Meet the candidates vying for your vote

The candidates standing for Central Beds Council’s wards in Chronicle Country are as follows:

ARLESEY (incorporating Arlesey, Clifton, Henlow and Stondon parishes)

Ian Dalgarno – Conservative

IAN Dalgarno is married to Tricia who works in one of the local schools and they have two children. The family have lived in Arlesey for eight years.

Ian is employed as a manager for a multi-national retailer with a specialist background in cost management and business development.

He has been a member of Central Beds Council for the last two years having previously served on Mid Beds District Council. He is also vice chairman of Arlesey Town Council.

Ian is very involved with local community activities and is chairman of the First Arlesey Scouts group, a governor at two local schools and organises the annual firework display in Arlesey.

He is treasurer of the local community safety group and works to ensure residents feel safer in their homes.

Ian believes that residents should have a strong say in local development and will work to ensure that plans for our areas deliver the improved infrastructure our community needs for the future and which have been identified in local town plans. Ian pledges to work to reduce the cost of local government for our residents.

David Devereux – Labour

DAVID is 49 years old and is married to Carolyn and has five children.

He works in a children’s home half the week and for UNISON as a branch officer for the other half.

He is also a foster carer for Herts County Council.

When not working he spends most of his time as a taxi service for his children.

If elected David will take a special interest in the services the council offers to children and young people.

Rita Drinkwater – Conservative

RITA has been a councillor for 12 years, representing Silsoe, Shillington, Gravenhurst, Stondon and Henlow Camp.

However, following the boundary review Rita is seeking election in the new Arlesey ward.

She has experience over a wide range of services and has held various positions including cabinet for education at the former county council, vice chairman of the NHS scrutiny committee and vice chairman of planning.

Rita is currently the portfolio holder for housing in Central Beds Council, where she has worked on various policies including the Empty Homes Strategy, which has brought 17 long term empty homes back into use during the past year and a Homelessness Strategy. This has supported families through a difficult time.

Rita takes a keen interest in supporting the local community and is hoping to be given the opportunity to support Arlesey Town Council with a proposal for youth services, which could lead to support within the surrounding villages. She has found her role as a councillor very rewarding and hopes to be given the opportunity to continue to serve residents.

Douglas Landman – Labour

DOUG, a qualified nurse, is 50 and has three children.

He is a governor for Gothic Mede Lower and Etonbury Middle schools and is vice-chair of Etonbury governors.

He has been elected to serve as a parent governor representative on the Central Bedfordshire Council’s children’s services overview and scrutiny committee.

He also has ten years experience as a councillor on four different local authorities in two counties and at all levels of local government.

Lorraine Warwick – Labour

LORRAINE has lived in Arlesey for eight years and works for the local government.

She has a degree in social sciences and has an active role in the local Labour Party.

Lorraine would like to improve conditions in Arlesey; to ensure that residents get a fair deal with effective control of building, use open spaces and more knowledge and say in matters that affect them.

Lorraine would represent the people in Arlesey in an effective way so that its profile is raised.

Richard Wenham – Conservative

RICHARD is a chartered engineer who has lived in Henlow for 14 years. He is married and has four children who have all attended local schools.

Richard is a director of an engineering company and is experienced in business and financial management.

He has in-depth knowledge of establishing and growing local enterprises and the need to support the creation of local jobs with appropriate facilities, infrastructure and training.

Richard has been a member of Henlow Parish Council since 2004, supporting many community initiatives including co-ordinating the arrangements for the very popular annual parish fireworks display.

He has been a governor at Raynsford Lower School since 1999 and is currently vice-chair of the governing body and chair of finance. Richard is chair of Henlow Clifton Scout Group and was previously on the committee of Raynsford Junior Football Club.

He is committed to improving facilities for young people in Henlow and surrounding communities including supporting Arlesey Town Council’s bid for new youth services funding.

BIGGLESWADE NORTH

Bernard Briars – Labour

BERNARD Briars is a semi-retired plumbing and heating engineer and he is married with four children.

Bernard has served on the town council for 12 years and as town mayor for three years. He was a member of the county council for four years serving on the education committee. He has also been a governor for Stratton School, Edward Peake School and Lawnside Lower School where he was chairman for 10 years.

He is vice chairman of The Lawns Early Excellence and Children’s Centre.

Maurice Jones – Conservative

MAURICE Jones has lived and worked in Biggleswade for over 40 years.

Now retired from a business career that spanned 30 years, he was elected to Mid Beds Council in 2004. In 2009 he was elected to Central Beds Council and has executive responsibility for finance, HR and legal services where he has worked hard to deliver value for money with £10 million savings last year and £12 million this year.

Maurice takes a strong interest in local matters, is a governor at two schools and a member of the Rotary Club. He actively helps residents with problems and will continue to ensure Biggleswade people are given a fair hearing.

Jane Lawrence – Conservative

JANE Lawrence has lived in Biggleswade for more than 30 years, and served on the town, Mid Beds and now Central Bedfordshire councils for the last eight years. Her professional background includes 20 years in teaching and experience as a company director.

If elected she will continue to work to ensure that Biggleswade has adequate infrastructure for the future and that the impact of growth does not spoil the town’s character.Further priorities include the provision of open space, pushing forward health centre plans, and improving transport with a better road system including a roundabout at the Sun Street and Shortmead Street intersection.

Rex Skinner – Labour

REX, his wife and children are long-term residents of Biggleswade.

He is an active member of the local community attending Biggleswade History Society, the Biggleswade and District Pensioners’ Association, the Community Safety Forum, Probus, and is a regular driver of the Ivel Sprinter Bus.

Rex is a current Biggleswade Town Councillor and has also served on the former Mid Beds District Council.

Rex is now retired and part of his busy life was as a retained Firefighter, a role he maintained for 34 years.

BIGGLESWADE SOUTH

Allister Dennis – Labour

ALLISTER Dennis is a marketing manager at an international engineering firm and has lived in Biggleswade for eight years.

He has been an active member of the Biggleswade Labour Party and prior to that campaigned in Barnet, North London.

Allister is currently the Labour Party Parliamentary Officer and hopes to represent Biggleswade on Central Bedfordshire Council to improve services while finding alternatives to simply cutting budgets.

Sheila Grayston – Labour

SHEILA is a retired social housing manager and has lived in Biggleswade for five years. She is a Biggleswade Town Councillor.

Sheila is a governor at Ivel Valley School and until recently was chair of governors at Lea Valley High School and at a specialist sports college in Enfield.

She is a member of Biggleswade Fairtrade Group, the Community Safety Group and the Biggleswade Town Plan Steering Group.

She is also Chair of the Biggleswade Rail Access Campaign.

David Lawrence – Conservative

DAVID Lawrence has been associated with Biggleswade for over 50 years and has lived here for the last 30 of them.

David has represented Biggleswade at county, district, town and unitary level for 10 years.

Setting out with a degree in engineering, his career was involved with innovation and with it the need for change management. He also has a degree in European and cultural studies.

If elected he would concentrate on governance, risk and accounts leading to integrated audits with particular reference to social services. He believes the wider experience from industry becomes more and more essential.

Peter Vickers – Conservative

PETER Vickers has lived in Biggleswade all his life and has been a district, unitary and town councillor for nearly 30 years.

He has worked as an accountant, auditor and income tax consultant for 45 years. Peter is involved with many community organisations.

Peter has worked extensively on residents’ behalf and has been particularly active in local planning and development and has chaired the planning and development committee of the former Mid Beds District Council and Central Beds Council.

If elected he would continue to push for good quality services at a low cost, monitor social security services for those in need and aim to protect green belt land.

NORTHILL (incorporating Northill, Moggerhanger, Old Warden & Southill)

Dennis James – Labour

DENNIS is a retired engineer and has lived in Biggleswade for nearly ten years.

He speaks several languages and is widely travelled.

Dennis is very interested in environmental issues and is a regular walker with the Ramblers’ Association.

Patrick Jones – Liberal Democrat

PATRICK Jones, a resident of Beeston, is a university lecturer working at both Greenwich and Lincoln universities.

He uses the train to get to each location so Sandy is an ideal base.

Patrick teaches in the human resources department and recently gained a PhD.

Patrick is married with four children and has lived in the area for the last five years since moving from London.

He said: “I don’t want to move back there because everything is so green and attractive in the countryside.”

If elected Patrick would want to be involved on the personnel side of local government using his extensive experience to scrutinise this important area.

Locally Patrick is keen to get to know as many people as possible and hear about ways in which he would be able to help them through the red tape of local government.

Tricia Turner – Conservative

IT has been a privilege for me to lead Central Bedfordshire Council during the first two formative years of its life.

From day one we promised to deliver better value for money, manage growth and increased demands in ‘needs-led’ services, improve children’s attainment and reduce the cost of our services. All of this we are achieving.

The national financial challenges have meant that local government has been asked to make far more savings, and it has encouraged us to explore opportunities.

With good planning and management we have achieved an £180million budget which includes almost £20million more permanent savings next year alone, while not increasing council tax. Some of our successes include the retention of school crossing patrols, retention of the concessionary bus pass use before 9.30am, the continuation of Sandy Leisure Centre and retention of a library homework club.

POTTON (incorporating Potton, Tempsford, Everton, Sutton, Eyeworth, Dunton, Edworth and Wrestlingworth parishes)

Doreen Gurney – Conservative

SINCE the formation of the new unitary council in 2009 Doreen Gurney has continued to work within the NHS scrutiny committee to ensure the best for patients.

She is vice chairman of the children’s services scrutiny panel and also sits on the adoptive corporate panel. She serves as a school governor to two local schools within the Potton ward.

She is currently chairman of Everton Parish Council and is presently working with the parochial church council to bring to fruition the new churchyard extension in Everton village.

If elected she will continue to work to ensure regular bus services that connect, giving local residents the ability to maintain their independence.

Her hope is that if re-elected electors will give her the opportunity to continue to serve residents of the Potton ward for the next four years.

Andrew Hopkins – Labour

ANDREW is a manager for a car parts supplier in North Hertfordshire.

He has lived in Central Bedfordshire since his father was posted to RAF Henlow in 1987.

He moved to Potton 13 years ago, where he now lives with his civil partner.

At 36 he wants to become more involved in the local community and believes a younger voice on the council would be beneficial.

Andrew is keen to see Potton thrive and wants to see improvements in local public transport.

Anita Lewis – Conservative

ANITA has lived in Potton for over 25 years with her husband John.

She is passionate about the history, character and environment of the town.

She is treasurer of the history society, sponsors the town’s football team, and campaigns on issues like the former Lloyds TSB bank closure, the library, school patrol officers, bus services, village schools and affordable housing.

Anita says it has been a privilege to sit on Potton Town Council, to attend the village parish councils and to represent them at Central Bedfordshire Council.

She serves on two school governing bodies.

She has used her wide council experience to initiate, support and promote our communities.

As a former teacher, college lecturer and inspector of schools she is well suited to be Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services at Central Bedfordshire Council.

It is her fervent wish that she should be elected to continue to serve her community.

Paul Rogers – Labour

PAUL is 55 and moved to Central Bedfordshire from Barnet.

He works for a local metal stockist in Biggleswade.

He was a councillor in Barnet for eight years.

Paul started his involvement working in the local community at 13 years old.

As a regular user of the local community centre he is disgusted at the way that the current council has not taken into account the health and social benefits that these centres provide. Once closed they will be gone forever.

Adam Zerny – Independent

ADAM Zerny has lived in Potton for five years and, since serving as a town councillor, has decided to stand as an independent candidate for the Potton ward of Central Bedfordshire.

He said: “I am standing as an independent candidate for the district elections because I believe party politics shouldn’t play any part in local government.

“I feel strongly that those serving as councillors should be free to consult the community on how they vote on important issues and not have to toe any party line. I decided I could either sit on the sofa and get frustrated about it or I could get out there and do something to change the situation!”

If elected, one of Adam’s first tasks will be to demand a review of local spending cuts and of a major housing development pushed through by district council despite constructive local opposition. He would also consult widely with the electorate on all major issues. Adam, 35, works in London as a company director. His interests include economics and history. For more information on Adam’s campaign go to www.adamzerny.co.uk follow him on twitter @adamzerny or email [email protected]

You can also email him at [email protected]

SANDY (incorporating Sandy and Blunham parishes)

Nigel Aldis – Liberal Democrat

NIGEL Aldis has been a district councillor since 2003, serving on the planning and regulation committees as well as several task groups looking at particular issues.

He has also been a member of Sandy Town Council since September 1999.

Nigel, a retired teacher who taught in many different types of school, is a governor on the Sandy Upper, Sandye Place Academy and Maple Tree Lower governing bodies.

He chairs the town council’s planning, parks and open spaces committee and the community safety group. He also edits the town council’s newsletter.

Nigel is a keen member of the local enhancement group that runs competitions in the town to encourage residents and businesses to do their bit to enhance the appearance of the town.

In his spare time he is a member of several other groups in the town including the Allotments Association.

Saturday afternoons though are reserved for watching Biggleswade Rugby Clubs 1st XV and writing match reports for the Biggleswade Chronicle.

Robert Baines – Liberal Democrat

ROGER Baines has lived in the area for 35 years.

He was a district councillor for three years representing Southill and Old Warden.

Roger is a retired qualified accountant and was on the audit committee for the district council where he was the scourge of anyone who tried to pull the wool over the eyes of councillors.

Roger is a past governor of Ivel Valley Special School in Biggleswade, standing down after the merger to allow more local people to be involved.

As a councillor Roger fought hard against planning applications, which would have an adverse effect on the lives of residents.

Roger is married and has four young grandsons.

Kevin Edwards – Labour

KEVIN has lived in Sandy with his wife Dawn since 2002, and they have two children from previous marriages.

Kevin has been involved with the Labour Party for over 30 years.

He left school at 16 and started an apprenticeship as a mechanic. He has been a production manager, health and safety manager and more recently a campaign manager for the Community Trade Union.

Kevin feels all cuts must be scrutinised to ensure the right thing for the community is done.

George Konstantinidis – UKIP

GEORGE is a local businessman and business consultant with experience in the fields of finance, project management, investments and venture capital, specialising in rescuing businesses with financial difficulties.

He has assisted many sports clubs, local and national charities to raise funds and always stands in favour of the vulnerable, elderly, young and underprivileged.

George is new in politics and has just joined UKIP.

In his recent visits to the council George brought to the public attention that the auditors report, disclosed significant errors, not limited to bank £11.7m, debtors £31.8m, investments £30.9m and creditors £70.2m.

The pension fund deficit increased from £160.9 to £326.4 in one year. The interest only was £29.4m for last year and is expected to increase by £8m to £37.4m this year.

George will ensure that you all have a voice.

Gee Leach – Liberal Democrat

GEE Leach has lived on Fallowfield in Sandy for the last five years and in the local area for over twenty.

She works in a local estate agents so is very accustomed to meeting and greeting people.

In her spare time Gee is heavily involved with a group of disadvantaged youngsters helping them with their employment prospects and life skills.

She works with them to improve their CVs and encourages them to be involved with local community projects.

Gee lives with her partner and has four grown up children.

Sandie Lunn – Labour

SANDIE has been a councillor in Hertfordshire where she was housing spokesperson, something dear to her heart.

She successfully campaigned for improved road safety measures and youth facilities.

Sandie is now retired and spends much of her time volunteering for Bedford Credit Union – she believes this to be a vital alternative to loan sharks.

As a member of the Co-operative Party, she keenly supports Fairtrade goods and Fairtrade towns.

Caroline Maudlin – Conservative

CAROLINE Maudlin has been a Central Bedfordshire councillor for two years, bringing a fresh and energetic approach to local government.

She has represented Beeston, Blunham and Fallowfield since the formation of Central Beds Council – working to solve issues from planning and a disruptive play area to gypsy and traveller site issues.

She has lived in the area all of her life, coming from a farming family with a long standing tradition of service to the community. Caroline believes in taking responsibility for our own lives and communities and this is her motivation for becoming involved in local government so that she can actively make a difference.

After 20 years of employment with Virgin Atlantic Airlines, Caroline has reduced her flying hours to ‘give back’ to the community she loves and grew up in.

She is passionate about keeping the area a place where we feel safe and happy to live.

Caroline said: “I pledge to listen to your views and concerns ensuring they are communicated to Central Bedfordshire Council.”

Cheryl McDonald – Labour

CHERYL is passionate about supporting our local services and will always champion these, especially those which protect our young and vulnerable.

She has spent much of her life working with the homeless, both young and old, along with those suffering with mental health issues.

Following this Cheryl continued working with our youth as a teacher of literacy and numeracy.

Cheryl volunteers with the local Credit Union and lives in Sandy with her family.

Naomi Sheppard – Conservative

NAOMI has two young children who attend school and she lives in Sandy and genuinely wants to serve the town.  

She believes that government, local or otherwise, works best when those who feel the impact of the decisions are involved in making the decisions.

Naomi is determined to listen to all of the community in Sandy and give them all a voice within Central Bedfordshire Council.Currently she is aware of diverse neighbourhoods within Sandy each with individual needs and concerns. She believes that when all of Sandy and the surrounding community get involved in their local government and work together it will make Sandy better for all of the residents.

If elected, Naomi will work closely with the communities of Sandy, Blunham and Beeston and encourage the youth of the area to take part in their local community and to support Sandy Sports Centre, which provides excellent facilities.

Benson Themuka – Conservative

BENSON Themuka is a chartered architect who has lived in Beeston since 2003.

He is also the chairman of The Bedfordshire Association of Architects.

Since qualifying he has worked both in the public as well as private sectors.

He is married and has a child who attended a local school. Benson is particularly interested in local development issues and wants to ensure the local community are aware of delicate planning issues and ensure their views are heard before the planning authority.

Living in a rural part of the ward, Benson is determined to ensure a balance between urban and rural voters’ concerns are fed into Council business.

He is committed to ensuring that the community he serves is safe, enterprising and allows everyone’s voice to be heard.

SHEFFORD (incorporating Campton, Meppershall and Shefford parishes)

Lewis Birt – Conservative

LEWIS Birt has been a Shefford councillor since 1999.

Since he started he has been involved in a number of projects which have been achieved to the benefit of the residents of Shefford and surrounding districts.

He has led a number of projects in the town, such as the Shefford Community Hall and the Shefford Christmas lights.

Lewis has taken up the cases of many people and in the majority, achieved a satisfactory outcome.

He is always available to help residents to overcome their problems whenever possible and will continue to do so if re-elected.

Tony Brown – Conservative

TONY Brown has lived in Shefford since 1982 and was a Mid Beds District Councillor for 10 years.

At Mid Beds District Council he held various responsibilities including economic development, planning policy and holding the portfolio for planning and the environment before being elected to the new Central Bedfordshire Council two years ago.

Tony is a school governor for both Shefford Lower School and Robert Bloomfield Middle School.

He is also an active committee member for various local organisations including The Bloomfield Games Organisation, The Shefford Town Memorial Association and the Shefford Christmas Lights Committee.

John Goode – Liberal Democrat

JOHN Goode has worked in this area as a funeral director for 36 years.

Previously he was a member of Bedfordshire Police Traffic Division.

He has been a parish councillor for Haynes for a number of years and is presently chairman of the council.

He works for a wide range of local community groups in Haynes and the surrounding area such as the Baldock Town Partnership and the Haynes Classic Car Show.

For 10 years he was the officer in charge of the airfield fire section at the Shuttleworth Collection in Old Warden and he is still involved with this.

John has lived in Deadman’s Cross, near Haynes, for 10 years.

John is keen to work with his running mate, Paul Mackin, for the benefit of the residents of the Shefford ward where his experience in business and the parish council will be put to good use.

Paul Mackin – Liberal Democrat

PAUL worked at Luton Airport with a company called Lucas Aerospace later GKN Aerospace for 28 years.

He took early retirement in 2008. He was also a retained firefighter at Shefford Fire Station for 30 years.

He has served on Shefford Town Council for around 25 years. Paul has been the mayor and chairman of the council for 11 years.

During his time with the town council he has initiated or been involved in many different projects. For example the installation of CCTV in the town centre and the formation of the Shefford Farmers’ Market.

He chairs the Shefford Community Safety Group, is a member of the summer gala committee, a school governor and a member of Shefford Street Watch.

He has the drive and skills to make sure that the communities in the Shefford ward get the best of the services available.

Nigel Rushby – Labour

Jonathan Shilton – UKIP

IF the people of the ward of Shefford chose to elect Jonathan then he says that they would experience a very real change in their representation.

Jonathan says that UKIP supports local referenda on major issues such as the seemingly relentless attempts of the current council to expand villages against the wishes of the local people.

He has lived here his whole life. He was born, raised and schooled in this area.

Though he is just under a month short of his 20th birthday such was his concern at the apparent lack of common sense in local government that he knew he had to take a stand.

As a final year history student, able to research at any time of day or night, he has more time than most to devote to his duties as a councillor.

He believes that voting for UKIP is the only way to make your voice heard.

SILSOE & SHILLINGTON (also including Gravenhurst)

Carolyn Devereux – Labour

Alison Graham – Liberal Democrat

ALISON Graham now lives in Shillington after a career as an academic, a journalist and as a middle manager in different EU countries.

Her interest in local politics began when she returned to England to help look after her twin grandchildren.

She worked as a Lib Dem activist before becoming a Mid Beds District councillor and then a Central Beds councillor. She has been involved with the adult social care, health and housing overview and scrutiny committee.

She wanted to join local government primarily to try to make a better life, in terms of challenging climate change, for Bedfordshire’s children and grandchildren.

She is a member of the Bedfordshire Police Authority and leads a busy life, which she shares with an affectionate cat.

Iain MacKilligan – Conservative

THIS is the first time Iain has stood for an elected position.

He has been living in Bedfordshire for the last ten years after being posted at RAF Henlow while serving in the RAF Police. Since then he has worked in education in a support capacity, has lectured in the further education sector and currently he is working for a charity helping disadvantaged and disabled young people.

This drives his key focus areas of policing, education and youth opportunities.

Christopher Puleston – Green Party

STOTFOLD AND LANGFORD (including Stotfold, Langford & Astwick parishes)

Paul Bouch – Labour

PAUL and his family live in Langford and he is a full time union officer.

Jon Clarke – Conservative

JON Clarke has lived in the area all his life and in Langford for the past 13 years. Jon has served on Langford Parish Council, Mid Beds Council and on Central Beds Council, is involved with several committees and task forces and is a governor at two schools. He is also involved with several local clubs and charities. Jon’s key issues include fighting inappropriate developments, additional cemetery spaces, sporting and recreation facilities, safer communities, good educational facilities, infrastructure and services, including bus routes.

Brian Collier – Liberal Democrat

BRIAN Collier is a long standing member of Stotfold Town Council and is currently its chairman.

He served on the Mid Bedfordshire District Council for a total of 12 years, for some of which he attended the executive meetings as assistant portfolio holder for leisure services.

Brian is the chairman of the Stotfold Leisure Centre Project which is now on track to start work on site in the coming council year.

He was a founder trustee of Stotfold Mill and its first treasurer.

Isabella Collier – Liberal Democrat

ISABEL Collier did an Open University degree in her mid 50s.

She took early retirement and then did various jobs including working in a Stotfold nursery for four years.

Isabel is a member of two walking for health groups. Many people will have read her articles in the Stotfold News about travelling all over England using her bus pass.

She believes that more use of and provision of public transport will save money and fuel and take cars off the road.

Satinderjit Singh – Labour

SATINDERJIT has lived in Stotfold for 13 years. He has been married for two years. Satinderjit currently works for Autoglass at its head office in Bedford.

Prior to this he graduated from De Montfort University after completing a law degree.

He is standing in this election in order to provide a fresh voice and ideas on local issues.

George Legate – Labour

GEORGE has been married to Marion for 55 years he has three daughters. George is a retired nursing officer having worked at Fairfield Hospital for 15 years.

He has been a county councillor, serving on the education committee and was vice chair of the social service committee. He has served on Beds Health Authority and as a governor of Etonbury School and Arlesey Lower. If elected, George would strive to protect front line services for education, the disabled and the elderly.

Brian Saunders – Conservative

BRIAN is a lifetime resident of Stotfold, was educated at Stotfold Boys’ School and is a support analyst. He has been a Stotfold Town Councillor for 29 years, chairman for nine years, vice chairman for five years and has served on all of the council’s committees. He is a representative on The Mossman Centre management committee (the Guide headquarters) and Stotfold Football Club.

He believes there needs to be continued close communication between Central Bedfordshire Council and Stotfold Town Council in all matters and if elected he would try to ensure there is an improvement of services following the recent expansion of the area.

John Saunders – Conservative

JOHN is a local man in every sense of the word. He was born, brought up and educated in Stotfold. While serving on the District and County Council John has sat on outside bodies including Fire and Police Authorities and is a past County Council chairman. John is currently serving Stotfold and Arlesey on Central Bedfordshire Council. He appreciates the need for additional facilities to serve the growing youth population. He also supports the need for additional policing and good educational facilities. John will continue to support retaining and expanding the library/resource facilities in Stotfold and supports the relocation of Stotfold Football Club to facilitate the sports and leisure complex.

John Street – Independent

JOHN Street is a local man, married to Jennifer, with two grown-up children.

He has served Stotfold for the last 20 years at Mid Bedfordshire District Council, Bedfordshire County Council and Central Bedfordshire Council and works as a full time councillor.

John’s speciality is education. He is the chair of governors of two schools where he used to be a pupil; St Mary’s Lower School and Etonbury Middle School.

He is also a trustee of the Bedfordshire East Schools Trust. At Central Beds John is chair of the children’s services overview and scrutiny committee and vice-chair of the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education.

Timothy Troon – Liberal Democrat

TIM Troon has worked as an environmental services manager for three London authorities for 22 years.

His experience is around tackling antisocial behaviour and waste management.

Tim has lived in Langford for the past ten years.

He said: “I would concentrate on concerns such as accessible and public transport, reducing the fear of crime and ensuring all residents receive the services they are entitled to.”

Tim is passionate about the community receiving the high quality services the council provides and about looking at ways to improve these services.

Tim is very much a people person and wants to listen to local residents.

Christina Turner –Independent

CHRISTINA Turner has lived in Stotfold for 17 years.

She retired in 2004 following a successful career in various management positions.

A full-time councillor who was first elected to Mid Beds District Council in 2007 and then to Central Bedfordshire Council, Christina has also served on Stotfold Town Council for over six years.

Since becoming a Central Bedfordshire councillor she has been an executive member of its cabinet with deputy portfolio holder responsibility for children’s services. She is chair of the Central Bedfordshire “Let’s Talk Together” forum for Stotfold, Arlesey and Shefford.