Letter to postal voters in Northowram and Shelf

18 April 2021

Dear Resident

In two weeks’ time, you will have the chance to elect a new councillor for our area. It’s been two years since we’ve been allowed to vote – and obviously a lot’s happened in that time. But now, as we come out of lockdown, it’s time to make our voice heard and vote for change on the council.

I wanted to take this chance to talk about why you might consider voting for me on 6th May.

• I care about our local area and think that the voice of all local residents should be heard. Based on what you’ve told us, the issues that we all face with crumbling roads, anti-social behaviour, litter and pollution should be council priorities – if elected, I’ll make sure this is the case. We also need to make sure that those of us who need extra help or care at home get it.
• I spoke out in defence of our area at the recent Local Plan hearings, opposing the Council’s plans to build over 1000 houses in our area. I do want more affordable housing where it’s needed – but I oppose the building of massive estates of expensive houses in an area where roads, GPs and schools already struggling to cope.

• As your councillor, I’ll be free to vote on behalf of your interests. Candidates for the old parties will vote as their leaders tell them to, whether or not it’s in local peoples interests.
• The Green Party team takes action on your behalf. we get results – whether it’s the removal of flytipping in Shelf or the unblocking of drains in Northowram, it’s Green Party action that’s made the difference.
• We’ve kept in touch with you over the last two years with our “Green News” newsletter – letting you know about local issues and how we’re helping to address them.

Now’s the time to build a modern council that listens to local residents and improves local services. Our first step on this journey is to elect new people to the council. I’d like your help to make this happen in our area – together we can make our area the first place in Calderdale to have a Green Councillor.

Best Wishes
Martin Hey