"£1 million for pot holes and pavements just a cynical election ploy" say Lib Dems

Outspoken Lib Dem Candidate for Balderstone and Kirkholt Liz Thirsk has accused Labour of 'gesture politics'. She was speaking after they announced they were planning to spend a million pounds fixing Rochdale's broken pavements and roads.

Liz, who is challenging Council Leader Richard Farnell in Balderstone and Kirkholt in May's elections, said: "Labour have controlled our Council for six years and in that time our streets have deteriorated. Since they took control of our Council in 2010 - they have promised year after year that they will invest in the declining state of our streets. This has never materialised. The fact of the matter is, they have got worse - a lot worse. Take a walk around Balderstone and Kirkholt for example. The state of our streets is at an all time low. Residents tell me they are sick and tired of paying rising Council Tax and getting little for it. Labour have had 6 years to sort this. Forgive me if I'm suspicious of their motives in making this announcement just before a challenging set of local elections."

The state of our streets has seen the Council's compensation bill rise to £872,000. This is a direct result of the state of our streets and pavements. Local Lib Dem Leader Councillor Andy Kelly said: "We made a plea back in January for extra investment in the light of compensation payments spiraling out of control. I'm pleased that the Council have listened to us but I have heard all this before - usually just before elections. It's hard not think that this announcement is some sort of not so cheap election ploy. Are the Council going to quietly drop this when the votes are counted? I for one - will be pushing the Labour Council to make good this promise and will not rest until we've got to grips with this growing problem."

Liz Thirsk continued: "People don't ask for much from this failing Council. To keep our roads and pavements in some sort of decent condition is certainly one. The declining state of our roads and pavements is symbolic of a declining council running out of ideas. It's no wonder our area, under Councillor Richard Farnell, Simon Danczuk and Labour is seen as the most declining area in Britain. It's time for a change and an end to false promises."