Dear Resident,

I was born and bred in Milkstone and Deeplish.

Full statement

These streets shaped me. The schools, the neighbours, the local shops, the mosques and churches, the parks — this isn’t just a ward to me. It’s home.

I know the pride we have in our community. I also know the pressures families are under right now.

The cost of living crisis isn’t a headline here — it’s real. It’s parents worrying about bills, pensioners choosing between heating and food, small businesses struggling to stay afloat. I see it. I hear it. And I will fight every day to make sure our council does more to support local families and puts our ward first when decisions are made.

I’ve also seen the health inequalities that affect our community. Too many of our residents experience poorer health outcomes simply because of where we live. That is not acceptable. I will push for better access to GPs, mental health services, and preventative health support so Milkstone and Deeplish is no longer left behind.

We deserve cleaner streets and neighbourhoods we can feel proud of. Fly-tipping, litter, and neglected spaces are not a reflection of who we are — they’re a reflection of weak enforcement and poor priorities. I will demand tougher action and real accountability.

And when it comes to roadworks and disruption, residents deserve proper communication and planning — not chaos that hurts local businesses and frustrates families trying to get on with their day.

Beyond local issues, I have always believed that standing up for justice matters. My advocacy for the people of Gaza comes from a place of conscience and humanity. I believe our representatives should have the courage to speak up for human rights and fairness — at home and abroad.

I’m not an outsider looking in. I’m one of you. I understand this community because it raised me. I want to give back through honest, visible and principled representation.

Milkstone and Deeplish deserves someone who will work hard, listen closely, and never forget where they came from.

I would be honoured to have your support.

Yours sincerely,

Mohammed Shafiq
Candidate for Milkstone and Deeplish Ward