This week we emailed all candidates standing at local elections on 22nd May inviting them to ‘have their say’ in a questionnaire. There are 3 candidates standing in Wednesfield South and 4 in Wednesfield North and we will publish any responses in the order we receive them.
Whilst WV11 does not back any political party, we are keen to see local politicians engaging with the community online as well as offline.
The first candidate to respond was Wednesfield South Labour candidate Greg Brackenridge, here are his responses to our questionnaire…
Name: Greg Brackenridge
Party: Labour
Ward: Wednesfield South
Occupation: Firefighter (retired)
What made you decide to stand for election?
I have always served my local community both in my professional life and as a volunteer. I have seen the problems ordinary families are going through due to austerity and felt that I had to stand to fight for a better deal for the residents of Wednesfield.
What do you believe are the key issues to be dealt with in your ward?
Wednesfield village has been in a slow decline for many years and needs a boost to get more of the locals back shopping there.
To continue attracting new business to the area thus creating much needed jobs.
To campaign for the green areas of the ward to be protected and enhanced for residents.
To support the educational establishments in the area to continue to strive for improvement allowing greater opportunities for all ages.
How do you feel you will be able to make a difference to your constituents?
I am a Wednesfield Lad born and bred and because of this I know the area well. I have been the campaign manager for the Labour councillors in Wednesfield for many years now and have been involved in many community groups. I have organised campaigns for the area and ensured that residents have been kept informed of what is happening by leafleting, meetings, through the press and local surgeries. I am always out and about in the area keeping my ear to the ground. To make a difference is first knowing what is going on in the area; then being available to residents and finally connecting the relevant individuals and groups to resolve the issues. I will continue to work hard to do this for the residents as their councillor should I be elected on May 22nd
What local initiatives have you personally been involved in, in the ward you are standing for in the last 12 months?
Campaign for footpath improvements in Mattox road, Moathouse estate and petition for same improvements to Castlebridge estate
Petition for fair funding from central government in Wednesfield High Street
Campaign for ‘no drinking zone’ in Village High Street
Rememberance Sunday at St Thomas’ church on behalf of local Labour party with Emma Reynolds MP
Local Vaisakhi celebrations at Well Lane Gurdwara
New pedestrian crossing on Lichfield Road
New barriers on bridge between Moathouse Lane East and West
If you are elected how do you plan to keep your constituents informed of what you are doing to represent them and how will they get in touch with you when they need you?
Surgeries at several venues every month including ‘open surgeries’ in the Village High street advertised on posters and leafletting
Regular leaflets (at least 4 a year) informing residents of what I am doing and how to contact me and other councillors/MP as the local party has done for many years now
Attending all tenants and residents and other community group meetings (including schools) to support and assist
Anything else you would like to add?
Just a quick thank you to all those people who have expressed their support and helped me during my campaign. It is a real privilege to be standing for election as a representative of the people of Wednesfield and I will work hard to ensure I do not let them down.