There are many things ‘new’ for me to take into account, as I commence my second period as a member of Stockport’s Council. Things seem to me to have been a little simpler in the 70s and 80s when I was first elected and learned my trade, as it were, on the back benches of the Labour Group. In fact I can clearly remember my old Chief  Whip Dick Burns ordering  the new intake  to “sit on the back benches and say nowt, but listen a lot“. In  contrast  now  as a “newbe” I am welcomed, inducted, briefed, and equipped, without once the word “politics’” being mentioned at all.

I am a Labour politician, albeit a local one, and like all of us who enter into local politics I am determined to serve my town and the community I represent to the best of my ability. I have my own views and I am prepared to battle inside and outside the Council chamber to try and influence decisions, in fact, I think it’s my role outside the Council chamber that is far more influential and important to the community that I represent. I can recall the recent actions of the Belmont Action Group; a number of ordinary residents living in the Belmont area of Heaton Norris, who were so fed up with the problems in their neighbourhood they got themselves together with their local Councillors. The first problem was the level of anti social behaviour, so they extended an invitation to the local police. The residents also asked the youth offending team to attend and as a result of determined residents and police powers the anti social behaviour decreased. The group went on to alter and improve a neighbourhood eyesore and demand better street cleaning and street lighting. I mention Belmont because I observed that group of people go from strength to strength; their confidence improving all the time and they really did make a dramatic improvement to their area.

In another part of South Reddish residents organised themselves, with their Councillors, into Friends of South Reddish Park, and through sheer hard work the park has been turned round and last Friday hosted Green Flag judges - all achieved through voluntary effort and some brilliant local parks staff.  This is community action at its best.

Sadly not all public participation succeeds.  It seems those public spirited folk who worked tirelessly to keep 100 years of public swimming alive in Reddish have lost their fight. The Council appeared deaf to every proposal put forward by the Friends of Reddish Baths. Finally the Council seems to have lost its head completely, for at the open day held last Saturday to celebrate the centenary of the library the old fire station and the baths, all local people were allowed in to see the baths, apart from anyone associated with the Friends of Reddish Baths. On the day that included one eminent town magistrate, an internationally recognised swimming coach and  three local Councillors. The Council should hang its head in shame.

Cllr Andy Verdeille

Labour, Reddish South