History in the making?

Reporter: Laura Wild
Date online: 13 March 2010

Frank Salt from Castleton is attempting to make history by becoming the first independent candidate in Rochdale to be elected to Rochdale Council. Rochdale Online reporter Laura Wild met with Mr Salt today to find out a little bit more about him and why he thinks history is about to be made.

Mr Salt, 62, has lived in Castleton since 1969, he is married, to his ‘best friend’ Yvonne and they have three children together, six grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Known to his friends as ‘Salty’, Mr Salt had a career in engineering for 25 years before he went to university and gained a BA Honours Degree in Community Studies and then a Masters in Philosophy at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Mr Salt is a family man, and in his spare time he enjoys socialising, travelling and has a very keen interest in trains.

He has always been interested in helping people, and different jobs and life experiences have led him to believe it is possible to make a difference.

Despite the fact that no candidate from Rochdale has ever been elected as an Independent candidate, Mr Salt is confident it will be different this time, and he explained why that is: “When I talk to people I realise they have had enough, and they question where things all went wrong, I do too, how did my generation allow this to happen, we need to put our finger on where things have gone wrong.

“My concern is that Castleton hasn’t had its fair share of resources from the council. It is the second most deprived place in the borough.

“Over the years I think Castleton has been forgotten about because the Lib Dems have thought their seats were safe. People are getting to a point of despair and they want something to be done.”

Mr Salt continued to explain what changes he would hope to make if elected: “I don’t want to be a politician, I want to be a representative, I want to help out businesses so there is more work for local people, I want to focus on the East Lancs Railway and also, do something about the poor lighting in the area which is a problem. I also think it is important to re-engage young people; they are the future."

Mr Salt’s main interests are education, transport and technology. His aim is to get people thinking and questioning what the council is doing.

“I won’t make decisions to suit a political party, I will do what I think it is the right thing to do for Castleton."

Mr Salt outlined some problems that have reaffirmed his decision to stand as an independent, such as:

• The huge controversy over the Springfield Park golf driving range plans.
• The major disruption the lack of grit caused to the borough in the winter months.
• Bins not being collected.

To conclude, Mr Salt said: “I will do my best for the people of Castleton. I think it is important to challenge what is happening in Castleton. I will fight for the Village's fair share.”

To find out more about Frank Salt and his campaigning for Castleton visit:

• www.franksalt.org