FARINGTON councillor Mark Alcock took up his new role as prospective Parliamentary candidate this week after a selection meeting by South Ribble Liberal Democrats.

The 40-year-old father of three has lived in the constituency for more than 30 years and works full time at Leyland Trucks in Farington.

Coun Alcock is also a school governor at Kingsfold Primary School, in Penwortham and at Lever House Lane, in Farington.

Two years ago he campaigned against the cuts of three fire engines at 34 fire officers from Lancashire Fire Service. He is also a strong supporter for CCTV cameras in Leyland town centre.

He said: "I've campaigned for improvements to local train stations and public transport and for the retention of the Post Offices and fought to stop incinerators being built. "I am honoured to have been selected as the Liberal Democrats Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for South Ribble and will continue to dedicate my time to working for local residents. Whereas before I dealt mainly with local issues I can now think about national issues and how they affect us locally.

"One of these is getting a proper rise for our pensioners so they can live the remainder of their lives in relative comfort. It is the least we can do for these people who have paid their dues and are only asking for what they are due."

Liberal Democrat Council group leader Coun David Howarth added: "Mark has shown himself to be a fervent campaigner putting the interests of local people first.

His stand against incinerators, excessive housing development and the erosion of public services are just three examples and the constituency association has made an excellent choice."