Church Aston and Lilleshall ward candidates

Three candidates, one seat available.

Andrew Eade (incumbent), Conservative

We have been through a period of 10 years which have seen rural areas such as ours ignored by a Labour council that has essentially turned its back on us.

It is unforgivable that the current administration failed miserably to adopt a Local Plan between 2011 and 2018 and instead used us as a cash cow by developing our villages, green fields and open countryside with unwanted and, on many occasions, unneeded housing developments.

As a result, we now face huge challenges to our infrastructure such as a shortage of secondary schools, dentists, doctors, public transport, roads, etc., which an incoming Conservative council will have to put right.

We will also have to take a constructive but extremely firm lead over our hospital services in the borough to make sure that we have proper health provision in our part of Shropshire which is fit for the next 30 to 40 years.

I believe that the villages of Church Aston, Lilleshall and communities beyond such as The Humbers and Chetwyn Aston are the very fabric of our borough, and are communities which I have strongly defended over the past 20 years, and will continue to do so if you give me your backing.

David Ellams, Liberal Democrat

Our borough is, unfortunately, dominated by Telford. It often feels like the council administration only thinks about Telford and that we get a raw deal. If elected, I will be a strong voice for Church Aston, Lilleshall, Chetwynd Aston and the surrounding hamlets.

Among the local issues I feel need addressing are:

• The state of our roads – potholes can cause damage to our cars. I will chase the council until these are repaired.

• Speeding – some areas need lower speed limits, whilst in others not enough is done to make motorists follow them. I will push for light-up speed indicators wherever they are needed.

• Policing – none of the new officers promised to West Mercia will be stationed in our borough in spite of our council tax rising to pay for them. I will fight for more visible police in our area.

I believe a councillor must engage with residents. I will be responsive to your concerns and act on them. In addition, I will produce a regular newsletter for residents keeping you up-to-date with progress on issues affecting our community. If, like me, you demand better for Church Aston and Lilleshall, vote for David Ellams on May 2.

Rob Sloan, Labour

Church Aston and Lilleshall deserves a councillor who will secure investment and support residents.

I’m proud of what Labour has achieved for our borough. I know we can do so much more. With your support:

• We will continue to fight the closure of our 24/7 A&E and consultant-led Women’s and Children’s Centre.

• We will continue to keep council tax amongst the lowest in the Midlands.

• We will continue to invest £80million per year in protecting the most vulnerable adults and children in our community including those who are victims and survivors of sexual exploitation and domestic abuse.

• We will invest £50million in roads and footpaths across Telford and Wrekin and continue to invest in creating new jobs for residents.

• We will fight the threat of a merger between Telford and Wrekin Council and Conservative-run Shropshire council, ensuring taxpayers’ money is not wasted on Shropshire’s debt.

On Thursday May 2, vote Labour to protect, care and invest in the place we call home.