Daalat Ali
Labour Party
Central Rochdale Ward
Address
2 Rough Hey Walk
Newbold
Rochdale
OL16 5SU
On 1 May I will be standing for election in Central Rochdale because I believe that our Borough is in danger of falling into sharp decline and the people of Rochdale deserve better.
Over the last year we have been downgraded to a two star council by the Audit Commission, been named as one of the poorest places in the North West and seen health inequalities widen across our Borough.
No amount of Lib Dem spinning can hide this and it’s time someone said ‘enough is enough’ and made a real push for change. Growing up on South Street and having lived in Halifax Road and Taylor Street for many years, as well as sent my children to local schools, I have a solid understanding of my community and a great sense of civic pride.
Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to be able to serve the people of Rochdale and work hard to put something back into my community.
With a solid professional background in local government – I have worked in this field for 19 years – I am ready to hit the ground running and deliver the changes you need. I have also worked in welfare rights, but started my working life in textiles being employed at places like Arrow Vale Mill in Castleton and Smith and Nephews at Newhey.
From speaking to local residents, the changes I have been told are needed include more youth community facilities, better play opportunities for children, more investment in services for the elderly, more police for Rochdale and cleaner streets with more convictions for fly-tipping.
Working with a united Labour party and a strong Parliamentary Candidate, we are already making significant progress in addressing these issues. Earlier this year, I, along with Simon Danczuk, met up with the Minister Andy Burnham when he came to open the Unique Enterprise Centre in our ward. At the time we pressed him for more play provision and are delighted to see him recently announce a £2.5million award to improve play areas and choose Rochdale as the only local authority in Greater Manchester to become a Play Pathfinder area.
Having been involved in local politics for many years, representing local residents on a range of issues from careers advice and employment to housing and benefits, as well as helping elderly residents access care, I am ready to be judged on results – not gestures.
I have also been a director of the Kashmir Youth Project in Wardleworth for over 20 years, helping develop activities for young people, services for older people and assisting start-up businesses. Fluent in six languages, I am well known for writing books, films and plays – and want to engage all sections of the community.
Unlike my Liberal Democrat opponent I will not be offering discount coupons for jeans to voters. My pledge is to listen to the concerns of ordinary people and fight hard to bring the changes you need and deserve to make our community better.
