Surinder Singh Biant
Labour Party
Spotland & Falinge Ward
Address
21 Elmpark Vale
Rochdale
OL12 7JP
I am asking you to vote for me on 1 May because I believe I will be a good councillor for the people of Spotland and Falinge, and certainly better than the Lib Dem sitting councillor I am competing against, Barbara Todd. Last year I lost to Lib Dem Greg Couzens, but managed to double the Labour vote. The word has spread that I am a man who gets things done, and many more are turning to me in this campaign.
I was previously a councillor in Healey ward before the boundary changes. My party elected me to be their spokesperson on the Township Committee, Vice-Chair of the Education Committee, and Chair of the Links Committee. I also served on the Planning Committee.
I have lived in Spotland and Falinge ward for over 35 years and my family and I love the area and its people. My wife is a retired teacher, and our two children attended Meanwood, Shawfield and Oulder Hill schools.
I worked in Rochdale for 24 years as a teacher, including being deputy head of the English Teaching Centre, a head of department at Greenhill School (now Falinge Park), finally taking early retirement from my post as Principal Education Officer with Rochdale Council. I have also worked for BBC Radio Manchester, producing and presenting a magazine programme for 12 years.
My voluntary work for the community in Rochdale over the years has included being a governor of several schools, Chair of the PTA of Meanwood School, founder leader of the Star Youth Club, activist against the re-opening of Ding Quarry, and Chair of the Rochdale Friends of East Africa. I have also been on the Arts Advisory Service for the North West and am the Chair of UK Friends of Kenya Cricket. I have helped hundreds of individuals and some pressure groups to resolve problems.
During this campaign, I have talked to hundreds of people in the ward, and the main issues you raised have been:
- Anti-social behaviour issues including vandalism, littering, crime and harassment.
- Community facilities – especially the lack of provision for young people.
- Bin collections problems including concerns about the frequency of collections and waste disposal for small businesses.
- Housing problems, including a ludicrous ‘lottery’ style system of social housing allocation.
- Congestion around Spotland stadium on match days.
- Ding Quarry – a possible re-opening could lead to environmental damage and dangerous traffic conditions on routes through the ward (I am Vice-Chair of the Ding Quarry Action Group, a non-party-political organisation).
- Turner’s site – concerns about building on this asbestos-riddled site.
I have already taken some action on all of these issues by raising awareness and issues with the Council, influencing changes or revision of policies and strategies.
The Lib Dems have had many years to improve things in this ward, but have become complacent. Since I have been a candidate in this ward, they have been more ‘on their toes’ and have had to work harder.
Please give me a chance by voting for me on 1 May, and if elected, I will ensure that the people of this ward are better represented by their councillors.
