The candidates for the upcoming Wilmslow Town Council election, representing Dean Row Ward, have been announced.
Residents in the Dean Row Ward will have the choice of six candidates to fill four seats when they go to the polls on on Thursday, 4th May.
The candidates standing are:
- Lata Anderson * - Residents of Wilmslow
- Dion Cross - Residents of Wilmslow
- Jack Illingworth * - Local Conservatives
- Ellie Jackson - Residents of Wilmslow
- Jon Newell * - Residents of Wilmslow
- Angela Smethurst - Local Conservatives
I will publish brief interviews with each of the candidates, in the order in which I receive a response to my request. Use the tags below to locate the other candidate interviews published to date.
Please tell me about yourself - occupation, where you live, interests?
I live within the Dean Row ward for a number of years now and standing as a candidate for Wilmslow Parish Council at this election.
I started my career within the Health Care Sector, before changing direction into IT / Telecommunications including, Head of Operations, and Head of Programs and Systems.
Currently I am Leading the Community Build Engagement as part of the Northwest delivery for a large Alt-net provider, on rolling out Full Fibre Internet, including Wilmslow's rollout starting next month, benefiting all residents and businesses.
I have always been involved within the community and previously been a Governor for Mid Cheshire NHS Foundation Trust, and Chair of a Community Organisation teaching Basic Life Support and Defibrillation skills, along with attending life threatening Emergency Calls. More recently awaiting confirmation as a local School Governor within the area.
In my free time I am a keen Genealogist and recent Horologist.
How long you have lived in there?
I have always lived within the Cheshire East Area, being born, and raised in Macclesfield, later moving to Knutsford. Before moving to Wilmslow for the last number of years.
Are you a member of any local groups or societies?
None currently.
I am looking to get involved with Transition Wilmslow Transport & Energy Groups, alongwith The Romany Society to help further their aims and beliefs.
What do you consider to be the important issues facing Wilmslow?
What do you hope to achieve and how in the next 4 years?
Protecting green spaces around Wilmslow, which fellow RoW members have been involved with, however we now have a chance with more RoW candidates, to have an even greater influence than currently with creditable candidates.
Continuing to Improve Childrens Play areas and Facilities within Wilmslow, to enable a safe and pleasant space for our children and families to enjoy. Identify potential new locations to create community spaces to enjoy, including picnic areas with seating facilities and designated sports areas like table tennis tables, Basketball posts, and football nets to name a few.
Actively supporting local community organisations and increased events to help bring the town together, to create an even more vibrant town for all residents. Also, to attract more visitors into the town increasing footfall supporting local independent businesses and our areas of interest we have around the town.
20's Plenty - Support and introduce the 20mph zones to our local residential streets and estates. Giving full consideration for our children and vulnerable users, creating a safer all round environment.
A wide area of concern is our highways and potholes. Although all councils have had their funds cut from the government nationally. RoW Wilmslow will work collaboratively with
Highways to prioritise repairs.
What experience and personal qualities will you bring to the role?
I have learnt and put into practice many skills and attributes while being involved over the last 15 years as Chair of a local community organisation and as a Public Governor for a large NHS Foundation Trust in Cheshire. Along with my keen interests and involvement in a range of different community organizations.
Secondly within my full-time work within the IT/Telecommunications sector, and I successful lead a range of local and national projects to successful completion, with a great understanding of challenges faced. This has given me the knowledge and particular strength to drive performance and reduce inefficiencies to product successful outcomes.
If successful I would be able to use all the above, to have an open view and put forward keys strategic ways to help support improvements for the town and residents of Wilmslow.
Why should Wilmslow residents vote for you?
I want to help support Wilmslow to be the best It can be for everyone. Increase the town and local community areas to be even more vibrant and well looked after. I passionately believe in People before Party statement. I would represent you and look to address your concerns and issues as a resident in Wilmslow without any political agendas.
*current councillor.
