David Jones
Conservative Party
Castleton Ward
Why have I decided to stand?
My name is Dave Jones and I have lived in Castleton for the last 7 years with my partner and three children. My decision to stand as a candidate was triggered a few years ago after reaching out to the local elected representatives for some guidance and help. Up until this point in life, perhaps naively, I was always under the impression there was a decent link to the local authorities and decision makers, via the elected representatives. However, after a somewhat disappointing experience, I started to become interested in how local politics operate.
Over recent years I have really got to know and live the local issues. I have a real affinity for the area and Castleton has so much potential. We have the village centre, a railway, the canal, easy access to the motorway and a fair amount of wonderful green space, yet it’s clear to see that Castleton has the potential to do even more! It can feel sometimes as if our area is over looked, forgotten about our even ignored.
With the advent of social media and technology, there’s never been an easier way for Councillors to proactively communicate about how our democracy works, and as to why or why not certain things can be achieved. I believe residents should be much more involved and informed, and that better communication and openness with residents will go a long way to improving the perception and integrity of the decisions being made at the Town Hall.
The Cycle Lane Proposals
No doubt, residents will be fully aware of the controversial cycle lane proposals. People tell me that they feel the results of the consultation for this have been ignored and further developments have not proactively been communicated by local councillors. As a result, residents in Castleton feel consultations are a foregone conclusion and this can lead to many people not see the point in getting involved.
The Greenbelt
It's time that Castleton had a stronger voice that will speak out for local people who have worked tirelessly to protect our irreplaceable green spaces. We all know that once the Greenbelt is lost, it is lost forever and I want to see the Council focussing on Brownfield sites first. I do not believe we should be building on Greenbelt whilst there are Brownfield site’s available to develop and create new homes for families to live in.
Council Tax
The never ending Council Tax increases are really starting to impact local families.
This year, again, Labour's Councillors voted to put up our council tax, rejecting an alternative and fully costed proposal from the Conservatives, that would have at least effectively frozen the increase this year. It seems no matter what, your Council Tax will continue to rise if Labour control the council.
Action on crime
Crime, speeding and anti-social behaviour in Castleton and Slattocks are a real problem. I would investigate the feasibility of a regular police surgery for residents to attend and speak with the local police officers and Councillor’s together.
Actions on potholes
Potholes are everywhere in Castleton and if elected, I will fight to ensure Castleton gets its fair share of resources to repair them quickly! I will proactively report potholes as see them in the ward.
The Clean Air Zone.
Labour may now have finally slightly changed their tune on this, but I hope residents will remember how our Labour councillors initially strongly defended Andy Burnham's decision to impose a 493sq mile clean air charging zone across Greater Manchester. In Rochdale the plot thickens as the Labour Led Council opted into the scheme, despite not needing to because of the good levels of air quality across the borough. Accessing help and support
From my prospective, 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 contact me.
Castleton deserves better
Castleton needs a strong representative on Rochdale Council who will stand up for local people. This year, voters will get three votes to make a difference. Labour have been in control of Rochdale council for decades and each year, the local elections is concluded by a very low turnout. I hope residents will make a special effort to vote this year and I promise I will stand up for the ALL the people and businesses in our community. Together, we can create a better Castleton.
