The candidates for the upcoming Wilmslow Town Council election, representing Wilmslow East Ward, have been announced.
Residents in the Wilmslow East Ward will have the choice of five candidates to fill three seats, when they go to the polls on Thursday, 4th May.
The candidates standing are:
- Sarah Firth - Residents of Wilmslow
- Chetan Katre * - Local Conservatives
- Jon Kelly * - Residents of Wilmslow
- James Richardson - Local Conservatives
- Neil Stelling - Residents of Wilmslow
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, family?
I'm a former I.T Consultant, worked for a number of major European Companies. MBA Graduate of Manchester Business School. Currently working part-time in the family housing sector.
I live in Wilmslow, not far from the town centre. Two grown-up children, both happily spent many years at Wilmslow High School.
How long you have lived there?
I've lived in Wilmslow & previously Alderley Edge for the last 25 years. Before that, Didsbury. Now settled long-term in Wilmslow.
Are you a member of any local groups or societies?
Keen tennis player, long-term member of Alderley Edge tennis club, golf member at Styal Golf Club. Mountain biker. Some hiking too, occasional Gym.
Why have you decided to stand for election as a town councillor?
Would like to contribute to the local community, and believe my past business experience helps me do that. Also, experience as a School Governor for four years. After discussions with some current 'Residents of Wilmslow' councillors, including Jon Kelly, I realised the main parties are no longer relevant to local communities, and Independents like 'Residents of Wilmslow' are the future of local politics.
What do you consider to be the important issues facing Wilmslow?
Many issues are common to most towns. Parking, the High Street, public transport etc. Wilmslow has a thriving town centre, with many cafes, restaurants & shops to choose from. But we still need to fill empty shops, and make the town infrastructure the best possible.
We need to look at how parking facilities may be expanded. Bus services to be improved, with extra routes, increased frequency, and later in evening running.
Our train services are already excellent, but I believe the train station needs to be more welcoming. I'm supportive of the Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan aspiration to create the station square as a transport hub.
In the next few years, the Local Plan will be coming up for review, and we must ensure the green belt is protected from more development.
What do you hope to achieve and how in the next 4 years?
Make best uses of the wonderful features of Wilmslow, the Carrs, & revitalisation of the Town Centre. Continue to promote Wilmslow as a clean, safe welcoming and prosperous town. Preserve and enhance the traditions, character and identity of the town.
What experience and personal qualities will you bring to the role?
Many years experience of project management, problem solving, and successfully implementing business solutions. Former primary school Governor. All decisions as a Town Councillor will be for the benefit of the Wilmslow community, not driven by national party politics.
Why should Wilmslow residents vote for you?
All the above experience can be used for the benefit of Wilmslow residents, in implementing successful plans for real change where needed. I will seek to protect the greenbelt, which is in the interest of all Wilmslow residents.
*current councillor.
