‘I’m not corrupt,’ says former mayor after doorstep row
A COUNCILLOR has defended his actions after being caught on video arguing with a resident whilst out canvassing for the upcoming local election.
Coun Billy Sheerin was caught on a doorbell camera debating the controversial Castleton cycle lanes which he claimed he got “through external funding and fiddling”.
The Castleton councillor has since clarified that he was referring to fiddling his time around rather than corruption which it could be interpreted as.
As a councillor for the ward, Coun Sheerin explained that he has taken a lot of grief for supporting the project, which sparked the row between him and a woman whom he says he has known for a long time.
Unbeknownst to the former Rochdale mayor, the conversation was being recorded.
The clips shared with the LDRS show the councillor saying: “When I drive down the road, that beautiful road, no one else in Rochdale can get a new one.
“I got it through external funding and fiddling.”
The video from the doorbell camera comes in 20 second clips so the full conversation cannot be seen.
But local media outlet Roch Valley Radio published more quotes from the conversation online which saw Coun Sheerin being critical of local businesses for not supporting the scheme and not maintaining their shops aesthetically.
The resident conversing with Coun Sheerin claimed the money could be better spent on the NHS and that emergency service vehicles could be blocked on the road
- this did not get a response from the councillor at the time.
Speaking to the LDRS after the fact, Coun Sheerin explained that he had no clue he was being filmed and stated: “My remark (under
stress) about fiddling was relating to the time and effort that I had given doing my best for the residents of
Castleton and those who know me well will understand what I mean and what I stand for.
“I can honestly say I have never been involved in anything corrupt and again those who really know me know that this is true.”
The statement went on to say: “Many shops have already closed down in
Castleton prior to the cycle lane issue. We had a good selection of quality shops.
“Our main shopping habits have changed to using supermarkets and the internet.
“Now we have fast food takeaways, chippies, several hairdressers and a charity shop plus some others in Castleton.
“Many of the shops
premises have been converted to residential properties which again is, in my opinion, sad. I will look down the village and most of the shops are unappealing (not Smiths) and it’s my intention to get them help.
“I do not want shops to close and hopefully, with the new village look, we will attract new business.
“There are new houses being built this means new residents Castleton has the opportunity of a new start and why not, other places have done it so why can’t we.
“I have always tried my best for the village and its residents. Those who really know me will back me up regarding this.
“I am not and will never be corrupt.
“My point about fiddling was taken out of context.
“I sometimes say things in my frustration that upset people and for this I am truly sorry.
“Our journey over the last twelve months has been a nightmare but I hope and pray that we have turned the corner for all of our sakes, especially the next generation who I am sure will use the cycle lanes and help save the planet. God bless them all.”
“My point about fiddling was taken out of context.”