supply right up to standard. No child should have to grow up in a damp, cold home.
“We will work every day to get better value for money from our public services and reverse the cuts to youth services that have left charities and volunteers to pick up the pieces.
“Every vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote for a real community champion who works all year round – not just during an election.”
Women’s Equality Party candidate for St Mary’s ward, Lucy Wood, said: “I’m standing for election so that everyone’s voices can be heard loud and clear on Trafford Council. Every day women in Sale West plug the gaps in local social care and give up work or take poorly paid jobs due to lack of childcare.
“If Trafford council invested more in affordable, high quality childcare, then all families would benefit, and women would be able to access better paid work and other opportunities. I’m a mum, step-mum, and educator and my mission at work is to build a fairer education system.
“Like many women, I have lived through some huge challenges, and know first-hand how women are let down by the system, and how lucky I am to have survived with relatively few scars. Violence against women has reached epidemic proportions: one woman is killed every three days in the UK.
“I want to ensure Trafford council invests more in domestic abuse services and in programmes that challenge and change male attitudes and behaviour. I believe everyone has the right to a safe and happy home and want to work to make sure St. Mary’s is a great place to live for everyone.”
Hazel Gibb, independent candidate for Gorse Hill ward, has lived in the ward all her life.
She said: “I am appalled students on the Lakes Estates and Scottish Estate cannot get a train to Lostock School, as the 8.22am train from Trafford Park doesn’t stop at Humphrey Park. The service from Trafford Park is disgraceful.
“There should be a proper mainline station at Manchester United, not just on match days – this would reduce traffic chaos.
“I am shocked about the state of our roads with potholes causing damage to vehicles and people.
“The A56 pop-up cycle lane is causing havoc. Journey times have increased, especially on match days. It has stagnated traffic on Davyhulme Road East. Bus services have deteriorated with half the buses we had in the past.
“Match day causes real problems for Gorse Hill residents. They are paying for parking permits whilst unscrupulous people profit from football fans. I am disappointed the pee pods have disappeared; something Gorse Hill Community Action Group campaigned hard for. The need for more toilets is evident; residents have encountered people urinating in alleys and their gardens.
“Controversial Clean Air Zone plans would hit the poorest hardest, increasing the cost of everyday living for all. The delay has cost Trafford thousands in signage.”
Stephen Farndon, independent candidate for Broadheath ward, did not provide comment when approached.
This year’s local elections will be held on Thursday May 5 2022.
