A CANDIDATE in Swindon’s local elections has stood down in protest over bus services to the new Swindon Academy.

David Glaholm, who was standing as an independent councillor in the Penhill ward, only recently announced he was standing for election after previously saying he was quitting politics in March due to ill health.

But Mr Glaholm said he was standing down and would now be backing Labour in protest over what he saw as a u-turn by the Conservatives over improving bus services to the academy, in Beech Avenue.

He said: “Over the last couple of days I have had discussions with senior members of the Labour groups who wanted to persuade me not to stand and to support them instead.

“I have agreed to do that on the basis that they will give a commitment to the people of Swindon over improvements to the bus service because the Conservatives are not prepared to do that.”

He said Penhill residents were assured that the No 10 bus, which is now known as the No 21, would be improved between 6-10pm, but it has since changed from a half-hourly to an hourly service.

The issue is set to be debated by Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet at a meeting tonight but the last day for candidates to withdraw was yesterday.

Mr Glaholm said: “I have read all parts of the cabinet report and it shows clearly what was said in consultation meetings, when planning was approved and the conclusion contained in the report is different.

“People could be forgiven for feeling the promise was made whilst crossed fingers were held behind their backs.”