THE LABOUR Party candidates have been named for the upcoming Redditch Borough Council elections on May 4.
Labour will contest 10 wards with a number of new faces hoping to gain seats this time around.
James Fardoe stand in Church Hill ward, Jen Snape in Winyates, Jim Heaney in Crabbs Cross and Monica Stringfellow in Abbey.
Jane Spilsbury will contest the Matchborough seat, Monica Fry will stand in West ward, Wanda King in Astwood Bank and Feckenham and Juma Bengum will be vying to take Greenlands, Woodrow and Wirehill.
The other two seats will be fought by Ian Woodall (Headless Cross and Oakenshaw) and Kerrie Miles (Batchley and Brockhill).
Redditch Labour leader, Coun Joe Baker, said: “The Conservatives’ mismanagement of our council’s finances will undoubtedly have ramifications for the future of our council.
“Our manifesto has been put together with you in mind and you are at the very heart of what we want to achieve in the next few years.
“Redditch Labour believes we can do better and this is why we have put together this positive manifesto to present to you so that we can invest in you and our borough.”
In its election document, Redditch Labour has pledged to handle the council’s finances better, keep the library where it is, invest in a working community hub and support voluntary groups.
Visit redditchlabourparty.org for more information.
Redditch Conservative Party, currently the controlling group on the authority, has also mapped out its plans and pledges and named its candidates ahead of people going to the polls next month.
Many of the group’s candidates will be looking to hold onto their seats.
Ann Isherwood, currently the Redditch Mayor, will stand in Church Hill, Peter Flemming in Winyates, Chris Holz in Crabbs Cross and Michael Chalk in Abbey.
Julian Grubb will contest Matchborough, Gemma Monaco will battle it out for West, Brandon Clayton will stand in Astwood Bank and Feckenham and Roger Bennett will be vying to take the Greenlands, Woodrow and Wirehill ward.
The other Conservatives standing are Tom Baker-Price (Headless Cross and Oakenshaw) and Helen Sanders (Batchley and Brockhill).
In its manifesto Redditch Conservatives has pledged to install EV charging points across Redditch, ensure every child in Redditch is no more than 15 minutes walk from quality play provision and build a night time economy to provide jobs and a quality night out.
Redditch Borough Council and Conservative leader, Coun Matt Dormer, said: “The Conservative team’s plan will enable many opportunities for families to remain in their hometown – from schooling, achieving skilled careers and qualifications and enjoying a varied evening entertainment offering.
“I’m grateful for all of the candidates standing – the returning councillors, as well as new, and returning candidates.
“The ambition and determination is what makes us a formidable team.
“Our decisions are always made on what is good for the community and town of Redditch.”
Visit redditchconservatives.org.uk for more information.
