PEOPLE in Tameside get the chance to decide who they want to represent them on the borough’s council as the area goes to the polls on Thursday, May 7.
Nationally, politics may seem more polarised with the rise of Reform UK on the right and the Green Party on the left.
Many are also billing the ward results as an indication of the country’s feelings about the current Labour government.
But locally, many of the issues remain the same. Will potholes be filled? Will the bin be emptied on time? How will councillors work for my area?
Ahead of this year’s local elections, The Correspondent has asked every candidate standing to supply profiles detailing how they area and their vision for their ward.
Here is the rundown of those standing in Denton North East.
Veronica Dawson (Conservative Party)
No profile submitted
Jane Martin (Green Party)
THROUGH my interest in amateur dramatics, I have met people of all ages from the whole of Tameside, many disenchanted with politics both national and local.
I was among them. Until I was introduced to the Green Party, which offers real hope to real people from real people.
I am passionate about Tameside, especially my hometown of Denton, passionate about improving life for all of us, and passionate about listening to what matters most to our residents.
There is much to be proud of in our area but also much that needs to change.
Houses are springing up on any piece of available land, reducing our access to health-giving green spaces and compounding problems with parking.
Meanwhile, empty properties stand neglected and our teenagers roam the streets for want of affordable alternatives, as we choose between heating or eating.
Vote Green and I will fight for a fairer deal and better future for everyone in Denton North East and Tameside.
Denise Ward (Labour)
SERVING my local community in Denton North East has been an honour and a privilege for 16 years.
I have many great achievements over that time, my greatest has been the Luncheon club, which started off with 13 people and caters for 200, with an impending move to Hatters Food Hall after the sad closing of Festival Hall.
During the height of Covid-19, I cooked and delivered 3,400 hot pies to local residents and at Victoria Park Community Centre, I have worked with our local veterans on cooking lessons.
I support many groups and businesses in Denton, Volunteers Circle of Friends and I raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice and have raised money for five defibrillators in the town.
I was elected the first chair of Friends of Tame Valley, which is now run by an army of enthusiastic volunteers, and I’m chair of governors at St Thomas More RC College.
If re- elected on May 7, I will continue to work hard for residents in Denton North East.
Aron Webb (Reform UK)
I AM a lifelong resident of Denton and a happily married father of two young boys, and care deeply about the kind of area we are building for families.
As a Christian involved in running a local church, I have always believed in service, responsibility and being there for others.
After working in IT for more than 15 years, I now lead a service team while also helping with a small family business, which has given me a practical understanding of how to lead a group, set targets and achieve results.
I am standing for Reform UK because I believe local people want common sense, higher standards and representatives who will put residents first.
I want to protect Denton’s green spaces, stand against overdevelopment, and support more opportunities for young people through sport and recreation.
For me, this is about helping to keep Denton a place families can be proud to call home.