By-election date set in town with major regeneration plans

A date has been set for a by-election in Eccles after a Labour councillor resigned earlier this month.

The Salford town lost former councillor Sharmina August who quit after juggling two different jobs and worked "100-hour weeks."

It has created a new chance for someone to represent the ward where there are major plans for regeneration work.

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The by-election will be held on October 31 and it is set to be contested by the major political parties represented on Salford City Council.

Those considering running for the seat can return nomination papers to the council between September 27 and October 4 by 4pm.

Conservative and Lib Dem candidates are expected to challenge Labour for the seat.

Salford council is planning big changes in Eccles, which in recent years has suffered from empty shops and falling numbers of people on its high streets.

The plans include work to revamp the town's shopping centre, after the council submitted a planning application to demolish 14 retail units, the multi storey car park, and Northway Market as part of its plans to kickstart regeneration in the area.

Salford council bought Eccles Shopping Centre in December 2022 for £4 million after residents said it had become "downtrodden" and "left behind.”

Former councillor August held a senior role at the council, sitting in City Mayor Paul Dennett's cabinet team as lead member for communities before she resigned.

In a statement shared on X about her resignation, she said: "I have taken the tough decision to retire as councillor for Eccles. Working over 100 hours a week in two jobs is not sustainable, and I need to prioritise my and my family's health."

Ms August added: "I got involved in politics to try and make our world a better place. I hope I've done that in some small way for the people of Salford.

"Being a councillor can be tough, but I'm glad Salford will continue to have so many great people representing it, and serving the people of our city."