David Winder standing for UKIP in Middleton

David Winder

Middleton man David Winder is to stand for UKIP in the May local elections.

The 43-year-old former Navy Officer, who was born and bred in Boarshaw, says that although he has never been in politics before, he would like to try his hand at standing this year and hopes to get the support of residents in the Middleton North area.

The former John Fisher Primary School pupil, who completed his A-levels at Rochdale College before becoming a Navy Officer for 12 years, said: “I'm standing in Middleton North for UKIP as I believe that Middleton in particular has been a secondary consideration for those in the town hall. Of course we get the occasional scrap of funding and improvement but on the whole, we are the poor relation to Rochdale.

“I'm passionate about keeping our green spaces development free, and I'm hugely disappointed that Rochdale Council recently agreed to the housing development on Hollins Lane.”

He added: “At a time when we now have three weekly bin collections and austerity cutting into social care budgets, I'd suggest that their priorities are all wrong, and certainly not what most taxpayers expect of their council, which is to empty the bins, maintain the roads, keep the lights on and look after those who are the most vulnerable in our society. It's just common sense and as far as I can see only UKIP, I and my other colleagues are offering it.”

Mr Winder also commented on his petition to get a Metrolink stop in Middleton. He said: “If I am elected this year I will press for this link to be built as it's something which can only bring benefits to Middleton, and in my opinion it’s long overdue.”

Mr Winder added that he would like to reduce the number of councillors in each ward to save money. He said: “We currently have 20 wards in the borough. Each ward has three councillors, all of whom are entitled to claim expenses, allowances and various other fees paid for by the local taxpayer. We think this is wrong and is just a case of jobs for the boys. So we also propose to reduce in the total numbers of councillors from 60 to 40.”