He is a lover of music from blues, dance to folk.

But it is just one of the many passions of new Colne Valley ward councillor Robert Walker, 59, who was voted into power in May.

The Labour Party member was born and bred in the area, attending Colne Valley High School and returned to live there in 1990 after he became assistant principal of Huddersfield New College, a post he held for 23 years.

Now, as a councillor, he is focused on getting good educational opportunities to the valley, as well as championing environmental causes and pushing for appropriate development of the area’s mills.

“I have always been a great believer in equality, we live in an unequal society at the present and I got involved in politics to try change that,” said Rob.

He became involved with the party in the 1970s as a teenager, before joining in 1983 and studied Politics and Modern History at the University of Manchester.

Kirklees Council
Kirklees Council

“I co-ordinated the general election fight in the Colne Valley and am now focusing on being a councillor full time”, said Rob.

“I have got a lot of focuses.

“The environment is very important to me.

“I have been involved in a lot of environmental projects like one surrounding the River Colne and the Golcar Food Growers Cooperative, of which I’m a member.

“I’m also involved with Kirklees Environmental Partnership and have project managed a green programme for schools, which taught school children about the environment and sustainability.

“I’m also keeping an eye on the development of the old mill sites in the area.

“I’m looking into concerns about underground drains at Black Rock Mill in Linthwaite, where there is also a risk of flooding and will be an impact of increased traffic.

“Westwood Mill has been part demolished and there are health and safety issues surrounding that.”

Rob also hopes to help oversee the impending community asset transfer of Slaithwaite Civic Hall.

“I want to bring together organisations to share its assets.

“I think there’s so much potential in bringing people together in the valley in general too, because we’ve got so many great people with ideas.

“I just want to help give them more assistance to make things happen.”

In his spare time, Rob can be found watching live music.

“I like everything, including blues, dance and folk.

“I went to Womad Festival last year and loved it, even though the weather was so bad it was the coldest I’ve ever felt!”