Residents in Eccles are preparing to vote in a key council by-election this week.
The town lost one of its Labour representatives in September after Sharmina August stepped down, saying she was working “100-hour weeks” across two jobs. It opened up a position at the town hall for someone to represent the area which is on the cusp of major transformation.
Plans are being prepared by Salford City Council to demolish Eccles Shopping Centre and rebuild the site, with some sections of the complex already closed along with Eccles market.
A council report found that people felt the shopping centre had become ‘downtrodden’ and unloved. But traders and visitors say the work has left the shopping centre empty, claiming there is “no heart” there anymore.
The winner of the by-election on October 31 will have a key role to play in shaping the town’s future along with the two other Eccles councillors.
Ahead of the vote, the Local Democracy Reporting Service asked each party for their plans for the town.
Candidates have been listed in alphabetical order by surname.
Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
Sally Griffiths is standing as the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition candidate.
She said: “If Keir Starmer and Rachael Reeves won’t pay pensioners their winter fuel allowance, then Salford council should – while building a mass campaign alongside trade unions, community campaigners and other local authorities – use its Household Support Fund and other usable council reserves to ensure that winter fuel allowances in Eccles are paid and working class people in Salford can live in dignity.
“A mass council house building programme should also be started, along with a reversal of all cuts to council services. The bill can be handed to central government.
“What’s more, we should do everything we possibly can to stop the wars in Gaza and Lebanon.”
Green Party
Sara Laing is the Green Party candidate in the election.
The party has not responded to requests for comment.
Lib Dems
Ian Alexander McKinlay is the Lib Dem candidate.
Salford Quays Lib Dem Coun Paul Heilbron said: “With 72 MPs we are looking to hold the Labour government to account in Westminster and do what we told electors we would do in the general election.
“Here in Salford as the number of Lib Dem councillors on Salford City Council grows we are determined to hold Labour to account.
“In the general election we heard lifelong Conservative voters who were really appalled with what the Tory party has done to our country in the last 14 years.
“They supported us because they share with us some of their most important values like the cost of living crisis, the state of the NHS, social care and pollution in our waterways.
“We have already delivered for Eccles residents and people in Salford with the late night trams.
“Our proposals to clean up the city’s waterways was supported by the whole council this month. We will be working hard as we seek to do locally what our 72 MPs are determined to do in Westminster.
“The by-election is the first opportunity for local people to send a message to the Labour government and the Labour-run council.”
Labour
Lisa Muir is the Labour candidate.
She said: “My pledges are based on residents’ priorities and what is achievable as a local councillor.
“The town centre regeneration is a big project for Eccles and involving local people in the process of creating an Eccles that works for all is crucial.
“Together, we’ll build the foundations of a modern market town, with affordable and social housing, green spaces, ultimately delivering a destination which honours our heritage, as well as being a great place to live, work, eat and meet.
“I’m passionate about creating a greener, cleaner Eccles, with more street tree planting as well as continuing to fight against fly tipping, litter and dog fouling. I want to invest in the communities’ well-being by improving recreation spaces for children and adults to enjoy.
“I will deliver more crossings and safer streets. With funding already put aside in locations like Rocky Lane, I intend to work to get those delivered on time, as well as identify other locations in need of safe places to cross.
“I’ll collaborate with local residents, policing teams, and community groups to tackle anti-social behaviour. Most importantly, I will ensure local people feel heard and represented within the council chamber.”
Conservatives
Daniel Andrew Whitehouse is the Conservative candidate.
He said: “Along with pensioners who are concerned about the cost of heating their homes this winter, the condition of Eccles town centre is one of the main concerns being raised on the doorstep during this election campaign.
“I believe that the Labour run council has let Eccles down for far too long and the town centre has been deteriorating for many years now.
“However, I welcome the fact that action is now being taken to address this problem and improve the area, thanks to the levelling up fund, introduced by the last Conservative government.
“We must hold them to account and ensure that the redevelopment is done with the best interests of the local community at its heart.
“There must be a mix of affordable housing, community spaces, and leisure facilities, along with good quality commercial and retail units to attract new business to the area and meet the needs of local residents.
“The redevelopment has the potential to create many exciting opportunities, however if not done properly it can also create much inconvenience and look unpleasant.
“It is vital therefore that the Conservatives have a voice in the local area in order to hold the council accountable.”
