Ketley and Overdale ward

Some candidates who belong to the same party chose to submit a combined manifesto.

Seven candidates, three seats available

Mark Boylan (incumbent), Eileen Callear, Amrik Jhawar, Labour:

Eileen, Amrik and Mark are proud to call Telford and Wrekin their home. As local residents they have got on with the job of supporting their community and campaigning for investment in our estates.

Eileen, a local businesswoman, is passionate about tackling road safety outside of our schools. Following her campaign, a record investment is being rolled out to schools in Overdale, Lawley and Ketley. That is Labour in action.

Mark has been proud to represent the place he calls home. Mark has fought hard to get Bourneville Village Trust to freeze stewardship fees for two years and make much-needed improvements to Lawley. Mark has also ensured we remain a green town by protecting a record number of green spaces, parks and nature trails for local families.

Amrik, a retired postal worker, has campaigned for the continued investment in our estates. Because of this, Overdale will benefit from a £1million stronger communities fund which will be resident-led to improve the place you call home.

If elected, they will:

• Continue to invest in safer routes to school.

• Fight for continued investment in our roads and footpaths.

• Guarantee a two-year freeze for Bourneville Village Trust residents in Lawley.

• Guarantee record investment in our established estates like Overdale.

• Protect, care and invest in the place we call home.

Joy Francis (incumbent), Conservative:

The reason I became a councillor was, and still is, to help people. I see it as my job to clear a path through this jungle of bureaucracy and find an answer to your issues you may have with the council.

I’ve helped more than 160 families during the past four years in my ward with issues as well as speaking against planning applications.

I would like to be part of a Conservative council administration and bring fresh and better ways of spending your and my money.

I belong to the worldwide Rotary foundation which raises money for local charities and those abroad. Our motto is ‘Service Above Self’ and that’s what I try to live by.

Rupal Karpe, Conservative:

The reason that motivated me to run for election in this ward was – like any other resident – I face several challenges living in Lawley and want to be heard. This is the time for one of us to represent our desire and needs to the council who take decisions on our behalf.

I will be a real and honest voice of the people. I am energetic, fearless and do not shy away to stand against injustice and wrong decisions. I am compassionate, and it hurts me deeply when I see disrespect for life and law. I have experience in leading and managing people through work and my skills as a scientist allow me to analyse the pros and cons of every scenario before making decisions. I feel that the cause of many problems, to begin with, is going for wrong choices and making wrong decisions, neglecting the voice of the people and thinking about personal gains.

If elected I would aim to:

1. Work towards bridging the gap between residents, management companies, builders and the local authority so our voices are heard and our concerns taken into consideration.

2. Work towards providing and clean and safe environment for residents.

3. Work towards protecting our green spaces and wildlife corridors and ensure properly- planned development with proper infrastructure.

Andrew Morris, Independent:

I am working class and work in the haulage industry. My political beliefs are towards libertarianism and I class myself as centre-right.

I believe in fairness and freedom of expression regardless of race, sex or religion.

I have served as a parish councillor for four years and stood in the 2015 elections under UKIP but now stand as an independent.

I have for the last 20 years helped run a local youth group and passionately believe in expanding youth opportunities through extra-curricular activities.

I believe the current council wastes money, i.e. Labour spending money to subsidise housing for reasonably well-off doctors while others live rough.

Blaming government cuts for the lack of services but finding millions for Telford’s 50th anniversary is simply wrong.

I want essential services protected; Lower council spent more wisely;

Protect NHS, Social services; Tackle the state of our roads i.e. potholes; Make more traffic lights on roundabouts part-time, no use sitting on a red light at 2am when nothing is going around. This will save fuel and electricity; Look at ways of attracting more visitors to Telford i.e. a leisure pool complex as they have in Stoke; End pet vanity projects; Thwart political correctness in councils; Make councils use plain English and thwart over-complicating issues (I find when officials do, they are usually covering something up).

Lee Vidor, Conservative:

Lee Vidor: Husband, Dad to four, self-employed consultant, born and bred in Telford. I’m standing in Telford and Wrekin 2019 Borough elections to represent the people of the town I’ve lived in all my life. Already actively campaigning and speaking up for issues in my local community, I’m here to listen to your views and get the job done.

Whilst I plan to work hard on addressing the core responsibilities of our council, there are three areas that are top priority in my ward:

Sensible Planning: As a new town I accept development in permitted areas, however strive to ensure any new planning applications are thoroughly scrutinised and in the best interest of residents, communities and businesses.

Pedestrian Safety: Our families and friends should feel safe walking to shops, schools and community facilities. Many roads have little or no footpaths. I will fight for safer footpaths free from cars and formal crossing points in managed traffic calming schemes.

Community Engagement: The area we live and spend time in should be from our visions. Working with the council, parish, management companies and local groups I will ensure your voice is heard to get a community that is right for you.