Helen Foster-Grime

In his keynote speech to the Liberal Democrat Conference, Party Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has outlined his goals for the Government and the country over the coming years. He reiterated his commitment to liberal values on the environment and human rights and his determination to ensure a fair chance for every child, saying "every child can do good things, great things, if only we give them the opportunities they deserve."

"I'm very pleased to be able to tell you that the proposal for a 12.5m phone mast next to the shops on North Park Road was rejected by Stockport Council at the Bramhall Area Committee on Thursday 24th March.

I would like to thank the hundreds of local people who have supported the campaign against the phone mast, with over 500 signing my petition. The mast would have been within 100m of Nevill Road Schools, and I would like to thank both Headteachers and local shopkeepers for their support.

On 5th May you have a choice. You can keep the discredited First Past the Post system to elect our MPs, or you can choose a new and fairer system - Alternative Vote (AV). Back the campaign for change at www.YesToFairerVotes.org

AV is a small change that makes a big difference.

Saying YES! to Fairer Votes Means:

Local Tory campaigners in Bramhall North have tried to smear my actions in support of local residents opposed to the proposed phone mast on North Park Road, by saying that I had broken rules. This is completely false. However, you don't just have to take my word for it, Stockport Council's Solicitor has written a letter confirming it. An extract of the letter follows:

This Saturday sees Stockport County host Macclesfield Town in a crunch relegation match. Get down to Edgeley Park and cheer on your local team as they battle to stay in League 2.

Helen says, "I am a season ticket holder at County and try to get to all the home matches and some away ones too. I have seen what a difference a large home crowd can make to the performance of the team. It's good value at only £3 for U16s, so bring the family down and have an enjoyable afternoon.

The latest figures from the North West Crime Tracker show that between October 2009 and September 2010, there has been another reduction of 20% in all crimes across Stockport. Helen, who is the lead Councillor for the Safer Stockport Partnership, revealed the figures at Thursday nights Full Council Meeting in the Chamber, including a 23% fall in anti-social behaviour.

Helen recently spent the evening with the Help the Hatters' volunteers group packing and wrapping boxes full of Christmas goodies for our troops overseas. Help the Hatters are sending over 500 boxes and many people turned out on the evening to help pack.

Helen is patron of Help the Hatters, a group which undertakes good causes to help Stockport County, as well as other community good causes. She said, "We encourage young and old alike in lots of positive activities across the Borough. We carry out fundraising to purchase items of equipment for Stockport County, as well as refurbishing the club's training facilities, and general good causes such as these Christmas boxes. New people are always welcome to attend."

After years of lobbying by Helen and local MP Mark Hunter, funds have finally been confirmed for new improvements to the Cheviot Park play area. Residents in the vicinity will shortly be receiving details of the proposed works.

Helen said, "Following meetings with Stockport Council's 'Playbuilder' team and my meetings with residents in their homes to address their concerns, as well as with local policing and community safety teams, it has been decided to focus the play on younger children from toddlers to age 8. We welcome all residents views on the proposals, and look forward to the works eventually being completed. I will continue to push for works to be done at Parkside Park as well."

Works have begun to make improvements to Bramhall Green Roundabout. The works comprise:

• New Zebra crossings are to be installed across the northerly side of the roundabout (near the entrance to Bramhall Park) and across Bridge Lane. The existing Zebra crossings on the southerly side of the roundabout will also be refurbished.
• Footway widening works will also be undertaken to enable shared use by pedestrians and cyclists and new cycle parking stands will be installed outside the shops.
• The bus stops on the roundabout will be improved, with platforms constructed to secure level access, and bus stop clearways, to prevent parking, will be provided.
• The Bramhall Lane South (northbound) approach to the roundabout from Carrwood Rd junction will be realigned and the right turn lane for Carrwood Road extended to reduce congestion and improve safety and the exit from Fir Road for right turners will be improved.
• The current entrance and exit to the car park by the shops will be reversed and formalized.