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 Owlsmoor 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:
Diane Allum-Wilson (Labour)
"I am a retired Science Teacher. I am on the committee of the local residents group and also a volunteer driver. I look forward to serving the residents of Owlsmoor ensuring they are kept informed and their voice is heard before decisions are made. The Council should be more open and transparent with greater participation by residents. I enjoy living in Bracknell Forest and want to be involved in making it even better. My main interests are education and the provision of really affordable housing."
Ray Mossom (Conservative)
"I was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne moving to Sandhurst in 1982. I am married with three grown up children who all went to Owlsmoor Primary school and then Sandhurst School. I worked in IT for over 40 years and since retiring I walk my Irish Wolfhound twice a day in Shepherd Meadow, that must be one of the most beautiful walks in the south. I am a passionate football follower and played for Camberley Town and Sandhurst Town. I am a qualified coach and coached Camberley Town, Sandhurst Town, Broadmoor Staff & Yateley Green football teams. I also coached and managed Sandhurst Town U18 team for 10 years. I am a volunteer at the charity Sporting Memories who meet in the hall at the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Yorktown Road every Tuesday at 2pm. Sporting Memories helps people not just with dementia but anyone over 50 who would like to chat for a couple of hours about their memories. I am also a trustee of the Sandhurst Day Centre. I would like to see an early evening drop in facility for youngsters between the ages of 14-19, where they can meet for a soft drink, coffee or tea and chat and play music, without feeling any threat, or access to drugs and alcohol. Sandhurst is a great place to live and I would like to make sure it is kept that way, remaining a safe and friendly environment for both young and old alike."
John Porter (Conservative)
"I have resided in the Sandhurst area for 34 years. I am married to Deborah and we have two sons who have graduated from university and both now employed within the finance industry. I understand the challenges facing parents and children today. I have been a Councillor representing Owlsmoor for the last 8 years. I have been vice chairman on the Environment, Culture and Communities Scrutiny Panel. I also attend Licensing and Safety, as well as attending briefings and full Council. During the last 4 years I have striven to ensure that the reductions in funding to Local Government has not adversely impacted on the services provided to the residents of Owlsmoor. I previously ran my own retail business for 24 years but due to the major changes in shopping habits and legislation opted to seek employment within the food retail supply industry. I am a voluntary Executive Committee member at the 3rd Sandhurst Scout Group and also a volunteer at the Thames Hospice Shop in Sandhurst. I also host a yearly quiz that assists with fund raising for local charities. I have an interest in leisure and I am a qualified football referee. I have supported the policies that enhance the quality of life for residents by improving the leisure, recreational and environmental facilities within the borough and in particular within the Owlsmoor and greater Sandhurst area. If re elected I will continue to ensure that the voice of Sandhurst and Owlsmoor is heard."
Clive Temperton (Labour)
"I am a retired research scientist and have lived in Bracknell Forest for nearly 50 years. My children went to local schools.
"I have previously served in the Bracknell Town Council and enjoyed being able to make a difference.
"I am a great supporter of South Hill Park and I represented the Town Council on its Board.
"Bracknell Forest is a great place to live but it could be better.
"I feel it is important to listen to local residents and to make sure their views are heard. I will hold regular street surgeries to consult and listen to your views and will keep you fully informed of decisions affecting Owlsmoor before those decisions are made."
Mark Vanderluis (Liberal Democrat)
"I was born and have lived in Berkshire for over 40 years, including the last 22 years in Little Sandhurst, where our children all went to school. Now I’m keen to give something back to our local community.
"As a keen walker, runner, cyclist and driver as well as a user of public transport, I can see much that could be done to make things better and safer for everyone locally. The local councils seem reluctant to implement traffic calming measures around some of our schools, even after injuries and near-misses involving parents and children – this needs to be reviewed urgently before a tragedy occurs. Many residents and shoppers experience parking issues throughout the area – it’s time to get creative looking at ways to alleviate these problems. And as the popularity of cycling soars, we should be extending and enhancing cycle paths within Sandhurst, while continuing to ensure the safety of pedestrians and maintaining the free flow of all traffic. Traffic congestion is a huge problem for many people in Sandhurst, and our councils need to focus on ways to improve the situation.
"I think it’s time for a change in Sandhurst, time for someone with new views and ideas and different standards, to help us develop our town and locality for the benefit of everybody, without claiming huge sums of money as expenses in the process. Why not use your vote for a fresh approach in Sandhurst?"
Nearest Polling station:
Owlsmoor Community Centre, Yeovil Road, Owlsmoor, Sandhurst GU47 0TF
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