Coun David Foxcroft

Conservative leader

IT was really disheartening that 60 per cent of residents in Rossendale didn’t turn out to vote in the local elections this year, and sends the message loud and clear to all political parties that we need to do more to engage with local residents to reduce voter apathy.

Residents tell us that they want a clearer, simpler way of electing councillors.

Voicing those concerns, I proposed at Council back in March that we should have a consultation on the idea of moving to an all-out election once every four years.

I am delighted that the Council have taken on board our concerns and accepted our proposal to have a consultation on this matter.

There are several benefits to moving to a four-year election cycle; but the biggest is the clarity and certainty it can provide for the residents of Rossendale.

You will be asked once every four years to vote for all the representatives in your ward – and then they can get on with the job of working hard for you.

This, alongside a smaller and more agile Council, will support in making it clear what people are voting for - and hopefully reduce the apathy.

We are out listening to residents every week and these conversations shape what we will deliver for Rossendale.

Residents want there to be an improvement in the the skills training and job opportunities available for them.

Over the last ten years this issue has grown and we are now in a situation where the number of jobs available in Rossendale is decreasing.

It is deeply concerning that the local plan now allocates all possible business development sites for housing, in turn increasing the number of businesses who will be forced out of Rossendale if they are to grow.

There is a staggering lack of thought into the local plan and it has been developed without the Council having a cohesive housing strategy.

The impact of this is significant.

This means that whilst sites have been allocated, it is up to developers the type of homes built, and the Council cannot stop them.

This means that starter homes, affordable properties and retirement accommodation may not be built here.

We need to make sure we’re building the homes we need in Rossendale.

That means affordable homes so that everyone who is born in Rossendale can afford to live here.

Starter homes for young people taking their first step on the housing ladder.

And retirement properties for older people so we can free up larger properties for Rossendale’s families.

Over the last three years only 30 affordable homes have been built - less than 10 per cent of the overall total of homes developed.

We’re pricing people out of the Valley and accelerating our transition into a commuter hub.

And all the while the cost of the Empty Homes Scandal continues its upward creep towards £10 million.

If you’d like to have your say on the future of Rossendale or if there is anything else either I, or your Conservative team, can do we are here to help.

The easiest way to reach us is via Facebook – search Rossendale Conservatives or email me at davidfoxcroft@ rossendalebc.gov.uk