Introduction: Hi, My name is Richard MacRae and I am running for the Stapleford North Ward at both Stapleford Town Council and Broxtowe Borough Council.

Full statement

My experience and skills:

Community

Having lived in Stapleford nearly all of my life I am very invested in the area. I first became more involved when in 2011 I joined STRAG (Stapleford & Trowell Rural Action Group). Shortly after I set up Stapleford Community Group as a way of bringing unity to the community.

Local Councils

At the January 2014 by-election, I was elected to Stapleford Town Council and became a Broxtowe Borough Councillor in 2015, and have been privileged to retain both positions.

Recognition

Since 2014 I have been nominated for and received several community awards, the latest being the Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire Community Star Award in 2020. Other awards include Community Learning Champion, Points of Light, Tenant of the Year, Digital Champion, Active Citizens and Community Starts Best in Nottinghamshire for more information please visit my biography.

What I plan to do if elected:

If elected I would aim to:

– Represent all of the residents in the ward I am elected to represent.

– Preserve our Greenbelt. Whilst I recognise the different grades of greenbelt I have always represented the views of local residents, who like myself understand the importance of preserving the greenbelt for future generations. I also understand the need for development in suitable locations.

– Listen to local youngsters. Valuing what our young people have to say is something I am passionate about and I have a track record of listening and supporting them. Through my involvement with local youth clubs I have taught life saving CPR and introduced the importance of living a healthy lifestyle; empowering vulnerable youngsters to say no to drugs, the dangers of knife crime and the value of healthy food choices.

Closing statement:

Thank you for reading my manifesto and feel free to get in contact with me to ask any questions. I strongly believe actions speak louder than words. As you will see from my campaign leaflet I have been an extremely active Councillor since taking office in 2014, being the voice of my community both in and out of the Council Chamber. And I am not afraid to get my hands dirty when necessary.