I'm David Wilkinson, your Liberal Democrat candidate in Westhoughton South, and I've lived in Westhoughton my entire life.

Full statement

This is my home — and that's exactly why I'm standing.

I'm deeply concerned about the over-development that is threatening the character of our town. Too many homes are being approved without the infrastructure to support them, and residents are already feeling the consequences: you can't get a GP appointment when you need one, families are struggling to secure the school place of their choice, and roads like Park Road are now at a standstill. I'll fight to make sure Westhoughton's voice is heard when decisions are made about our land and our streets.

I'm also campaigning to turn Westhoughton Town Hall into a health centre for our growing community. As our population increases, access to local health services matters more than ever — and this landmark building could be at the heart of that.

Many of us are dismayed at what Labour has and hasn't delivered for Westhoughton. Our town still lacks the investment and attention it deserves. But this election is closer than you might think — I need just 117 votes to stop Labour being returned for another four years.

If you want a councillor who knows Westhoughton, loves Westhoughton, and will work tirelessly for the people who live here — I'd be honoured to have your vote on 7 May.