There are plans to create a new town council in Salford – which could take control over services including bin collections, roads repairs, and street cleaning. A petition to create the Town of Broughton Park council has been signed by more than 1,000 people, who are backing plans for further local representation. The change has been dubbed BrePxit (Broughton Park Exit) by Salford councillor Andrew Walters. Mr Walters submitted the petition to the town hall in March, and explained the need for a new town council which can deal with the problems affecting the community. The petition states that while residents in the area are ‘generally happy’ with Salford council services, their needs ‘cannot currently be met’ without more devolved powers. The signatures need to be verified by Salford council before the plan can move forward. Mr Walters said: “This is about us controlling our future, rather than relying on others. “A new local council would provide the community with a focus for tackling the issues that affect us, provide us with a louder voice and enable us to more easily tackle the issues that we face. “It is important to emphasise that the new Town Council, which will be democratically elected, will work together with Salford Council and the city mayor in ensuring residents receive what they need and what they deserve.” Mr Walters added that family sizes in the Broughton Park area are “generally larger than the average”, and more regular bin collections are needed for household waste. He also said it would help sort local issues with potholes, which are “out of control” around the city. A spokesperson at Salford City Council said: “The council has received the petition and is in the process of assessing it.” The Kersal and Broughton Park ward in Salford is represented by two Conservative councillors alongside Mr Walters, who is an independent. One seat in the area is being contested in the local elections in May, with Coun Arnie Saunders looking to maintain his position.
