Barbara has defended the work of local Neighbourhood Managers, following reports that Tory Councillors proposed at the Salford City Council meeting on 17 February to cut the budget for these essential staff.

The city of Salford has eight neighbourhoods, each with a Neighbourhood Team led by a Neighbourhood Manager who looks after the interests of that community. Neighbourhood Teams work on local issues with Police, Fire Service staff, council staff and staff of housing trusts and the Primary Care Trust all working together.

Barbara said:

“I was very concerned that Tory councillors proposed cutting the budget for Neighbourhood Managers. I know from my work as the Worsley MP that Neighbourhood Managers do an excellent job here.  They play a vital role working with police and other agencies to tackle anti-social behaviour which could otherwise blight local communities.

“Neighbourhood Managers have an in-depth understanding about local issues and work with local people and groups to improve neighbourhoods. Cutting the budget for Neighbourhood Managers is a short-sighted suggestion that would actually threaten the quality of this essential work. Local people and communities would suffer if this Tory idea was ever put into action.”