As the only candidate that actually lives in Cannock North I believe I have a better understanding of our area than the others.

Full statement

This is just the beginning. Cannock North is a heavily populated area with no centre. We also have no parish/town council. This makes it difficult for decisions to be made by people of our area, for our area. As a resident, I intend to work with all of our community groups and also spread the word about them. I will also push for additional external funding for our community groups, to make them the best they can possibly be. I will speak up for our area during council meetings making sure our parks and leisure facilities aren't forgotten about when the kitty is being divided up. I will also work with other district councillors to gain more knowledge that can be used to benefit our area. As an independent, I want to leave politics where it belongs, on the news and in the papers. A district doesn't need a political councillor, it needs a resident with knowledge of how the Council operates and an open mind towards working with others. In my experience, politics has only hindered district councillors working together and making progress.

I hear that Cannock Labour have often said 'you can put a red rosette on a donkey and it will win in Cannock North'. I think as a resident of Cannock North, we deserve better than that.

The Green Party stand a candidate in our area just to see how we feel about their policies. They don't expect their candidate to win, they just want data. If you consider the Green Party, please also consider me, as I will listen to your thoughts on our environment and how we can make Cannock North a better place with your suggestions.

The Chase Community Independents are also standing a candidate in this election. They too are on a data gathering exercise. Just like the Greens, they won't leaflet the area, they just want another number in their ranks. Another supposed independent Councillor that will vote how the leader says and do as the leader says. We as residents deserve better.

The Conservative Party will be delivering a very glossy, generic leaflet. Full of pictures and promises such as tackling dog poo and anti-social behaviour. It will include lines such as 'will work with the council to support the redevelopment of Cannock town centre'.

Dog poo is very simple to report. I will encourage people to report it on the district council Web page or call it in. Here are the details... https://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/online/report-it

ASB can be dealt with by emailing or calling me. I'm not going to be a digital Councillor. I will speak with or meet my residents to solve problems fast and effectively. As for Cannock town centre and its redevelopment, I'm keen to push my ideas forward to the council and not be another member of a controlling party that just says 'for' in a meeting. I have spent half of my life working in the town centre. My family members have also had a market stall in the old arcade and later a shop adjacent to the indoor market. I will push the council to think outside the box when it comes to redevelopment and also try and have them Involve younger people in the ideas stages, as they are the next generation that will be using it.

If you vote for me, I will try my hardest to make Cannock North the best it can be and lay a foundation for others in our community to make it flourish.

Thank you for your time.

Please contact me if you have any questions.