A SILSDEN man is aiming to win a seat on Craven District Council and achieve a rare feat of simultaneously serving on two neighbouring authorities.

Andrew Mallinson, a Bradford district councillor for the past 15 years, has been asked by Craven’s Conservatives to stand in the Cross Hills and Glusburn ward, a seat now held by Independent councillor Graham Beck.

Mr Mallinson currently serves Bradford Council’s Craven ward, which covers Addingham, Silsden, Steeton and Eastburn.

Although Mr Mallinson said he has never heard of a councillor serving two neighbouring authorities at the same time, he is up for the challenge.

“I have a wealth of knowledge in local government and a commitment to get things done,” he said. “We are neighbouring authorities anyway. Things that happen in Craven impact further down the valley.”

In addition to his duties with Bradford Council, Mr Mallinson has been employed as clerk to Cowling Parish Council for the past five years and recently became clerk to Lothersdale Parish Council.

He said: “I’ve checked with Craven District Council’s legal department, and because I have no employment other than being clerk for Cowling and Lothersdale, they’re confident I qualify to stand under the terms.

“Candidates can qualify by owning land in or living in the authority. I live in Silsden, so that’s how I qualify for Bradford district.”

Although he has served on a variety of Bradford Council committees during the past 15 years, Mr Mallinson said he did not currently serve on any because Bradford is controlled by Labour.

Because of that, he does not anticipate there will be any meeting conflicts.

He added: “My current ward takes me up to Eastburn, and the next town is Cross Hills, so geographically it’s within my capabilities to cover those areas.”

Mr Mallinson said even if he was elected in May, he would carry on as clerk at Cowling and Lothersdale. “I would maintain my duties at both authorities and fulfil whatever responsibilities I’m given.”

He also does not believe there will be any conflicts of interests between the two neighbouring authorities.

“Talks already take place between authorities and I would strengthen that with my broad depth of knowledge.”