Residents in Eccles are preparing to vote in a key council by-election this week. The town lost one of its Labour representatives in September after Sharmina August stepped down, saying she was working "100-hour weeks" across two jobs.
It opened up a position at the town hall for someone to represent the area which is on the cusp of major transformation. Plans are being prepared by Salford City Council to demolish Eccles Shopping Centre and rebuild the site, with some sections of the complex already closed along with Eccles market. READ MORE: 'Anti-social behaviour' hits Greater Manchester's cycle hire scheme AGAIN as some Bee Bike stations closed A council report found that people felt the shopping centre had become 'downtrodden' and unloved.
But traders and visitors say the work has left the shopping centre empty, claiming there is "no heart" there anymore. The winner of the by-election on October 31 will have a key role to play in shaping the town's future along with the two other Eccles councillors.
Ahead of the vote, the Manchester Evening News asked each party for their plans for the town. Candidates have been listed in alphabetical order by surname. Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition Sally Griffiths is standing as the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition candidate.
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