Stafford Trent Valley 2025 candidate profile – Brendan McKeown (Stafford Borough Independents)

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
Brendan McKeown

Party
Stafford Borough Independents

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?

I was elected to Hixon parish Council in 1994 and was appointed Chair in 1995. Barring one year, I have been appointed Chair every year since. I think this achievement speaks highly of my commitment and perseverance. In 1999, I was elected to Stafford Borough Council and served two terms (eight years in total) representing Hixon, Weston, Stowe-by-Chartley, Salt, Enson, Fradswell and Gayton. In 2001, I stood as a Liberal Democrat candidate in the General Election for the Stone Constituency. I was the only candidate who added more votes, as compared to the previous General Election. In 2018, I was elected to Stafford Borough Council to represent the Haywoods & Hixon Ward. I was re-elected in 2023 with an increased majority. I am standing as a Stafford Borough Independent candidate in the Trent Valley Division because I believe in serving the needs of local communities and not espousing national party politics.

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?

Please see Question 1 above. Also, as a Stafford Borough Councillor, I have worked closely with County Council Highways officers to deliver improvement schemes in both Hixon and the Haywoods.

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 was appointed Chair of Stafford Borough Council Planning Committee. Over the last two years, the Committee has considered three planning applications for Solar Farms. One at Aston Marina was approved as it is relatively small and provided supply to the facility. Two, much larger, Solar Farm planning applications were considered by the Planning Committee on the respective impacts of the proposals on the locality. One was approved (unanimously) by the Planning Committee because it is in a discreet location and the other was opposed (unanimously) because of its visual impact. So, in answer to the direct question, I support the ambitions and commitment to achieving a Net Zero target in the UK, but each and every proposal, whether solar farms or wind turbines, must also be considered alongside impacts on local communities and the environment.

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?

My election leaflet clearly spells out my views on proposed new house building targets in Staffordshire and Stafford Borough in particular. Building in sustainable locations and providing appropriate infrastructure is key. Just creating new highway schemes to serve access to the development is not enough. There needs to be creative thinking that guides towards providing new and improved facilities and amenities that serves both the new developments and the existing local communities.  

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?

I must admit that this issue has only recently come to my attention. What would I do differently? As I always try to do, I would bring all parties together around a table and discuss solutions not problems.

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?

I had an office at the Whitebridge Estate in Stone for several years about twenty years ago. I then had a smaller office space in Stone town centre. Pedestrianised town centres should offer greater safety for pedestrians, but this can be compromised by legitimate deliveries by vehicle. I think this is an issue that needs more detailed conversations.

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?

The communities along the Trent Valley Division are not well served or connected by public transport. In previous years, I have proposed  ‘hub and spoke’ public transport ideas to connect outlying communities with their nearest central hub. For example, a small, say sixteen to twenty seater mini bus, could pick up passengers from the villages around Stone and take them into and out of Stone on a hourly basis. This is the type of new visionary thinking I will bring to the Trent Valley Division if elected.

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?

See my response to six and nine above. I would always support safe walking and cycling routes.

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?

I believe School governors and parents have a role to play on this issue and it is best addressed by these parties as a joined up campaign. Unannounced visits by parking officers could support the campaign.

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?

I am not sufficiently informed enough to elaborate on what I might do in respect of SEND services. But, if there are lack of support issues then the existing administration should have been addressing these issues.

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?

The issue of local government reform and devolution is at an early stage and there are already various options being proposed. As the second largest area of population in Stafford Borough, I would expect its residents would have a large representation.

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?

I believe that County Councillors are often too remote from their communities. I would be visible and contactable.

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

I am a very experienced Councillor with a proven track record of delivering positive outcomes in the areas I represent. I will act the best interests of the communities that elect me.