Stroud District Council election - candidate profiles - Hardwicke

Each party candidate will give voters information about who they are, what their pledges are and why you should vote for them.

These profiles will be posted alphabetically by ward over the next week.

Today we feature Cam East, Cam West, Chalford, Coaley and Uley, Dursley and Hardwicke.

Yesterday we had Amberley and Woodchester, Berkeley Vale, Bisley and Cainscross.

Stay posted throughout the week to see your candidates go head to head.

Hardwicke - There are six candidates standing in this ward. Number of seats – three.

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• Gerald Hartley – Independent

Gloucestershire born and bred and resident in this area for the last 30 years, I chair anti-incinerator group Glosvain and serve as Treasurer for Standish Village Hall. My wife is a Parish Councillor in the ward. Performing music is my other interest.

I’ve worked in the public and private sectors, run my own business and been a councillor’s researcher for seven years.

Only three Hardwicke candidates actually live in the new eight-parish ward. I am one of them and the only one from any of its seven rural parishes.

I oppose the County Council devolution proposals which will hand more power to them and the unelected Local Enterprise Partnership.

I will focus on promoting recycling and other sustainable initiatives, air quality monitoring, addressing fly-tipping, flood mitigation schemes, supporting small businesses, assisting voluntary organisations and defending essential services. I will work with other councillors on an issue by issue basis.

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• Tom Skinner – Conservative

Having lived locally for six years I believe that now is the time he gave back to the area I love by representing the ‘Hardwicke’ area on Stroud’s District Council.

As a former England international hockey player, I believe in hard work, teamwork and commitment, and have three key pledges for the community.

I pledge to fight hard to deliver a new doctor’s surgery to ease the pressure on local health services.

To work with the local police to reduce speeding in the area, especially around homes and schools and to secure more funding to reduce potholes.

Having previously worked in sports product design, I am currently working on a campaign to persuade the Government to increase the prominence of design, technology and engineering subjects in schools.

A keen supporter of local charities, I have volunteered in organisations helping victims of domestic violence, supporting people living with dementia and is currently planning an expedition to Everest basecamp to raise money for children’s charity Barnardos.

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• Gill Oxley – Conservative

Having lived in Hardwicke for almost 30 years I feel I have an understanding of some of the issues that are of concern within the ward.

Married to Neil with three grown up children I appreciate the importance of our surroundings and the value and strength of our community.

Previously Chair of a Parent Teacher Association, school governor for many years at both junior and secondary schools and a Hardwicke Parish Councillor for many years I know what's important to you. I care about our community and am committed to making a difference for all.

Hardwicke ward now has the chance to vote for three district councillors.

This is your chance to have three councillors who are a cohesive team working together on your behalf. Our key priorities as a team are a sensible approach to new housing, more investment in schools and young people, reducing potholes, services to keep pace with housing development and reducing council bureaucracy.

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• Dave Mossman – Conservative

This election is not about politics, but it is about getting the right team for the next four years to ensure the extended Hardwicke Ward is represented by a cohesive and experienced team who will work together for the residents benefit.

I am an apprentice trained engineer and have lived and worked in the county for 37 years, my children and grandchildren were all born here and still live and work in the area.

I have been a Hardwicke Parish Councillor for five years and a SDC Councillor for two years, I am also a member of the planning committee.

I have had many successes in assisting our residents, E.G. stopping the loss of our post office and village store, getting all flood control ditches properly maintained by land owners/highways/developers.

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• Steve Price – Labour

Steve is a serving firefighter and has worked for the Fire Service for more than 25 years, earning his long service and good conduct medal in 2015.

When he left school he obtained an apprenticeship and qualified as a fabricator welder.

He has lived in Stroud all his life and lives with his wife Vanessa, who is a town councillor and candidate for the Slade ward.

In his spare time he likes to work with unwanted and disused metal to create useful objects and art.

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• Sally Pickering – Green Party

Sally has worked for local charities and been involved in Community Development for 25 years; she is currently Chief Officer of Citizens Advice across the Stroud and Cotswold Districts.

I am standing for election so that, rather than more grey politicians with little to choose between them, voters in Hardwicke can vote for a vision of a secure and fair future.

If elected, my priorities would be:

Protecting community services for young people, older and vulnerable people

Providing safe, warm, affordable housing for those that need it

Reducing traffic speeds on our rural roads to make them safer for cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians

Protecting our countryside from flooding and destructive development

Supporting the continued exploration of alternatives to waste incineration that are cheaper, safer and benefit local people

I am passionate about challenging injustice and inequality and want to see the District Council continue to work with local community groups to help them build stronger and sustainable futures for themselves. I live in Stonehouse and have two children who are both at university.