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Candidates speak out: Stonefield & Christchurch

Here are the candidates’ appeals for your votes in the borough council election in the Stonefield & Christchurch ward.

These six candidates all want to represent the Stonefield & Christchurch ward on Stafford Borough Council. Two of them will be elected to do just that.

Please feel free to comment and ask questions of the candidates below.

MIKE ABBOTT

LABOUR PARTY

Mike has lived in Stone for over twenty years with his wife Suzanne and has two daughters, Sophie and Rachel. He worked for the County Council as an Engineering Manager prior to establishing his structural engineering consultancy practice in the town.

He is currently a trustee at Oak Tree Farm and is determined to ensure that the people of Stone have an effect say in the running of their town. Mike says “there is clearly a need for a more co-ordinated approach to ensuring that adequate services are provide to the community and that The people of STONE are put first before politics”.

Stone, as a town, has continued to evolve over the past decade and with any proposed redevelopment there is the need to insure that the appropriate infrastructure is in place.

Key priorities for the ward are parking and traffic flow, appropriate building development and the provision of improved community services for our young adults and senior residents.

Mike’s experiences, at the front end of local government, enable him to make a positive contribution to ensuring that facilities and services are improved in Stone.

JOYCE FARNHAM

CONSERVATIVE PARTY

I have represented Stonefield and Christchurch Ward for 24 years twice as Mayor and once as Borough Mayor. I have lived in Stone for 53 years and my husband, Dr Barry Farnham is now retired from general practice and our son is a consultant in London.

I am President of our women’s Branch of the Royal British Legion and of Stone and district Stroke Club. I am involved in the Alzheimer’s Drop in Club and a Governor of Stafford General Hospital.

As a retired Physiotherapist I have a committed interest in the care of the elderly; disabled and am anxious to strongly resist exploitation into the green belt around our Town. We must firmly restrict further indiscriminate development within Stone but allow limited affordable housing for young people and youth are our future so we must provide facilities within the Town.

Over the past increasingly difficult years our Conservative Borough Council has served us fairly and well – under tremendous financial pressure we have maintained essential services and kept the Council Tax steady.

I will continue in my efforts to help the people of Stone.

ROB KENNEY

INDEPENDENT

Rob was born in Stone. He has lived in the Stonefield Ward for the last 26 years, he represents the Ward on Stone Town Council and is proud to be the current Town Mayor.

Rob has great knowledge of planning issues having spent most of his life working in the construction industry overseeing aspects of many large projects such as hospitals and prisons. He now helps his wife to run a successful bakery based in Stone.

Having lived all his life in Stone Rob has developed a great passion for the town. He believes strongly in promoting the town, keeping it vibrant and working hard on all the issues that the people of Stone raise.

Should he get elected onto the Borough Council Rob will attend all of the committee meetings that he is a member of and make sure that his time is spent working for the people of Stonefield & Christchurch and Stone as a whole.

Some of the issues Rob will fight for are:

  Keep any rise in council tax to a minimum. Make sure that the Borough Council spends our money wisely and that Stone receives its fair share of Borough services

 Fight any reductions in services and amenities in Stonefield Ward.

 Restrict new housing and encourage affordable housing firstly in any new developments.

 Seek to improve recreational facilities for Stone and prevent unacceptable development on Westbridge Park.

 Fight to maintain a permanent Police presence in Stone.

 Work with the Police to reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and fly tipping.

 Apply pressure to achieve a long-overdue repair of all Stonefield pavements.

 Make sure designated industrial land is kept for new business growth therefore creating local employment. He will not support the change of use for housing.

 Support all events taking place in the Town – they have a direct benefit to the local economy in all areas.

He will continue to work for young people in Stone and to improve further their facilities and play areas.

Listen and act on the wishes of all Stonefield residents regardless of their individual political persuasions

PHILIP LEASON

INDEPENDENT

I am aged 59 and married. Eight years ago I was elected to Stafford Borough Council for the Walton Ward. However because I live in the Stonefield and Christchurch ward I have decided to stand for this ward at this election. I in fact lived in the ward almost all of his life and therefore feel that I know the people and the problems they face.

I am not standing for Stone Town Council and unlike some other candidates will not be representing one ward on the Borough and another on the Town Council.

As an Independent councillor I am free of the control of any political party, pressure group or whip and can therefore really represent people’s views.

Three of my main aims are:

  • Put pressure on whichever party is in control to keep any rise in the council tax to a minimum and to ensure that there is good financial management
  • Support the sharing of services between local authorities provided that by doing so it does not reduce the quality of the service offered
  • Fight any reduction in services that would be detrimental to local residents.

JUNE PRICE

CONSERVATIVE PARTY

I have lived in Stone for over 40 years and my sons received an excellent education through the Stone schools’ system. My late husband’s father being one of the co-founders of the firm of Price and Stubbs.

Having been one of your Town Councillors for the past four years, I now feel that I have the experience to seek election for the Borough Council where I can obtain a greater knowledge of wider issues which will be beneficial to the residents of Stone.

As a town Councillor I have campaigned and have had to make difficult decisions on many local issues. I have also attended many events and it has always been a pleasure accompanying the judge of the Stone Town Council’s Allotment Awards and seeing the time and dedication allotment holders have put into growing such wonderful produce. Additionally, I have enjoyed taking part in both the Ex-Serviceman’s and the Bowling Club’s bowling match in Stonefield Park despite being an absolute novice.

Dedication and commitment to the electorate is a key factor and I am a member of several committees and the clerk to the Trustees of Stone Common Plot; a position I am proud to hold as I feel very passionate about this invaluable asset we have in Stone. It is very pleasing that the facilities are being used by local schools and clubs for educational and recreational purposes.

I have worked in both the private and public sectors, the latter being at Alleyne’s High School and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity of seeing the work and achievements of so many talented students. This has made me aware of the enormous amount we can learn from the youth of today.

If elected I will campaign for:

  • More public bins as the ‘Take Away’ litter must be a constant annoyance to residents
  • The Conservative team will be reviewing traffic congestion – particularly Christ Church Way

I will also endeavour to ensure that the issues which are important to you, the tax payer, are addressed, especially endeavouring to achieve better value for money for local tax payers. If elected I will continue to work tirelessly for the benefit of the people of Stone as I consider Stone to be a very special place to live.

PETER YOUNG

LABOUR PARTY

I was born and educated in Stone, still live and shop in town and work locally as a teacher; therefore I am aware of the needs of the people of Stone and would listen and act upon your concerns, particularly in this current time maintaining employment and where possible job creation in Stafford Borough, especially in Stone which I would stand up for as my home town.

If elected I would campaign to restrict further unnecessary housing developments in the town which have been allowed to go unchecked in recent times. I would support improved car parking and public transport facilities by using revenues specifically for these schemes.

I also would want to continue, and extend the good work of the Town Council in promoting both tourism and initiatives to create vibrancy within town with community events, street markets and festivals that make Stone a rural destination town, bringing income and potential job creation.

As a new Councillor, I would bring a fresh, inclusive and approachable style to local Council and will look forward to working hard to represent the people of Stonefield & Christchurch Ward.

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  • Phil Jones

    First, thanks for posting your messages. A great idea and it can only be good for local democracy.

    I live in the ward and one of the big issues for me is dog fouling – I know the borough council launched a crackdown a few months ago but I’m wondering if any of the candidates would consider a special campaign in the ward.

    The streets around Stonefield Park, for example, can be a disgrace.

    Looking forward to your responses candidates!!!

  • John P

    Can I ask the candidates what their views are on the Frank Jordan Centre and what should be done with it? It’s getting into a bit of a state and needs some attention. Would you want Stone Town taxpayers to fund it?

  • TonyP

    I note that June Price is standing for Borough in Stonefield and Christchurch and St. Michael’s for Stone Town Council and also Geoff Collier is standing for Stonefield and Christchurch for the Town Council and St. Michael’s for the Borough. Do they feel that having divided loyalties benefit the elector. Surely it is better to represent one ward for each authority?

    • John P

      Hi Tony – that’s a really good question to be honest. I hope that June Price and Geoff Collier answer your question…

    • June Price

      I do not consider I have divided loyalties as living in St, Michaels Ward (previously in Stonefield and Christchurch) and working in Stonefield and Christchurch ward I have, over many years, been proud and privileged to have met and become friendly with a great many people and have found their concerns and issues to be almost identical in both wards.

      However, if elected, I can give my assurance to residents in both wards that I will endeavour to do my utmost to campaign and address any worries or concerns on issues which they may have individually or which affect their ward.

      I do not consider representing two wards on different Councils to be any problem, after all, Stone is a lovely small parish town and not a teaming metropolis like London or New York.

      I will always consider it a pleasure to help people throughout the whole of Stone.

      June Price

      • Richard Stevens

        A very valid response June. If you live in one ward and work in another, you are in the best position to represent both. But surely a more important issue for discussion is whether it is right to have twelve candidates standing for the Town Council who are either married to each other or in a close relationship. (Mr and Mrs Green; Mr and Mrs Shaw; Mr and Mrs Dugmore; Mr and Mrs Collier; Mr and Mrs Davies and Mrs Goodall/Mr Shaw). I’ve always had the opiniom that married couiples on a council have one opinion but two votes. Good for democracy? Discuss!
        (It has been suggested by one wag that the Town Council should seek sponsorship from Relate, the marriage guidance charity!)

        • Richard Stevens

          I quickly need to correct a typing error in my previous post. Mrs. Goodall’s friend is Mike Williamson (not Shaw) Apologies to both.

        • Geoff Collier

          Richard, you seem to have a very short memory, only 4 years ago at the last election, your wife Janet stood along with you. I am sure you will agree that husbands and wives do not always agree! Geoff Collier

          • Richard Stevens

            Gooff, You’re right but I’m not sure who was most relieved when I was elected and Janet wasn’t! Good luck to both you and Cathy. Richard

    • Geoff Collier

      I, like June, do not consider to have divided loyalties between Stonefield & Christchurch and St Michaels wards as I consider these wards to be my long connection with Stone and consider them to be one area with similar needs. I was privileged to be elected as the Borough Councillor for St Michaels at a by election six and a half years ago. I feel I have represented the Ward well and have done my best to represent the residents and have fought hard to improve planning and traffic problems. As for Stonefield and Christchurch ward, I spend all my working days and more there amongst the residents and am always on hand to listen to day to day problems, most of which I see first hand.
      Geoff Collier

  • John P

    I think Geoff Collier and June Price have both answered the criticism of different borough/town wards very effectively. To live in one and work in another does entitle this ‘split’ I feel. And as June says, it’s her mission to help people throughout the town.

    Can I just thank the candidates who are responding to questions and having a debate on here. It’s great to actually have a debate and to hear their thoughts on a number of issues. This can only be good for our local democracy.

  • Richard Stevens

    This is, I promise, my last posting! Two years ago, Stone Town Council raied £100,000 by raising Council Tax for the exclusive purpose of funding a bid to be involved in the redevelopment of Crown Wharf. The money was raised on the promise that it would be ring fenced for the Crown Wharf project and that if the bid to British Waterways did not succeed the money would be returned to council tax payers.
    It is now apparant that the Town Couincil is not the preferred bidder and that it is unlikely that the aspirations of the Town Council will be fulfilled. The Town Council has been advised that the Localism Bill currently going through parliament would effectively prevent the money being returned.
    The Independent Group have issued a leaflet stating that they would consider using the money for a similar capital project. What do they have in mind and when? Bearing in mind the previous undertakings will any future proposals to spend the money on any alternative project be the subject of a referendum? I am beginning to have memories of ‘gates versus bollards’ all over again!

    • Phil Jones

      Richard, it’s a shame if this is your last post because you’re making some excellent comments here. I would reiterate your point about the £100,000 – what do the Independent candidates see this money being used for in the town?? Rob? Phillip?

      • Rob Kenney

        Phil, it is correct that Stone’s Independent Voice have issued a leaflet that states that we would use the money for a similar capital project. The reason for the statement being that if the Localism Bill would not allow us to return the money that £100,000 would be ringed fenced for a capital project and not allowed to just sink back into the financial balances of the Town Council. As for what type of capital project, who knows? There are no specific projects thought of or even being considered at the moment. It maybe that British Waterways has a change of heart and the money would go towards the original project. But whatever happens be reassured that the project would be a considered and worthwhile one.

      • Richard Stevens

        Typical! I make a promise not to post again and then break it! My only mitigation is that I’m an ex-politician! I just want to correct Phil Jones’ exhortation to Independent candidates to explain their position on the £100,000. This is solely a Town Council issue so it would be interesting to hear all Stone Indepedent Voice candidates’ opinions. (Philip Leason is a candidate for Stafford Borough Council only)

  • keith wright

    I may be misinformed but it appears the Localism Bill has not yet passed into law! If that is the case why was the £100,000 not paid back as promised at the last setting of the precept instead of a 2% increase? Is there not yet time to repay this tax before the LB comes into law?

    • Peter Young

      Good to hear the views of many of the retiring Town Council on the £100,000 – it would be a good for the new Council to provide viable options on the use of this money and seek a consensus. An improved and updated Stone Town Coucil website, along with more traditional methods, could be a route forward to showcase proposals and seek suggestions on a way forward if the money is now ringfenced for a captial build project which could be of benefit to the people of Stone.

      • John P

        Peter – your idea of an “improved and updated” website for Stone Town Council is a great idea. It’s shameful really that the current site has been down since June 2008. It’s no longer good enough for a council of any size not to have an online presence. I really hope the new town council addresses this as a matter of urgency

  • Colin Butler

    I’d really like to ask the candidates views in this ward on the issue of parking. I live near Stonefield Park and the number of cars has increased a lot over the last few years. I don’t expect to be able to park outside my house every time I get home, but I do think many of the streets are quite dangerous when they’re filled with parked cars, many up the kerb or parked dangerously at junctions. Is there anything that can be done and what are the candidates views on this issue? Thankyou very much

    • Geoff Collier

      Parking is certainly and issue around Stonefield Square, I run a business from there and am quite aware of the problems. There are takeaways and off licences which do provide a great service to the community, but customers just seem to abandon cars wherever they can. Perhaps residants could have allocated parking spaces with free passes as they do in certain areas of Stoke on Trent

      • Colin Butler

        Thanks Geoff. I suppose all those streets in the ward just weren’t designed for the number of cars that use them now! Allocated spaces could be a good idea. Even white dotted lines on the road marking out the space for a car would be good. At least then you’d get the maximum number of cars parked on a road. Sometimes there are gaps all down my street just too small to get my car into!! I do think it’s an important issue for this ward to face and address.

        • Peter Young

          Parking, or lack of it is a big issue Colin, as a local resident I know only too well the difficulties caused by lack of spaces and inconsiderate/ unaware drivers. A simple quick-fix first step would indeed be road markings indicating approx car parking spaces to creat maximum use of the tight side street around Stonefield. Geoff’s idea of permits sounds great in theory, but would need enforcing at a cost to Council tax payers when more important public services need maintaining, and as with any regulation would be abused and misused.
          Parking could again be another issue for consultation on a Council / Borough website.

  • Michael Willis

    I got the Tory’s In Touch leaflet through today and one of the articles is about the new traffic system on Christchurch Way. The Tories – and I agree totally – think the new system is a nightmare, especially for traffic coming out of Morrisons at peak times.

    The article ends with this: “We, as Conservatives, have ideas which could improve this situation and we will strongly press for a speedy resolution.”

    And that’s it! Can I ask the Tory candidates what their ideas are please?!

  • keith wright

    The new road layout on Christchurch Way is fine and getting better as more drivers become aware of the new layout. The problem getting out of Morrisons is minor if you can drive reasonably well but it would help if the crossing lights were moved above the Mill Street junction.Thats where they were originally.Whilst talking about road layouts would it not make sense to make Church Street one way, easy and cheap solution to an awkward narrow road.

    • Michael Willis

      Hi Keith. Re Church Street. I think that would make sense. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been stopped in my tracks by a vehicle blocking the road as it tries to turn right on to Lichfield Street. Have to disagree about Christchurch Way though!!

  • Philip Leason

    I would like to thank everyone who voted for me last Thursday. I look foward to helping and serving the people of the Stonefield and Christchurch ward as a Borough Councillor. If you feel that I can be of any assitance please do not hesitate to conatct me on p.leason@btinternet.com
    Thanks