David Clayton
Liberal Democrat Party
Kingsway Ward
Address
31 Deepdale Avenue
Kingsway
Rochdale
OL16 4AN
I am 55 years old, married to Jane and we have three grown up children, Catherine 28, Shaun 26 and Mark 22. We have lived in the centre of Kingsway ward at 31 Deepdale Avenue, near Morrison's, for the past 26 years. I was Head of History at Crompton High School for 31 years and my wife taught at Kingsway High School for several years. I firmly believe that a good councillor should live in the local community – too many choose to live elsewhere which I think is wrong.
I have been the editor of Kingsway FOCUS for a number of years which is a newsletter aiming to keep residents informed and promote the idea of a cleaner, greener and safer Kingsway.
One of the biggest issues at the moment is the appalling decision taken by local Labour councillors to raise their wages by 34%. This keeps on getting raised on the doorstep. At a time when so much needs doing in our ward it is an insult to local people – many who have not had a pay increase for years.
This money would be better spent fixing potholes – Turf Hill Rd is one of the worst in the borough for potholes. The 34% increase in Cllr wages could also be spent on providing more CCTV to target the recent crime increase in our ward.
The role of a local councillor is not to spout national party politics, but to work hard for all residents to create a better place to live. There are so many things that need addressing from keeping our streets clean to helping combat social disorder on the trams.
I make 2 simple promises in this election:
1. If elected I will NOT take the 34% pay increase for Councillors.
2. To work as hard as possible for all residents in the Kingsway area.
Apart from delivering a lot of Focus leaflets, I also enjoy reading crime and historical fiction. I try to play the guitar and enjoy listening to music – Steely Dan, Rush and The Eagles being my favourite bands. I enjoy going on holiday and visiting my daughter in Devon. Being retired, I feel I have the time to represent the residents of Kingsway. I know there is a lot of disillusionment with politicians at the moment but all I can do is promise to do my best.
Thank you.
