Focus on Milnrow and Newhey: Councillors

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Councillor Keith Swift when he was the Mayor of Rochdale

As part of Rochdale Online’s Focus on Milnrow and Newhey month this December reporter Laura Wild has been finding out more about the ward’s Councillors, why they became a Councillor, what they enjoy about their role and what they do in their free time.

Councillor Keith Swift has been a Councillor for the past 15 years. Here he explains when and how it all began: “Fifteen years ago there was a proposal to tip in Newhey quarry. I went to the public meeting and stood up and said my peace and (Councillor) David Clayton who was a neighbour of mine at the time came round to see me about the quarry and it went from there. I was involved in the community campaign to stop tipping in Newhey quarry and then I joined the Liberal Democrats.”

When asked about highlights throughout his time as a Councillor, Mr Swift said: “There are numerous occasions where I have helped people to overcome their problems. One thing that really pleases me is seeing tourists visit Newhey and take photographs of the monument on Cotton Tree Corner. The fact that people are visiting and reading about the history of Newhey is pleasing.

Speaking about his Mayoral year Councillor Swift said: “The whole year was fantastic; especially seeing the troops coming back from Afghanistan. I was humbled to be in their company. I must be getting old though because they all seemed very young.”

Although Councillor Swift’s Mayoral year ended in May he is still as busy as ever: “At the moment I am leading the improving skills, changing life project. It is hard work but it is very rewarding seeing people making progress in their lives.

“I am also working towards my European Driving Licence. I have hated computers for many years but I am seeing how useful they can be.”

When asked about his favourite part of Milnrow and Newhey, Councillor Swift said; “There is still a village atmosphere and there are lovely people in both villages.”

When Councillor Swift has free time he enjoys singing. He sings at various events including weddings, “I am extremely lucky that I actually get paid for the thing I enjoy the most and I have sang at some lovely venues,” he said.

Councillor Andy Kelly, 41, has been a Councillor for Milnrow and Newhey for six months, he told Rochdale Online reporter Laura Wild why he became a Councillor: “I got fed up of hearing myself and other people complaining about things so decided to do something about and stand.

“Being on council is both enjoyable and challenging at the same time- it has taken 6 months to attend everything I have to at least once.

“Highlights so far have been contact with people in the ward who genuinely want to affect change for the better and are generous with their time and effort to do so.”

Councillor Kelly said he would describe himself as a dad and a husband first and a Rochdalian second.

Speaking about hobbies, he said: “My hobbies and passions are pretty well known I think, I’m a big supporter of arts and heritage, I’ve been involved in local theatre for about 25 years now and as a youth worker by trade, I am for good quality youth work and young peoples rights.

“I like quiz nights and have done some TV quizzes in the past and generally I work with and support community and charity organisations across the borough and region.”

Unfortunately Councillor Irene Davidson was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.