Mr Siaa, who is of Samoan ancestry, has been living in the area since 2001.

He said over the past few years he had felt the need to get involved with the running of his community and help to make some positive changes.

``I've been dismayed by the lack of proper care and services offered to all of us as community residents in the past few years,'' Mr Siaa, 49, said.

``Liverpool has so much potential, but it's been neglected by council and now it's time to change that.

``I have joined the Liverpool Community Independents team and am running as a candidate for the South Ward in the upcoming elections.

``I'm looking forward to becoming part of the solution to Liverpool's problems and helping to fix the ongoing image problem that our town has, and does not deserve.''

Mr Siaa, a contractor for a Chipping Norton-based metal recycling company, said family values were an important part of his

campaign.

``My most important priority is to help young people in Liverpool to engage more with society,'' he said.

``I want to see the kids get off the streets, given something to do and encouraged to make the most out of themselves. Many Pacific Islander young people are getting into trouble because they're bored and don't have anything to challenge them or anything to do.

``This needs to be fixed. We need to maintain our sporting facilities and create community programs for young people to take part in, to make them feel useful and get them interested in life and participating in the community.''

Mr Siaa has been married to his wife, Sina for 26 years. He has three daughters and one granddaughter.