Star date: 16th October 2012

BOUNDARY COMMISSION U-TURNS ON SALFORD DESTRUCTION – SAVE OUR SALFORD CAMPAIGN VICTORY!

The Boundary Commission for England has done a huge u-turn on its proposals to wipe Salford from the political map. In its report, issued today, the Boundary Commission makes reference to "a campaign called 'Save our Salford' founded by Ms Victoria Connett, who made a lively representation at the public hearing emphasising the community ties".

Full details here…

The Boundary Commission for England has today u-turned on proposals to wipe Salford from the political map. Back in September 2011 the Commission planned to shove Central Salford into a new Central Manchester constituency in time for the 2015 General Election. It also planned to put Cadishead and Irlam in with a new Leigh constituency.

A huge opposition community campaign sprung up, called Save Our Salford, founded as a Facebook group by actress Vicky Connett and attracting over five thousand members within a few weeks (see Salford Star article click here). Local politicians from all parties also opposed the plans. Now, following a public hearing last October, the Boundary Commission has accepted Salfordians' arguments and torn up the plans.

Today's report notes that "The opposition to the initial proposals was exemplified by the representations objecting to the proposals for Salford. There was also a campaign called 'Save our Salford' founded by Ms Victoria Connett, who made a lively representation at the public hearing emphasising the community ties.

"…We recommend that the two constituencies of Salford and Eccles, and Worsley and Eccles South also be retained as they exist at present. That recommendation meets the objections raised by the many residents of Salford, who justifiably deprecated the disruption to the constituencies. Salford continues to have two whole constituencies within its boundaries."

The other Salford constituency of Blackley and Broughton, represented by Graham Stringer MP, stays as it is.

Read the full Boundary Commission Report – click here

See previous Salford Star stories on Save Our Salford – click here and click here.

Update:

Vicky Connett, founder of Save Our Salford commented "I just want to say HAPPY TUESDAY!!! What a great day, the news filtered through to me at work about lunchtime and I was so happy! Well done to everyone who got involved and backed it. Personally I want to thank John Catterall, Karl 'H' Davison who were my rocks throughout the process! I was expecting today to be the day we re-hashed the campaign and began the fight again but they saw sense! They even mentioned me which was a pleasant surprised! Go Salford, you're all amazing!!!"