Not all bad news! And a big thank you.

Well after 4 years of campaigning, even with the national disaster I managed to win the Rushmere ward seat for Labour,
I have been away since the election and it will take me a few more days to get over the fact that I can now represent the people of this ward with far more effect.
I will blog later in the week with my thoughts on the poor national results, the brilliant results we had in Ipswich (3 gains) and my own victory in Rushmere.
I must thank most of the constituents who voted for me , and the support I have had from all Labour colleagues, especially those from the North East branch- John Mowles, Sandy Martin and Neil McDonald.
I must admit I did have a tear in my eye when I was declared the Ward Councillor for Rushmere, all I could think of was my late mother and father- Peter and Annie Ross - if I can be half as good a Councillor as they were the people of Rushmere will be happy.
Thank you for putting- "A cross for Ross for Rushmere".

Result:
Alasdair Ross- Labour- 1,026 votes
Paul Carter- Conservative- 1,013 votes
Leslie Nicholls- Lib Dem - 294 votes
Turnout- 39.04%
A majority of just 13- but the Tories had a majority of 104 last year!

Empty houses- why build flats when you have empty houses to fill?

Alasdair outside 68 Rushmere Road, Ipswich

Still on the subject of my last post- the Tories seem hell bent on putting as many flats up on brownfield sites in Ipswich- just to protect certain parts of the town where they never wish to see any building.

I have heard that there is a plan to build houses on the Bisto's site on Woodbridge Road - if so that is good news, as we feared more flats. We will keep you informed.

But why build flats when close to our Rushmere Ward we have two empty houses that would make great family homes. Not only that, whilst they lay empty they are a magnet to vandals and louts.

We have the large house on Colchester Road (next to the Shell garage) and the old sweet shop at 68 Rushmere Road. The house next to the garage was raided by the police last year as it was being used as a drugs den. No such trouble at 68 Rushmere Road but it is very unsafe and a hazard to neighbours. The back garden fence is almost falling down and it just looks an eyesore.

I have been asking Ipswich Borough Council through my Labour colleagues to deal with this building as a matter of urgency and still nothing has been done. Do not worry, I will not give up and I hope to be able to bring you good news on 68 Rushmere road in the next few months.