David Jones
Independent
Castleton Ward
Hi there!
I'm Dave Jones, aged 55, residing in Castleton alongside my partner and children for the past 10 years. I, like many in Rochdale and beyond, harbour deep disappointment and frustration with our current state of representation and democratic processes.
Tribal politics and party loyalty seem to overshadow the genuine needs of constituents. As an independent candidate, I’m unbound by party affiliations and solely accountable to the community's needs.
I believe it's time to re-establish an authentic connection between elected representatives and the community they serve. Your vote holds immense power in shaping our future. It’s time to bring integrity and honesty back into local governance and make a real difference in our community.
On your bike:
One has to ask, if the majority of local communities do not want cycle lanes, what is the motivation in pushing them through? Who is benefiting? No doubt, residents in Castleton will be fully aware of the controversial cycle lane. Residents and business owners in Castleton feel consultations of all shapes and sizes are a foregone conclusion and this can lead to many people not seeing the point in getting involved in the process. I think it’s fair to say residents feel that their genuine concerns are ignored by those who are meant to represent them.
Preserving the Greenbelt:
While acknowledging the need for more housing, I firmly oppose sacrificing our precious greenbelt. Once greenbelt land is lost, it's lost forever. I advocate for the prioritisation of brownfield sites by both the Council and developers. Despite stringent planning regulations meant to safeguard greenbelt areas, developers are drawn to them due to the large plots and lower costs, which promise greater profits. Although developers may adeptly navigate planning guidelines to secure permissions, I stand with the majority of residents who adamantly oppose sacrificing our green spaces. Building on greenbelt land is not the solution; instead, we should focus on developing brownfield sites to accommodate the housing needs of our community, plus we need additional and adequate infrastructure and services to accommodate the new homes and growing population.
Addressing Crime:
In Castleton and Slattocks, we face significant challenges with crime, including theft, drug-related activities, speeding, and anti-social behaviour. One major hurdle in combating these issues is the under reporting of crimes by residents due to the cumbersome reporting process. It's a Catch-22 situation where the police require official reports to allocate resources effectively. To bridge this gap, we need streamlined reporting mechanisms and improved communication channels between residents, elected representatives, and law enforcement.
Enhanced promotion of police surgeries and increased availability of these sessions can facilitate direct interaction between residents and local police officers, fostering community engagement and trust. Additionally, obtaining a comprehensive understanding of crime patterns in the area through increased reporting could bolster efforts to secure essential resources.
Furthermore, addressing the root causes of criminal behaviour is crucial. I believe in investing in education and job training programs to provide individuals with opportunities for personal and professional growth, steering them away from criminal activities. Proactive youth workers can play a pivotal role in guiding young people towards constructive activities and community involvement.
I will advocate for increased funding for youth provision and engaging activities to help inspire our young people.
Commitment to helping residents:
From my perspective, one of the most important and rewarding roles a councillor will be in helping residents get the support and help when they need it. Some residents will simply need signposting to the right council service, whilst others may require a more in-depth intervention in gaining the right help and support. If elected, I will be very committed to residents who need help or support.
Unlocking Castleton's Potential:
While some areas of Castleton may presently appear run-down, it's essential to recognise the abundant potential inherent in our community. Castleton boasts a unique blend of features, including a village centre, a railway station, scenic canal routes, convenient motorway access, and access to green spaces. These elements collectively offer a promising foundation for Castleton to evolve into a truly exceptional place.
One particular area ripe for development is the canal district, which holds the promise of revitalising our community. Additionally, the aspiration of extending the East Lancs railway to Castleton remains an exciting prospect, albeit one that may have been relegated to the background in recent times.
It's imperative that we reignite these ambitious visions for Castleton. Have these ideas been sidelined, forgotten, or overlooked? It's time to breathe new life into these ideas.
Castleton deserves better:
Castleton needs a strong representative on Rochdale Council who will stand up for local people. Labour have been in control of Rochdale council for decades and each year, the local elections is concluded and decided by a very low turnout. I hope residents will make a special effort to vote this year. I promise I will stand up for the ALL the people and businesses in our community. A final reminder, I have no political flag to fly, no politicians to defend, no sound bites to blindly repeat to in order to divert. I am simply a local resident who has decided to make a stance and your vote can help send a clear message to the elected to remind them that they are there to represent residents, not a political party and it’s agenda.
Kind regards
David Jones
(Independent candidate for Castleton)
