Stroud District Council elections: Wotton-under-Edge ward

Two Liberal Democrat councillors and one Conservative councillor currently represent the ward on Stroud District Council.

Of the three, Liberal Democrat June Cordwell is not standing for re-election this year whilst Ken Tucker (Liberal Democrat) and Lesley Reeves (Conservative) are.

As with Kingswood, no Labour candidates are standing for the ward whilst both the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives have three candidates - George Butcher, Ken Tucker and Adrian Walker-Smith for the Liberal Democrats and Henry Binns, Lesley Reeves and Alexander Walker for the Conservatives.

Wotton-under-Edge has the most diverse range of candidates of all the wards in the Gazette area with Catherine Braun (Green), David Hinder (UKIP) and Alex Wilkinson (Independent) vying for one of the ward’s three seats.

The only independent and UKIP candidates standing across all eight wards in the Gazette area are represented in Wotton.

Henry Binns - Conservative

I believe in the protection of our unique and vital green spaces and preserving our countryside for my generation and generations to come.

I’m interested in both the national side of politics and the local side, and although some find it daunting, I enjoy canvassing, campaigning and leafleting for the Conservatives; it’s always great to meet people on the doorstep of their home and listen to their thoughts.

If elected as one of your Conservative district councillors for Wotton-Under-Edge I will continue to listen to your views, represent you at the district council and work tirelessly on your behalf. 

Although I may be one of the youngest candidates for the selection, I believe that as your councillor I will bring a fresh and youthful approach to politics and believe I will be a strong voice for both young and old.

Catherine Braun - Green Party

Wotton-under-Edge is a great community and I'd be proud to represent the town and the Green Party on Stroud District Council. 

I'd work to champion Wotton issues, including facilities for younger and older people, improving our community networks, local environment, and public transport service. 

I'd also like to see greater attention on energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as local food networks.

George Butcher - Liberal Democrat

A passionate advocate of vocational education and for colleges to develop their links to support growth in local communities through the development of skills and abilities. 

Will work hard with the local Lib Dems to help support the people in the local area and is very much in tune with the needs and concerns of people living in Wotton and the local area.

David Hinder - UKIP

• UKIP councilors are not under a party whip, as the old parties are. My key principle, therefore, will be to represent Wotton residents and their concerns and to make sure that their voice is heard on Stroud District Council.
• I will not be dictated to by the 'politically correct', and will always stand up for local people and common sense rather than toeing the party line.
• I will fight hard to protect and improve the environment, e.g. by pressing for the repair of dangerous potholes, eliminating dog mess from our footpaths, including those outside the town on the Cotswold Way for example, and opposing inappropriate development.
• Press for the abolition of non-essential and politically correct council jobs and red tape to ensure that local services can be better protected, and that Wotton residents receive better value for money.
• As a Wotton resident myself, I will work to ensure that the town continues to provide a viable and productive location for small, local businesses, whilst providing a a pleasant and satisfying ambience for residents.

Lesley Reeves - Conservative

I have been a Stroud District Councillor for Wotton-under-Edge and North Nibley since first being elected in May 2014.

Being involved in most areas of the Council has been rewarding; and I have gained valuable knowledge and experience of working as a district councillor. I have been a member of housing committee since first elected.

I will campaign for the community and promote local causes across the whole of Wotton-under-Edge, North Nibley and Stinchcombe.

When we contact residents we are often asked about potholes and safer roads, cleaner and tidier footpaths and pavements; action on faster broadband speeds; local jobs and investment.

I will campaign for these priorities, at all levels of government.

• Since election last year I have registered a 100 per cent attendance at SDC full council and environment committee meetings and 95 per cent attendance at both the planning review and member development groups, of which I am also a member. 
• I have worked tirelessly within my communities, supporting the Coombe Allotment holders, Synwell Community Action Group (The Full Moon Pub), sheltered housing residents in Dryleaze Court, Wotton Memory Group, broadband/mobile phone issues and supporting a successful £5,000 grant for the chapel in North Nibley.
• I have helped to resolve numerous planning issues and residents disputes and problems throughout the ward.

Adrian Walker-Smith - Liberal Democrat

• Continue to support low council tax whilst using savings to invest in our communities.
• Ensure all council services are sustainable, and protect and enhance our environment whilst providing and supporting jobs and apprenticeships. 
• Make our streets cleaner by enforcing existing laws to reduce litter and dog fouling.
• Actively support the retention and development of recreational and sports facilities plus play areas and youth clubs, with meaningful partnerships between the district council, town and parish councils and voluntary organisations.

Alexander Wheeler

The main reason I am running for the Wotton-under-Edge district seat is because I want to be your new and young voice at Stroud council representing both young and old.

Alex Wilkinson - Independent

Alex Wilkinson is standing as an Independent as he believes that there is no room for party politics in local issues. 

He also believes that anyone seeking to represent a community should at least live within the boundaries of that community to fully understand their issues.

His three main policies are:

• To keep the election local by recommending two other candidates in addition to himself who live within the ward.
• To try to safeguard trade in the town through his presidency of the town’s Chamber of Trade with initiatives such as providing more car parking spaces to try to reduce the number of shoppers who go elsewhere because they cannot park.
• To increase tourism to the district and to give a warm welcome to visitors with projects like production and distribution of the town map, his part in Wotton in Bloom and the hanging baskets, instigating the town video and initiating events such as the up and coming Blues Festival