THE Bury Conservative Group has chosen its candidate to challenge for the Ramsbottom councillor’s seat in May’s elections next year.

The seat is currently held by Labour’s Luise who has announced she will not be standing for re-election.

Whoever is chosen for Labour will be going up against Ian Schofield, who is semi-retired after a long career in the motor trade.

The Ramsbottom resident was unanimously chosen as the prospective candidate at a meeting of Bury North Conservative Association.

Mr Schofield, who lives in Cheshire Court, and is married to Ann, spent 24 years working for the Automobile Association and now works for the National Centre for Social Research.

He said: “Both my wife and I have always felt part of a strong, close-knit community. Ramsbottom is a wonderful place to live.

“I take full advantage of everything the town has to offer – friendly people, independent shops and excellent restaurants, a fantastic park.

“We are so lucky to have a swimming pool, leisure centre and library in the town and fantastic countryside around us.

"I have spent many happy years as a committee member at Ramsbottom Cricket Club. My wife and I are also patrons of Summerseat Players.

“I want to ensure that Ramsbottom remains a safe place for young and old, and that parents consider it a good environment in which to live and bring up their families.

“The former Mondi Paper Mill site in Bridge Street is derelict and has become something of an eyesore.

“I am pleased that our Conservative councillors have been working closely with the developers to bring forward plans for a mixed development of residential properties and craft workshops.

“Ramsbottom has become a popular tourist attraction with the East Lancs Railway, annual festivals and events, but car parking provision in the town does not reflect the numbers visiting at weekends and holidays.

“I welcome the moves by Bury Council to review car parking in our town – although I am wholly opposed to the introduction of car parking charges.

“I remain strenuously opposed to the proposed Anaerobic Digestion Waste Plant at Fletcher Bank.

“Since being selected, I have already been meeting people around the town and I have been overwhelmed with the support I have received.

“If elected I will work hard with Cllr Ian Bevan and Cllr Rob Hodkinson to ensure Ramsbottom has a strong voice on Bury Council.”