UKIP’s candidates in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge are in buoyant mood ahead of May’s County Council election.
The party’s Lorna Corke – who is standing in Highbridge and Burnham South – and Brian Hobbs – who is standing in Burnham North – say they are getting lots of positive support on local doorsteps.
Burnham-On-Sea.com caught up with the two this week as campaigning continues ahead of the May 4th County Council election when residents go to the polls. We are featuring the key local candidates, having already reported on the Lib Dems and Conservatives.
Brian has lived in Burnham for over ten years and is a recruitment consultant. He says: “I am so fed up of listening to comments from the County Council that there is no money to maintain roads or local services.”
“The past Conservative leadership have said that the only option is to raise council tax, but I disagree. The money is there – it has just been mismanaged and used on misguided schemes and squandered away. I’m here to represent the local people and ensure services are properly provided. There’s a good case for more bobbies on the beat in Burnham and better education for our children.”
“Local people need and deserve a local councillor who will put local people first and are prepared to ask awkward questions, tackling local issues head on. Too many council decisions are made behind closed doors, unopposed. If elected, I will hold fortnightly surgeries for people to discuss local issues with me which I will then action.”
Lorna has lived in the Burnham area since 1988 and is standing for UKIP in Highbridge and Burnham South. She is currently a Sedgemoor district councillor for UKIP in the Highbridge and Burnham Marine ward.
“In November I was invited to join the Local Government Association’s Board in London ‘Think Tank’ for Children and Young People. I believe that every child has abilities and gifts and the challenge before us as a nation is to bring forth an educational system that can encompass and encourage the needs of each child.”
“Children and young people are our future and it is unacceptable that so many are involved in Job Seekers Allowance and Employment Support Allowance. At the moment there is help for people on JSA in Highbridge and I would like to see established a hub where people can go to for help who are on ESA in Highbridge. I therefore support the work of a new community organisation called Under Construction in Bridgewater and believe they should extend their work into Highbridge.”
“The opportunities for the creation of new jobs in the area as a whole has increased dramatically with the start of Hinckley C. The local colleges are expanding their courses to meet these needs. This has to be a golden opportunity, not only for those starting out on careers but those who want to take up the challenge of a change.”
“Appropriate housing for Highbridge is being considered through the Local Plan. As Group Leader for UKIP at SDC I am part of the Leaders Development Framework Group to ensure the best decisions come forth for HIghbridge. The government supports Brown Field sites being used first before Green Field, this policy needs to come forth. Flooding in the area is a challenge and listening to local people who know the area is key. Therefore fortnightly meetings will be set up in Highbridge.”
