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
Trudie McGuinness
Party
Labour
Division
Stafford Trent Valley
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?
Staffordshire-born, I’ve lived in Tixall, in the Stafford Trent Valley division, for eight years. I am a passionate campaigner and have led campaigns to fight to save youth clubs, libraries and free hearing aids for all who need them. I care about the community in which I live and want to work to ensure that people can lead safer, happier, healthier and more prosperous lives. This is why I am standing in this year’s county elections.
I run two local businesses – one specialising in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults – and one in which I coach people. For many years I worked in education, including at South Staffordshire College and Staffordshire University. Over the years I have been both a town and parish councillor and served as a school governor. I am currently supporting Lichfield Diocese as a member of their Safeguarding Scrutiny Panel. As your county councillor, I will dedicate myself to ensuring the best for our community.
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 many years’ experience of working with community groups and campaigning for facilities and support for people. My past service as a local councillor has given me insight into and experience of public service and accountability; and from my work history I bring experience and knowledge linked in particular to education and skills, wellbeing and mental health, safeguarding, sustainability, leadership and economic development.
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 support the Council’s net zero target and for all our sakes it is imperative that we act fast and decisively to support the timely meeting of this target. Fundamental to this is ensuring that we save money by diverting needless expenditure on bureaucracy into activities which will help us meet this target and benefit us all. With one council not two we will be able to use funds to support public transport infrastructure, improving the environmental efficiency of council-owned and run properties and services and working with businesses to support initiatives which promote sustainability.
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?
All new homes being built, including those at Udall Grange as well as elsewhere, must be matched with appropriate infrastructure investment – for example, doctors services, nursery and school places, and leisure facilities. As a county councillor, I will fight for the provision of all such services to support any such developments.
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?
It is unacceptable that such an important trail has been left closed for such a long period of time. Public Rights of way must be upheld, except for emergency repair, and as a County councillor I will be fighting to ensure that the right that we all to access public routes are maintained, with action taken swiftly where any problems may occur.
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?
Pedestrianisation of the high street is vital to ensuring that the High Street remains a safe and enjoyable place to visit. Parking infringements must be acted upon immediately, with pedestrianisation enforced so that the visitor experience is maintained and the commercial prosperity of the town fostered.
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?
Reliable and affordable public transport is key to a sustainable, cleaner and more prosperous local economy and environment. Meaningful investment in public transport will always have my backing.
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?
Where appropriate, cycle lanes need to be created and maintained in order to encourage cycling and ensuring that our pavements and pathways, including lighting, are maintained is essential to encouraging us to walk for short journeys, when practical to do so.
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?
We need to work with schools, police and members of the community to create solutions which create safer environments.
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 have considerable experience of managing SEND services and have recently been campaigning for more government funding for SEND provision. I welcome the promised additional investment, but more will be needed to ensure that all children who need additional SEND provision receive the timely support they deserve in order for it to be most effective.
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?
New combined authorities will ensure that more money goes on local communities not on wasteful bureaucracy. As a county councillor, I will use my voice to ensure that the needs and interests of our Stafford Trent Valley community are known, respected and served.
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?
Our local area has some beautiful landscapes and great places to visit and enjoy. I think much more could be done to encourage tourism to the local area, which in turn would boost the local economy and help to provide jobs and prosperity.
Q15: Finally, why should residents vote for you on 1st May?
I shall work tirelessly for our community, putting people first.
