This weekend, I tried to shake off my post-election blues by taking part in a ‘Talk Saturday’ in Cotteridge, the first in a regular series of doorstep campaign sessions organised by my local MP Steve McCabe.
The focus of the session was on regeneration. After knocking on a door and introducing ourselves, we asked residents if they could spare a couple of minutes to complete a short survey, telling us what they think about the state of their local high street in Cotteridge and what improvements they would like to see.
As usual, the cats of Cotteridge took an interest in our campaigning antics. After playing it cool iniitally, I couldn’t resist snapping these two characters on Midland Road.
Black and white cat with missing tail wonders whether it can take part in our regeneration survey
Ginger cat proceeded to roll around the pavement when I approached with my clipboard. A novel way of getting out of completing our survey on regeneration.
I was really pleased with how open residents were to our campaign. Nearly everyone I spoke to cared about Cotteridge high street and believed things could be done to improve it. Top suggestions included:
- Improved parking facilities
- A better mix of shops – fewer takeaways, more vibrant independent shops along the lines of Cotteridge Wines and Loaf bakery
- Action on litter and fly tipping
Before going out on Saturday, I was still feeling pretty feeling pretty battered and bruised about politics and replaying the general election in my mind. After campaigning, I felt much upbeat about the ability to make positive changes in my local community.
Saturday’s door-knocking was just the start of my local Labour Party’s campaign on regeneration. Over the summer we’ll be gathering more people’s views on their local high street, both in Cotteridge and Stirchley. Afterwards, we will analyse the results and communicate the findings to the city council, with the aim of getting support for the improvements local residents have asked for.
Cats of the campaign trail 