Angela Jennifer Smith
Conservative Party
Bamford Ward
Address
33 Winston Avenue
Bamford
Rochdale
OL11 5JA
I am delighted to be the Conservative Party Candidate for Bamford Ward in the local elections to be held on 3 May 2018. I am seeking election to serve everyone in the ward, in Bamford, Oakenrod, Marland, Sudden and Brimrod.
I have lived in Bamford for over forty years, having `emigrated’ from Yorkshire in 1976. I taught at Ashfield Valley Primary School for thirty years, retiring in 2007.
I am an active member of Bamford Chapel, serving as an Elder for six years from 2009 until 2015.
As a local resident, I have been very impressed with the way our Conservative ward councillors have become a strong presence in the community. I have been working closely with them for the past two years dealing with a wide range of issues. This has given me a good grasp of the main concerns of residents in the ward and a desire to have some influence in dealing with these in future.
Saving the green belt
Bamford has seen much new development over the last 40 years, but so far there has been no encroachment into our precious green belt area. However, the publication of the draft Greater Manchester Spatial Framework in 2016 threatened that situation, with a proposal to build up to 750 houses in the green belt to the west of Norden Road. In order to fight these proposals the Bamford Green Belt Action Group was established, which I have chaired since its instigation. The group, comprising local volunteers, produced an excellent document, detailing objections to the proposals and, through public support, raised the money for the services of a barrister to submit our objections. We are now waiting for the second draft of the Framework, and the fight will go on if necessary. I am very pleased that Friends of Bamford has evolved from the Action Group and that a real sense of community is being established in Bamford.
Pedestrian safety at the Bury Road/Roch Valley Way/ Sandy Lane junction
A major concern for many residents is the safety of pedestrians trying to cross any of the roads at this junction. Because of this I have raised a petition asking for something to be done to improve safety at the junction. The council has now agreed to undertake a traffic survey of the junction to look at the situation and what measures could possibly be put in place.
Local Councillor Surgeries
The ward councillors currently hold surgeries for local residents to come and discuss their problems or issues with them. These are held at Bamford Chapel, Bamford Bowling Club and Brimrod Methodist Church. I feel strongly that a surgery is needed in the Oakenrod area, and should I be elected I would wish to establish one at St. George`s Church Hall. Feed back on this idea has been very positive from residents in that area of the ward. From personal experience at Bamford Chapel, I know how important it is that ward councillors are available to talk to on a regular basis at surgeries and community events.
Other issues
Working closely with our local Conservative team over the last two years I have also been involved in dealing with the following:
- Supporting the Friends of Springfield Park group in their efforts to improve facilities in the park.
- Arranging for ginnels and footpaths to be cleared.
- Requesting that reported potholes and distressed grass verges and pavements are repaired.
- Arranging for the installation of grit bins and community rubbish bins.
- Working with groups, such as Friends of Bamford and Bamford in Bloom to improve the environment in the Bamford ward, which includes initiatives in Brimrod and Sudden.
- Supporting local groups and churches through attendance at community events.
In order to have a better feel for community concerns, I have regularly attended the Bamford /Oakenrod and Brimrod/Sudden Forums and the Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings. Home security, speeding traffic and parking problems are issues which are regularly raised at all these meetings. If elected, these are matters where I would see myself in a liaison role between residents, the police and council officers.
I know there is a lot to do, but I feel I am the right person to contribute positively to the work to be done, alongside my fellow councillors. I hope that you will vote for me on 3 May, so that I may continue to work for you all to make the whole of the Bamford ward an attractive and safe place to live and work. I feel very strongly that it is a willingness to serve the local community and not party politics which make an effective councillor.
If elected on 3 May, I will do my best to serve you all, whatever your politics.
