Focus on Littleborough: Wardle and West Littleborough Councillors

Councillor Ashley Dearnley

Following the first instalment of Rochdale Online’s Littleborough Councillors feature here is the second instalment.

Here you can find out about Wardle and West Littleborough Councillors, Ashley Dearnley, Janet Darnbrough and Robert Clegg.

Councillor Ashley Dearnley, 50, of the Conservative party has been a councillor for Wardle and West Littleborough for 21 years.

Councillor Dearnley stood to be a councillor when no one else was willing all those years ago, but he has managed to retain his position as a Councillor ever since.

“I stood because I thought it was important and important to represent the conservative party, I was never expecting to win, but I did and I soon started to enjoy the role. It is surprising how much of a difference you can make to local people,” said Councillor Dearnley.

For Councillor Dearnley there is one real triumph that stands out, and that was pushing for Wardle High School to have a Sixth Form.

Councillor Dearnley, now also holds the role of Deputy Leader within Rochdale Borough Council, however, he is managing to juggle the roles.

He said: “The two roles compliment each other; in a way, as deputy I have a greater influence which can benefit people.

“For example, one of the big issues at the moment is the holes in the road but at this level I have more involvement and I can make a difference.”

Councillor Dearnley’s parents ran a newsagents and post office for many years and the Councillor continues to work there at least one day a week despite it no longer being in the family.

“It is an important, valuable role to have that link and connection within the village,” added Mr Dearnley.

Councillor Dearnley is a fond lover of music and he used to sing in a choir, he also loves cooking and travel – when he gets the chance.

Janet Darnbrough, 67, has been a councillor for 3 years, Councillor Dearnley suggested the position to her because she was forever dealing with problems from the public at her post office in Wardle, which she has ran with her husband for 25 years.

Councillor Darnbrough has lived in Wardle for 25 years following a move from Diggle, she has one daughter, Helen, and in her spare time she is involved with the Wardle girl guides and Rochdale’s talking newspaper.

Councillor Darnbrough said: “I like helping people and trying to sort out their problems.

“Some of the meetings are also very good.

“I don’t like to blow my own trumpet I just like to quietly get on with things.”

Unfortunately Rochdale Online was unable to contact Robert Clegg for this feature.