8th November 2025
Lisa Smart Talks National Policy – But Locals Say Padden Brook Is Being Forgotten
Romiley’s MP Lisa Smart has spoken passionately in Parliament about improving financial education in schools — but some residents say she’s losing sight of the problems closer to home.
Ms Smart said she was “delighted” that the national curriculum will be strengthened to include more financial education, adding:
“Financial education is a particular passion of mine, and I was delighted to hear that the national curriculum will be improving this. However, it is critical that schools and teachers get the support to do this effectively.”
While her focus on preparing young people for financial independence has been welcomed in principle, a growing number of locals are questioning her priorities — particularly over Padden Brook, a W1 protected woodland site which continues to be destroyed day by day.
Residents say that while national education policy is important, day-to-day issues like the state of Romiley’s loved green spaces deserve just as much attention. One local campaigner told the Gazette:
“Lisa Smart can talk all she likes about national curriculum changes, but we’d prefer she took a walk down to Padden Brook and saw what’s actually happening here. It’s been neglected for far too long.”
Despite repeated calls from the community for more visibility and practical support, Ms Smart has so far made no public comment about the condition of Padden Brook — leading some to accuse her of being out of touch with local concerns.
As one resident put it:
“Financial education is fine, but we’d rather our MP cared about what’s right on our doorstep.”
