Three candidates have been confirmed for the Wilmslow Dean Row ward in the local election on Thursday, May 5th.
I recently caught up two out of the three candidates who are competing for the single seat in the Wilmslow Dean Row ward.
Benjamin Butterworth - Labour
Benjamin Butterworth,19, is thought to be the youngest candidate to have stood for Cheshire East Council. He was educated at Wilmslow High School, has worked for a local business and is currently studying politics at London School of Economics.
Benjamin told me "I know well the concerns of Wilmslow residents and have worked tirelessly for the community in recent years. I am now dedicated to fighting the crippling cuts being imposed on Wilmslow residents by Wilmslow's own Conservative MP.
"I recognise the diverse make-up that Wilmslow is home to, and understand the importance of a strong community in Wilmslow residents' lives. The area has many great things going for it, not least a strong local school and relatively low crime rates. But crucial aspects of Wilmslow life are being threatened by the Conservative/Lib Dem government and your local Conservative councilors.
"Cheshire is to lose over 650 police staff, and many of Wilmslow's pensioners are to have their winter fuel allowance slashed. The area needs a councilor who will stand-up for local people, and who understands and will protect the interests of Dean Row residents."
Mark Toombs - Liberal Democrat
Mark Toombs, 43, has lived in Lacey Green for the last 20 years. He is married to Jackie, who he describes as a 'Wilmslow girl' and has three children who have all attended local schools.
Mark works as an Operations Manager for a large chain of Garden Centres, is a Scout leader in Alderley Edge and helps with another group in Wilmslow.
Mark told me "My aspiration would be to follow in my grandfathers foot steps, whom was a County Councillor for Cheadle and then a local Councillor.
"Environment matters concern me. I have a issues with our recycling as we still don't collect plastic, despite our neighbours in Stockport who have been recycling plastic for about a year. Crime, health and safety, education and leisure are also my primary concerns and if elected I will fight to see effective policies that work."
The third candidate for the Wilmslow Dean Row ward is Paul Whiteley, who is currently a Conservative councillor for Wilmslow North. Unfortunately we did not receive a response or any information from Councillor Whiteley to include in this article.
Use the tags below to read other candidate interviews and articles about the local election.
Photo: Mark Toombs, Liberal Democrat candidate.
Update:
I have now received the following information from Paul Whiteley, the third candidate for Wilmslow Dean Row ward.
Paul Whiteley has been a Dean Row Councillor since 1998 and he forged his link with the ward in the 23 years he lived and operated his business here.
Paul said "The formation of Cheshire East Council has helped develop a much closer co-operation between police, councillors and other community organisations to reduce incidents of graffiti, anti social behaviour and irresponsible drinking on our streets. Conservatives will continue to develop this joint working.
"Many local groups, i.e. Friends of the Local Park, work closely with your Councillor to achieve results. I will continue to liaise with council officers to provide a strong link between Cheshire East Council and our local groups and the creation of a town council for Wilmslow will result in more opportunities for local people to influence the decisions which affect our area. I look forward to working with the new councillors to help ensure that Dean Row shares in the benefits."
Speaking about the local issues he considers most important, Paul said "I will use my experience of planning to safeguard the green belt in Dean Row. It is a vital part of our local environment which I will defend at all costs. Any redevelopment of existing buildings must enhance not harm the neighbourhood."
