Your Town, Your Vote, Your Future

Another bundle of papers came through the front door the other night. This time it was a sheet showing the pictures of the seven existing councillors who are standing again - Nigel Birch, Mary Fellowes, Rob Golesworthy, Fiona Howard, Steve Like, Alan Powell and Gareth Ratcliffe - with the slogan Your Town, Your Vote, Your Future. With that was a bit of extra information about Fiona Howard, recently retired head of Hay School, with her top priorities - a new school and community centre, and better car parking. Gareth Ratcliffe provided a record of his actions so far, and five pledges - to talk to residents and be open to debate, listen with an open mind, fight for our community, champion everyone's views and support the youth, sports and community organisations. Alan Powell the carpenter, who has been a councillor for six months so far, said in his piece that he had enjoyed it so far, and it had been an eye-opener to him what a big commitment it is to be a town councillor. Mary Fellowes provided a list of her achievements, and wants to see a new school, community/youth centre, and enhanced sports facilities.

Johnny Kramer also delivered a leaflet separately. He has been talking to local people to find out what the issues are that they are concerned about. These include the high cost of food, energy and housing, improving public services, parking, more for the younger generation, a better police presence, dial-a-ride, footpaths and dog mess. He is in favour of a new school, community centre and sports facilities, and full community consultation, and against a new supermarket.

Meanwhile, Gareth Ratcliffe has written a piece in the WyeLocal detailing what, exactly, a town council does, and what its powers are, and Steve Felgate has written a piece about Hay Together and the elections.

And today I met somebody who has already voted - by postal vote because they may not be here on the day.