New mayor promises to improve town's infrastructure that needs 'a kick up the backside'
Mayor of Desborough Cllr Jim French has promised to work for his community saying the town’s infrastructure needs 'a kick up the backside'.
Cllr French was elected to Desborough Town Council seven years ago after previously serving on Kettering Borough Council.
Elected by his fellow council members, Cllr French is eager to use his long-standing connections with the community to improve the town.
He said: “I already have several projects in mind and I’m keen to begin the challenge, to hopefully put some of these, with the help of other councillors, in to reality.
“We are very short of shops – the whole infrastructure needs a kick up the backside.”
The 82-year-old, originally from neighbouring Rothwell, is keen to see the promised demolition of the former Lawrence factory to clear the site for a discount retailer, something he says the town needs.
He said: “We shall be glad to see the back of it. It could be housing but we want a Lidl or an Aldi. We have got a new car park in the town so that will be good too.”
As well as representing the town at events – he’s already been a guest at Rowell Fair and Desborough Carnival – Cllr French will continue fundraising for local charities.
In October, he will host a gala night at Desborough Indoor Bowls Club with all profits going to Macmillian Cancer Support at Kettering General Hospital. Cllr French’s wife Jacqueline is undergoing treatment for bone cancer.
He said: “We’ve been donated loads of wonderful prizes for the raffle. It’s going to be a good night. We still have a few tickets left.
"I have always done charity work and we’re hoping to raise as much as possible.
"I think we should all be more community spirit-minded. You could call me ‘the caring councillor!’”