Avis Gilmore
Labour Party
Milnrow & Newhey Ward
I was born in Rochdale and for over 40 years I have lived in Milnrow and Newhey, 10 years in Milnrow, then in Newhey for 32 years. My daughters were born and raised here and it’s where they went to school. It’s a great place and I wouldn’t live anywhere else.
I worked as a Physiotherapist in the NHS for 25 years before becoming a trade union official for an education union. In both these roles I could only succeed by being an excellent communicator and I absolutely understand the need to respond to issues raised with me. I am committed to keeping residents informed about their own issues and the wider work of the Council.
It’s a pleasure and privilege to be standing as a Councillor for Labour in such a great place but there are things that could be better for us.
Several parts of our villages have become racetracks and I am already campaigning to end the scourge of speeding. As a result of my campaign the Council have undertaken a weeklong speed survey on Huddersfield Road in Newhey and we are awaiting the results. I will work to undertake similar campaigns in other areas of Milnrow and Newhey.
Our roads are horrendous but having walked most of the streets in both our villages the pavements are equally bad. Pushing a pram, using a wheelchair or using a walking aid is not an easy task. In many areas, particularly around the tram stops, the lack of parking means cars are parked on the pavements causing significant damage and obstructions for pedestrians.
I would like to see a vibrant Milnrow and Newhey with good shops and well-equipped community areas where all are welcome and young people can engage in positive activities. To do this I would work with the Labour Council to put in place a long term regeneration plan, as has been devised for Littleborough, in consultation with residents.
We need affordable and social housing in Milnrow and Newhey so our children can live here but not at the expense of our countryside. I am concerned about the environment and air quality especially with the amount of traffic and the motorway bisecting our villages. I believe in a regular, integrated and well-funded public transport system and I am really pleased that the bee network has been extended to Rochdale giving us more control over the fares, timetables and routes
All issues are best resolved by listening to residents so I am committed to regular communications, by newsletters, holding surgeries, having doorstep conversations throughout the year and holding public meetings on issues important to residents.
A vote for me is a vote for change and a vote for a strong local voice for the residents of Milnrow and Newhey. A voice who understands what residents need and a voice who will make sure our needs are listened to by the Council.
