Candidates For Wells election speak to voters

On March 14 there will be an election to find a new representative for the St Cuthbert’s Ward of Wells City Council.

In the run up to polling day the Wells Journal has been speaking to all four candidates about the issues they see as most important and why the electors should choose them.

John Parkes, Conservative Party candidate:

"There are three points I'd like to make.

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"Firstly, the Mendip District Council's Local Plan and building houses in the Haybridge area. There are a number of brownfield sites that should be built on first. With no building work going on it could be years before more is needed and we should look at the options then.

"Secondly, local play facilities. Most of them are in a shocking condition.

"Thirdly, the environment. I don't want to see good trees taken down for no reason. Also the waterways of Wells are often overgrown."

Gillian Reeves, Liberal Democrat candidate:

"I want the chance to be able to give something back to the city.

"I'm interested in hearing the opinions of the people I hope to represent. I've sent out a survey to find out what St Cuthbert's Ward residents this is most relevant to them.

"Obviously, with the proposed new houses in Wells it is important that the city has the infrastructure to cope with the influx of people. Things like parking, schools and safe roads.

"It's important that people come out to vote. It's a local election and you're choosing someone to represent your views.

"It's important people have their say, it shows you care about the area you live in."

Glen Newstead, Labour Party candidate:

"My reason for standing is my person belief that we're in a time when we need change.

"The administration in the country as a whole has taken one million young people and thrown them on the scrap heap. They don't get the representation they deserve.

"Housing and jobs. These are the things that people are worried about. The jobs at the new supermarkets are not like the old jobs.

"In the past a young person could leave school and learn a trade. 200 pupils will leave the Blue School and will have little to choose from.

"I have experience in negotiation as the branch secretary of Unite union. I live in an ex-council house and am a working person.

"We've got all these brownfield sites like Nutricia and Thales. The thing I would fight for is mixed use on these sites. Light industry and housing. I'd like to see young people have the chance to get craft based jobs."

Maddy Milnes, the Green Party candidate:

"I'm concerned about climate change so I want to be involved with decisions to help create a cleaner environment.

"I think it is important to see the wider impact of decisions rather than taking things one at a time. In terms of development I understand the need for more housing, particularly for low income families, but I want to see brown field sites prioritised.

"I can see why people would be upset by building on greenfield sites. People come somewhere because they like the environment and they would be upset when that changes.

"People should come out and vote to make sure they are influencing local events. It also makes sure whoever wins has a true mandate."