As part of our 2018 Local Election coverage, we have contacted each candidate standing in 16 wards across South West Birmingham, asking them to contribute to this election’s ’500 Words’ series.
Each candidate has been invited to describe themselves and their campaigns in their own words. Their submissions will be published – without editing – in the order that they are received. Should they be longer than 500 words, they will be cropped.
With the formation of new wards across the city, this is an all-out election, with every seat up for grabs. Some wards have one seat and some have two. Learn more about the ward changes and your candidates.
Our latest submission comes from the Labour party candidate for Kings Norton South ward, where one seat is up for grabs: Peter Griffiths.
I have lived and worked locally for many years. I am interested in our local environment, local history and local people. I want to help empower local people to make the decisions which affect their lives.
Recent cuts in policing following reduced Government funding, need to be reversed. I want residents to feel safe in Kings Norton South ,so together with the remaining police ,we must use all the community to identify and report crime and anti social behaviour.
In cabinet, as housing and homes cabinet member, I have changed policy so annual visits to council tenancies are re introduced, gardens maintained and flytippers punished. My portfolio has allowed me to increase the number of homes being built in Kings Norton, well above the number of those needing to be replaced. Good homes to live in encourage people into better lifestyles and more skilled jobs, whilst also helping children to get a better start in life.
I have worked to improve the education offered by our local schools and nurseries, and want to work with you all to continue to improve this.
The award of the Commonwealth Games to Birmingham offers a great opportunity for local communities to get involved in volunteering and developing participation in a whole range of sports and outdoor activities. I plan to work with local groups to get activity going, support existing clubs and encourage safer cycling.
There is a building boom in Brum, bringing many more construction jobs and later office work once completed. I support our efforts to re train staff and provide vocational skill training and apprenticeships to our young people.
Residents care about the state of their roads and pavements, which are not being improved or repaired as they should be. Our contractor needs to be held to account by local people. I will work to get the local estate groups empowered to determine what work should have priority and how frequently areas need to be cleaned.
Most of all I care about Kings Norton South and its residents, thats why I am always in the area doing walkabouts, holding advice desks and supporting local people, and yes I personally deliver lots of leaflets to you too. I hope the local residents continue to put their trust in me to continue doing this on Thursday May 3rd.
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