Councillor Wera Hobhouse - Norden Ward

I was elected as local councillor in Norden in 2004 and I am standing for re-election because I have really enjoyed working together with the people in my ward and representing them on the Council. I have received enormous support from many local residents and I believe together we achieved a number of very positive results. I look at many issues as ongoing and needing continued effort in order to see a long- term solution.

Norden, Ashworth and Birtle all have a strong sense of community and my aim in all I have been doing is to support and strengthen this. I strongly believe in local democracy. I have continuously informed people, consulted local residents on issues that directly concern them and tried to make all Council processes and decisions open and transparent. Many people in Norden will be familiar with my 'Dear Residents' letters which I push through the doors on matters ranging from antisocial behaviour problems, off road bikes and CCTV to potholes, street lights, litter, road closures, traffic calming and proposed planning applications. I take up any issue that local residents raise. Any solution is not 'my' solution but what can be worked out as a community.

In my view the main ongoing issues in Norden are:

The refusal of the Greenbooth Planning Application and the impending Public Inquiry

To save Norden Library building for community use

A road safety solution for the Caldershaw Estate

Long term environmental improvements for the Old Quarry

To protect Norden's rural environment

My main concern for Rochdale is the risk to Public Health and Safety from the redevelopment of contaminated land. I moved parties last year because I felt I needed to work with a political group that takes environmental issues as serious as I do. I will continue to campaign for complete openness and transparency of information, the tight implementation of existing regulations and the tightening up of government rules.

Since May 2005 Rochdale Council has been run by a coalition between Labour and the Conservatives. This un-holy alliance has left the Borough without direction or vision. A vote for the Conservatives in Norden will be a vote for another Labour Council.

The Liberal Democrats will bring to the Borough a program of new initiatives and change. Rochdale needs a Fresh Start!