Battered and Bruised - Life after the GREENS!

Posted By: David Clayton
Date Posted: 18/06/2007

People often ask me how I get involved in politics and my honest reply is I
always blame David Steel. Up to 1980 I had no real interest in politics
besides a brief flirtation with the Ecology Party! I went to listen to David
Steel when I was away at University and found that I agreed with everything he said. I paid my subs and began to get involved. From that point on it was infectious – aided and abetted by Sir Cyril Smith’s charisma back home in Rochdale.

So what has kept me involved? It has been a bruising time, physically and
mentally. But I’ve picked myself up and kept going. Certain issues have
motivated me to try and produce a better society, particularly for where I
live in Kingsway. A major issue for me has been dealing with anti-social
behaviour. It is easy for all politicians to say we are tough on crime and
tough on the causes of crime. However, it is down to all of us to tackle
this menace whether it be smashed bus shelters, graffiti, late night
disturbances or youth nuisance. These are the issues that people really care
about and are harder to solve.

One of the first things I raised as a Councillor was Rochdale’s lack of a
01706 number for the police. This is a disgrace and should be rectified
immediately. When you ring up the police in Manchester they invariably have
not got a clue about the area you are talking about. This is compounded by
this government’s obsession with targets – unfortunately there are no
specific targets on youth nuisance! In Kingsway people have come together in local community groups to create safer streets and challenge the yobs. I
recently was called to Buersil Bowling Club after some youths were playing
football on the bowling green. Parents should take some of the
responsibility for this disgraceful behaviour. When I suggested taking
photos of these youths I was told “you can't do that” - well just watch me!

We have to pursue offenders, to the courts if necessary. I, for one, know this can be a daunting but ultimately worthwhile experience. Politics is about
building a better society, for our area, and I’m glad to be involved alongside my colleagues Naim Mahmud, Mark Birkett and Paul Rowen MP.  All
local residents, however, can take part and do our bit.