Why do you want to be a councillor?

I've been asked this a lot recently, especially because I have no desire to represent a political party. Let's get politics out of the way first. I am interested in politics, I just don't understand what being a member of a political party brings to the role of councillor in local Government. Can anybody tell me?

I'm a family man with strong roots in the area I want to represent, and I'm passionate about doing all I can to improve that area for all of us. I've run my own business for 16 years, I've worked with my wife to develop another small business here 'The Cafe at the Corner' and it was our aim to create a small corner of Swallownest that would improve the village - a really nice place to visit.

It's become a real community hub, and through socialising with customers I've heard of many things people aren't happy with. The buses. Anti social behaviour. The rise in crime. How impossible it is to get an appointment at the doctor's. The lack of banking facilities locally since RBS closed. Potholes (that's a big one for me!!)

And a big one is 'we keep hearing of money being poured into other areas locally, but we never seen to get anything round here'

I think I can help. By being a strong advocate for the area and it's people at the Council, without being encumbered by party membership. By being available to represent local people with Council matters.

If you believe in the role of Independents in local Govt you can help me get elected by liking the social media posts (and especially sharing them), helping with leaflet deliveries and simply spreading the word. and of course, turning out on the day (2nd May) and voting - thats a big one!

So I urge you, please keep sharing my posts, encourage friends and family in the area to Like the Facebook page and when the time comes, encourage people to vote.

Thank you

Nigel