Stone Urban 2025 candidate profile – Darren Woodward (Conservative Party)

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
Darren Woodward 

Party
Conservative Party

Division
Stone Urban

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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 live in Stone with my amazing family, I started off as a Gunner in the regiment for the Royal Air Force, and now work as a General Manager for a bingo hall in Stafford. I have worked in bingo for the past 15 years, in and around Stoke On Trent & Staffordshire, within my role I actively support the local community, and raise money for charities.
I decided to stand for election as I can honestly say I love to help people, and I love where I live! if I had the chance to get elected I would be able to use my enthusiasm and energy to make our community a better place to work, live and raise our children.

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 worked in management for many years, as a General Manager I work for a multi million pound business, working closely with different departments including property, compliance and marketing, meeting thousands of customers a month, supporting the local community, and doing it all with a smile as I love what I do!
I actively listen to my customers on how we can improve, and strive on being the best! (I’m very competitive).

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?

By improving bus routes, encouraging cycling and walking this will naturally support with the net zero target, along with carbon removal, and sustainable practices for waste management reducing emissions.

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?

I love stone, and our community. I’m passionate to keep our greenfield land and farmland safe, because when it’s gone it’s gone!
With the Udall Grange estate nearing completion, we need a solid action plan to ensure we do not overwhelm our infrastructure. 

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?

Unfortunately I was unable to attend the meet up on Sunday 6th April, as my beautiful daughter Poppy was being born.
I understand everyone’s frustration regarding this, as this has gone on for far too long!
I have heard that the funding has now been identified, We need to ensure that the protected wildlife is not disturbed and agree access with the land owner.
I believe that there is power in numbers, if I was to agree a meeting with local residents, land owners, and the director for economy, we would be able to all come to an agreement on how we can get this resolved once and for all.

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 only way this can be resolved is to install ANPR cameras, when I last checked Stone Town Council has set aside a £30,000 budget to help fund this.
People often use the high street as a cut through in the mornings to avoid traffic, with cameras being installed this will deter misuse of the high street.

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?

Bus travel is a major part of our transport network, they help to cut down on road traffic and improve air quality.
I would be happy to set up a local meeting to discuss what demand we have, or to set up a Facebook vote to see your views on how we can improve.
Personally I think we need to bring back the 101 through Lichfield Road, as there is currently no bus service that runs through that part of Stone.

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?

We need to encourage walking and cycling, not only is this great for the environment, it helps with health, fitness and wellbeing.

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?

As a father with a young family I agree that there should be measures in place.
I would love to hold a local meeting with those affected to discuss this further, together we can agree on how we can tackle this together, come up with solutions and vote on ways to stop this from happening.

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?

Children’s education is something I hold very dearly, I have a close friend who is a SEND representative, and this would be a top priority, if any families are not being properly supported please reach out to me so I can help.

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 will take us in to unknown territory, however I have close friends who are councillors within Staffordshire, so if they come together to make local decisions, I will be able to angle the agreements that best represents us. I’m on your side.

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 hate to say but I feel anti social behaviour is on the up! Recent news articles show signs of this in and around Stone, this makes me feel sick as Stone has always been a place to feel safe for me and my family. I feel we need to put things in place now, sooner rather than later.

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

Honest answer – Im not your usual politician / councillor. I’m really down to earth, friendly and approachable.

I started from nothing working hard all my life to try and improve things for my family.

When my regional director offered me the General Managers position within my company I said ‘I won’t let you down’ and in the past 15 years I have given everything to improve the business.

I don’t have all the answers on how we can improve things, but you do! That’s why I will commit to holding regular meetings so we can discuss, and vote on shaping the future, either through local meetings, Facebook voting, or reaching out to me directly.

Our MP Sir Gavin Williamson for Stone is a conservative member, and he has been helping with my campaign, how amazing would it be that we have a local MP and councillor on the same page! It will make decision making so much quicker and simpler.

If you give me your vote, I won’t let you down! Together we can make Stone a place we can all be proud of.