City of Lincoln Council election candidates – Bracebridge ward

A total of five candidates are standing in the City of Lincoln Council elections in the Bracebridge ward.

Katie Vause (Labour) is not contesting the seat. Jane Loffhagen replaces her as Labour’s candidate for the ward, with the Liberal Democrats, Greens, Conservatives and UKIP also fielding candidates.

---

David Gaskell – Liberal Democrats

Age: 52

Marital status: Married

What are the main issues affecting your ward, and how would you address them if elected as a city councillor?

We need to ensure there is good local provision for local people. There is a need for services to be secured and funding streams clearly identified. This applies as much to gritting in the winter months as to the appropriate provision of library services based on people’s requirements. In the essential public services, all age groups may be at risk if there are insufficient targeted resources where the need is greatest.

What makes you different to the other candidates in your ward?

My interest and focus has also been towards the voluntary and charitable sector which has seen new arrangements for communities to have more control and input to local provision as a result of the Localism Act 2011.

Funding streams have resulted in the growth of Social Enterprise and I would encourage all Bracebridge citizens to feel empowered to participate in local initiatives via the numerous opportunities for engagement.

Tell us something interesting about you that not many people know.

I have a passion for Jazz Music in its entire myriad of forms – traditional, contemporary, Big Band and fusion.

---

Jane Loffhagen – Labour

Age: 56

Marital status: Rather Not Say

What are the main issues affecting your ward, and how would you address them if elected as a city councillor?

Bracebridge ward residents have raised a number of issues:
-the lack of play space in the Brant Road area,
-closure of local libraries
-the wait for GP appointments being those most often mentioned.

Labour councillors for this ward are already addressing the play area issue, and we all support Labour’s pledge for better access to GPs as part of our determination to keep public services including libraries and the NHS as just that-professional and to serve the public.

What makes you different to the other candidates in your ward?

I have lived in the ward for over 20 years – my children went to school in Bracebridge and played in local football teams – I know the area very well and can respond as an ordinary local person.

I have worked in the public sector in Lincoln for 30 years and still do, so am in touch with the concerns of local people .

I would support local businesses; the huge multi-national companies have far too much power in my view and it is time to curb this and make them pay their taxes like we all have to.

Tell us something interesting about you that not many people know.

I grew up in an air force family, but hugely prefer travelling on boats to flying in planes, particularly narrowboats and love to explore the river and canal network as often as I can.

---

Barry Stonham – UKIP

Age: 69

Marital status: Married

What are the main issues affecting your ward, and how would you address them if elected as a city councillor?

We have the same problems as the other wards. The roads are in need of some repair. I would ask for this issue to highlighted at the appropriate authority meetings.

We have the river flowing through our ward and it is very important that regular drain maintenance is carried out. I would ensure that the maintenance program is followed by the respective authority.

Young families are struggling and I would support the Sure Start centres.

We need our library and information centres and I would oppose any closures.

We need the Eastern Bypass and I would support this project.

What makes you different to the other candidates in your ward?

I will make myself accessible and keep my ward informed of the decisions of council.

I am older than the other candidates, and I believe this gives me the edge to be able to listen to people and give them an honest answer.

I have experience of the services, being ex Fleet Air Arm, and have worked all my life in all sorts of employment, and I believe this experience helps me understand the issues of employment.

I have lived in this ward for nearly 40 years, and I care about people’s welfare.

Tell us something interesting about you that not many people know.

I served in on 771 Royal Navy Air Squadron which was search and rescue.

I was a milkman, my round was Waddington.

I went to school with John Jones of Led Zeppelin fame, also known as John Baldwin. He taught me to play the drums.

---

Lee Thomas – Green

Age: Not provided

Marital status: Not provided

What are the main issues affecting your ward, and how would you address them if elected as a city councillor?

Living in the ward as I have for most of the last 30 years I see the same challenges and issues that face residents on a daily basis.

Traffic is a constant battle around the Newark Road junction and the schools in our ward, there are few facilities for children and our green spaces have been neglected.

Bracebridge needs investment to build for a sustainable future and one where it once again feels like a community. It needs a strong dedicated councillor working with the local community to fight its corner at City Hall.

What makes you different to the other candidates in your ward?

Unlike candidates from the established parties I do not support further cuts to Lincoln’s budget from central government. I do not believe that the people of Lincoln should have to pay for the mistakes of Westminster Politicians and London bankers. I will fight to protect our services and help build a sustainable future for Lincoln.

Tell us something interesting about you that not many people know.

Having lived in Lincoln all my life, other than for my time at university, I am a big Lincoln City fan. I try to not advertise this too much given our form over the last six years and hope voters will not hold it against me.

---

Matthew Wilson – Conservative

Age: 26

Marital status: Engaged

What are the main issues affecting your ward, and how would you address them if elected as a city councillor?

Parking provisions around our five schools. This is blocking residents’ driveways, destroying the grass verges. I would seek a long-term solution.

The Urban Rangers used to patrol the ward deterring anti-social behaviour and ensuring our safety. Now they have been scrapped by the Labour run council, we are seeing a rise in crime and vandalism. I would fight for a return of the rangers.

Brant and Hykeham Roads; people are continuing to break the speed limit and is becoming a danger to residents and children. I would continue to battle for the bypass, to direct traffic away from the ward.

What makes you different to the other candidates in your ward?

I am young, fit, energetic and above all, passionate about representing the residents of Lincoln on their council.

I run a small business in the city and understand the issues we, the residents face. I take time to talk to people, going to residents and police meetings and discussing ideas. What you need to ask from your council candidate is ‘are they prepared to give the time and effort required to fully commit to this role’.

Well I am, and I will fight for my five point plan, outlined in my literature.

Tell us something interesting about you that not many people know.

I once skydived from 18,000 feet without oxygen. The most exhilarating experience, which I am not sure I would repeat!

---