Talking Politics by Councillor Peter Rush - The Streets of Heywood!

12.13.40am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 17th Apr 2007

Peter Rush and Doreen on the streets of Heywood!

The streets of Heywood! Well, can I say that this last year has been an amazing one - at my age I suppose I should be retired on some beach... but I have really enjoyed my first year as a Councillor. I've got thank a few people who have helped considerably during the year.

The obvious one is Doreen Brophy-Lee, who I have worked with on every issue that I have campaigned on. Doreen is tremendously enthusiastic and a pleasure to work with... more on that later. Another is Dave Hennigan in the Lib Dem Office - his advice on both politics and casework has been invaluable.

We have delivered a leaflet a month in our area for the best part of the year and these have proved hugely popular. Our main campaign themes have been on crime, including increasing the opening hours at our Police Station, off road bikes, crime and anti-social behaviour and much more. Our petition to save services at Fairfield Hospital was a massive success. Our poster adorned most of the shops in Heywood and it was great the way the Town came together to fight.

Politics is a funny business, just like the world of sport there are highs and lows... I can't be doing with all the arguing but one positive thing is that we have broken the Labour Monopoly on the Heywood Township. This has had a huge, positive effect on the Town. Successes include the tennis courts at Queens Park, devolution to our Townships and hundreds of cases done for the people of Heywood.

People's appreciation is apparent as we call talking to residents before the locals... Doreen is proving popular and I have no doubt that she will be joining me on the Council in May. Her hard work and dedication is being rewarded by masses of support. One thing about politicians is that they have egos and I suppose I am no different...

So I suppose I have to bite my lip when Doreen achieves a bigger majority than I currently have in May!!! Oh and by the way, I'm delighted to see the Hornets and and our football club getting the Freedom of the Borough... Quite Right!