Stroud District Council election - candidate profiles – Wotton-Under-Edge

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 Uplands, Valley, The Stanleys, Thrupp and Wotton-Under-Edge.

Wotton-Under-Edge- there are nine candidates standing in this ward. Number of seats – three.

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• George Butcher – Liberal Democrats

From a young age I have been a supporter of the Liberal Democrats. I have felt they are a progressive party of like-minded people.

I have become more passionate about this since I have been working with the Wotton LibDems, it is clear of the good they wish to do for the people of the town.

I want to stand for District Council to continue the incredible effort of 30 years by the Liberal Democrats for the people of Wotton. There are so many issues dear to the hearts of the local people, allotments, housing and pot holes. I would really like to take the time to be able to make sure that the people of Wotton are listened to and make sure that with Ken and Adrian we take the right action.

I have a young family and I want to make sure that I do everything I can to make sure the area we live is somewhere I would be happy for my child to be in. Being a councillor would be a privilege and one which I would aim to be the best I possibly can.

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• Adrian Walker-Smith – Liberal Democrats

I and the other Liberal Democrat Councillors will campaign for the following priorities for the Stroud District Council: Continue to build social housing and insist developers provide affordable housing.

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.

Encourage rural public and community transport provision whilst ensuring all new developments have adequate car parking. Work to ensure co-ordinated services with all public transport.

Further develop partnerships with the police, neighbourhood wardens, town and parish councils and youth leaders to fight against crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.

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• Ken Tucker – Liberal Democrat

In the elections last May, residents of Wotton and North Nibley voted for me to become their Liberal Democrat District Councillor, gaining a near 40 per cent majority over the next candidate.

Since then 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.

In addition, 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 successful £5000 grant for the Chapel in North Nibley, as well as helping to resolve numerous planning issues and residents disputes and problems throughout the Ward.

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• Catherine Braun – Green Party

Catherine has lived in Wotton for the past seven years with her family. Following law studies at Sussex and Strasbourg universities, she worked on green issues in Westminster and Brussels and now works in Bristol on environmental and business management.

Locally she's been involved in her children's school and pre-school. 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.

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• Alex Wilkinson - Independent

If you believe that we need to keep party politics out of local issues then I would consider it the ultimate honour and privilege to be selected to represent you on the District Council.

There are three posts to be filled. Only four of the candidates can truly claim to be from this ward. I believe that there isn’t enough room at district level for party politics and that the only alternative is for you to include an independent representative such as myself as one of those three.

I can convey the true feelings and aspirations of us all and have a say in our future. I have not been ‘parachuted in’ from outside and my decisions won’t be clouded by politics.

Make me one of the three to distribute the power. Vote for two more locals and use your vote wisely.

I live here, I work here, I play here and I love being here. Only you can give me the chance to prove my worth.

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• 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.

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• Alexander Wheeler – Conservative

My name is Alex Wheeler and I am 18 years old. I have lived in Stroud for 10 years. I am currently studying Politics, Computing and History AS levels at Marling.

After A Levels I am considering going to university to study either Computer Science or Politics. My Hobbies are playing video games, reading and keeping up to date with UK and US.

The main reason I am running for the Wotton-Under-Edge district seat is because I want to make a change in the district, both in policy and in demographic, bringing the young more into politics.

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• 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.

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• David Hinder – UKIP

Coming from a Wotton family going back well over a century, I lived in Wotton for my first twenty years before moving away for work. In 2014, at 65, I retired here.

Since then I have become involved in Wotton Heritage Centre and other local organisations, following my interests including Photography and Music.

I hope to be able to represent my fellow Wotton residents as an alternative to the Conservative/LibDem see-saw of politicians who have represented Wotton in recent years, most of whom do not even live in Wotton.

My key responsibility will be to my fellow residents and to their concerns.