In the run up to the General, Borough and Town Council elections on May 7th we will be publishing brief interviews with each of the candidates that respond to our request (by the end of the month), in the order in which they respond.
To read the interviews with other candidates click on the tags at the bottom of the article. For example, pieces on the other candidates for the Wilmslow East Ward will all be tagged 'Wilmslow East Ward' and 'Borough Elections'. Candidates representing the same party or group will also be connected via the tags.
Rod Menlove is a Conservative candidate for the Wilmslow East Ward for Cheshire East Borough Council.
Rod has lived in Wilmslow since 1987 and his two now adult children went to Wilmslow High School -where he was Chair of the PTA.
Over the decades he has been involved in voluntary activities with organisations such as the Round Table and been a governor at Styal Primary School.
Speaking about his work, Rod said "I had a marketing career that took me from my roots in Sussex to the north west. My commercial expertise has been put to good use as a councillor not only through my chairmanships of several local committees but also through my understanding of the routes by which funding can be channelled to affect local priorities. I am committed to supporting local businesses and our town centre both through the Business Group and through town centre management. I am an experienced Councillor with a track record of getting things done for Wilmslow."
When asked why he decided to stand for re-electon, Rod said "Wilmslow has been my home town for a long time and I want to continue to act on matters that are of concern to residents. Some of these are immediate and visible such as signage improvements to roundabouts, decluttering the town centre and cutting back overgrowth.
"Others such as controls on advertising A boards, limits on 'chugger' activity and dog control orders in The Carrs help our local environment and take longer. My telephone and email box are active 7 days a week with calls from ward residents who need help and support on a wide range of issues. Residents in the ward must be reassured that they have a reliable and readily available Councillor.
"We live in a changing world with challenges arising all the time and I am keen that local residents and businesses are heard on developing a future vision for Wilmslow that retains its character. There will always be a lot of work that needs to be done and it would be a privilege to continue working for Wilmslow."
Speaking about the most important issues Wilmslow faces, Rod said "Parking and road safety are primary concerns. Our shopper short-term parking facilities are reasonable but looking ahead, we need solutions that support the future local trading environment. We also need to prevent our local residential streets from being clogged up by all-day commuter parkers. Driving speeds on certain local roads is an issue and we need to continue implementing ways to improve this road safety aspect. We also need pavements and roads that are of a quality that are in line with Wilmslow's status as a 'destination' town."
If re-elected Rod said "I commit to securing the funding so that our local pavements are improved this year and for further work to Wilmslow's rapidly improving road network. I commit to securing the necessary funding for an extension to the Broadway Meadow commuter car park near the leisure centre; and for a reduction in parking charges at the poorly occupied Spring Street car park. I will campaign for 20 mph limits on roads around Wilmslow's schools and for a new pedestrian crossing on Knutsford Road near Lindow School. I will continue to represent residents on specific planning applications and be a strong local voice against unwelcome major developments, ensuring residents' opinions are heard.
Asked why Wilmslow residents should vote for him, Rod replied "I believe I have a proven track record in delivering results for the residents of Wilmslow East. I am the only candidate with a clear plan for tackling local issues: parking problems, road and pavement improvements, road safety, support for local traders and businesses and improvements to Wilmslow town centre.
"This plan is not just words: major improvements have already happened to local roads and improvements to the now award-winning town centre are ongoing. I have been your Councillor since 2007 and a resident in the ward for 28 years. I am your local candidate. In order to secure further improvements to our local area, Wilmslow East needs an experienced councillor who knows how to get thing done. Representing Wilmslow East for the past 8 years has been an honour and a privilege.
"I ask for support on 7 May so that I can continue working for local residents, bringing about positive changes to make Wilmslow East an even better place to live, work and do business."
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
"I am on record as supporting building on brownfield sites before green areas and on allowing offices to be converted to housing. I have publicly opposed any housing on the Royal London site and the speculative Welton Oaks development".
Yet by voting to remove Green Belt protection from the Royal London site he presumably does support the planned offices, hotel and other "mixed-use building proposed for that site?