VOTING is under way in the Norton by-election.
The poll is being held following the death of Coun Pete Lammas at the end of last year.
Conservative Michael Webb, Labour’s Rory Shannon, UKIP’s Adrian Smart and Green Party candidate Michelle Baker will contest the seat.
Here are some details and pledges from each of the candidates –
Conservative Michael Webb was a councillor for Norton for eight years and he spent the last four with Pete Lammas.
He opted to stand aside when the recent boundary changes came in and contested the Barnt Green seat at the last district council election.
Mr Webb said he valued the area’s community spirit and understood its concerns and needs.
“I want to use my experience and enthusiasm to add value for our community and help and support all residents, and together ensure we receive the best in services from the district council.
“Representing all residents’ views are extremely important to me and I promise to do all I can to ensure that our area continues to be a safe, sustainable and healthy place to live, work and prosper.”
He added it was a daunting task to take on Pete’s work but said he was determined to succeed, especially as Kath, Mr Lammas’ wife, proposed him for the seat.
Bromsgrove’s Conservative Group Leader Geoff Denaro said after speaking to residents and because of Mr Webb’s eight years on the cabinet, he knew he had an ideal candidate who would work hard for residents and stand up for what they wanted.
He added his eight years on the cabinet would help deliver services people valued the most.
Call 01527 882392 or email [email protected] to contact Mr Webb.
Labour candidate Rory Shannon represented the St John’s Ward on Bromsgrove District Council from 2010 to 2015.
During his time he was a long-time campaigner on many issues and was instrumental in getting a new bridge installed at the bus station when the old one was taken down and in danger of not being replaced.
Regarding standing in this election he said: “I have shown what I can do as a councillor and it would be fantastic to come back to represent again the town I was born, bred and brought up in.
“I feel If elected I could do so much for those living in the Norton ward.”
Bromsgrove Labour Leader said: “The Tories have badly let down the residents of Norton – allowing development to go ahead which will cause gridlock on the A38 and Birmingham Road despite the existing air pollution problems, local residents need a voice on Bromsgrove District Council who will not be afraid to voice their concerns.”
Michael Thompson, the chair of the Consistuency Labour Party said Mr Shannon was well-placed for the role – he was born and bred in Bromsgrove and had already done so much for the town with his pro-active and hands-on approach and has a deep love of the town and its people.
UKIP candidate Adrian Smart feels he has the knowledge and experience to both represent the people of Norton and to be an active voice in the council chamber.
He has lived in Bromsgrove since 1981 and, whilst living for a short time in Alcester, was elected as an independent councillor there.
He said: “I have spoken to and listened to the local residents in both parts of this ward – Lickey End has serious issues with traffic congestion, noise and pollution from the A38 , M42 and Alcester Road.
“There is also a shortage of dog bins and the well-used park on Alcester Road needs better maintenance.
“To the south of the ward ‘Upland Road’ area, the majority of concerns relate to the new estate being built off the Birmingham Road. The impact locally for this construction will fall on schooling, doctors surgeries and extra traffic noise and again pollution. None of which appear to be of concern to the present council.”
He added UKIP did not have a ‘party whip’ for local councillors so they could represent local people and not party politics.
He vowed to be available on a regular basis, holding a monthly surgery and via email to advise and assist residents of Norton.
“The people of Norton and indeed Bromsgrove should be represented by local people with the knowledge and experience to fight for their right to be heard and not ignored.”
Green Party candidate Michelle Baker said she hoped to reach out to those who felt failed by ‘business as usual’ politics and offer a different approach.
Michelle, who lives in Aston Fields, said in the West Midlands alone there were already 24 Green Party councillors serving on 11 councils, all asking tough questions and offering ideas to protect essential public services and vulnerable people and she hoped to add to that tally.
“Across the country the Greens are the new broom sweeping through the dusty corridors of power – from Solihull to Brighton, Worcester to Norwich.
“I’m convinced there are achievable local solutions to the wider issues in society – whether that’s a lack of Government spending, the economic downturn or climate change.
“I want our town to measure success not only economically, but by taking account of social equity – the health and happiness of our residents.
“I want to see a green economy for Bromsgrove, one that’s based on creating jobs, keeping money local and ensuring every child has the best possible chance in life.
“I want positive change for the common good.”
Polling stations will open from 7am to 10pm. Visit this link for Bromsgrove District Council’s elections page to find out more.
