Below is the candidate profile for Amber Mottershead, the Stone Independents candidate for the Stone Town Council – Stonefield and Christchurch by-election.
This profile has been added to our Candidate Profiles page on our 2021 election hub – click here to see more candidate profiles.
Answers to the questions aren’t edited, other than for formating, and are therefore the candidates own words.
In your own words tell our readers about yourself
I am a Events and Digital Marketing Professional, I was one of the developers of the successful Christmas Light switch-on video that had an overwhelming 18,000 views from people around the world. I have a close affinity with the Town and hope to use my creative skills to better promote Stone as a leisure destination to benefit our residents and businesses. Aside from this I like to describe myself as compassionate, a hard worker and somebody who gets the job done.
What’s your personal statement about why you’re standing and what you want to achieve over the term if elected?
I work happily with a wide range of age groups and I am friendly, approachable and a good listener. I believe that I can use life and professional experiences to bring a fresh and youthful perspective to discussions. I am standing to give a voice for all ages and to be able to improve the future of our town with current and future generations in mind.
How does standing as a political party candidate affect serving local people on local issues?
Being a member of the Stone Independents, my purpose will be to voice and make decisions with the Local Area, Businesses and Residents in mind. I will ensure that situations are only judged on their merits and decision make accordingly to the individuals. Therefore, this sets myself and Stone Independents apart from other parties with Stone Independents being a group of similar minded people working for the community. By working together we want to ensure that Stone continues to build on the ever growing community spirit.
Do you live in the area you’re standing for, if not what’s your link to Stone and your reason for standing in this area and not your own?
I have lived in Stone for 6 years, with my family living here for over 70 years. I am standing for Stonefield and Christchurch ward but my aim is to successfully be available to all residents in and around Stone as I feel it is important for all councillors to have a responsibility to all residents of the town and not just the irrespective ward they represent.
What’s been your history as a political councillor?
Although I have never previously stood for political councillor for a Town before – I have actively stood as a councillor for my course at University. This would consist of giving students a voice about issues or problems that they face with myself being able to put it forward to higher bodies to hopefully work on the issues/problems together for a positive return to the students.
Apart from family commitments what other commitments do you have on your time? This could be work, business, voluntary or community roles – if these are linked to organisations in Stone then please mention it.
I currently work full-time in the Travel Industry as a Promotions Assistant, apart from this I am working on setting up a Digital Marketing and Events Business which will offer Free tips and advice for local businesses. Post COVID, I am also hoping to get back into voluntarily taking part in local Events which I have done many times in the past. Whilst being a hard worker in my personal life, I am confident that I can put the time and energy to be able to support residents as they need.
What are the top 5 issues that you think affect the residents of Stone currently have?
- Different levels of local government have different responsibilities to help the local economy. Stone Town Council has been and continue to be committed to supporting the Town Centre and its businesses during the pandemic using its Town Strategy and is currently working with local businesses generally on the restart in April. The look, the tidiness, the feel, the welcoming of the Town and the ability of the Town to attract people and businesses are all parts of this issue.
- At the start of the pandemic, Crime levels increased and I know that both residents and business owners in the local area became concerned. I understand that councillors have regular meetings with the local police team and crime levels are now reducing again, but it is important that this is something that is kept on top of to reassure our residents and businesses.
- I think there are widespread concerns over medical and mental health services. These are under control of other local government agencies but the Town Council can raise any problems as appropriate on behalf of its residents.
- The volume of new housing developments in the area in such a short space of time. This changes the nature of the town and disrupts lives. It is clear that this is a worry to many around the local area. Development is necessary but the quality of life for the residents must be protected. This is also addressed in the Stone Neighbourhood Plan.
- The lack of play facilities for children and young people, Although the new Stone Leisure Centre has been a huge help, Westbridge Park is still under developed despite promises in the past, with completion being overdue, This is something that Stone Independents have been pushing at Borough level.
How will you keep in touch with your constituents’ concerns?
I am happy for anyone to be able to contact me through my phone number, email or Social Media channels such as Facebook – @
