Polls open for the 2019 local elections in less than a week.
This week Bracknell News will be bringing you statements from candidates standing in all 18 wards.
Scroll down and you'll find out a bit about who your candidates are, why they want to be elected and who they're standing for.
In Great Hollands South ward, voters will be asked to choose two councillors from the list on their ballot paper.
You can find your nearest polling station at the bottom of this story.
Residents can vote from 7am - 10pm on Thursday, May 2.
Candidates:
Daniel Biddle (Liberal Democrat)
"Originally from south London, I moved to Bracknell in 2017. I’m a qualified mountaineer and expedition leader, and have led mountain and trekking expeditions in Africa, Iceland, Nepal and China as well as being part of a team that walked over 1000 miles across the Mongolia’s Gobi Desert in 2016. I work as a Director in a company specialising in running Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions for schools across the south of England. I’m very passionate about youth development and leadership, and strongly believe in protecting our education system from Tory cuts.
My experience in running expeditions for schools has convinced me of the need for an education system that values problem-solving, decision-making and leadership skills and promotes aspiration as well as academic achievement, and allows young people the freedom to pursue the career of their choice.
Our communities work best when local people are engaged in local politics and have a say in how their communities are run. The Conservative-run Bracknell Forest Council doesn’t listen to the concerns of residents and makes many of it’s decisions behind closed doors. I believe that the people of Bracknell deserve better."
Naheed Ejaz (Labour)
"I have lived in Great Hollands for 34 years and have a great knowledge of this community. I share your aspirations and concerns. My five children all went to local schools. I own a ‘special needs’ transport company and work with children with special needs. I have a Master Degree in Political Science with a special interest in Human rights. I have a deep passion for raising a voice and representing society. I have volunteered in schools and been active in the local community. My main interests are Housing, Education, environment and Welfare.
"Great Hollands South has superb green areas, and the new pavilion can only add to the success of this area. I know parking where residents have no driveway is still a major issue- despite extra parking palaces having been provided. I look forward to working with you to listen to your concerns and to resolve the issues together.
"I believe in bringing communities together for a better, tolerant, prosperous and harmonious Britain and I want to play my small role in achieving that goal.
"I will be very accessible and keep you informed with a regular newsletter and street surgeries."
Derek Florey (Green Party)
"I have been a resident in Great Hollands South ward for over 30 years, in that time I served the community as a Volunteer at South Hill Park Arts Centre where I now work. I have also worked in many schools in the area and over the years taken part in many education and outreach programmes and after school drama clubs.for me there is something special and deeply rewarding about serving your community and giving something back .
"In 2015 whilst standing for the Green Party in the local elections I received a number of letters and emails, and it was through reading them that I developed a sincere desire to be granted the chance to sit on the Borough Council so that I can listen and be proactive in supporting and helping to solve many problems faced by the community in Great Hollands South .
"One of the Green Party's vital core values is that decisions should be made to take into consideration current and future generations this is essential for a thriving, and responsible community. With this in mind here are some things that I support
• Improving dim street lighting whilst keeping it environmentally friendly
• Improvements to the Consistency of local buses and bus routes
• Seeking to work with the council and local charities to tackle increases and causes of homelessness and poverty in Bracknell
• Promoting a living wage and equal and fair pay
• Campaigning against increases to rail ticket prices
• Fighting government cuts that will affect local services
• Encouraging shops and businesses to go plastic free
• protecting and promoting local wildlife and natural spaces
• Supporting and encouraging local clubs, charities and organisations, sports venues, arts venues and education and outreach programmes
• Building affordable housing that is environmentally friendly
• Declaring a climate change emergency
• Ensuring local residents are made aware of important decisions and consultations .
"On May 2nd please consider lending me one of your votes that I can work hard for the ward I grew up in."
Michael Gbadebo (Conservative)
"I have lived in Woodenhill, Great Hollands for over 20 years with my wife and 3 beautiful daughters. During this time, my family and I have enjoyed the safety, warmth, friendliness, facilities and beautiful green spaces our community has to offer. I did not set out to become a politician but politics found me due to the passion I have for my community. I have been running two Information Technology related businesses locally now for over 13 years; I have served as a school governor at Sandhurst Secondary School and Bracknell & Wokingham College; In 2011, I was elected to serve as Borough & Town Councillor for Great Hollands North; I currently serve as an Enterprise Adviser for the Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership linked to the Easthampstead Park Community School; And I am the Chairman of a local charity, Home-Start Bracknell Forest. I am asking you for your vote on May the 2nd. I live, play and work locally and I love my community. I have worked hard all my life and I plan to apply this drive and determination to my role as your Councillor for Great Hollands South, to ensure that Bracknell Forest continues to be a great place to live, work and play. I have many other passions including technology, cars, music, art and motorsport. I enjoy keeping fit (try to), as well as inventing and creating things. I love building Lego. My promise to you is to listen and work hard to serve you and our community."
Lizzy Gibson (Conservative)
"As a mother of two lively boys, the eldest of whom attends St Margaret Clitherow School I can often be found out and about enjoying Bracknell’s fabulous green spaces, shops and libraries and taking pleasure in connecting with other residents. I have a special interest and professional background in Education and hope to bring the knowledge and skills gained during my career to ensure the best outcomes for all our young people. I also have direct personal experience of ensuring the care needs of elderly and vulnerable relatives are met and am a great believer in the value of clear signposting for the support available when times are most difficult. To ensure these services are available to you I believe it’s vital we all get the best value for money for the things we all rely upon. I’m therefore keen to continue the good work our borough council has done in this area. I’ve always been involved in my local communities; First through Girl Guiding, and becoming a Guide Leader. Then running arts projects in Oxford, and more recently being actively involved in the Church. I have been a Community Association Committee member and am keen to use this experience to benefit everyone in Great Holland’s South. I’m so exited to have watched the development of the new dual aspect pavilion at Great Hollands Recreation Ground; It is such a huge asset to our area as will be the excellently thought out water play feature planned. If elected you can be assured I will be fully involved in protecting and improving the facility and character that make this a great place to live."
Kathleen Nugent (Labour)
"I have lived on Great Hollands for over forty years and have enjoyed using all the parks and recreation grounds provided by Bracknell Town Council. On Great Hollands South we have superb facilities and the new pavilion can only add to the success of this area. The Park runs on Saturdays and Sundays now involve hundreds of residents, then there are the football teams , cricket teams and tennis players- all flocking to the our recreation ground.
"I was Head teacher at the Pines School and taught many of you. I now work as an advocate for The National Youth Advocacy Service, supporting vulnerable children and adults and giving them a voice. I think it is important to listen to the views of residents when deciding about local services.
"I will be very accessible, with regular door knocking and newsletters; keeping you informed of decisions before they have been taken."
Nearest polling station:
Woodenhill Primary School, Staplehurst, Bracknell RG12 8DB
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