Stafford Trent Valley 2025 candidate profile – Andrew Towers Mynors (Reform UK)

As part of our coverage of the upcoming Staffordshire County Council elections, A Little Bit of Stone invited every candidate standing in the Stone area to complete a standard questionnaire. The questions were shaped by feedback gathered through our recent Stone Matters survey, where local residents told us which issues matter most to them.

We asked candidates to focus their answers on the responsibilities of Staffordshire County Council – highways, education, social care, transport, public health and related services. Their responses appear below unedited, exactly as supplied.

Name
Andrew Towers Mynors

Party
Reform UK

Division
Stafford Trent Valley

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Q1: Tell us a bit about yourself. Who are you, and why have you decided to stand for election in the Staffordshire County Council elections?

As a Reform UK councilor, I want to bring a fresh perspective and commitment. I believe our local government should be transparent, hard working and accountable to delivering effective  services and support. I grew up here and hope to bring extensive 30+ years of industry experience to help support the local communities and people here. 
I will focus on listening to the concerns and working collaboratively with community groups and local industries.

Q2: Do you live in the Division?

Yes

Q3: If not, why have you chosen to stand here?

N/A

Q4: What relevant experience or background do you bring to the role of County Councillor?

I have been part of various voluntary committees for years and so I’m  used to listening and working together. Running and tracking of efficient budgets whilst   delivering KPI’s on a contract, will be a most important  for the community. 

Q5: The County Council has declared a climate emergency and committed to a Net Zero target. What does that commitment mean in practice for local residents and businesses? What will you do to support this goal locally?

I would like to see the CBA of what the county council has declared then discuss this with local businesses. Perhaps the CC will get an interesting view point from both residents and local businesses as to a climate emergency in Stafford Trent Valley. 

Q6: The Udall Grange estate is nearing completion, and just last month, proposals were announced for a further 500 homes on adjoining land. There has been no mention of improvements to infrastructure, GP capacity or dental services. The County Council is responsible for roads, schools, and medical services, while Stafford Borough Council handles planning. How do you square away this imbalance? What would you do to ensure new developments do not come at the cost of existing residents’ wellbeing?

Currently as recently reported here, SBC has three weeks to respond to a screening request to see the EIA. Further public consultations being planned. It is good you have linked and shared this information. Haywood Trent Valley has a large percentage of Green Belt, that residents want protected.  Infrastructure, and local services must be supported and clear long term planning supported by our communities. Again a Reform UK contract, seems a more logical way forward than the current governments plans. 

Q7: The Aston to Burston Trail has been closed for months following the collapse of a footbridge. A drawn‑out process between the landowner and local authority has left this well‑used route in limbo. Do you think the County Council has done enough to uphold public rights of way in our area? What would you do differently?

this seems to have taken an long long time to resolve and seems to be nearing conclusion, with Nigel and the village being involved together. I’m a keen walker and I hope it does not get washed away. It looks a great project for a sixth form A Level, project to have been  involved in:  engineering, cost, design, HSE, see how the parish council works and also in  finding a quicker solution than perhaps was done. 

Q8: What is your stance on the enforcement of Stone High Street as a pedestrianised zone? At times, the Market Square resembles a car park. Should access be more tightly restricted or more flexible, and how should this be enforced?

The local businesses should be mainly involved here, as it is their rates and P&L that will be affected. They must  remain profitable and get more customers to shop in the Stone High Street and other high streets in Staffordshire. 

Q9: Stone and the surrounding area has lost many of its bus routes in recent years. This leaves many residents, especially older people and those without cars, isolated. What would you do to improve public transport options in the division?

Talk and talk again with the residents who will want to use a bus, go to where and when. Compare with other similar demographics in the area and see the cost. I dont want to see folks isolated, it is a shame so many cars travel to the same destination with just one  driver.  

Q10: With transport in mind, what is your view on how the County Council should balance road infrastructure investment with active travel options such as walking and cycling?

Again the CC has a useful website and online presentations in regards this. How much is being actively used and discussed. Perhaps here is where there is potential huge cost over runs if we get it wrong.  It must be cost effective and stop wasting any tax payer money. 

Q11: Speeding and dangerous parking, particularly on roads near local schools, is a common concern. What can be done to improve road safety for children and penalise offenders?

There must be a huge amount of data here that can be used. As well as actively discussing with the parents and teachers at these schools. How many children are still perhaps ditching a helmet and  reflective strips in winter, as something they will not use when it is still dark. Keep engaging with all parties.   

Q12: What is your view on the provision of school places and SEND services in Staffordshire? Are local families being properly supported, and what changes would you advocate for at the County level?

Regular engagement with the parents and teachers .. with a vision to take on lessons learned and improvements from professionals. Have the regular council meetings been recording this, there seems little engagement from the meeting notes. 

Q13: Devolution is coming down the tracks, with the creation of new combined authorities. What are your views on this shift, and how can we ensure towns like Stone are properly represented in a larger unitary structure?

This has to be cost effective and create cost savings to the c tax payer.. It is supposed to transfer power and decision making authority from central govt to local councils and mayors. Council Devolution UK. 

Q14: What is one issue in the division that you believe does not get enough attention at County Council level, and what would you do about it within the remit of the role?

Perhaps two issues; local business are not listened too enough, they drive the community and must remain profitable and reinvest, grow. Councilors must listen  and spend more time here. The next is engagement with sixth forms before they enter the world of university and work, listen to advice from local business leaders,  if they have time to be involved.  

Q15: Finally, why should residents vote for you on 1st May?

I read the Reform UK contract and agree with this, a logical way forward for the UK .. I will work hard, be positive  and listen to the community.  I aim to get value from the contracts we have,  to deliver for the teams in Stafford Trent Valley and Staffordshire in General .