One thing I hoped for after delivering my leaflets was that at least some people would read them before placing them into the recycling bin. This has clearly happened as I’ve already had a number of phone calls, e-mails and letters asking for help with a variety of issues, some of which I’ve been able to resolve quickly and others that I’m now working on.The one thing I hadn’t anticipated though was being reported to Walsall Council for allegedly trying to mislead / deceive people, by implying I was already a councillor, because of the website address I had included on the leaflets. I am a member of the Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors, which is for both those who have been elected, and those who are seeking election, as Liberal Democrat Councillors. They have a website called mycouncillor.org.uk and I had legitimately set up information about myself on this website. Because it does not breach any rules, clearly states that I am someone hoping to be elected as a councillor rather than making any claims about me being a councillor, I was advised I could leave my website as it stands. However, as my intention has never been to try and mislead anyone I would like to apologize for any confusion I have caused with the use of this website. To remove any doubt I have taken immediate action and changed my website address to www.royshewardliberaldemocrat.info. This will be printed on all future leaflets I’m involved with producing. I have advised Walsall Council but as the person, who clearly has been upset by the website, made the complaint direct to them rather than approach me, I’ve not been able to apologize directly to them or advise them of the action I’ve taken.

Initially I was devastated when contacted and informed of this complaint, but I’m now even more determined than ever to continue with the job in hand – Firstly help those people who’ve come to me with their specific problems and secondly, wherever possible, work to see what can be done about the desire, expressed by many residents, to see an increased pride in Aldridge and the surrounding community!