16th October 2025
Romiley residents are growing increasingly frustrated as Lisa Smart, LibDem MP, continues to focus on international affairs — while long-standing local problems, such as the state of Padden Brook, remain unresolved.
This week, Smart took to social media to highlight her opportunity to question the new Foreign Secretary about Britain’s support for international law and justice for victims of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“It’s right that justice must be done to support the brave, resilient Ukrainian people,” she posted, using the hashtags #Ukraine #ICC #LibDems.
But for many in Romiley, the post struck a nerve.
“Of course, what’s happening in Ukraine is important,” said one resident, “but we’d like her to show even half that passion for the people who actually elected her. Padden Brook’s still a mess, a W1 protected woodland site destroyed and strewn with rubbish, and we can’t get a straight answer from her about it
Padden Brook has become a recurring sore spot in the village — plagued by litter, and wildlife destruction despite 14 months of complaints. Locals say promises of “looking into it” have gone nowhere, and nothing has changed on the ground.
“She’s got time to grill the Foreign Secretary,” another resident commented, “but no time to walk down to Padden Brook and see what her constituents are talking about.”
For many, the issue has become symbolic — about feeling ignored.
“Romiley deserves an MP and councillors who can care about global justice and local reality,” said one campaigner. “Right now, it feels like we’re getting neither.”
As of press time, Councillor Smart had not responded to the Gazette’s request for comment.
