Billesley Ward
| Published: 7th April 2008 22:01 |
The following five people have been nominated for the election of a councillor for the Billesley Ward of Birmingham City Council on Thursday 1 May 2008.
- Michael BELL - British National Party
- Leonard GREGORY - The Conservative Party Candidate *** RE-ELECTED ***
- Catherine MANHOOD - The Green Party
- Robert WAGG - Liberal Democrats
- Martin Straker WELDS - The Labour Party Candidate
Find out what each of the candidates have to say for themselves.
No official election literature will give you the information to make a direct comparison between the candidates. Elsewhere in the country last year AboutMyArea's election coverage was praised by councillors, candidates, election bodies and MPs - now that AboutMyArea is available in this area we are giving you the chance to compare the candidates. Make your vote count!
Each of the five candidates was asked to submit a 300 word statement explaining why people should vote for them. These are listed below in alphabetical order.
ALL of the candidates were written to at their official address. They were sent identical letters, first class, on the same day. The envelopes were marked "important election communication" and all candidates were given the same deadline.
Some of the candidates clearly thought it was valid to explain to you, the electorate, why they think you should vote for them. Others, it seems, couldn't be bothered. Lazy? Complacent? Not interested in local people? You decide.
If for any reason the letter didn't arrive, we should apologise on behalf of the Post Office. Although any candidate interested in local news and opinion should be reading their local website anyway. Any late statements will be added, up to polling day - although the date of their receipt will be indicated.
Michael BELL - British National Party
No statement submitted by deadline given
Leonard GREGORY - The Conservative Party Candidate
No statement submitted by deadline given
Catherine MANHOOD - The Green Party
No statement submitted by deadline given
Robert WAGG - Liberal Democrats
No statement submitted by deadline given
Martin Straker WELDS - The Labour Party Candidate
BILLESLEY PRIDE!
My ambition is to restore pride to the streets of Billesley. It is a special place for me and a beautiful part of Birmingham. Let's keep it that way and make it even better! Here are my pledges to you.
Pride in Community Safety
Above all we need to feel safe, day and night. I have already started work with the police and the local community services to tackle the gangs who are currently creating havoc in the locality. I want an end to violence, vandalism, and destruction of property.
Pride on our Streets
I am not satisfied with the state of pavements, parking facilities and the quality of street cleaning and graffiti removal. I will lead regular cleanups myself and take the message to local schools and youth centres. I will make it my business to ensure that all street lights work. I also want a long term plan for upgrading all Billesley streets, agreed with local residents.
Pride in our Communities
I will also fight for better youth and leisure services. I want young people to identify with their community and neighbourhood and feel pride in its appearance and facilities. I also want to ensure that the green spaces of Billesley, like Trittiford Park, get more bins, better paths and attract less litter. Above all, I want local residents to have more say about how the local money is spent.
Pride in our Homes
I will fight for tenants to have more say in improving their areas. But I also want to keep an eye on the maintenance and repair of council property and private rental properties, to ensure that residents get the best, rather than just the cheapest deal.
Martin Straker Welds, 66 St. Agnes Road, Moseley, Birmingham B13 9PN
