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Conservatives Annabelle Blackmore – leader “WE are committed to the protec- tion and enhancement of frontline services across the borough. “Securing Maidstone’s economy continues to be a key priority.We want to create up to 3,000 jobs lo- cally over the next four years. “We will work with the Local EconomicPartnership to bring fur- ther investment to Maidstone and will promote employment oppor- tunities across the borough. “Conservatives will deliver a vi-
sion for the town centre by work- ing closely with businesses and other partners to improve and pro- mote the benefits of the town. “Aclean and safe environment is
our priority – Conservatives will seek to protect our parks and open spaces through careful manage- ment of these assets. “The Conservative-led council
Lib Dems FranWilson – leader
“THE Conservative-run council has consistently ignored the views of the community,. For ex- ample, it has failed to produce a local plan that is fit for purpose. “In the rush to pack in homes,
we are witnesing a destruction of Maidstone’s wonderful built her- itage and countryside. This is a recipe for disaster when one un- derstands the vital contribution tourism makes to the economic viability of the borough. “We promise to protect the
open spaces residents hold most dear. It will not be easy.However, the Lib Dems believe it is perfectly possible to achieve this and pro- vide the affordable homes so des- perately needed for an expanding population. “We will ruthlessly put empha-
Ukip Eddie Powell – leader
UKIP group leader Eddie Powell is standing as the parliamentary candidate for Maidstone and the Weald in the forthcoming general election as well as standing once again for the borough council. However, he will switch wards from Harrietsham and Lenham, where he has vehemently op- posed greenfield housing plans, to Allington. Following its success in last
year’s borough elections, in which it won four seats, Ukip is fielding candidates in 17 councilwards. Eddie Powell said: “It has been
an interesting 11 months in coun- cil for the newly-elected Ukip four.
“There has been much to learn,
but also much to contribute to a hung council. As councillors we
has made more than £1m of sav- ings through ef- ficiencies to protect our frontline services. We will balance economic need for growthwith the protection for our environment. “We are committed to the lowest acceptable possible housing num- ber across the borough. “We will deliver a transport strategy and seek improvements to infrastructure. Together with our Conservative MP and Southern Water, we identified areas requir- ing immediate assistance and in- vestment to improve the creaking sewerage infrastructure.”
sis back on front line services. For exam- ple, we will have zero toler- ance of anyone who thinks they can litter our countryside and streets while, at the same time, ensuring excellent street cleaning services are en- hanced. “At Lib Dem instigation, the council voted to return to com- mittee-style governance. There- fore after the election all 55 councillors will have equal deci- sion-making powers. I am proud of this achievement as it will pro- duce a more democratic represen- tation of the will of the people.”
have stood firm on the issues we w ere elected upon and none more so than op- posing the council’s reckless decision to meet an unsustainable housing target of 18,600 new homes by 2031. “It still is Ukip’s policy to op-
pose any building on greenfield sites and this has been problem- atical given the constraints and regulation imposed by the gov- ernment’s own NPPF. “As group leader, I have been
proud of my group, all of whom have served their residents to the highest level.”
Labour Malcolm McKay – leader “LABOURwants to see a growing local economy offering opportu- nities for work and leisure. “Labour will work with other parties to build a better borough – a larger Labour voice on Maid- stone Council will address prob- lems such as housing, jobs and transport.
“Maidstone needs well-built houses to relieve the housing shortage. We will support the building of houses for sale or rent that are within the reach of people who cannot afford the cost of the housing currently being built by private developers. “Labour will insist that trans-
port and schooling improvements are made to support the increased population of those housed. “Maidstone needs good local jobs to stop it becoming a dormi-
Independents Fay Gooch
“INDEPENDENT councillors are exactly what they say they are: free from party politics. Please bear in mind this important dif- ference when you vote on Thurs- day, May 7. Save any political preference you may have on na- tional issues for the general elec- tion being held at the same time. “Borough council elections are
about local accountability. We focus on local issues that affect local lives;we listen closely to res- idents’ concerns and truly repre- sent your views. “Our aim is safeguarding and promoting the interests of the local community and to do what is right for the borough of Maid- stone. We care deeply about our green spaces andwe actively sup- port our parish councils. We en-
Greens Hannah Patton
HANNAH Patton is the Green Party’s parliamentary candidate for Maidstone and TheWeald – as well as standing in the borough election in Eastward. She said: “I have been passion-
ate about politics from a young age, joining Maidstone Youth Forum 14 years ago. “Young people have a lot to
offer but the younger voter is under-represented in parliamen- tary discussions – I would like young people to have the same opportunities to engage with pol- itics that I have had. “As a youth worker and former member of the youth parliament for Maidstone, my concerns in- clude the effect of climate change and the need for a more bespoke education system.
Local elections | News
tory town and indus- trial and commer- cial land sites should not be turned over to housing; they should be used to provide jobs locally. “Transport infrastructure needs
a complete overhaul. The town needs to complete a ring road to the east and south so that traffic associated with commercial activ- ities on the outskirts doesn’t have to go through the centre of the town.
“Labour will promote cycling
and 20mph speed limits in resi- dential neighbourhoods where there is local demand.”
thusiasti- cally be- lieve in the important role of in- dependent retailers and the vital contri- bution they make to the success of the town centre and to the wider visitor economy. Our com- mon sense and practical approach to decision-making means we are free to challenge, free to ask the difficult questions, and not be con- strained by party lines. It’s about people – not politics. “Save any frustration with mainstream parties for the na- tional general election. Keep it local at this year’s borough council elections and vote independent.”
ture
“The fu- is
starting to look bleak for young people: cli- mate change is beginning to shape our weather, while government has been hell- bent on forcing pupils through a one-size fits all education system that leaves them disillusioned and ill-prepared for the future. “We need to teach young peo-
ple to think for themselves and to engage with their communities. “I will be campaigning for a
shift to renewable energy sources and a move away from fracking, which I believe will come to Mid Kent in due course.”
Maidstone East April 2015 43
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