A HORWICH community group is hoping to shake up the town’s political landscape by entering independent candidates in May’s local elections.

The Horwich First group came together last year to seek a “fairer deal” for Horwich after growing frustrated with the relationship between Horwich and its governing council in Bolton.

Among a number of concerns, the group has regularly campaigned on issues surrounding the Horwich Loco Works development, where plans have been approved to build the 1,700-home Rivington Chase estate.

Two of the group’s members have now decided to take matters into their own hands and run for election.

Mum of four Marie Brady will contest the Horwich North East seat on Bolton Council as well as the Church Ward seat on Horwich Town Council.

Steven Chadwick, aged 28, will be vying for the Lever Park ward seat on Horwich Town Council in the May 7 vote.

Mrs Brady, aged 54, has lived in Horwich for the past 40 years and last year took voluntary redundancy from her long-term job as a project manager with Network Rail.

She said she became involved with Horwich First because of her concerns regarding the Rivington Chase development.

She said: “As someone who has worked in the construction industry, I presented my concerns at the meeting of the planning committee and I just felt that it wasn’t acknowledged by the councillors at all.

“There are serious concerns about the contamination of the site as well as issues on infrastructure and provision for healthcare and schools — it is important that Horwich gets a fair deal out of this development."

Talking about her decision to stand for both Bolton Council and Horwich Town Council, she said: “I put a lot of thought into it and I felt that the only way to do something positive and start to change things is by being part of it — I have a bit more time on my hands and am prepared to dedicate myself to this.”

She said if elected she will push for more power for the town council by creating a town plan and will call for services that have been cut back to be returned to the town.

Mr Chadwick, who has lived in Horwich all his life, said: “For too long Horwich's needs have been ignored and overlooked due to other considerations by people who may wear Bolton Council or certain party hats.

“The town and the wishes of its residents should always come before any party or borough.”

The other candidates vying for the Horwich North East council seat are Anne Galloway for the Conservatives, Bob Horsefield for UKIP, Joyce Kellet for Labour, Roderick Riesco of the Greens and Stephen Rock for the Liberal Democrats.