Residents in the Wilmslow East ward will head to the polls next month to elect a new Town Councillor.
The election will be held on Thursday 4th August, between the hours of 7.00am and 10.00pm, for one councillor to represent the Wilmslow East Ward on Wilmslow Town Council.
The vacancy arose due to the resignation of Fiona McNulty, who was elected in May 2015 but resigned after 11 months due to work commitments.
Voters have a choice of three candidates to represent them: Mark Goldsmith (Residents of Wilmslow), Birgitta Hoffman (Liberal Democrat) and Chetan Katre (Conservative Party).
wilmslow.co.uk will be publishing details for each of the candidates, below is information on Mark Goldsmith - Residents of Wilmslow.
Mark has lived in Wilmslow for 16 years with his wife Melanie and our two cats, having moved to Wilmslow from London because they love how the town sits amongst the beautiful Cheshire countryside.
Mark told wilmslow.co.uk "However, Cheshire East's Local Plan means we are in real danger of losing many of the green fields around Wilmslow. The new executive houses being built on them do little to help local families or first time buyers trying to get onto the housing ladder. Instead they destroy the character of our town, while making large profits for both the developers and Cheshire East."
If elected Mark would join David Jefferay and become the second town councillor representing Residents of Wilmslow.
Manuel Golding said "Over the last five years Residents of Wilmslow (RoW), an independent, non-political group, has consistently challenged the need to build on so many of these Green Field sites. The group has achieved many notable successes in reducing the number of houses, so saving many fields earmarked for development.
"Wilmslow has benefitted greatly from the elections of RoW councillors to both Cheshire East and Wilmslow Town councils. These Independent Councillors, with strong non-partisan voices, work solely for their constituents representing their best interests, not those of a political party.
"RoW has grown in stature and is no longer a group of activists solely seeking to save the Green Belt, but acts in support of local people on all matters that concern them through their independent voice.
"RoW only acts in the best interests of Wilmslow people. It does not have to comply with the demands of county or national politics. Another independent voice on WTC ensures your concerns are addressed and placed above those of any political party's by putting People Before Party at all times."
Mark Goldsmith said "I am delighted to represent RoW as their candidate in the forthcoming Wilmslow Town Council (WTC) by-election on 4th August 2016. There is much for Wilmslow Town Council to do over the next few years and I really want to be a part of this, representing your concerns and views.
"I see the Neighbourhood Plan, which was initiated by WTC but is now being developed by Wilmslow residents, as a golden opportunity for Wilmslow people to have their say in shaping the town in the future. I will support this activity and encourage as many people as possible who live or work in Wilmslow to take part."
"I will work to ensure WTC continues to improve the local environment: Physical, such as planters positioned around the town and the vibrancy of the town through events like the Artisan Market and the activities of a myriad of local groups and charities such as The Wilmslow Trust, Transition Wilmslow, Wilmslow in Bloom, Incredible Edible - some 80 plus activities in all.
"I have widespread experience in business as a marketing director and retail buyer. With an MBA from Manchester Business School, I have a strong understanding of negotiation and organisational practices that can be brought to benefit the work of WTC particularly in its larger capital projects, the Carrs toilet block and negotiations such as those currently underway for the transfer of responsibilities for the Prestbury Road and Cliff Road allotments from Cheshire East Council.
I will support my RoW colleague, Councillor Jefferay, in his endeavour to have re-opened the play area at Welton Drive."
He added "Also, I will support our local Cheshire East Councillors wherever possible to help them meet their responsibilities: A safe crossing for Knutsford Road to begin to address ongoing safety issues for Lindow Community Primary School, parking problems in and around Davenport Green, continuing improvements to pavements, so many in a state of poor repair due to long-term neglect. Prevention of road side parking in and around the town, as on Leaside Way, is a big issue to be resolved as quickly as possible.
"However, I will not hold back in challenging Cheshire East Council, where they fall short on their responsibilities. Recent heavy rainfalls illustrate clearly their lack of attention to drainage and flooding. We are well aware of their complete disregard for public opinion on Local Plan issues so far and there is much more for RoW to fight for when the Plan process reconvenes in September. Overwhelmingly people are opposed to developments on the Green Belt at Royal London, Wilmslow Business Park, Heathfield Farm, Little Stanneylands and Upcast Lane. Along with RoW I will continue to fight to have such an over provision of houses and offices reduced within the Local Plan Strategy submission.
"In summary, if elected, I will work with my Wilmslow East Ward RoW colleague Cllr. Jefferay, to ensure Wilmslow Town Council only acts in the best interests of the local community and not to a party political agenda driven by Whitehall."
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On another note: In the run up to the elections in May 2015 I tripped and fell, badly hurting my shoulder. At the time our local Conservative Councillors were telling us footpaths are a priority receiving their full attention. This evening I delicately negotiated the kerb stone that tripped me last time - you've got it, it is still there!
There is much in Wilmslow for David, and hopefully Mark, to address and win for us.