City councillor David Wilkinson would be the Liberal Democrat candidate within the Westhoughton South by-election and his son will stand for the city council seat.
Though not presently a member of Bolton Council, Cllr Wilkinson does signify the borough on the parish council.
“It is about dedication and expertise,” mentioned Cllr Wilkinson, “I’ve spent years and years as a member of Bolton Council, and I’ve spent mainly my complete life in Westhoughton – I do know it just like the again of my hand.”
Cllr Wilkinson has spent 29 complete years on Bolton Council since successful his first election in 1984, and 35 years on Westhoughton City Council. He believes it’s this expertise which units him aside from the opposite candidates.
“One of many tough issues as a councillor is that the system is in opposition to you,” mentioned Cllr Wilkinson, “With issues like Locations for Everybody, which I used to be one of many few individuals to vote in opposition to when it was proposed.
“I am not afraid of talking my thoughts on behalf of Westhoughton’s individuals and standing as much as the massive boys like Peel.”
To Cllr Wilkinson’s thoughts, Westhoughton doesn’t get a justifiable share of the pie contemplating its general contribution to the Bolton space. That is one thing he wish to see modified.
He mentioned: “Westhoughton contributes over £10m a 12 months in council tax and enterprise charges, however lots of that cash finally ends up flowing right down to central Bolton.
“We’d like highway enhancements, we want new leisure amenities, we want new well being amenities. We’d like to verify public buildings are used public providers, like within the case of the City Corridor.
“I need the cash that Westhoughton generates to remain right here, so it may be used for issues individuals in Westhoughton want.
“For instance, you are fortunate if you will get a GP appointment throughout the week – often it takes about ten days.
“And with the native plan it is solely going to worsen. We’ll have one of many largest industrial websites in Europe simply on the sting of Westhoughton, we’ll have hundreds of recent homes, however we by no means hear something about new colleges or new docs.
“That is one factor I might carry to the function – my expertise in combating for the pursuits of individuals in Westhoughton.”
Whereas Cllr Wilkinson campaigns for the seat on Bolton Council, his son, Michael, may even be campaigning for a seat on Westhoughton City Council – a smaller physique that offers completely with Westhoughton points.
“He is extra succesful than me!” mentioned Cllr Wilkinson.
“He is been concerned within the city council for years behind the scenes, and he thought he’d now wish to have a extra upfront function as a councillor.
“I believe he’d make a superb addition to the city council.”