This is the first a series of posts which gives candidates in the Greenwich West and Peninsula wards the chance to tell Greenwich.co.uk readers a little about themselves and why they standing in the forthcoming council elections.

Name: Ryan Acty (Conservative)
Ward: Greenwich West

Please can you tell Greenwich.co.uk readers a little about yourself.

I joined the Army in 1998 and served for nine years which including operational tours of Kosovo in 2000 and Iraq in 2004 before getting posted to Woolwich Barracks. Since then I have worked for an Engineering Recruitment Company as a Recruitment Consultant before becoming their IT Manager. I have lived on Blackheath Hill since leaving the Army in 2007.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

At the 2006 Council elections the turnout in parts of the Borough was as low as 25%. By going to the polling station on Election Day you are giving a clear signal that you want to improve the services that you receive.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

I am standing to make a difference to the services we get from the Council and for greater value for our council tax, to work hard to make Greenwich a better place for all of us.

What do you like most about the area you wish to represent?

One of my favourite places to visit after work in Greenwich is the Tolley (Richard the First) on Royal Hill which has a great community feel and Young’s bitter on tap! I also enjoy wandering around the market on a weekend, in particular trying the various different foods, which is why it needs to be protected from damaging redevelopment which would ruin the heart of Greenwich.

If elected, what would be your priorities for Greenwich West ward over the next four years?

If elected to serve West Greenwich I would ensure that Charlotte Turner School was re-opened, fight against the redevelopment of Greenwich Market, ensure that an extra police team was set up and based in Greenwich Town Centre and ensure that the LOCOG deliver on their assurances of returning the Park in the same way that they found it. Also that Greenwich Time, the Councils propaganda paper is scrapped.