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 one of two Labour candidates for Bournville & Cotteridge ward, where two seats are being decided: Fred Grindrod
I’m Fred Grindrod and I’m one of the two Labour Candidates for Bournville and Cotteridge in Thursday’s elections. My colleague Liz Clements is also standing for Labour.
I’m an experienced campaigner, trade unionist and community advocate. I’ve worked in industry, for charities and for government organisations. I live in Bournville Village and I’m married to Jo, a secondary school teacher. I have two children who attend a local primary school.
I’m standing in this election because I know that only Labour has the policies and commitment to build a fairer city, defend public services, protect our local environment and ensure that working people have decent, secure jobs.
I love living in Bournville & Cotteridge, and, together with Liz Clements, will work to ensure more school places, reduce crime, reduce traffic congestion and improve our air quality.
During the campaign I’ve talked to people across our ward and have heard serious concerns about the state of our local services. The impact of savage cuts on the NHS and local policing has been raised many times. People are worried about schools, the jobs market and care for the vulnerable.
Birmingham Labour has a bold plan to transform our city. Under Labour, the Council will tackle the homelessness crisis. We’ll continue to build council houses and affordable housing for sale and rent though the Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust. We’ll ensure that all young people have the skills they need to get good jobs, and we’ll invest in services to protect the most vulnerable.
Under Labour, the Commonwealth Games will be an opportunity for all young people, and for volunteers of all ages, to get involved in sport and physical activity. Labour will ensure that the legacy of the Games will be new housing for Birmingham and a vastly improved transport infrastructure for our city.
Labour offers our communities shared economic prosperity, reinvigorated public services and a new sense of civic pride. Contrast this with the Tories, who have slashed the city council’s budget by half since 2010. The social fabric of our city has been undermined and our public services put under severe strain.
Labour will build a better Bournville and Cotteridge. Our priorities are to:
• fight for more affordable homes to rent and buy throughout the area;
• get more resources for our local police team;
• work with parents and teachers to protect our children’s education;
• reduce traffic congestion in Cotteridge so air quality improves;
• support the reopening of the Camp Hill rail line and press for cheaper bus fares;
• deal with fly tipping and make sure recycling rates improve;
• help Friends groups to protect our parks.
On May 3 please use both your votes for Labour in Bournville and Cotteridge to elect me and Liz Clements. A strong, ambitious Labour council will make Birmingham a city to be proud of again.
Some polling stations in Bournville and Cotteridge have changed, so please check your polling card before leaving home to vote!
How to contact me:
@fredgrindrod
t. 07957 249 235
See also:
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