IT’S not just voting for the General Election on May 7 that’s taking place, but there are also borough and district elections as well in the battle for who controls town hall.
In Redditch, one third of the seats are up for grabs at the Labour-controlled council, while in Stratford District, following a reduction in the number of councillors. the entire council is up for election.
To help you make up your mind, we asked srepresentatives of each of the parties standing in Redditch to come up with reasons why they should get your vote:
*Ian Webster from the Liberal Democrats said that, if elected, their candidates would stand up for all citizens and be accountable to the people they represent.
They would defend local communities from inappropriate housing and other development, and protect the environment for future generations.
They would also oppose cuts to vital public services and support the campaign to maintain essential services at the Alexandra Hospital.
*Juliet Brunner, leader of the Conservative group on Redditch borough council is upbeat about making gains in the election: “We have made ourt commitments which are to freeze council tax, expand community transport, and continue to support the Alex.
“Our priorities are jobs and the economy, we want to support hardworking families by freezinf council tax to help keep the cost to families in Redditch down.
“We are dedicated to improve our local area by expanding local transport to ensure everyone in our town can access our services such as the Alex which we are committed to protect.”
* County Counbcillor and Ukip spokesman Peter Bridle, who is standing in Church Hill in the borough elections, said his parties would fully back the people the represent.
: “As a county councillor I have the freedom to speak my mind. In Ukip we do not have a whip system which means I do not have to play the political game, I can state what I think is best for my constituents.”
Regarding the issue of immigration in Redditch he said: “I say you are welcome if you are willing to work hard and pay into the system, then that’s fine.
“However what we are saying is that you cannot continue to have an open door for immigration.”
* Kevin White for the Green Party, who is standing in the General Election said that locally his party would work to create jobs and do more to boost recycling, Introduce more insulation into homes and fit them with solar panels to cut heating bills.
Bring back conductors on all buses to deter anti-social behaviour and complete a review of hospital services as a matter of urgency to prevent further loss of morale/resignations, and fight to ensure the Alex remains a fully functioning hospital with a full range of services including A&E and maternity.
* The leader of Redditch council, Councillor Bill Hartnett, said the Labour group would campaign on their £500,000 mortgage rescue and £500,000 buy-back schemes, the £20,000 fund to help support new businesses and the continuation of free swimming for under 16s / over 60s and pre 9.30 bus pass scheme.
He also said they would deliver at least 1,000 new local jobs and create further apprenticeships, skills training and work experience.
They would also continue to fight for the Alex and pay the living wage as a minimum to all council employees.
