Labour’s 10 point plan to revitalise ‘neglected, run-down’ Peterborough

The party’s manifesto for May’s local elections includes pledges such as building 3,000 new council homes, addressing fly-tipping, revitalising arts and leisure facilities and turning Peterborough into one of the UK’s leading digital cities.

The Labour group, many of whom are also members of the Cooperative Party, are the official opposition at the Town Hall with 17 out of 60 councillors.

With the ruling Conservatives currently retaining power thanks to the support of the three Werrington First councillors, it is possible that Labour group leader Shaz Nawaz could be the council’s next leader depending on the results for the 23 seats which are set to be contested.

Any net loss in seats for the Tories - who have been in control since 2001 - could pave the way for Cllr Nawaz to head up a coalition alongside other minority parties, such as the Liberal Democrats and Greens.

The party’s manifesto is highly critical of the Conservatives, pinpointing the city’s “shameful” record over school attainment and high number of “low skilled, low paid and insecure work”.

It states: “Today we have a shabby, neglected, run-down, deserted city.

“It has a lot of potential, but the Conservatives have failed to take advantage of the many things our city has to offer.

“We have record levels of fly-tipping and poorly-managed, expensive housing with too many people in overcrowded conditions, leading to depression, disappointment and, in too many cases, loss of hope.”

Labour is pledging to change that, with the manifesto adding: “Our aim is to make Peterborough the best place to be born, grow up in, move to and live in – for miles around.”

The 10 manifesto pledges, which Labour insists are fully-costed, are to:

. Build 3,000 sustainable council-owned homes

. Become one of the UK’s leading digital cities

. Create wealth in our city, for our city, while encouraging external investors to use local businesses

. Create a corporate bond worth at least £50 million to “rebuild our city”

. Bid to become the UK City of Culture

. Promote green technology, regeneration and recycling

. Address fly-tipping, increase recycling rates and make the household waste site more accessible to all

. Revitalise art, cultural and leisure facilities

. Ensure the new university is a major centre for green and digital technologies and makes the most of agri-tech

. “Restore our belief in Peterborough, capitalising on our heritage to make it the place to see and be seen in.”

Cllr Nawaz said: “It is time for Peterborough to build on its proud industrial and agricultural heritage whilst realising a long-held dream to have our own university to attract the brightest and the best to our city.

“Peterborough has been a backwater with no real ambition from the Conservative administration and a lack of identity for far too long. Our aim is to put our city on the map for jobs, education, technology and housing, making it the best, most cost-effective place to live, work and grow in for miles around.

“Our aim is to make Peterborough a destination and not just a stop on the way to London or Cambridge - but with fantastic facilities like those they already enjoy.”

Residents can access a copy of the manifesto by emailing Will at: [email protected].