Chequerbent Ward (Westhoughton Town Council)Local Elections Thursday 7 May 2015

It is hard to believe that it has been three years now since I was elected to represent the Chequerbent Ward in 2012 – time seems to have flown. A result of keeping busy, attending and participating in Council Meetings and doing my utmost to represent you the best way I can, committed and proud to serve. I stood thinking the electorate deserved better, and I can honestly say I have enjoyed the role, and have had some success along the way. For example, initiating the installation of the new hand rails [Bolton News] installed for our War Memorial on Market Street, making it safer for the frail and elderly; our Westhoughton Town signs cleaned and presentable, and championing and being fully behind the Town Council in the Lancashire flag flying over our Town Hall on ‘Lancashire Day – 27th November.’ Even thought it was disappointing that is was quickly taken down the day after. I do wonder why the council does not leave it there; a reminder of County Palatine of Lancashire heritage, still widely supported by the people of Bolton, yet the official Bolton Council line was: “we are in Greater Manchester and Get over it!” Even a Union Jack flying would be better than an empty flag pole. Sometimes decisions taken not to upset people are baffling; political correctness not something I encourage.

Over-development

Regarding the over-development of our town, Westhoughton; when the possible development of 100+  houses off Bolton Road (Roscoes Farm) came in, I was the only councillor to vote against the proposed development back in February 2014, then twice again when the Resolution and Amended Plans came back for planning consideration - at this point there was a general consensus amongst Town Councillors that we were against it. In November 2014, I was one of the three councillors who attending a meeting with developers invitation to discuss the proposed plans for 300 homes to be built on green land at Lee Hall - this a development I am totally against, telling the developers so; local residents are naturally up in arms about this (first step) incursion into protected land outside of the Local Plan, which was developed and consulted on over several years. This is a development we do not need and one that will likely impact negatively on Westhoughton. I encourage everyone to stand together, and if possible give help and support to the like of SWAN, a local action and campaign group, who have campaigned over many years against over-development of the town.

I also objected and spoke out to the closure of Winifred Kettle Home [Bolton News] on Washacre at Council Meetings and at Public Forums, gaining public applause for speaking out and challenging these decisions. The local paper highlighted my concerns by echoing my remarks in that rather than getting in a purpose built clinic for a town of our size, we are getting a ‘clinic on the cheap’ (which may bring more additional problems to our ward). It does seem odd that patients are sent and families expected to traipse to the other side of Bolton for respite care. This kind of care should be accessible within local communities.

As Membership Secretary of The Bolton and District Civic Trust I have a great belief and passion for our historic heritage and rich values of our town. When I took office I was disappointed to find that our very own Council Chamber was in much need of repair, had been neglected with evidence of cracked, flaking paintwork, a leaking roof, stained carpets and missing light bulbs out – the situation still same three years. As custodian of this 1904-built, Grade II listed building, given to the people of Westhoughton, I wrote to express my concerns to the Town Clerk, only to find the building is owned by Bolton Council, who are spending millions on Bolton Town Hall in this time of ‘austerity,’ and yet it seems continually neglect Westhoughton. Ironic too that Westhoughton Parish Councillors could not even hold surgeries with constituents at our Town Hall when only Bolton Councillors could.

As Vice-chair of Planning and Finance, many planning applications that come before me, I scrutinize with this perspective of our rich heritage, wanting to try to preserving the character of our town and our identity. I was only one of two Councillors who objected to the demolishing of the Red Lion Pub in spite of it being in a Conservation Area, which has stood on the site for over 300 years, only for it to make way for a private car park for a care home. I am the only councillor who opposed the demolishing of the Cross Guns Pub [Bolton News] with its natural brickwork, and to object to planning to build the ‘Open Prison’-style building, which I feel should be on an industrial estate, as it is not in keeping with the local area.

You don’t always agree with other councillors on the decisions that are made, but as an Independent Councillor for our ward I feel obligated to challenge decisions that are made; we should always try to preserve our identity as an historic town, and preserve our greenbelt and our green fields by making sound decisions on planning applications that are in keeping with the environment and the wishes of our community – and this I always tried to do.

Election 2015

As you may be aware, there are two seats Chequerbent Ward (Town Council) with three candidates standing, myself as independent candidate, who lives and works in our ward and two Labour candidates drafted in from Bolton to challenge me. I value that you may have your own political views – and this I truly respect – though I hope that my track record on fighting on your behalf and having the second highest attendance rate and town council meetings of over (>90%) stands as true testimony of both my commitment and desire to give you the best representation for our ward. Electing an Independent Councillor can help bring about change, but more importantly encouraged others to stand within our community from a non-partisan point of view to bring about positive change and sound local management that we all can be proud of.

I am also standing as your representative on Bolton Council for the Westhoughton North Ward – again there are two seats being allocated. Your support here too, even as a second vote could make all the difference allowing for Independent representation at Bolton Council, and again encouraging other to follow suit. I do believe we need more independent representation in our democratic processes – party politics looks jaded and very out of touch.

It has being remarkable journey for me personally and I would like to thank all those who elected me back in 2012 and I hope in some way that have not disappointed you, it is not always easy and sometimes you have to be thick-skinned, but with your help I wish to continue that journey to serve and fight for our community. To those who may vote for me again and possibly for the first time on the 7 May 2015, I will do my utmost not to disappoint you and to serve and represent you well.

Councillor Jack Speight

Thank You for Your Vote

The dust has long settled, time take stock and move on.

To those that voted for me on 22 May 2014 in the Bolton Council Elections for Westhoughton North and Chew Moor – Thank You! I know it is always disappointing when you do not win, but I cannot thank you enough for your believe in my strengths and my willingness to be the one to step up and stand out when a lot of other people sat back and blended in. To stand as an Independent and to take on five political parties and beat two is a massive achievement in itself. Not being elected doesn't change the significance of my heart, my desires, my passions, my skills, my intentions, or my dreams to serve you or my community.

During my campaign I had opportunity to meet many more of you personally, and I am so grateful for your support and kind words of encouragement. I want to reassure you that as the only Independent councillor in Bolton Borough, I will always be available to address issues for you on Westhoughton Town Council, and will endeavour to serve you to the best of my abilities. Keeping my electoral promises I will continue to influence and debate with my follow peers for the best interests for the people of Westhoughton.

I would like to thank all those who personally in one way or another helped me during my campaign, and I don’t want you to lose heart, we did accomplish a lot and I will keep on trying. A special thanks to my wife Nilda, whose help and encouragement had made it all possible.

I would like to thank and send my best wishes to the other candidates and to congratulate Councillor Martyn Cox on his re-election, and to offer my support in working with him on concerns that affects our community.

A few observations about the election. The surge in support for UKIP was a surprise and I think demonstrated the antipathy towards the main parties, and what they seem to be offering the public. Of course, as expected UKIP did very well in the European elections, and time will tell whether that message from the people is heard. Time will tell also whether the UKIP vote holds up in future elections – this is democracy in action.

I was at the count on election night, and counting is by polling station, in those close to my home base I was neck and neck with the main parties which was encouraging; clearly more work needed in the wider ward.

So, after the build up and some disappointment, life as a resident of Westhoughton, family man, employee and Town Councillor continues. I hope to keep you informed in the coming weeks about things that may be of interest.

Councillor Jack Speight

Election Day

Really busy three days out on the streets of Westhoughton, helped by my wife Nilda, delivering about 4,000 leaflets and speaking to many people. It's the part of the campaign that I really enjoy, meeting and sharing a few minutes with the voters.

I've had a very positive reaction by and large. Important for me to get my name and face known on the ward; and find out what is on people's minds. It really is a thrill to hear the words: "You've got my vote," or "I'm going to vote for you."

One sour moment in the run up to the election involving a Labour Councillor and a bit of cheap politics which I will have to deal with separately. Other than that I saw a few of the other candidates out and about and it was all very amicable. Got a mention and quote in a Bolton News article on Wednesday; it talked about me getting 11% of the vote last time round. Obviously, a good result is improving on that.

News has broke of a big development being muted on land at Lee Hall. It is something both councillors and community will need to come together for to oppose. From what I've seen it looks massive and could have a big impact on Westhoughton. Don't think the town can cope with any more mass developments.

A little later I'm off to the count. I will collect my thoughts and I will write a little more about the experience and the outcome.

Cllr Jack Speight

My First Election Win

My first introduction to standing for election was as a student studying for my degree in Complementary Medicine at the University of Salford. Being a student representative at Wigan and Leigh College and later at University of Salford, it seemed a natural step for me to stand, and I was happy to be elected as a Delegate for Nation Union of Students representing the University of Salford at National Congress Level. The most dominant issue of the day was Tuition Fees!

Leaving university, I was asked by people who must have seen something in me to stand in my local Parish Council elections for the Chequerbent Ward (Westhoughton) where I have lived some 25 years. Not being political, nor linked to any party, my sole conviction was motivated by what was in the best interest of the residents and my community – as an Independent. Having experienced my first local elections (I came third, though enough people did vote for an Independent to give me some encouragement), I felt more confident, having learned, that the candidate who did get elected never once took his seat in office – an insult and betrayal to all those who had voted. This demonstrated once again that the main political parties only seem interested in their own politics and being in power, rather than actual local issues and concerns.

Having expressing my concerns, I felt no option but to call a by-election. I was ridiculed by all parties that standing as an Independent I would only come last. Nevertheless I felt immense encouragement having spoken to the late Councillor Brian Claire, who was himself an Independent, and was four times appointed Westhoughton Town Council Mayor; he told me to embrace the mantel of “The Westhoughton Spirit of Independence and Identity,” and represent our town and vote on issues that benefit the good people of Westhoughton.

With this endorsement, spurred on to carry our unique independent identity and represent our town, I decided to take on, what I realised would indeed be an enormous challenge… I knew I could never compete with the financial backing of the main parties, nor their party machine and number of canvassers. Nonetheless, my wife and I endeavoured to reach out to as many of you as possible to put your interests and concerns paramount in addressing issues in our community. Using my spare time and my holidays from work I took every opportunity to speak to as many of you I could reach. I can only say a huge thank you for sharing your time with me during our conversations.

Voting having closed the evening of the by-election (26th July, 2012), with our Member of Parliament, Julie Hilling, looking on, I watched the votes being counted at St. Thomas School, Chequerbent, Westhoughton. When the votes were finally counted and checked, it was announced that you had elected once again an Independent Councillor to Westhoughton Town Council – I had achieved a phenomenal 42.2% of the vote. I must admit I felt great emotion, from a sense of relief and to that of immense satisfaction in connecting with people. I always knew from your responses and encouragement when speaking to you on the doorstep, that we are a proud town, and that concerns and issues that affect our community needed to be addressed, putting Westhoughton first. This undertaking I have embraced and at all times put the interests of our ward and the Westhoughton to the fore – an independent voice working hard for you.

Being the only Independent Councillor in the Bolton Borough can be tough; at times lonely furrow… some frustrations, some battles won… and you get to know who your friends are and what self-aggrandising cliques exist...  Nevertheless, I would encourage others, dissatisfied with the current party offerings, to consider both supporting, and even rising to the challenge of being an Independent Councillor. It is quite a journey – though not one for the fainthearted!

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Taking the lead from previous Independent Councillors, I am standing for election to Bolton Council in the Westhoughton North and Chew Moor ward on the 22 May 2014. With your support, if elected, I would become the first Independent Councillor on Bolton Council, which would be another great achievement for our town. More so, it would send a clear message that you want something different. And that issues of under-investment and respect rather than condescending parochialism from Bolton need to be addressed. These are the first steps of real change and real independence.

Electing an Independent Councillor who is answerable to you and not the political party machine… it does happen, and with your help and support it can happen again on May 22nd.

Cllr. Jack Speight

Welcome To My Blog

A new thing for me, taking advantage of the wonders of modern technology to inform, voice my opinions on matters that effect us here in Westhoughton, and give people an idea of who Jack Speight is and why I want to represent you.

This blog is inspired by my belief that you should be confident that you are being listened to, and that  issues that you consider important are being addressed. As a Councillor and local resident, I feel that this proud town of great character and heritage of once thriving cotton mills, coal pits, railway stations, a high street and market where you could get everything you needed, is being neglected. It seems forever missing out through the lack of investment, while more and more housing development takes place putting a further strain on local resources and services; roads are gridlocked whenever an incident happens as it tries to cope with the sheer volume of rush-hour traffic. Since I have lived in Westhoughton, I have seen the loss of our Police Station, Job Centre, Council yard and Town Hall services; our clinic and the more recent announcement of the loss of respite beds from the Winifred Kettle Home only adding further cuts to our community. Are we as an area taking the brunt of cuts in spending in Bolton? Does Westhoughton – a town of 25,000 – get its fair share of the expenditure?

Thanks to the internet, I want to take advantage and communicate on matters that concern our community. As an independent councillor, I do not have the finances nor the political machine of larger, established parties, but what I do have is the drive and conviction to address the same issues that affect you here in Westhoughton. You have every right to expect that an elected councillor - independent or not - to serve you and tackle the problems that impinge on our neighbourhood.

Just take the simplest of things, like filling in potholes on our streets or the cutting the grass verge on the roadside. If our Councils cannot get this right, then no wonder millions of pounds are lost through poor management, party politics and infighting, which seem to do more harm than good.

Enough is enough! We should stop this erosion of our neighbourhood and put pride back into our achievements and our Westhoughton identity.

Fortunately being independent, I am only answerable to you the electorate and with a common sense of purpose I want the very best for our community. I know we have a really good town and with your help, we can make Westhoughton an even better place to be an live.

I know things take time but I also know we have a strong community spirit and I want to share some of my experiences and yours through this blog. I invite and encourage you to comment, exchange views and share experiences, raise questions and seek answers. Though please be polite and respectful. Everyone has a right to be wrong.

Thank you for taking time in reading this blog. I hope it has been helpful to you.

Cllr Jack Speight