Councillor Derek Wunderley, Reform Uk

11/09/2026

LITTLE LEVER — SERIOUS QUESTIONS NEED ANSWERING

After several residents contacted me about reports of threats in the village and Mytham Primary School going into partial lockdown this afternoon I decided to go into the village myself to find out what I could.

I met the woman who was originally threatened and who had, I understand, subsequently been threatened again. Thankfully, she was safe and being supported. I also spoke with her father, who had travelled from Salford because he was understandably extremely concerned about his daughter’s safety.

What concerns me is the sequence of events.

I understand the man involved had been arrested in Radcliffe yesterday and subsequently released, before returning to Little Lever where further concerns and threats were reported.

While in the village, I understand he went into a local shop despite previous concerns about threats. A number of people there tried to get him to leave, before he contacted police himself claiming he was in danger. Officers attended, spoke to witnesses and arrested him.

I am not going to comment on the evidence or the eventual outcome of any investigation that is for GMP and the courts.

But as your local councillor, I absolutely will be asking questions.

How can a situation involving alleged serious threats escalate to the point where more than one primary school has to take additional safety measures, while the person at the centre of the concerns is able to return to the area?

I have contacted the Police Superintendent and will be seeking answers about what happened, what safeguarding measures were considered and why the situation reached the point it did.

Residents should be able to go about their daily lives without fear, and our schools should be places where children and staff feel safe.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about public safety and getting answers for the people of Little Lever.

I will continue to push for those answers and keep residents updated with what I can share.

11/09/2026

Darcy Lever updates

Over the last few weeks I’ve been out and about listening to residents, raising concerns and pushing the Council and others for answers and there’s already been some progress.

Empire Motors, Radcliffe Road
I’ve confirmed with the Council that the land next to Empire Motors is Council owned. The cars being stored there will have to be removed and will not be allowed back. The Council can now maintain the land properly.

Radcliffe Road – overgrown land & fencing
The privately owned land formally Be One Homes Land, just up from the Farmers Arms has now been served notice for environmental works, including the overgrown bushes near the bus stop. I’ve also raised concerns about dangerous fencing.

Davenport Farm – Crow’s Nest
I’ve been contacted by residents with concerns about recent activity and changes taking place at Davenport Farm.I’ve raised these concerns directly with the Council’s Planning and Enforcement teams and am awaiting their response to establish exactly what is happening and whether any planning or other permissions are required. There is currently no planning application for an abattoir on the site, but I’ll continue to press for answers and will update residents once I have confirmed information.

White House - Dove bank
After residents contacted me about a break-in, I got the police involved and met with them. The owners have now secured the property. I’m continuing to push for further action regarding the damaged front windows.

Former Seven Stars, Dove Bank
I’m working with the owners and landlords to tackle the ongoing rubbish problem and find a proper long-term solution to the repeated bin and waste

03/09/2026

SURGERY UPDATE – FRIDAY

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to hold my councillor surgery this Friday as planned.

I’m sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have an issue, concern or casework you’d like me to look into, please don’t wait until the next surgery.

You can email me on [email protected] or send me a message via this page and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

Thank you for your understanding.

Derek

31/08/2026

Firstly, I want to apologise for the lack of posts over the last few weeks.

It certainly doesn't mean I've been quiet or sitting back!

The last few weeks have been extremely busy behind the scenes, working on residents' casework, attending community meetings and continuing to chase issues raised with me across our ward.

I currently have multiple cases ongoing covering environmental issues, highways and roads, housing and other local concerns, and I continue to chase the relevant departments and agencies for answers and action.

I've also spent a considerable amount of time working on two motions that will be brought before Full Council this Wednesday.

MOTION ONE – HOUSING & PRIORITISING LOCAL NEED

Our housing system is under enormous pressure, with demand continuing to outstrip supply.

This motion calls for Bolton Council to make the strongest lawful use of local connection, residency and community ties when allocating housing, so that the needs of Bolton residents are properly considered and local people are fairly prioritised wherever the law allows.

It also calls for greater transparency around housing demand, temporary accommodation, homelessness pressures, service capacity and the financial impact on Bolton Council.

This is about fairness, transparency and making sure local need is properly considered.

MOTION TWO – HMOs

The second motion focuses on the growth and concentration of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and the impact this can have on communities.

We will be pushing for greater scrutiny, better information and a proper assessment of the impact of HMO growth on housing, local services and our communities.

Residents deserve to have their concerns listened to when the character of their neighbourhood is changing.

AND THE CASEWORK CONTINUES

Whilst much of this work happens behind the scenes and doesn't always make an interesting Facebook post, it is a huge part of what being your councillor is about.

If you've reported an issue to me, I haven't forgotten about you. I'm continuing to chase cases involving:

Roads, pavements and highways
Environmental issues and fly-tipping
Housing and housing-related concerns
Anti-social behaviour and community issues

WATCH FULL COUNCIL LIVE THIS WEDNESDAY

I strongly encourage residents to tune in and watch the Full Council meeting live online this Wednesday when both motions are presented.

You will be able to hear the full details of the motions, the arguments being made and the responses from other councillors. Most importantly, watch for yourselves who supports these proposals and who doesn't.

Don't just take our word for it. Watch the debate and make your own judgement.

I'll provide a further update after the meeting.

As always, thank you to everyone who takes the time to contact me, attend community meetings and raise issues affecting Little Lever & Darcy Lever.

I'm here to represent our residents, and I'll continue to work hard to make sure your concerns are heard at Bolton Council.

Derek

07/08/2026

Surgery today 11am -1pm looking forward to seeing you

30/07/2026

Today is the Greater Manchester Mayoral Election! 🩵

Today you have the opportunity to vote for real change across Greater Manchester.🩵

I'm proud to support Sian Astley for Mayor 🩵For far too long, Manchester city centre has seen the lion's share of investment while towns like Bolton have been overlooked.

Bolton Residents contribute to the Greater Manchester system through their council tax, yet too many people feel our borough hasn't received its fair share in return. It's time for a Mayor who will stand up for every borough, not just the city centre.

Vote Reform today and let's make sure Bolton gets the fair deal it deserves

Don't forget your photo ID before you head to the polling station. Every vote counts.🙌🏻🩵

28/07/2026