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What we want to do
The Wakefield Express asked our local election candidates in Wakefield Rural and Wakefield West, Miriam Hawkins and Brian Else, what they considered the main priorities in their wards, what they would do in their first twelve months as councillors if elected, and what they would like their legacy to be if they were to become leader of the council.
Read what they had to say about Bretton, the Stadium in the Park and Pugneys, about flood relief, making the streets safer, improving rural public transport, rethinking the recycling/waste collection scheme and defending Wakefield's heritage, about what kind of a future they want for the people of Wakefield:
'What are your three priorities for your ward?'
Miriam Hawkins (Wakefield Rural):
The recycling/waste collection scheme has to be rethought, with more on- street collection points for communities; and major supermarkets and suppliers pressed to reduce packaging.
We need more traffic-calming and speed restrictions to make major roads and country lanes safer for all and better public transport from the village to the city.
The Pugneys Park charging scheme should be held back while other ways of funding renovation are sought, voluntary payments and the extension of the free bus service considered. A penalty charge will only displace cars to nearby roads and industrial parks.
Brian Else (Wakefield West):
The Stadium in the Park issue has to be fought - residents need to be consulted and alternatives sought.
Flood relief has to be taken seriously - the main problem is drainage maintenance.
The recycling of household waste scheme has to be re-thought to encourage participation - there need to be more street corner/community collection points.
'What one thing do you promise to achieve during the next 12 months, if elected?'
Miriam Hawkins (Wakefield Rural):
To find a suitable use for the Bretton College site which continues its community use and preserves its heritage features. This is an asset we should not lose.
Brian Else (Wakefield West):
To call a halt to the sale of library special collections and insist on a full audit of materials, which are part of Wakefield's heritage. To consider establishing a Community Book Trust to safeguard special works if necessary.
'If you were leader of the council, what would be your ideal legacy?'
Miriam Hawkins (Wakefield Rural):
To inspire and demonstrate that "green" ideas and philosophies do work, and that local participation is a greater asset than managerialism or paternalism.
Brian Else (Wakefield West):
To inspire and instil green ideas and philosophies, so that the economy becomes localised and regionalised (eg.
no netting bought from China!); so that energy use and transport follow sustainable practices (as in Green Kirklees) which save both resources and money. To encourage participation and communal endeavour.
MH & BE
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