My name is Paul Rochford, and I am proud to stand as your Labour candidate for councillor here in Rural South. I have lived in Old Skelmersdale and care for the countryside that surrounds me from Simmonswood to Lathom to Aughton to Bickerstaffe for over fifty years—this is my home, our community, and a place I care deeply about.
Throughout my life, I have been guided by strong Labour values: fairness, community, and standing up for working people. In my role as a care worker for a North West charity, I have dedicated myself to supporting vulnerable people and families. I was even honoured to be invited to Windsor Castle to meet our King and Queen in February in recognition of this work—but my greatest pride has always been serving people like you, right here in our community.
Today, I want to speak plainly.
Many residents are unaware that a planning application for the Whitemoss landfill site (LCC/2025/0014) has been approved. This decision could have serious consequences for our area—impacting our environment, increasing traffic, and threatening our precious Green Belt land.
At the same time, we are already dealing with:
– Roads filled with some of the worst potholes I have ever seen
– Heavy goods vehicles using roads that are not fit for them—some barely wide enough for a bicycle
– Increasing pressure from waste sites surrounding our beautiful countryside
Enough is enough.
Our community deserves better. You deserve to be informed, to be listened to, and to have someone who will stand up for you.
I am not part of the problem—I am standing to be part of the solution.
If elected, I will:
– Fight to protect our environment and Green Belt
– Push for safer, properly maintained roads
– Ensure residents are informed and have a real say in decisions that affect their lives
– Challenge decisions that put our community at risk
This is about giving Rural South a voice again.
But most importantly—this election is your chance to be heard.
Vote for me, Paul Rochford, and together we will make change happen.
Vote Labour—and let’s stand up for Rural South.