Local issues

VOTERS are understandably concerned about major national issues including the NHS and the economy but people in the constituency have also been keen to discuss matters that are wholly specific to Bolton — we asked the candidates which of these issues are most important to local people.

Jeff Armstrong of UKIP believes overcrowding on local trains is important, he said: “Labour has been busy asking for more carriages and the Conservatives have promised more, but only two have been added.

“Extra carriages will not work because it would be short lived, in that more people would start catching the trains before they reach Bolton — at Preston, Blackpool, Southport, and Blackburn.

“What we need is a service that starts at Bolton, now that the line is electrified.”

During her five years as MP for the area, Yasmin Qureshi has heard growing concerns about the state of the town centres in Bolton and Farnworth.

She said: “The recession has damaged our town centres massively and, despite the best efforts of many, they are still struggling, ultimately because people do not have enough money in their pockets to spend in shops, so shops close and, until our local economy improves sufficiently, our town centres will struggle.

She added: “We need a Government which cares for and supports ordinary working people. Labour's pledges to increase the minimum wage and to end exploitative zero-hours contracts will help and I will do everything within my power to help businesses grow and succeed in our town centres.”

Green party contender Alan Johnson has heard concerns across a number of issues while out canvassing, he said: “Good health care is crucial to the constituents, well paid jobs to build a life on — that would lessen the need for food banks.

“We also need good local schools for all our children, with qualified teachers and the scrapping of tuition fees would make it less daunting for would be students.

The poor state of our roads in Bolton South East needs to be addressed, and some joined-up thinking on 20 mph limits on side roads, which seems to be ever so patchy at the moment —I would also support small businesses in the area.”

Lib Dem Darren Reynolds is keen to discuss jobs and living standards for people in Bolton South East.

He said: “In Bolton, many people find putting decent meals on the table and looking after their homes to be a financial challenge — It is especially a problem for those with young families and for younger people.

“But figures released last week show that the rate of employment is at a new record high of 73.4 per cent. That means three quarters of working age people are now in work - the highest figure since records began.

“This proves that Liberal Democrats in government can help to deliver a fair society, a strong economy and opportunity for everyone.”

Tory candidate Mudasir Dean wants to offer better prospects to residents if he is elected on May 7, he said: “I would ensure all residents of Bolton South East are given greater opportunities to better their lives — so more apprenticeships, even more people paying less tax and protecting the most vulnerable in our society are priorities for me.”