OPINION: Crewe 'being let down' by some councillors - says MP ahead of local elections
Crewe and Nantwich MP, Dr Kieran Mullan has had his say on the 2023 Cheshire East Council Elections - taking place on Thursday 4 May.
The Conservative MP believes Crewe is currently 'being let down' by some local councillors.
Dr Mullan's told Nub News: "Local elections are around the corner on Thursday 4 May. Local elections are vitally important.
"So many of the issues that people raise with me as the MP are actually also dealt with by the council and your local councillor.
"I think Crewe is being let down on that front. There are good Councillors and ineffective councillors in every party.
"I think some current councillors in Crewe do try and get things done, but certainly not all of them are worth the £12,000 allowance they get.
"Cheshire East recently published an FOI that showed that the Labour Councillor for Crewe St Barnabas ward only reported three potholes in three years.
"What matters is that before you vote stop and ask yourself, in the last four years, have I ever had a knock on the door, or a newsletter from my councillor?
READ MORE: Political website suggests Crewe and Nantwich MP considering ditching constituency.
"Have you ever seen that they got anything done locally for you or your area?
"They might have been sending out leaflets in the last few weeks – but ask yourself, where have they been for the last four years?
"If the answer is nowhere, and you still vote Labour in Crewe, you are giving your vote to someone who hasn't earned it.
"This means that they can take your vote for granted. Councillors are your neighbourhood politicians, and they are the ones who should be focusing on your local issues.
"I have found some local Labour Councillors are more interested in campaigning on what is going on in Palestine than they are about fixing local issues.
"Recently, Labour councillors have complained about me supporting the England football team, called for the monarchy to be abolished, and joked about the Queen's wealth just hours after her death.
"Like I said, they are more interested in left wing politics than potholes.
"I have been out knocking on hundreds and hundreds of doors listening to what you all think and what you believe needs to change locally.
"A few different concerns raised by residents really stand out for me.
"The first one is an issue that I have been raising in Parliament recently and that is anti-social behaviour.
"I know from speaking with residents that this is, unfortunately, a huge problem that we are facing locally.
"It is unacceptable behaviour that makes people feel unsafe, prevents them from going out and erodes any sense of community.
READ MORE: Potholes and infrastructure around Crewe 'very dangerous to road users.'
"This might have to do with groups of people drinking in the middle of the day at bus shelters or at other public spaces, or mopeds being raced on footpaths and parks at all hours, or even with people leaving broken glass and smoking weed in our local parks.
"I asked the Home Secretary how we might be able to change the law to find new ways we can tackle these issues.
"I am, therefore, glad to see that the Government is taking this seriously by launching a new zero-tolerance plan to crack down on anti-social behaviour.
"Perpetrators will face swift and visible justice by making them undertake community payback the same week. This is being piloted for rollout next year.
"I will continue to work with Cheshire Police to try and ensure that anti-social behaviour is tackled – and that people always feel safe in the place they call home.
"Potholes and damaged road surfaces are obviously another area of huge concern.
"They can cause damage to vehicles, leading to costly repairs for drivers and potentially even accidents.
"Potholes can also make roads unsafe for cyclists and pedestrians, creating hazards for those who rely on foot or bicycle transportation.
"The Conservatives recently announced £200 million more for highway maintenance but we need to make sure we get our fair share locally.
"If your councillors aren't out and about reporting, we won't get any of this.
"Remember: three potholes in three years reported by one Labour Councillor! If Conservatives take back control of Cheshire East Council, we will also introduce lane charging for utilities companies so that they don't cut off roads for days on end without doing very much.
"People also want to see progress in the town centre. In Crewe, we have received £14 million from the Government's Future High Streets Fund, and an additional £22.3 million for a Crewe Town Deal, which I campaigned for us to get.
"I campaigned for Crewe to get a Town Deal because I knew it would be a huge opportunity.
"I walked with the Minister in charge around Crewe in 2019 and got him to speak to residents so that he could hear about the local challenges straight from the horse's mouth.
"It's been a long journey since then, but we have got there and the projects we are funding are going to help transform our town and deliver on building back better.
"The Flag Lane Baths and Mirion Street Youth Club are both huge assets for the town, and they have been fighting for funding for a long time.
"Bringing them back into use is finally going to happen.
"I also know we need to have more for young people to do in the town centre, so a new multi-use games area and a brand-new youth club will help on that front.
"We will also fund a five-year programme of investing in our pocket parks.
"We also want to make it easier to walk and cycle into town, so two new routes will be created from the train station via Mill Street and along Valley Brook.
"These are just some of the upcoming projects and, along with the market hall re-opening and the plans for Lyceum Square, I think Crewe is going to be totally transformed over the next few years, and I can't wait to see it happen.
READ MORE: Crewe swimming baths to be converted into contemporary community centre as plans approved
"But for all of this to come to fruition, we need councillors in Crewe that will keep pushing effectively for progress.
"For example, on the Royal Arcade. We have seen the demolition take place and I will do what I can to keep the development on track.
"Ask yourself if your current Labour councillors are going to be effective at doing the same.
"I was brought up in a family where one of my parents voted Labour and one voted Conservative.
"I have never seen any party that is all good or all bad. Life isn't that simple.
"But, what I have seen again and again is how some politicians take voters for granted and don't work hard for them in between elections.
"That doesn't help anyone and that is what we have in Crewe with Labour. So, think about that before you cast your vote – have they earnt it?"
READ MORE: Local village Post Office to temporarily close for almost three weeks.
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