Hearing from the candidates - Central Swindon South Parish Council

Central Swindon South Parish –

Central Ward (5 seats)

Junab Ali (Labour)

Parvez Chowdhury (Conservative)

This opportunity will empower me to work alongside likeminded people to share ideas, discuss projects and have a strong input in the decisions being made in the Parish and for the continuous development of the community.

I have previously held the position of general secretary for a local cultural organisation and I am keen to work hard on behalf of residents across the ward, providing information and trustworthiness while being visible and available to help our local community.

I will strive to provide more facilities and activities for children, create secure facilities for young people to access, tackle poor parking, improve road safety and ensure that all sections of the community are represented in local decision making.

Karsten Evans (Residents Parking Run By Parish Council)

John Firmin (Labour)

You have FIVE votes in Central for our representatives on the twenty three person Central Swindon South Parish Council.  Parishes were forced on us by the Conservative administration against overwhelming public opposition.  Labour voted against them.  We were voted down. Then we voted for a year’s delay to allow time to get better value for money from contractors and suppliers.  We were voted down again.  All they wanted was to get the process over with as quickly as possible so that financial responsibility for service provision could be offloaded onto the new parishes.

But now that parishes are a reality, we hope you will give us the opportunity to make it work for you and your family. Labour will revisit parishing should we take control of the council.

A number of expensive services have been listed for possible future transfer including parking administration, road safety measures, nuisance abatement, recycling provisions and even street lighting!

From April 1st the responsibility for street cleaning and removal of fly-tipping has moved to parishes. The new parish is not responsible for the town centre shopping area which should rightly remain with the borough council as the cost belongs to everyone across the borough.

I believe a three pronged approach to improving our environment is needed based on efficient local services, communication on how to manage waste and enforcement action against persistent offenders. Every pound spent on extra cleaning is money that can not be spent on positive spending to improve our area.

Mary Gladman (Labour)

I came to Swindon in 1983 to work in the education service, with children with special educational needs. Now retired, I have many years’ experience of voluntary community action, as a school governor, charity trustee and church organist and choir director. I have two grown up sons and five grandchildren, but sadly they don’t live in Swindon.

There are three major Parks/Open spaces in the Central Ward. The Parish Council will be asked to look after Westcott Place and the GWR Park at Faringdon Road. The Council are to continue to look after the County Ground. The new Parish Council will work with the clubs and volunteers who are involved in these green spaces, maintain the grass and manage litter issues. Protecting green space in the town centre is important to me.

I want to take part in the work of the new parish councils, to help to make our town a safe and clean environment for all our residents and to encourage everyone to contribute to making Swindon a great place to live.

Remember you have FIVE VOTES in Central.

Janine Lowry (Labour)

I have lived in the Central Ward for nearly 28 years. My children attended Robert le Kyng Primary school, where I was treasurer on the Parent Teacher Association and a school governor. When my children were growing up they were lucky enough to have Westbourne Community Centre where my son attended the local playgroup and Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and my daughter was a member of the local Youth club,

it taught them the importance of community and belonging.

The Ward, whilst divided by the town centre, has things that unite us for example

fly tipping is a blight throughout the Ward. We need to find a way of eradicating it.

The Ward is as diverse as the people who reside within it but we all want to build a strong community that we can be proud of and show the people of Swindon that through community and inclusion there is strength and harmony. I would be proud to work with the people of the Central Parish Ward to build that strong community.

Imtiyaz Shaikh (Labour)

Imtiyaz lives locally with his wife and family. His focus as a Parish Councillor will be issues that affect the quality of the Central area and the day to day lives of residents.

The Broadgreen Community Centre is continuing to operate under new arrangements. The council will maintain the building and the new Parish Council will have an opportunity to consider taking on the centre. Many community centres are run by local people and it is hoped that this will be possible for Broadgreen.

We welcome the new fines and focus on Litter, Tipping and Waste recently introduced by the Government. Whilst some areas have suffered disproportionately from anti-social behaviour extra staff have been tackling the problem areas. The Shadow Parish Council have been told of the specific problems areas. New CCTV cameras are to be introduced to help tackle the worst areas. 

Money spent on additional cleaning of the ward can not then be spent on positive community activity.

The development of the County Ground has been put on hold while wider community considerations are explored. The overall goal is to leave a large community playing field as well an all weather pitch and a new clubhouse/changing rooms.

Parishes will be reviewed under an incoming Labour administration at Swindon Borough Council but while parishes are responsible for significant services we need responsible community based representatives to make things work for residents.

Jamie Taylor (Liberal Democrat)

I'm Jamie Taylor I have grown up in Swindon and have lived here most of my life. I enjoy all sports, socialising and being a bit of a geek.

I'm standing for the Liberal Democrats because I am angry that you have the biggest Council tax rise in the country if you feel the same vote for Liberal Democrat on the 4th of May for fairness.

Eastcott Ward (5 seats)

Domingos Dias (Labour)

I live in the town centre and I’m standing to improve the cleanliness of our streets. I am hard working and have a passion and vision for Swindon to make it clean with a good environment that everyone can enjoy. The Conservative administration on Swindon Borough Council recently took the decision to stop providing recycling bring site facilities across the town. They say these are not needed and people should recycle using the fortnightly collection or take their extra rubbish to the recycling site at Barnfield Road. There's is still a lot of fly tipping and rubbish in our area, with the parish council being responsible for this service I will look to see what improvements can be made to street cleaning after the under investment of recent years.

I work at a distribution centre at South Marston and as a trade union representative for the GMB Union I have had the opportunity to support my fellow workers. I would like to serve and assist all communities in the new Central South Swindon Parish underpinned by my Labour Party values.

Paul Dixon (Labour)

Parishes were forced on us by the Conservative’s against overwhelming public opposition. Labour voted against them and we asked for a referendum but this was refused. Our proposal for a year’s delay to allow more time to get better value for money for services was voted down again. The Conservatives wanted to get the process over as quickly as possible so that financial responsibility for service provision could be offloaded onto the new parishes. But now that the Central Swindon South Parish is a reality, I hope you will give us the opportunity to make it work for all the residents in Eastcott, and to make sure that the services provided by the parish are an improvement on what you have got in recent years.

I’ve lived in Eastcott for over 25 years and have been involved in community projects, including setting up the Secret Garden in Queen’s Park. I care about the area I live in and want to make sure we get a good deal for Eastcott. That means making sure that Queen's Park is protected and improved, that we can continue to provide a library in Old Town and that there is an improvement to street cleaning services with action taken on fly-tipping. The best way of improving these services is by being part of a large parish where we can make sure we get value for money with the costs being shared by all residents. A breakaway Eastcott Parish will end up costing local residents more.

Abdul Hamid (Labour)

I am running for the Parish Council as I see this as a way to help build our community and increase social cohesion. The drive to make a difference has always been there since my days at university studying sociology and politics and later working as a Learning Ambassador for Swindon Borough Council. That role really opened by eye to how many adults lack basic numeracy and literacy skills- an area that I am particularly keen to develop. If elected I would really strive to help make a change in the local area starting with environmental issues and educational needs. My goal ultimately is to drive for a future that is equal for all.

My priority is to ensure this year's average borough council tax rise of over 10% is not repeated. I want to make sure that the money the Parish Council raises and spends is put to good use and we get value for money in the services. It’s important that we also resist attempts to offload further costly services onto the parish.

Patrick Herring (Labour)

I live in the Eastcott ward, and have lived in and around the area for around a decade. I was born in Swindon, and have lived here for 30 years. I work for Nationwide Building Society as a Technical Architect, also based in the Central Swindon South Parish.

The new parish will be responsible for many of the parks and community facilities that make our area such a great place to live, including Queen’s Park in Eastcott. These facilities are hugely valuable to people living here, but they are also a great expense. I want to make sure these facilities are not just protected for everyone’s benefit, but also that they are put to the greatest possible use to help them become as close to self-sustaining as possible. The new parish brings the running of these assets closer to the community, and gives an opportunity for residents to get more involved and to try new and innovative ways of running and using them.

Like most residents I didn’t think the creation of new parishes was a good idea, adding a costly new layer of bureaucracy and being a way to raise Council Tax via the back door. However now Central Swindon South Parish is a reality it is a real opportunity to do good for our community, and I hope residents will give me an opportunity to help improve our already great area.

Tony Hillier (Independent)

May 4 is not a national or town election. It is simply, vibrant Eastcott that needs sustaining and developing for the common good; I offer my energy and experience to that task.

Long grass and litter exist outside party colours.

I offer residents a change from established party politics.  I will use my hard work to vote for decisions based on what Eastcott residents need – within budget. I strongly believe that the negative effects of party politics are not helpful in parishes.

I have lived in Swindon 26 years and always been passionate about good public services. I have volunteered on a range of issues including: Gilbert’s Hill School Governors, Save Swindon Libraries and Children’s Centres.

I will bring to Eastcott my long experience in youth, community and charity work. My daughters attended Drove and Churchfields. I am Swindon’s Community Poet and enjoy jogging, pool, and table tennis.

As an Independent candidate I am committed to the national principles of public service eg honesty and transparency and also to the values and ways of working followed by most of the over 2,000 independent councillors nationwide http://iffrome.org.uk/our-successes/ways-of-working.

Since there is large scale lack of interest in, and confidence in, local government, I ask all parish council voters to consider trying something new: Independent Parish Councillors. If not now, when are we ready for improvement?

 I may indeed partly campaign in poetry …but I give you my word, if elected, I will ‘govern’ in prose!   www.facebook.com/southswindonindependents  

Philip Hunt (Conservative)

Growing up in Swindon, being educated at the Commonweal School and originally being from a Rodbourne railway family, I bring real local knowledge and I passionately care about our local Swindon community. I believe in delivering efficient, effective and economical local public services that provide quality and value for residents and their families. If elected I will serve all residents in Eastcott and work hard to deliver against their needs and tackle the issues that really matter.

 

Cindy Matthews (Labour)

I am a long term resident of Swindon. As a retired social worker and past Borough councillor, I have extensive experience of local government and how it works. 

I do not agree with parishing the non-parished areas of Swindon.   In fact I consider it is a dereliction of responsibility on behalf of the Conservatives to have forced through such an expensive and unnecessary further tier of local government against overwhelming public opposition. Having said that I think it is important that the parishes work effectively and are run by people who believe in public services.  My previous experience as a Borough Councillor means that I have a proven track record of helping and representing local residents.

Figures produced by the Department for Communities and Local Government show Swindon to have the largest percentage increase in council tax in Engand.  Including parish precept charges, Swindon residents will get an average increase of 10.35%.

Services such as street cleaning, grass cutting, the maintenance of play areas, parks, including Queens Park,  green spaces and woodlands and the Old Town library have been devolved to the parish council.    Eastcott is a neglected part of Swindon with a lot of fly tipping and rubbish.    The Labour team is keen to try and make improvements after the under-investment of recent years.   . 

If I am elected to the  parish council I will work hard to achieve good value for money for local Council Tax payers and will resist further off-loading of services by the Borough Council.

Dawn Pajak (Liberal Democrat), aged 59, a Higher level teaching assistant at Holy Rood school

Listening to people is second nature to me firstly as a nurse and then through working with children. The new Parish councils were created without residents wanting them and  to bring in more money to pay for existing services. 

I leave politics to my husband but simply making our area a joy to live in will be my focus.

 

Stan Pajak (Liberal Democrat), aged 60, Swindon Borough councillor

I was born in Swindon and have lived here all my life. Swindon runs in my blood and early on in life I took an interest in the Community of our town and had a great desire to be involved. First elected in 1985 and mayor in 2002 when we linked with Torun in Poland.

I have put my enjoyment of running to good use in raising money for such fantastic Swindon organisations as Dial a Ride.

My role, if elected, on the new parish council will be exactly the same as through my political career - standing up for residents, keeping in touch and getting things done.

Garry Porter (Liberal Democrat)

A former senior RAF officer, I have hard won experience in successfully running large public budgets in difficult circumstances.  Having set up home in what is the new parish in 2007, my family became permanent residents when I retired from public service in 2010.  Since then, I have been increasingly involved in local education, working seasonally at New College since 2012 and as a governor at a local school since 2013.  The latter, in particular, has taught me that Swindon has much going for it, but is not always best served by either national or local government.  I want that to change. 

The new parish arrangements were foisted on us by the Tory led Council and our parish precept decided on by a Labour dominated shadow parish council; this has resulted in us bearing some of the highest council tax rises in the country.  We now need fresh eyes to ensure that these funds are spent wisely to make our parish - the beating heart of our town - all it an be.  I believe I have the skills to move us in that direction, as well as the time to provide the necessary scrutiny to ensure your hard earned cash is properly spent. 

I will work to ensure parish responsibilities - street cleaning, green spaces and the like - are properly and efficiently carried out and look to widely engage with you, the people who live here, so that I can reflect your views and your ideas for your area.

Toby Robson (Liberal Democrat)

A skilled stone and metal artist who lives in the Eastcott ward in Old Town with a long history of community action with the Focus Team

"The Conservatives on Swindon Borough Council forced you into a parish without listening to whether you wanted one or not, simply to increase your tax. I pledge to hold the parish to account and to let you know what's happening and to reflect the views of the community. I'll also do my best to stop Labour and Conservatives turning the parish council into a copy of their usual Punch and Judy show."

Kimberley Scott (Conservative)

I have lived in Swindon for the last 9 years and live locally in Eastcott with my five year old son. As a secretary of two local voluntary organisations, I have always been passionate about my local community and voluntary work. Being a parish councillor is a fantastic way to continue to work with local residents and to ensure our local community benefits from sustained and improved services. I am passionate about schools, facilities for young people and the tidiness of the local area. I will work hard alongside local residents, the Parish and Borough Councils to keep our community tidy while providing a strong local voice.

Drusilla Summers (Conservative)

I was born in Swindon and have strong local roots, now living on the same street in Eastcott where my mother grew up. I work locally for Nationwide Building Society as a business administrator and I am also a member of the organisation’s Gender Equality Committee; promoting gender equality across the business.

If elected as your local Parish Councillor I would work hard to ensure your voice is heard, that the Parish Council is accountable, fair and transparent; keeping the precept as low as possible and protecting local services.

I am passionate about mental health, and would also use my Parish Council position to advocate for mental health services in the area, and working with my Parish and Borough Council colleagues, to be a strong advocate for all local residents.

Kris Talikowski

Dave Wood (Liberal Democrat)

I've been your borough councillor for the last 12 years. I live in Bowood Road and have lived in and around Old Town and the town centre since I was 4. I now have a baby of my own and want to see our area be the best it can be. My main issues are keeping our area clean and tidy, sorting out parking problems and keeping an eye on developments to make sure they are right for our area.

 

 

Lawn & Badbury Park Ward (3 seats)

Michael Dickinson (Conservative)

I am a qualified accountant and have worked at New College for 17 years.  I have used my experience of working within education by being involved in building new schools in the town.

I bring experience of previously being a councillor, having been elected to Swindon Council in the past, and will use this, alongside my accountancy background, to help get better value for taxpayers.  I found the most enjoyable experience of being a councillor is achieving change while being able to help and support residents.

My interests include going to the theatre; I am a member of the Friends of Swindon Theatres, and I enjoy watching rugby.

Anthony Hawkins (Conservative)

"My name is Anthony Hawkins and I have resided in the Badbury Park development with my wife and two children since the Autumn of 2015. Settling into Badbury Park I quickly noted a strong desire from residents to build a community framework that would allow for the new development to mature and serve its new residents to the fullest.

Following the Community Governance Review, the Lawn and Badbury Park ward now serves a diverse electorate that naturally have different wants and needs. To meet these needs effectively it is necessary for both areas to work together to better serve the surrounding community.

If elected, my priority is to encourage Lawn and Badbury Park councillors to work in close alignment. The ward operating as a collective will benefit from economies of scale across the provision of services which will deliver better value for money to residents.

My second key objective is to support the development of a community framework at Badbury Park that will provide residents with a consistent, two-way dialogue into local government and allow all residents of the newly defined ward to be represented with respect to Badbury Park.

I should be elected to represent the Lawn and Badbury Park ward as I am the only individual standing who resides in the new Badbury Park community. This puts me in a unique position to ensure that all matters with respect to the new development are fully considered; while working with other councillors to provide cohesion across the ward."

Deborah King (Liberal Democrat)

I am seeking election to the Parish Council because I can bring a mixture of experience and local knowledge to the Council. I am passionate about our open spaces not only for fresh air and exercise but because they make our area a desirable place to live and work. To do this they must be clean and well managed, so the role of the Parish Council is vital.

I want to bring well-tried Liberal Democrat principles to the Council - reflect the views of the community, put people first and make sure the new council operates for the  benefit of all of us– not just as a cash cow for Swindon Borough Council.

I am a former civil servant and LibDem councillor and have a master’s degree in business. Currently I work as a marriage registrar and also volunteer at the Prospect shop in Old Town. My husband Geoff and I enjoy walking round the Polo field and the Lawns.  We use the Old Town Library and Lawns Surgery, and have an allotment near Nationwide.  So we are very much users of  the services provided by the new Council.

Last but not least, I would try to prevent Labour and the Conservatives turning the new Council into a Punch and Judy show!

Denis Matthews (Labour)

I am a retired water engineer and long term resident of Old Town.  I am a practical man who will bring a commonsense approach to the new Parish Council. 

I do not consider that the introduction of an extra level of local government by the Tory led council in the form of parishes was necessary or beneficial.  It appears that the reason is to effectively raise council tax – in the case of Swindon by 10% - by charging the “parish precept”.  Also the parish councillors, who will receive no payment, are to take on some of the duties of the Borough Councillors who are paid. 

My reason for standing for the Lawn and Badbury Park parish is to be part of a Labour team in Central Swindon South Parish. 

The Labour team will:

• Oppose the council in its desire for further cuts
• Oppose further transfer of services to the parish.
• Recognise the importance of protecting green spaces in Lawn and, in particular, of Coate Water and its environmentally protected areas.
• Work to improve Local Services but always ensure value for money
• Secure a fail deal for Lawn and Bradbury Park
• Keep our community centres open and protect our community assets

John Short (Conservative)

During my years at Swindon Borough Council I was deputy chief executive and responsible for delivering frontline services over the full range of the council’s provisions which included parks, grounds maintenance, highways, housing, leisure facilities, refuse services – indeed all frontline services delivered by the council. I have lived on Marlborough Road for the last ten years and as a local resident I know what is required to advance the area. I have experience of running and controlling council budgets and I will work with local businesses and residents to deliver benefits to everyone in our community. Please consider voting for the Conservative Party and me in the upcoming elections for a hardworking local representative.

Old Town Ward (4 seats)

Saleh Ahmed (Labour)

I have lived in Swindon for over sixteen years.   I am self-employed, a husband and the father of two children both at school in Swindon. For many years I have been involved with the Red Crescent Societies which work in partnership with the Red Cross to provide humanitarian assistance in response to emergency situations.  I believe that the views of Old Town and East Wichel residents must be of prime importance when decisions are made and it would be my job as a parish councillor to ascertain and represent your views. If elected to the Parish Council, I will do my best to ensure that the parish precept provides value for money and that the services provided are exemplary. I will address residents’ problems promptly and look out for your interests at all times, and I will resist attempts to burden the parish with responsibility for further services.

Nicholas Burns-Howell (Conservative)

I am proud to call Old Town my home and will work tirelessly to ensure that the new Parish delivers tangible services and benefits to local residents while demonstrating real value for money and efficiency. Old Town benefits from fantastic parks, local amenities and community facilities but these need to be protected and enhanced so local residents can enjoy these for generations to come. Working and living in Old Town I will be a strong local voice tackling the issues that matter for our community.

 

 

Terry Davis (Conservative)

I am a retired company director and married to Alison and we have 2 grown up children. I was born in Swindon have lived in Old Town most of my life and know the area exceptionally well.

My professional background required me to build strong business relationships, be an effective negotiator and work well with people. All of these skills proved just as useful when I served on Covingham Parish Council.

I am passionate about preserving the beauty and services enjoyed by Central Swindon South and believe that I have the business acumen and Parish Council experience to achieve that end.

Colin Doubleday (Independent)

Born in Swindon, I’ve lived much of life here,19 years in Old Town. I offer experience from a business management career and work in smaller Swindon companies. I have been part of Pipers Area Residents Association for 15 years and I know Swindon and Old Town really well. This is a good place to live and it can be better still.

My message as an independent candidate standing for South Central is that we must take a responsibility to create a different type of council. An open council that includes residents from the start of discussion, a council that regularly engages and listens to the majority who do not attend meetings and a council that hides nothing in meeting rooms, jargon, or unpublished papers. You do not elect a councillor for 4 years of their personal opinions, you elect him/her for regular interaction and discussion. Swindon residents did not want this council but they do want it done well.

Openness is a key reason why I stand as an independent. People do not want inter-party squabbles. Residents want intelligence and cooperation. Would they be better served if, as in Wroughton Parish, all candidates from all parties would stand as independents?

As for budgets and policies well please ask me - www.facebook.com/southswindonindependents. I am happy to discuss things. I believe in public services and public realm, like parks, so I will not be looking for cuts. I offer my business experience to help look for efficiency and good practice wherever possible. 

Neil Hopkins (Labour)

I am an experienced human resources manager and have lived in Swindon for over 5 years. My work experience has involved managing budgets and resources and maintaining good working relationships with people at all levels.

I am currently a committee member of the Pipers Area Residents Association and have involved myself in a variety of activities aimed at improving our local area such as participating in planting schemes and litter picks.

Like many residents of Swindon, I was against the imposition of parishes by the Tory administration. I am therefore seeking election as a Labour Party Parish councillor to try to ensure that the interests of local people are fully considered in the new parishes and they are properly consulted on issues that affect them, which is unlikely to happen if the Tories gain control.   I wish to put my skills in managing resources to use for the community by ensuring that the new parishes are managed effectively and provide good quality cost-effective services for the community. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Old Town needs Parish Councillors who care about the area and the residents and who understand what people expect from their local Parish services - I do!  I also believe that by working closely together on many issues, the new parishes can share best practice, work together on joint problems and create economies of scale to make best use of their limited financial resources.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

William Horley (Conservative)

I have lived in Swindon and Wiltshire for most of my life. From Saturdays spent with family at the Oasis centre as a child, to working at the National Trust, I have a good understanding of the diverse culture and heritage that built Swindon. For the last seventeen years I have worked in Marketing across technology, finance and the third sector, giving me a good insight into business. As your Parish Councillor I will look to ensure that we maintain and enhance key local services such as street cleaning and graffiti removal, to enable us all to take pride in and develop our community.

Bill Hughes (Green)

Geoff King (Liberal Democrat)

Jane Milner-Barry (Labour)

I have lived in Swindon since 1985 and my children grew up here. I am actively involved with local groups including Pipers Area Residents Association, Swindon Open Studios and the Friends of the Swindon Museum & Art Gallery.   I was elected to the Borough Council in May 2016 after getting involved in the campaign to prevent the transfer of the Croft Field into the private sector on a 99-year-plus lease as an asset “with property upside” which could be available for change of use. I also campaigned to keep Lydiard House and Park in the public domain. Nadine Watts is a caring, hard-working and knowledgeable ward councillor and with her as my mentor I have been able to learn quickly what being a councillor is all about. As a parish councillor, my priorities would include streets that are safer and pleasanter for children, pedestrians, car drivers and cyclists alike, parks and green spaces that are properly cared for, and a vibrant Old Town Library.   I will also promote a thriving Old Town business sector and a restored Corn Exchange at the heart of the Old Town community.   I will always be on the look-out for opportunities to make Old Town & East Wichel even better places to live, and I hope you will share with me your ideas about how to improve our local environment.

Nicholas Smith (Conservative)

I moved to Swindon twenty three years ago, and for the last eight years I have lived in the heart of Old Town with my partner, Michelle. As the owner of Balula’s in Wood Street, and a father, I am passionate about wanting to see Old Town become a vibrant destination.

 

I care deeply about Swindon’s heritage, particularly the Locarno and I want to see our Parks and trees treated with the respect they deserve, allowing future generations to benefit from them.

 

As a Parish Councillor I would work hard for fellow residents and ensure Old Town continues to progress as place to live and work.

Nadine Watts (Labour)

I have lived in Swindon for over 22 years. It has been a privilege to be a borough councillor since 2012. During this time, I have built up relationships with many residents' associations, groups and individuals in Old Town and East Wichel. I am active in the community. I enjoy being an Old Town Festival committee member and also attending clean up events in the Old Town ward.

I am keen to represent the people of Old Town and East Wichel and keep them informed. As a ward councillor, I regularly attend meetings representing residents' views and visit people in the area to help them with any local issues. I try to get back to people and follow up their queries. As a parish councillor, I would do the same. I have recently raised awareness of proposals to change the bus route in Old Town which could mean the removal of some pedestrian crossings. It has been fantastic working with Jane Milner-Barry.

A priority would be to create a parish council planning committee and produce a legally binding local plan which would dissuade speculative development in the future. Although I was against the imposition of parishes, we now need to make it work. I am committed to getting the best out of the new parishing arrangements for Old Town and East Wichel. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Park South Ward (2 seats)

Jeff Jefferies (Conservative)

I am Swindon born and lived in Moredon for Twenty Years before moving to Chiseldon, and I am very grateful for the opportunities that Swindon has offered me.

I am now retired but formerly ran my own business supplying services to many national companies including The Forensic Science Services.

Swindon has been good to me and now I want to give something back to the local area. My aim is to ensure that the Parish efficiently maintains and improves standards across Park South for the services and amenities it has responsibility for.

I will also ensure our voice is heard in all matters particularly Policing and Transport.

Javed Miah (Labour)

I have been an active member of the Parks Community for almost 10 years and have lived locally for 20 years. I am employed as a pre-registration pharmacist. I look forward to being part of the team that will be responsible for the transition of grass root services to the newly created parish council. If selected, I will aim to ensure that there will be an improvement in the services that were previously delivered by the Borough Council and ensure that Park South is fully represented in the Parish. 

Chris Watts (Labour)

I have had the privilege of being a Park South Borough Councillor for the last two years and have a proven track record of working for and representing the views of local residents.  I am a Business Manager for a local company and have lived in Swindon 48 years.  It is important that we make sure that all services transferred to the Parish Council by Swindon Borough Council are delivered to a high standard in the Park South Ward, and where possible improved, but also provide good value for money. I will continue fighting to securing funding for the Library that provides vital services for the local community.

Walcot and Park North Ward (4 seats)

Steve Allsopp (Labour)

Steve has lived in the Ward since 1959, educated at local schools and worked in Swindon as a senior HR manager for the NERC until he retired two years ago. Steve has had the privilege of being elected as a Borough Councillor for the Ward since 1978 and has been an active member of the Shadow Parish Council. Steve has served the community in various ways including more than 40 years as a School Governor. Although strongly disagreeing with the undemocratic imposition of Parishes in urban Swindon Steve wants to ensure that they do the best job they can for local people. In particular he wants to ensure the streets are kept clean, grass is cut ,children’s play areas kept safe and open and community centres remain available for the local community.

Steve is an active Cooperator serving on the Board of Midcounties Cooperative and believes that by working together the new parishes will best be able to deliver cost effective services for local people. He considers that the new Parishes must get away from the them and us attitude which has characterised Swindon Borough Council and work cooperatively with the local community to maintain and improve the area. He is keen to see community initiatives such as the recent litter picks in Walcot , Park North and New College built upon. He is also keen to work both with existing community organisations to enhance the area and create new ways for cooperative principles to support the community.

Stephen Halden (UKIP)

Steve Halden lives in Park North and is the UKIP candidate for Walcot and Park North.

He believes we should build more council houses.

He wants decent homes and jobs for all.

Steve Halden believes that is the the right of every young working family to have a decent  home to raise their children.  The young generation are the flower of the nation. We must help them make a good start in life.

1.4 million people are waiting for a council house and the cost of buying or renting a home in the private sector is beyond the reach of most young working people. The young generation have been sold down the river on housing.

Britain has the worst trade deficit in the developed world so we must do more to support British Manufacturing Industry and create more well paid jobs for the British working class.

UKIP is the only party that supports the young generation, the British working class and British Manufacturing Industry.

Peter Mallinson (Conservative)

I am a retired Royal Air Force Officer and Ex Borough Councillor for Walcot. I have, and still do, spend my time working for the benefit of the local people of Walcot by running the Walcot Community Shop & Library; this is something I have done for over 10 years now.

I was personally responsible for keeping the library from closure for the past 8 years by combining it with the Charity shop and intend to continue to do for as long as possible.

Whether I am elected or not, it is my intention to continue serving the interests of the local people of Walcot for as long as I can.

Kathy McCarthy (Liberal Democrat), aged 85, a retired primary teacher

A parish council should be all about representing residents. I want to stand up for the elderly making their voice heard. I want a one telephone contact point for issues making it easy for everyone to call in with problem. The parish councils have been forced on us but I want to make them work and would be happy to represent the area I live in.

 

Jamal Miah (Labour)

I work in the food business and have lived in Park North for over 20 years. A family man and a keen follower of football, I will try to ensure recreation facilities in the Parish are kept to a high standard.

The average tax rise of over ten per cent across the borough was a direct result of the forced imposition of parishes. With more cuts to government funding of local government planned for coming years the budgeting assumption for Swindon Borough Council is another tax rise next of the maximum 4.9% allowed without a referendum. You will keep on paying more for less.
Labour opposed new parishes but will make sure they are run effectively until we are in position to put their future to residents.

In better news Parks Library will be open for longer thanks to the new Parish Council. Swindon Borough Council cut the library’s opening hours to 15 per week after its recent review of library services. The Labour-led Shadow Parish Council has agreed to fund an additional 20 hours per week.

In Walcot your Labour ward team continue to work on issues with speeding traffic, poor road surfaces and the rerouting of bus services as part of our year around representation.

I will be focused on working with all Parish Councillors and striving to improve local services in Walcot and Park North, and help with ensuring that the area covered by the Ward is fully represented on the Parish.

Trish Philpot (Labour) - AGED 70, RETIRED ADMINISTRATOR

I am a wife, mother and grandmother and have lived in Swindon since 1993.  I am standing as a Parish Councillor in Walcot and Park North.  For the last 15 years before I retired I worked as an administrator at the Research Councils.  I have served in a voluntary capacity on several committees across Swindon, eg at a residence for homeless teenagers, for a local animal welfare charity, and as a case worker and fundraiser for the Soldiers, Sailors and Airforce Families Association.

Labour opposed new parishes.  We believe they are an extra level of bureaucracy that does nothing for the neighbourhood except cost us more in Council Tax.   However, if elected we will ensure they are run effectively until we can put their future to residents.  Many SBC Conservatives, who are responsible for imposing Parishes upon us, are standing as candidates in the Parish elections.  We fear that if the newly formed Parishes become Conservative controlled they will ignore residents and continue to cut local services.

If elected I will commit to safeguarding Community assets, invest in and ensure that our green spaces, parks and play areas are kept clean and safe for our children, and that other facilities are improved and maintained to the best possible level and that there are no further cut backs in the level of service you get for your council tax.  

Roy Stephen (Conservative)

I am a committed community worker and have lived and worked in Walcot for the last 10 years. I have a passion for promoting community living, enabling local residents to develop stronger community networks across the local area. Currently I am the Secretary of Buckhurst Park Community Centre which is in the centre of the Walcot and Park North Ward. As part of a successful team we have attracted more users and thus effectively increased the income leading to surplus over the income, which we are re-invested to improve the efficiency of the centre.  I am looking forward to develop this new Parish Council to effectively meet the needs of the community. Introducing new participatory projects in collaboration with regional and national agencies for the benefit of Walcot and Park North residents will be my priorities. Especially wellbeing projects to meet the physical and emotional needs of the elderly members. Improving the quality of services while delivering good value for money will be my other focus areas.

Developing more opportunities for the community members will contribute to developing stronger communities. Strong interactions and networking between the different communities will help to identify and resolve many barriers to the development.  

More community centres and leisure centre for Walcot and Park North area will be my longer term objectives

In recognition of my volunteering work in Swindon, I was honoured with Pride of Swindon Award in 2015. Professionally I work as a Project Manager with Research Councils UK.

Barrie Thompson (Labour)

Barrie was born and lived in Essex until 1984 moving to Swindon to take up employment as Community Centres Officer with Thamesdown Borough Council following 12 years as Regional Officer for Community Matters doing the same job.  Barrie had been a Labour and Cooperative Councillor in Essex since 1964.

As a Co-Operator Barrie has always looked for ways of providing services in a different way that, allows the taxpayer some control over delivery, cost, and level of service.  Also looking at providing or supporting services not usually associated with parish councils such as Libraries and Public Transport especially where those services are cut or seriously curtailed.  On retiring from Swindon Council in 1997 Barrie put his name forward to stand as a Labour Councillor and was successfully elected to the Parks Ward which he held until 2007.

Barrie spoke at various meetings held during the so called consultation stage against the creation of Parish Councils in urban Swindon believing from experience local organisations should only be created where there was a need and where local people wanted either a parish council or a community association.

However, the present administration of Swindon Borough Council were determined to impose such organisations on Swindon no matter the cost.  So, Barrie decided to stand for Walcot and Park North Ward and, try to ensure that if elected they become of benefit to the residents of Walcot and Park North as well as wider Swindon and not a burden on their pockets,  that they provide the services local people want at a cost they can afford,  if elected on May 4th Barrie promises to be transparent at all times.     

Rebecca Wolf (Conservative)

I was born in Swindon and have lived here all my life.  I have lived in Walcot along with my family for the past fifteen years.  My children have all attended Lainesmead Primary School and I have spent time working and volunteering at a local school, as well as being a school governor.

I have been an active member of my local community and living in the ward, I understand the issues that affect you. I am currently involved in a dementia awareness initiative and a local loneliness campaign.

During my time in Walcot, I have attended many local community meetings and events, as well as volunteering in the local community shop and campaigning to save Walcot library.