Ian Duckworth
Conservative Party
Balderstone & Kirkholt Ward
Address
13 Sedgley Avenue
Balderstone
Rochdale
OL16 4TY
I was born and live in Balderstone and raised my family here. I served as a councillor for Balderstone, Kirkholt and Thornham for a total of eight years. Fighting many successful campaigns and helping thousands of people with their problems.
If I am fortunate to be elected I will put local people first and will work with fellow councillors, no matter what their political party, for the benefit of the ward.
I will support the Conservative policy of better services that cost you, the taxpayer less.
At this years Budget Setting Council the Conservatives proposed a Council Tax rise of 2.5% with a discount for anyone aged 60 or over. This would have have been of real benefit to pensioners on fixed incomes who are finding it difficult to keep up with inflation and higher than average Council Tax increases. The Lib Dems on Council voted against both these proposals and raised Council Tax by 3.8%,one of the largest in the Greater Manchester area.
The good news is that the Lib Dems only have a small majority on the Council and there is every chance that the Conservatives will hold the balance of power after these elections and can then insist on our measures being put through at the next budget.
It is hard to take pride in a dirty town, so Conservatives intend to invest much more on street cleaning. It has been proved that the cleaner an area is, the less crime and nuisance there is.
We are also striving for an extra policeman on the beat and a more visible police presence.
Conservatives in Rochdale never lose sight of the fact that the Council is spending other peoples hard earned money. We do not believe in headline grabbing gimmicks or nine day wonders, our vision is of a cleaner, safer town that costs the taxpayer less but at the same time cares for the more vulnerable members of society.
I will also support the Conservative national and local campaign against Post Office closures.
If I am elected I will be available for everyone in Balderstone Ward, no matter where they live or how they vote.
