Today we meet the candidates contesting the Tewkesbury division of Bishop's Cleeve.
Rob Bird, Conservative
I have been a Borough Councillor for Bishops Cleeve West since May 2011, and I have worked hard to:
- keep Council Tax down - this is a huge financial burden for many, especially those on fixed and limited incomes, and we have delivered a freeze for the last 3 years, in stark contrast to the excesses of the past – I will continue to work to this objective
- oppose large, unsustainable and inappropriate housing developments and create a sustainable local housing plan instead. Planning Inspectors have allowed major building development in Bishops Cleeve, without the corresponding provision of adequate infrastructure, which has led to pressures on roads, schools and care facilities, and I now want to see significant improvements in supporting infrastructure.
- deliver a Council drive for efficiency, to save taxpayers' money, and to improve customer service, as a formal commitment in the strategic plan.
John Hurley, Labour Party
I have lived in the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury area since 1971 and both my children attended Cleeve Comprehensive school.
I have worked in further, higher and adult education in the county and currently run a research business. I am a strong advocate of a non-selective education system.
Why I am standing for Labour:
Labour stands for greater equality and fairness, and I aim to protect local services and local democracy to ensure that this is achieved. The Conservative and Liberal Democrat government are undermining the ability of local people to determine their own priorities and which services they need. The price is being paid by ordinary people with ordinary incomes while millionaires get huge tax cuts. The ONLY alternative is Labour.
If I am elected in Bishops Cleeve I will campaign to:• control health risks and nuisance from local waste disposal sites• oppose unsustainable housing growth• secure local schools for local people• improve flood protection
Peter Richmond, Liberal Democrat
Peter Richmond has lived in Cleeve West for fifteen years with his wife, Lynn, and their four children.
Peter has been the driving force behind the rejuvenation of the allotments, he has sought a better bus service for Cleeve and has campaigned for more bus shelters. He represents the parish council on the Tithe Barn committee and thinks the volunteers do an amazing job. He made sure the Barn received a share of the developers' contribution (£100,000) arising from the Deans Lea development.
Since 2003, Peter has campaigned for better facilities and services for Bishop's Cleeve along with Tony Mackinnon and Ceri Jones. Since then, Cleeve has been able to secure funding for the development of its new sports field and the new arts and sports centre adjacent to Cleeve School. He has also helped to secure developers' contributions for our benefit (eg the donation of a playing field at Finlay Way and £45,000 for play equipment).
