Battling for all 42 seats on council

candidates in four Wyre Forest District Council where independents are standing.

IT is just one week until Wyre Forest voters go to the polls for the most significant district council election since the 1970s.

All 42 seats on Wyre Forest District Council are up for grabs in next Thursday's poll which could change the face, and faces, of the authority.

In the last two weeks the Shuttle/Times and News has given a platform to the five main parties - Conservatives, Health Concern, Labour, Liberal Democrats and the Liberal Party.

This week we turn our attention to the four Independent candidates, who are contesting four of the 17 wards throughout the district.

We have asked these candidates - and their opponents in Areley Kings, Greenhill, Rock and Wolverley - to put forward their thoughts on Wyre Forest issues.

Areley Kings (3 seats)

ALBERT ADAMS

(Labour)

A family man with two grown-up daughters, Albert lives in Dunley Road. He owns a business which manufactures and installs ventilation systems. He was elected to the district council in 2002.

Albert has used the new "scrutiny" process available to councillors to establish the facts about Stourport relief road.

He challenged the claimed escalation in the cost of the scheme, from £28 million to £47 million. He was proved right.

Also he clarified the county's proposal for a palliative £3m scheme, showing that it would be no benefit to the residents of Areley Kings.

Further, his investigations have confirmed that no local county councillor will have a vote when the county cabinet takes the crucial vote in six months time.

"District councillors must keep making the case for this route. Areley Kings residents can be sure I will do so, if re-elected," says Albert.

JIM COOPER

(Labour)

Jim is Stourport born and bred. He lives on Abberley Avenue with his wife Chris. First elected to the old Stourport Urban District Council in 1972, he later served as district councillor for Areley Kings until 2003.

Jim supports the refurbishment of Bridge Street. "Labour has proposed a district council contribution to a refurbishment fund for four successive years," says Jim. "We genuinely don't understand why the other Stourport councillors have voted us down every time."

Jim is enthusiastic about the plan to make the basin part of the town centre by creating a route from Bridge Street and proud to see its prominence in Labour's manifesto. He says: "This development could transform the town, with attractions such as craft workshops, a heritage centre and a successfully trading Tontine in prospect. Our manifesto shows our commitment to Stourport. Now we need your support to turn plans into reality."

MAUREEN MASON (Conservative)

I was born in Wyre Forest and have lived in Areley Kings for most of my life. I am employed by a local carpet company as a sales administrator.

I have been a member of Stourport Town Council for the past 12 years and have served on all its committees and am fully aware of the problems in the area.

I have just completed my first year as a councillor on Wyre Forest District Council.

I am a governor of Areley Common First School. One of my priority issues is to push for a much-needed Stourport relief road.

I am also concerned about traffic congestion caused by illegal parking on double yellow lines in Stourport High Street.

JAMES MILLINGTON

(Independent)

Former chairman of Wyre Forest District Council; Mayor of Stourport; county councillor for Stourport.

The excessive council tax enforced by the district council and the Conservative-controlled county council has caused tremendous concern to people living off retirement pensions, or who have low incomes. Council tax should be abolished and replaced by government grants.

The high "wages" paid by county and district councillors to themselves should also be abolished.

Stourport is clogged up by traffic - a ring road is essential. Parking problems must be eliminated.

Proposals to close or amalgamate some first and middle schools should be dropped. Why disrupt an efficient education system?

There is a great demand for "social" housing. Many young couples cannot afford to buy a house. The facilities lost by Kidderminster Hospital should be restored immediately.

MIKE PARTRIDGE (Conservative)

I have lived in Stourport-on-Severn for 36 years, the last 20 years in Areley Kings.

I have served as a Stourport town councillor for Areley Kings for nine years and I am trustee for Areley Kings Village Hall.

The new hall, with much support from councillors and the local community, has now opened.

I would like to see more use made of Areley Kings recreation ground with local football and cricket teams.

Also, I will press for the Stourport by-pass as this will enhance the lives of the local people.

JAMIE SHAW

(Labour)

Jamie is married, with two daughters in their twenties. He lives in Redstone Lane. First elected to the district council in 1984, he has served continuously ever since.

"Labour's district manifesto identifies Stourport town centre as a priority," says Jamie. "The relief road, the bridge, Bridge Street and the basin will all feature prominently. So does our commitment to help redevelop the old Larch Lap site and the whole Severn Road area for mixed housing and recreational use."

Also Jamie points to less eye-catching, but essential, Labour town centre policies. "The current public toilet provision must be improved. Also, comprehensive CCTV coverage is needed, to help strengthen the town's shopping appeal.

"We have a great opportunity to enhance our town centre through the Market Towns' Initiative in which the council is a partner," says Jamie. "Elect Labour councillors and get results."

NIGEL THOMAS

(Health Concern)

With voters having three votes to elect three councillors this time, and having come a close second last time, I offer myself to electors in Areley Kings so that I can get busy working with Health Concern on issues for people in our ward and Stourport.

I believe that being a local businessman in the ward for many years, I am in close touch with the people and have a working knowledge of our issues and problems.

With electors' support I will work at:

Responding promptly to all ward matters referred to me by residents.

Campaigning with Dr Richard Taylor in his efforts to improve Kidderminster and Lucy Baldwin Hospital services.

Safeguarding our civic and community centres and supporting the canal basin and riverside play areas refurbishment.

Pressing for a more obvious police presence and the urgent need to construct a Stourport by-pass.

ALLAN WOOD (Conservative)

As a Conservative councillor, I am Stourport-on-Severn's new mayor for 2004/05.

I have lived in Areley Kings, with my wife Paula, for the past 33 years. During this time, I was employed in the teasurer's department of Stourport Urban District Council and, subsequently, in the finance department of Wyre Forest District Council, where I remained until my retirement in 1997.

I have been a Stourport town councillor since 1999, representing Areley Kings West Ward. I am also a governor of Stourport First School and take an active interest in all local affairs. I have been deputy mayor of Stourport for the last 12 months.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading and playing golf.

Should I be elected to the district council, I will do my utmost for everyone in the ward, irrespective of their political persuasions.

Wolverley (1 seat)

NIGEL ADDISON

(Independent)

Having been born, educated and worked in Wolverley, and now living in the heart of the village, Nigel has a unique insight into the needs of Wolverley residents, and how best to serve them.

Currently the sitting district councillor, Nigel is standing as an Independent in the forthcoming election.

"I believe the needs of the residents can be best served with an independent voice without the constraints of party political ties," said Nigel.

"Rural residents have differing needs to the rest of the district, and a voice needs to be heard to fight for these issues."

Nigel has campaigned hard in the last 12 months on issues such as Wolverh-ampton airport, the Schools Review, social housing, and for more services and cash to be spent in the area, such as new streetname plates, and will continue to fight for these issues, as well as district-wide issues, such as the hospital and cinema.

CONRAD BOURNE (Labour)

Now in his thirties, Conrad has experience across a wide spectrum of political activity.

He has already served as a district councillor, and must be the only candidate who can claim to have been officially involved in an American presidential election, having served in Bill Clinton's campaign team in 1992.

Conrad believes the district council has a crucial role to play in housing provision and stresses Labour's recognition that affordable housing is needed in rural as well as urban areas.

He also sees the combating of anti-social behaviour both through the courts and through positive community involvement as applicable to the whole district.

"Labour has a comprehensive and well-costed set of policies," says Conrad. "It also has many experienced and capable candidates who would improve the service the council gives to the community. Vote Labour for a caring and competent council."

MALCOLM HAZLEWOOD

(Conservative)

I am delighted to be the Conservative candidate for the forthcoming district elections, having lived in Wolverley since 1984.

I have been married to Beryl for 47 years and we have a son and three granddaughters.

I was born in Birmingham and joined the RAF as ground crew with a "V" Bomber squadron which was part of Great Britain's nuclear deterrent during the Cold War. On completion of service, I acquired a position at Hawker Siddeley Dynamics working on Britain's satellite launcher "Blue Streak".

I was subsequently employed in the computer industry and my wife eventually became manager of the Kingsford pub.

I feel passionately about my country and, in particular, about the beautiful area in which we live. I now have time available and a desire to offer my service to preserve what we now enjoy.

I fully support the Conservative manifesto and the need to deliver better services whilst recognising the need to control costs by greater efficiency.

Rock (1 seat)

DOUGLAS GODWIN (Conservative)

I am in the fortunate position of having experience in district council procedure for a number of years, making my mark as a councillor in Malvern Hills District Council for the Mamble and Bayton Ward.

I am 42, an enthusiastic home-grown politician who genuinely wishes to make a difference and continues to work with a local school as a governor and with the Neighbourhood Watch. I will be a forceful influence on Wyre Forest District Council representing Rock.

The eldest of four children, I planned to follow my father into farming but, due to the recent decline in agriculture, I decided to retrain and went on to qualify as a solicitor.

I am energetic and believe passionately in the power of communities working together to make a difference.

I make a strong commitment to listen to the residents of Rock and support the community in local issues in and outside of the council chamber.

JOHN SIMMONDS

(Independent)

The parishioners of Rock - the second largest parish in England - have had almost zero representation on the district council in four years. I want to redress that and make our voice heard by representing Rock as an Independent, being free of political restraints.

I have the advantage of living in Rock all my life. I am involved in local activities and serve on the parish council, which means I am in a good position to be aware of many local needs and problems which I will be able to help resolve.

Locally we should endeavour to provide affordable housing for younger generations, help provide recreational opportunities and see that we get a fair deal from the council tax paid.

Generally I will aim to improve standards; obtain adequate car parking; support moves to reinstate services at Kidderminster Hospital and the return of town markets; eliminate wasteful council spending; and try for a fairer council tax and even a reduction.

Greenhill (3 seats)

JOHN ASTON

(Conservative)

Born in Stourbridge, I moved to Spennells 18 years ago. I am married to Maureen, a local district councillor, and have always been interested in politics. I have taken a keen interest in my wife's work which has prompted me to stand as a councillor at this election.

I achieved my dream in 1975 when I set up my own business. As a successful cleaning contractor for nearly 30 years, the company employs 120 people and I have vast experience of dealing with people and their problems.

I am a family man and describe myself as an "ordinary guy" who enjoys a walk, a pint, motor sports and caravanning.

I would like to clean up the area, combat anti-social behaviour, provide more activities for the young, see improvements to our roads, and scrutinise how "your money" is spent, and work to give a better deal to the elderly and disabled in the community.

GRAHAM BALLINGER

(Liberal Party - Focus - Save Our Hospital)

I believe that the Health Concern-run Council is a fiasco!

Parking in Kidderm-inster is a nightmare. Roads and pavements are in a disgraceful state. The litter and dog mess is, in places, simply revolting.

Kerbside recycling is not saving money. It is actually costing you an extra £400,000 every year! Meanwhile surprise, surprise, tipping at Hoo Brook has increased by leaps and bounds. Recycling is great but we need a scheme that works at a price we can really afford.

Failure to get council offices onto a single site has cost a staggering £430,000 per year in totally unnecessary expenditure. The move of some departments to Duke Place is out of control as the failure to surrender the Vicar Street lease runs up an extra bill of £75,000 to £100,000 a year. Meanwhile Health Concern voted through a huge pay rise for councillors.

GEOFF BULMER

(Conservative)

As a retired local government officer, I have lived in Kidderminster virtually all my life, having been educated at King Charles Grammar School. I am deeply concerned about crime generally and more specifically in Wyre Forest. I wish to see more resources given to the police and stronger policing of our streets.

If elected, I will have two priorities. The first is to make every effort to find a site for a retail market in Kidderm-inster so that we can be recognised as a market town again. Secondly, every effort needs to be made to establish a site for a cinema.

A town the size of Kidderminster should have a cinema - I remember, as will many others, when the town had five of them.

I am also committed to the group's budget proposals for decriminalisation of the roads so that illegal parking would be fined by district-run traffic wardens.

PAULINE STOKES (Health Concern

Married with four children and six grandchildren, I have lived in Kidderminster for 40 years and I was Mayoress during 2002/3. I am currently a qualified playgroup supervisor and a volunteer classroom assistant at my local first school.

I am proud of Health Concern for what they have done in Wyre Forest, working for "people not politics". I have observed them closely over the years and am happy to help their efforts offering my services to Greenhill residents.

If elected I promise to:

Reply to residents who alert me to ward problems.

Campaign with Dr Richard Taylor for better and fairer hospital and dental services. Most urgently for an upgraded hospital emergency unit.

Focus on community care, which is essential for older people.

Urge cleaning up our area more quickly by removing litter and graffiti.

Pushing forward with town development while seeking more parking places.

CHRISTOPHER GADD (Health Concern)

Born in Liverpool, I have lived in Kidderminster for the last 33 years. I have a married son and two granddaughters. Currently I am working with B&Q in Kidderminster and I formerly worked providing computer software and training courses to the NHS and charities.

Having been very impressed by Health Concern's work on the council over all issues in Wyre Forest, I offer my time and energy to help with their important work, particularly in Greenhill and Kidderminster.

With majority support I pledge to:

Respond promptly to all ward matters that Greenhill residents refer to me and try hard and honestly to resolve difficulties.

Campaign for appropriate health care emphasising dentist availability and helping Dr Richard Taylor's efforts to obtain a doctor-led emergency unit at our hospital.

Promote pride and community spirit in Greenhill.

Ensure that your council tax is used wisely.

TAVIS PITT (Independent)

It's the small actions that make the difference. I understood the importance of this almost a year ago. Frank Legierski, great-grandfather to my daughter, died in a road traffic accident on Birmingham Road. The major contribution to the cause of the accident was overgrowth at the stumps of the trees aligning the road, which obscured his view when crossing.

It was the simple task of cutting the overgrowth. No more than one hour's work for two workmen, and if undertaken beforehand may have prevented this needless loss of life. It is for these simple tasks I am campaigning. Some simple tasks, such as picking up litter, may not save lives but it could improve them.

Recycling, museums, a cinema, and public transport are all important, but many small visible differences add up to one big difference.

Electing at least one independent councillor, I believe, will uphold the small but sometimes life- saving and life-improving tasks from being forgotten under cross-party bickering and party politics.

PAUL HARRISON (Liberal)

I agree with Graham and Rachel that our priorities are to:

Restore Accident and Emergency and other vital services to Kidderminster Hospital.

Get more police on the beat tackling crime nuisance and drugs and more (fairly paid for) Street and Neighbourhood Wardens working alongside them.

Save our schools. They are doing a first rate job. If it isn't broken why fix it?

Sort out the parking crisis and tackle local traffic problems!

We want clean, reliable buses going where they are needed at the times they are needed.

Restore the direct rail link to New Street. It is vital.

Tackle the litter and dog mess!

We support recycling but we need a system that works and which we can actually afford. Weekly wheelie bin collection should not have been scrapped.

RACHEL LEWIS (Liberal)

Like Graham and Paul I want to see:

A fair deal for the elderly and disabled.

Decent facilities for local youngsters.

Protection of the Green Belt.

Action to get more jobs into the area.

A cinema and an arts centre in Kidderminster.

Affordable housing for local people.

A proper town council and a real voice for Kidderminster.

Scrap council tax and replace it with a fairer system to pay for local services.

We want a council that puts people before politics and common sense before dogma.

We want value for money and first rate services.

We want councillors who stay in touch - all the year round - not just at election time.

We want a council that consults you before decisions are taken.

Above all we want a council that cares and that knows how to turn caring into action.

I have lived in Kidderminster for the past 30 years after a 12-year engagement in the air force and have since worked mainly as an engineer in the computer industry.

Away from work, I have a keen interest in wildlife photography, narrowboats and the canal system.

I have been a Greenhill resident for some 16 years. I enjoy living in a conurbation with easy access to rural areas, together with reasonable access to the motorway system.

Apart from the cross-party issues regarding Wyre Forest healthcare, I am eager to promote concerns which include local schools, the poor state of street surfacing, inadequate car parking, litter and fly-tipping, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

I would like to see addressed once again the once-proposed traffic-controlled crossing at the junction of Birmingham Road and Husum Way, providing a much safer method for traffic leaving Offmore Farm heading for Birmingham.

Remaining wards

Aggborough and Spennells (3 seats): Maureen Beryl Aston* (Conservative), Lesley Caroline Brown (Labour), Anthony John Butcher (Independent Health Concern), Helen Elizabeth Dyke* (Liberal Democrat), Peter Dyke* (Lib Dem), Susan Anne Godwin (Con), Keith Roderick Robertson (Health Concern), Ian John Siddall (Con), Samantha Walker (Lib Dem).

Bewdley and Arley (3 seats): Frank Baillie (Health Concern), Mavis Helen Baillie* (Health Concern), Stephen John Michael Clee* (Con), Robert William James Court (Con), Louise Edgington (Con), Paul Dennis Gittins (Lab), Maxwell Valentine Keen (Health Concern).

Blakedown and Chaddesley (2 seats): Harry Kenelm Dakeyne Grove (Health Concern), Pauline Vera Hayward* (Con), Stephen John Williams* (Con), Flora Elizabeth Wright (Lab).

Broadwaters (3 seats): Janette Elaine Adams (Con), Peter Anthony Dudley (Con), Stephen Eric Hill (Lab), Gordon James Hinton* Con), Amanda Rosemary Anne Poole (Liberal Focus), Michael Price (Lib Focus), Marian Spragg*(Health Concern), Kenneth John Stokes* (Health Concern), Robert Wheway* (Lib Focus).

Cookley (1 seat): Graham Neville Barker (Health Concern), Christopher David Nicholls*(Lab), David Pittaway (Con).

Franche (3 seats): Jeffrey Baker (Con), Graeme Richard Carruthers (Con), Anne Teresa Hingley (Con), Nigel Knowles (Lab), Howard James Martin* (Health Concern), Geofrey Frank Morgan (Lab), Michael James Shellie (Health Concern), Robert Charles Spragg (Health Concern), Leroy Peter Wright (Lab).

Habberley and Blakebrook (3 seats): Trevor John Bennett (Lab), Arthur John Buckley (Con), Elizabeth Mary Davies* (Health Concern), George Howard Eeles* (Health Concern), Keith Albert Fletcher (Con), Lynn Hyde* (Lab), Michael Bernard Kelly (Lab), Kenneth Hugh Prosser (Con).

Lickhill (3 seats): Ian Cresswell (Con), Irene Mary Dolan* (Health Concern), Jill Fairbrother-Millis (Health Concern)*, Michael Charles Freeman (Con), Donovan Ashley Charles Giles (Lab), Brian Thomas Glass* (Health Concern), Roger Brindley Harvey Green (Lab), David Little (Con).

Mitton (3 seats): Peter John Barrass (Lib Dem), John Holden (Con), David Bernard Keogh-Smith (Lab), Arthur James Millington (Ind), Patricia Anne Rimell* (Health Concern), June Lillian Salter* (Con), Michael Arthur Salter (Con), Dixon Raymond Sheppard (Health Concern), Gary Watson (Lab).

Offmore and Comberton (3 seats): Keith Budden (Lab), Margaret May Gregory (Con), Sheila Harrold (Con), Siriol Mari Hayward (Lib Focus), Frances Mary Oborski* (Lib Focus), Michael Maciek George Oborski* (Lib Focus), Gillian Mary Onslow (Con).

Oldington and Foley Park (2 seats): James Edward Brown (Lab), Nathan John Desmond* (Con), John Gretton (Lab), Susan Caroline Meekings* (Con), Clive Parsons (Lib Dem), Peter Winston Montgomery Young (Health Concern).

Sutton Park (3 seats): William Thomas Bradley (Lab), John-Paul Campion (Con), James Wilson Dudley* (Con), Anthony Harold Greenfield (Health Concern), Jennifer Mary Harrison (Health Concern), Marcus John Hart* (Con), Martin John Meredith (Lib Dem), Stanley Robert Ratcliff (Lib Dem).

Wribbenhall (2 seats): William George Jones (Con), Derek John Kiillingworth (Health Concern), Barry McFarland (Lab), Anthony David Williams (Health Concern), Gordon Clifford Yarranton (Con).

* denotes sitting councillor.