Stephen Sanderson
Conservative Party
Castleton Ward
My name is Stephen Sanderson and I have lived in Castleton for the last 30 years with my partner and family. I am pleased to stand in Castleton ward for the Conservatives as the local election candidate.
My working life has been spent in Engineering within started as an apprentice in 1975 at Hawker Siddeley Aviation. Currently work in Software Engineering Governance.
My priorities are all about local people.
Care for the elderly - How well we treat and look after older people is a measure of a civilised society.
Young people – far too many are still out of work – through careers advice and access to relevant education and apprenticeship schemes we can ensure training for Business and Jobs.
Local business and shops - deserve support to help regenerate the area through lack of investment locally.
We need an integrated plan for Castleton that includes all the existing industrial & retail facilities.
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 seeing 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 sites 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 have campaigned over the years for CCTV in Castleton again we seem to lose out to other parts of the borough
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 already proactively report potholes 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 perspective, one of the most important and rewarding roles of 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
I am standing for election because I have the time, commitment and energy to represent the interests of our community with genuine democracy that gives local people a real voice in local matters that concern them. 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. Change is needed in Castleton Together, we can create a better Castleton.
