Here’s the candidate profile for Bill Lockwood, who is standing in the May 2023 elections. All candidates were asked ten core questions; then, there were specific questions depending on whether candidates were existing councillors or not.
All answers appear unedited, apart from maybe tweaks to formatting, as sent through by the candidates.
- Candidate Name:Bill Lockwood
- Party: Labour Party
- Election: Stone Town Council / Stafford Borough Council
- Ward: Walton North / Walton
Core Candidate Questions
- Do you live in Stone and within the ward(s) you’re standing in? If not, what is your motivation for standing in Stone and not your own ward?
I have lived in Stone for 24 years, not in Walton ward but with the experience and commitment necessary to make sure the area’s particular needs and concerns are fully represented.
- Are you involved in any Stone-based charities, schools, groups, sports clubs etc? If so, in what capacity?
I am a member of the Alleyne’s Academy and was Chair of Governors for a number of years. I am a volunteer for the Crown Wharf Theatre, and a member of Stone’s VeloRunner Cycling club.
- If elected, what will you, as a councillor, bring to the council?
The experience of having been councillor prior to moving to Stone and a strong voice for the needs of individual residents and businesses as well as Stone as a whole.
- How do you plan to engage with and represent the interests of all members of the Stone community, including those from diverse backgrounds or differing opinions?
By being open and honest, listening constructively to the range of views and opinions and following up concerns fully and actively.
- What do you think are the most important issues facing the Stone community, and how do you plan to address them?
Stone is an expanding community, particularly in the Walton area, and it is vital that local services, including medical, transport and leisure facilities are improved and strengthened as a result. The cost of living crisis is having a big impact on many Stone residents and we must maximise support for local community amenities such as the Library, Walton and Frank Jordan Community Centres in response. I share the current concern that HS2 operations will have on Walton residents in particular, and will put pressure on Severn Trent Water to reduce the level of sewage dumping into the River Trent which has such an unacceptable impact on river users in Stone such as the Canoe Club, as well as local wildlife.
- How do you propose to ensure that the local economy continues to thrive and support all local businesses?
By fully supporting current High Street based events, such as the Farmers’ Market and entertainments, but also addressing with landlords and businesses themselves the reasons for a growing number of empty retail premises in the town, and the best way to reverse this.
- How do you plan to work with other members of the council to achieve your goals?
By taking a positive and supportive approach on all occasions when, regardless of political party, members have the best interests of the town at heart. It is however important for the town that is has a more balanced representation rather than can be achieved by the current Independent Party majority.
- How would you balance the needs of different groups and priorities when making budget decisions?
By making sure that the needs and concerns of those groups and residents who are often under-represented are heard and taken fully into account.
- What is your position on local environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, and waste management?
This is of vital importance and one that demands a whole-town, joined-up response to make us a town proud of its response to these issues. We must do more to address littering, river pollution, the impact of planning decisions on the local environment, and have a clear plan for a greener, more sustainable future.
- How will you ensure that your role as a councillor receives the required time and effort to carry it out effectively?
Having previous experience as a Town Councillor and Mayor I’m aware of the significant time commitment required and the need to prioritise this.
Candidate-Specific Questions.
- What five words would people who know you use to describe you?
Considerate, thoughtful, engaged, active, responsive.
- As you’re passionate about local politics and issues, have you previously made a public representation to the council about an issue that needs addressing? If so, what was the issue and how did the council handle it?
I have addressed the meeting of the Town Council regarding improvements needed to the town’s public toilets. The Council agreed it was an important issue but have not taken any noticeable action. I have also raised a number of issues with the Borough Council including, on behalf of neighbours, preventing trees with protection orders from being destroyed.
- How does being affiliated with a national party benefit you being a councillor at a local level? How do you respond to the criticism that you have to toe a party line and vote with your peers?
The Labour Party is committed to supporting local businesses, improving the health of our town centres, a ‘greener’ future , and supporting local councillors and communities in achieving these goals at local level. However, there is rarely, if ever, a ‘party line’ in relation to Town Council matters and each councillor is free to act in the best interests of their community.
- What’s your pledge to the people of Stone if you’re elected?
That I’ll work as hard as possible to make sure Stone becomes an increasingly thriving and attractive place in which to live and work.
