North Middleton by-election - David Harris 'pitch'

David Harris

I am very grateful to Rochdale Online for giving me the opportunity to tell the electortate of North Middleton something about myself. My name is David Harris and I am the Conservative Candidate in the by election in  the North Middleton Ward - caused by the sad death of Councillor Ian Robertson. Councillor Robertson was was a hardworking and well respected councillor and I would like to offer my sincere condolences to his family.

I am married and have lived in the Boarshaw area of Middleton for almost thirty years before moving to  Alkrington this year. I still have many friends in the Ward and visit the area regularly which keeps me very much in touch with the needs of the residents in the Ward. I work for the First Bus company as a driver and instructor.

What would I do if elected to represent North Middleton in Council?

• I would campaign against the imposition of a Congestion Charge. This is the Labour Government arm twisting local authorities to raise extra cash. They say that if we are to have better public transport then the motorists will have to pay. This is the Government that has spent £800 million on St Pancras railway station in London, £16 billion on the Crossrail rail line across London and a fortune on the London Olympics. Have Labour abandoned everywhere north of Watford?
• I would campaign against the alternative weekly collection of food waste being introduced by the Lib Dem Council because I believe that there is evidence that this could pose a heath risk in the summer months. Of all the duties that the Local Authority has, the maintenance of public health has got to be one of its top priorities.
• I am opposed to the privatisation of elderly care by this Lib Dem Council. It is a matter that affects the most vulnerable members of our town.

Thank you.