A total of six candidates are standing in the Castle ward for the City of Lincoln Council elections, which take place on May 7.
Labour councillor Donald Nannestad is defending his position in the ward against candidates from parties TUSC, Conservative, Green, Liberal Democrats and UKIP.
The candidates standing in Castle ward are:
Michael Hancock – TUSC
Michael Hancock
Age: 23
Marital status: Single
What are the main issues affecting your ward, and how would you address them if elected as a city councillor?
The issues are generally the same year on year and what has been done?
The top city council aim is to protect the poorest and yet they cut services pushing more into hardship.
I will continue to fight against cuts and never vote to cut the funding or staffing levels that serve our community and protect our people.
There is money available. we have more wealth in the country than ever before.
I will build a campaign with the support of local people to fairly distribute wealth bringing security to all this will improve local business and people’s happiness.
What makes you different to the other candidates in your ward?
I will not cut our public services. I will put forward a socialist alternative that puts the needs of the people first and not the bankers who caused the crisis.
By ensuring that we have adequate public services we can produce skilled workers with stability in their lives. The problem we face has no easy fix.
I believe we should have democratic publicly owned essentials such as “Energy Companies, Transport, Royal Mail, NHS, Housing Associations,
Prices will be cheaper and under the control of the people while instead of giving money to shareholders profits are invested back into communities.
Tell us something interesting about you that not many people know.
I am a Nursing Assistant in the NHS. I have been in both situations of working and my time claiming job seekers I am not ashamed we’re all human! I enjoy writing songs and singing / going to open mic nights.
Alex Hanney – Conservative
Alex Hanney
Age: 21
Marital status: Single
What are the main issues affecting your ward, and how would you address them if elected as a city councillor?
The main issues affecting Castle ward are congestion and anti-social behavior. If elected I will work hard to encourage the use of public transport to ensure Castle Ward is a less congested and healthier place to live. I strongly believe that hard working people should not have to tolerate anti-social behavior so I will work with community groups and the police to ensure that this blight on our community is stopped.
What makes you different to the other candidates in your ward?
I am passionate about helping in the local community – volunteering St. Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, playing in the Lincoln Sunday Football League, attending church and helping homeless people on our City’s streets. I promise that I will put people first and politics second.
Tell us something interesting about you that not many people know.
I regularly take part in sponsored sporting events such as the Lincoln 10K to raise money for local charities.
Richard Leedham-Green – Green
No information available
Donald Nannestad – Labour
Donald Nannestad
Age: 57
Marital status: Not provided
What are the main issues affecting your ward, and how would you address them if elected as a city councillor?
The lack of affordable housing is a key issue. I will work with Labour colleagues to increase the supply of affordable housing in the city. Labour is already committed to building 100 more Council houses. Another issue is the number of people on low incomes. Labour is campaigning to encourage employers to pay the Living Wage and will do what it can to support people on low incomes.
What makes you different to the other candidates in your ward?
I have lived in Castle Ward for over 25 years.
Tell us something interesting about you that not many people know.
My ancestors originate from the village of Nannestad in Norway.
Charles Shaw – Liberal Democrats
Charles Shaw
Age: Not provided
Marital status: Married
What are the main issues affecting your ward, and how would you address them if elected as a city councillor?
Castle and Carholme wards which form the West of Lincoln will be affected by road development and
by housing and student accomodation expansion – keeping the high quality of environment they now enjoy is key to the future. Continued support for Public Transport, maintaining of Leisure Facilities at Yarborough Campus is crucial. Maintaining the areas public and private facilities, local shops, and good community cohesion. There should be no more expansion of Labour’s unjust resident parking scheme unless free of charges.
What makes you different to the other candidates in your ward?
Council candidates should have a passion for the community they serve. My Lincoln spans 35 years and my wife’s family were brought up in Castle and Carholme wards (her grandfather was Labour Mayor Cllr Thomas Taylor, his brother was the former Lincoln Labour MP Arthur Taylor).The family also supported Dick Taverne MP. I have been a Liberal for over 40 years and worked to secure the election of Richard Wainwright the legendary Liberal MP
Tell us something interesting about you that not many people know.
Is an experienced town/parish councillor and Voluntary Sector Chief Officer, a supporter of Lincoln City Football Club and also Preston North End. An enthusiastic cook he would like nothing betternthan to see Steak Puddings and Crumbly Lancashire Cheese more widely available in Lincoln!
David Warde – UKIP
David Warde
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?
Parking in the area is a major concern and has a direct affect on the economy in the local area. Funding for a Park and Ride scheme to bring locals and tourists into the area to support local small businesses while relieving the parking problem for local residents. Improve cycle paths and footpaths in the area.
What makes you different to the other candidates in your ward?
Every year hundreds more UKIP councillors are being elected. We are giving people and communities what they deserve, more influence for local people and more say over what happens in your street, village, town and city. You can be confident that if you vote UKIP your voice will be heard on the City Council.
Tell us something interesting about you that not many people know.
For many years was a rally driving and skid training instructor.
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Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!