Three candidates have been confirmed for the Wilmslow West & Chorley in the local election on Thursday, May 5th.
I have managed to catch up with the three candidates who are competing for the two seats in Wilmslow West & Chorley.
Gary Barton - Conservative
Gary Barton, 28, has lived in Wilmslow for 27 years. He went to Ashdene County Primary, where he is now a Governor, to Manchester Grammar School and then to the University of Manchester where he studied Classic and Ancient History.
Gary has worked for several shops in Wilmslow when he was younger and now works as a telecoms analyst. He has been a Cheshire East Councillor for the Wilmslow South ward since 2008, and before that he was elected for the Handforth ward for Macclesfield Borough Council in 2007. Aside from politics, his hobbies are reading, football and he is also an animal lover.
Gary told me he is standing for election again, "because I very much enjoy being a Councillor and greatly appreciate the opportunity to help improve my home town. The last four years on Macclesfield Borough and now Cheshire East Council have been a great learning experience for me and I feel that I am now better positioned to do more for Wilmslow.
"Improving Wilmslow as a 'destination' town is a big priority for me, including tidying up the town centre and working with local businesses to improve Wilmslow as a shopping experience.
"I think that improving our roads has to be a priority, even though money is tight we need to look at ways we can repair damage on roads such as Moor Lane, Gravel Lane and Altrincham Road.
"I am also a keen environmentalist and I fully support the Cheshire East Conservative's plans to introduce door step plastic recycling."
Craig Julian Browne - Liberal Democrat
Craig Browne, 36, has lived in the area for 15 years. He runs his own business as a professional funding consultant, which means that he helps charities, businesses and NGOs to raise finance through grant aid. Craig also has a background in education and worked as a consultant for the European Commission to evaluate the use of EU money in supporting educational development projects.
Speaking about why he had decided to stand for election, Craig told me "Wilmslow West is already a nice place to live, however with a little bit more care and attention from local representatives, it could be even better. I believe that people want to see a visible local Councillor, a recognisable and friendly face and someone with whom they can discuss local issues. Serving the community is and always has been at the heart of my personal ethos, whether through my previous voluntary work as a youth group leader, as a former school governor at Wilmslow High School or in my role as a Trustee of the charity STEPS Romania.
"For me, being a Councillor is not about time spent in a Council Chamber, or Committee Meetings. The role of a Councillor is first and foremost about listening to the needs, views and aspirations of local residents and then trying to help achieve them at local level. This is why I have set up a community survey (online at www.wilmslowwest.blogspot.com) so that local residents can tell me what they think.
"Apart from that, it is clear that, under the stewardship of the current Conservative administration, our local roads have been allowed to deteriorate to unacceptable levels. The Coalition have recently announced additional funding for local authorities to tackle the state of our roads and I will be campaigning to ensure that Wilmslow West receives its fair share."
Wesley Fitzgerald - Conservative
Wesley Fitzgerald has been a councillor since 1996, representing Wilmslow Hough ward for 12 years. In 2004 he became the Leader of Macclesfield Borough Council and in May 2008, when Cheshire East was formed, he was elected to represent Wilmslow South. At the same time he was also elected as Leader of Cheshire East Council.
Councillor Fitzgerald told me "The reason I want to be elected to represent Wilmslow is because I live here and I care that the amenities and environment of Wilmslow are well looked after and maintained. I also care about the cost of services and that we as tax payers are getting value for money. The best way to achieve this is to get elected and then bring some influence to make a difference.
"I believe I have the experience and drive to continue to look after the welfare of Wilmslow and deal with the issues that need to be addressed. These include: more effective maintenance of our roads, helping the new Town Council to become a powerful body to improve the locality of Wilmslow, working with the Police and voluntary organisations to improve local youth facilities and reduce antisocial behaviour and keeping up the war on litter and graffiti.
"With the experience of 15 years serving the residents of Wilmslow I believe that, if elected, I can continue to help to make Wilmslow an even better place to live.''
Please use the comment box below if you have any questions you would like ask the candidates any questions.
There will not be an election in the Wilmslow East ward, it is uncontested because only one candidate stood for that seat, Councillor Rod Menlove.
Use the tags below to read other candidate interviews and articles about the local election.
Photos: Wesley Fitzgerald with Gary Barton and Craig Browne.
