April 27, 2016 10.39 am This story is over 94 months old

2016 City of Lincoln Council election candidates – Hartsholme ward

Thirteen candidates from five parties are standing in Hartsholme ward for the City of Lincoln Council elections taking place on Thursday, May 5. Below is a list of all the candidates standing in the ward: Biff Bean – Labour Age: 53 Marital Status: Married Twitter: N/A What are the main issues affecting your ward, and how would you address them…

Thirteen candidates from five parties are standing in Hartsholme ward for the City of Lincoln Council elections taking place on Thursday, May 5.

Below is a list of all the candidates standing in the ward:


Biff Bean – Labour

Biff Bean - Labour

Biff Bean – Labour

Age: 53

Marital Status: Married

Twitter: N/A

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

Without doubt, traffic! I have canvassed every door in the Hartsholme ward over the last two years, and traffic congestion affects everyone. The train barriers are down for far too long, causing massive bottlenecks on Doddington and Skellingthorpe Road. If elected I will make sure I get some answers for the residents of Hartsholme on what the long term plan is for Lincoln regarding this issue.

We are a 21st century city crippled by a 20th century road infrastructure. It’s not good enough!

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

I wish I wasn’t different to other people. I wish we could all agree on things like fairness, equality, tolerance and respect for the less privileged and disabled.

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

For 44 years I have put myself through the trauma of supporting Leicester City Football Club. This year we are so close to winning the English Premier League, something I never thought I would see in my lifetime. Up the Foxes!


Adelle Ellis – Labour

Age: 51

Marital Status: Married

Twitter: N/A

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

With the cuts from central government the role will be challenging and I see my job as trying to preserve services to ensure the electorate of Hartsholme have value for money whilst quality of provision of services. People face real hardship with poverty levels high in certain parts of the city.

Traffic problems put an ever increasing strain on local roads. Whisby recycling being closed is having an effect on the ward. Facilities for the youth are all issues I am concerned about.

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

I have a proven track record of service having supported the Special Care Baby Unit at Lincoln County Hospital. Having a good approach to helping people and good problem solving skills. Listening to people and having a balanced approach. A sense of humour matched only by my sense of determination.

I genuinely care and a have a desire to help people. Acknowledging I may not always be right but passionate about helping those most in need.

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

I first became involved with Lincoln Labour Party aged seven and my first ever vote at the age of 18 went to my father David Jackson.


David Gaskell – Liberal Democrats

David Gaskell - Liberal Democrats

David Gaskell – Liberal Democrats

Age: 53

Marital Status: Married

Twitter: N/A

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

I have spoken with local residents about a range of issues. Effective maintenance of trees by the council is of some concern together with enforcement of speed restrictions.

Community and neighbourhood development is also significant in the local ward including the hub and surgeries at the Birchwood Centre and library. Residents have expressed concern about the importance of ongoing Children’s Centre Services and an improved ‘offer’ of Sports, Recreational and Adult Learning opportunities. The Birchwood and Hartsholme Community Centre hubs are important resources and I shall work with the voluntary and third sector to explore grants and funding.

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

My vocational work in public health and social care services has provided me with a unique insight into people’s needs in order to improve quality of life and daily living. I have also been situated for 9 years, in Local Authority Performance and Quality Improvement. This has provided me with a good knowledge of how council governance works via the structure of committee meetings, scrutiny and decision-making for city wide issues including planning, community safety, housing and the environment. I believe this makes me a suitable candidate to represent the ward via a councillor role and to fulfil responsibilities.

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

As a school governor since 2006, I have gained considerable insight into educational matters. I have lived and worked abroad for 12 months and travelled through several countries of the European Union. Since 2011, I have been active in the Lincoln community as a member of the LIONS.


Ron Hills – Conservative

Ron Hills - Conservative

Ron Hills – Conservative

Age: N/A

Marital Status: N/A

Twitter: N/A

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

The main issues affecting Hartsholme ward are the pressure of traffic on Skellingthorpe Road, the potential development of Skewbridge (Western Growth Corridor) and the lack of investment and maintenance of Hartsholme Park.

I recently successfully campaigned for residents to be properly consulted on the leasing of parkland to the cricket club which the council wanted to grant quietly. If re-elected I will continue to work with residents and fight for a fair share of services in the ward whilst monitoring developments and promoting or fighting them as appropriate.

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

I live locally and have done so for over 30 years. I have raised a family, had them educated and watched them leave home. I use local services and am known and available to all local residents. I am an experienced councillor, with a proven track record and as I am now retired have more available time to offer.

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

I served in the RAF at Fairford working as an emergency crash rescue fireman for most of the Concorde test and development programme.


Mervyn Hobden – Liberal Democrats

Mervyn Hobden - Liberal Democrats

Mervyn Hobden – Liberal Democrats

Age: 71

Marital Status: Married

Twitter: N/A

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

I have lived in Hartsholme ward since 1995. During that time we have seen a steady decline in jobs in the area due to a government policy of de-industrialisation and massive cuts in public funding. I spent most of my career in industry, supporting exports which paid for funding. The British workforce is the best in the world, capable of taking on and beating all the competition. Without jobs that bring in revenues and pay taxes there will be continued decline. I passionately oppose policies that reduce our capability to earn sufficient to pay proper living wages.

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

With 40 years of experience in industry, leading teams of successful engineers, earning those badly needed revenues to pay for the NHS and social services I feel that some political parties believe that income is provided by the Tooth Fairy – not by the skills and endeavours of the British workforce.

I believe in a balanced economy, with fair taxation and rewards, but not at the cost penalising the least able to pay.

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

Founder member of the John Harrison Research Group – Harrison, from Barton on Humber, developed the most accurate pendulum clocks of the 18th C. A Harrison clock, under test at the Royal Greenwich Observatory has completed two years running with less than one second error.


Andy Kerry – Conservative

Andy Kerry - Conservative

Andy Kerry – Conservative

Age: N/A

Marital Status: N/A

Twitter: N/A

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

One problem is anti-social behaviour, which has been tackled in a variety ways including the provision of body cameras for the police to record the acts.

Others include issues surrounding the Western Growth Corridor both the proposed houses and the infrastructure needed and the spiralling costs allocated by the controlling group and in this. I will continue to push the controlling group to ensure best value for money. I will continue to work for the residents and will represent their views to ensure they are represented fully.

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

I have been a ward councillor for eight years now and in that time I have been responsible for scrutinising both Conservative and Labour executives in order to ensure that not only is best value for money obtained but that the views of the local residents are listened to.

I have a considerable experience sitting on the committees of the council and this experience will enable me to better represent the residents and to address the issues raised in a timely manner.

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

In my occasional spare time I build model railways.


Liz Massey – Labour

Liz Massey - Labour

Liz Massey – Labour

Age: N/A

Marital Status: Living With Partner

Twitter: N/A

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

Crime and disorder. Speeding. Traffic congestion on Skellingthorpe Road and Doddington Road.

Anti-social behaviour and dog fouling in Hartsholme Park. Litterering.

I am passionate about Lincoln. I live in Hartsholme ward and as an ordinary member of the community feel it is important to speak up for local people. If elected I would work with the PCSOs and other agencies to resolve these issues and protect the open spaces of this beautiful city and make them inviting and accessible to all.

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

I worked for over 20 years in the District Nursing Team and later in a GP surgery so I have plenty of experience with the public.

I am a good listener and am able to see different points of view. I have a good sense of humour and enjoy meeting people.

I have a beautiful Springer Spaniel called Jack, who I enjoy taking for walks.

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

I write poetry and I play ukulele with Lincoln Ukulele Band.


Jeff McGeachie – UKIP

Jeff McGeachie - UKIP

Jeff McGeachie – UKIP

[Did not respond]


Angela Porter – Green

Angela Porter - Green

Angela Porter – Green

Age: 55

Marital Status: Single

Twitter: Anji8

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

As a trained community development worker, I would look to work with existing community groups and local organisations to explore ways to further enhance a sense of community through increased community engagement and activity.

Traffic concerns have always been a delicate subject within the Hartsholme ward and I would look to see what else can be positively contributed towards this challenging situation.

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

I am passionate about co-operation, and am employed to assist with community development through the establishment of various types of co-operatives (worker/retail/housing/agricultural etc). I would use this knowledge and expertise to the benefit of any local enterprise initiatives within the Hartsholme ward. I have set up and managed a number of community projects and was instrumental in setting up Abundant Earth Community, a community co-operative growing space based on Skellingthorpe Road, and am actively encouraging local Hartsholme residents to benefit from the shared land through volunteering and engagement via the Birchwood Big Local gardening group.

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

I wrote the successful funding application which gained the Caistor Arts and Heritage Centre nearly half a million pounds in funding and a BBC TV crew following the development of the community hub (cafe/heritage centre/gallery space and library), as part of the Village SOS documentary series in 2011.


Marika Riddick – Conservative

Marika Riddick - Conservative

Marika Riddick – Conservative

Age: N/A

Marital Status: N/A

Twitter: N/A

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

I believe residents should receive the best possible services from their city council and taxpayers’ money should be spent with greater care than under the current Labour group. If re-elected I will fight to ensure that the Greater Western Corridor (Swanpool) development is designed with compassion for the countryside, an understanding of the needs and wishes of Hartsholme residents.

Living close to Hartsholme I am very aware how fortunate we are to live in one of the loveliest parts of Lincoln, with Hartsholme Country Park nearby. It is essential that the council continues with the upkeep of the park.

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

As one of the current Hartsholme city councillors on the ballot paper, I have been dealing with issues relating to Hartsholme residents and businesses for the last two years.

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

I am a keen embroidery and sewing enthusiast. I am currently a committee member of the Lincolnshire branch of the Embroiderers Guild based in Lincoln. I enjoy walking my dog, gardening and baking.


Nick Smith – UKIP

Nick Smith - UKIP

Nick Smith – UKIP

Age: 53

Marital Status: Married

Twitter: N/A

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

The main issue for Hartsholme is traffic congestion in the mornings and the answer is within the city council’s mandate, i.e. getting a viable ‘Park and Ride’ scheme going. This would alleviate a lot of our traffic problems in the ward. This could be put on the floodplain without major problems.

Our park in Hartsholme is a major asset and if elected it would be a priority for me to help protect it for our residents.

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

I have lived in the Hartsholme ward since moving to Lincoln 16 years ago and can’t believe my luck on choosing to live in the best ward of the city. What a great place it has been to raise our three children and if elected I will work hard for the residents of Hartsholme to keep it so.

We are lucky in UKIP that we don’t have to follow any party directions when it comes to representing our electorate at council level. This frees us to vote in your interests.

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

In the 1980s I was an Army test driver and brought in the Challenger Tank.


Nicola Smith – UKIP

Nicola Smith - UKIP

Nicola Smith – UKIP

Age: N/A

Marital Status: Married

Twitter: N/A

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

I want to ensure that services for the elderly and children are not closed in my ward, like ‘Action for Children’, ‘Sure Start’ and Day Care Centres.

I do not want to see the Swanpool development as this will affect traffic in our ward especially during the school run.

I would work hard to get resources allocated to maintain and improve our greatest asset, Hartsholme Park.

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

I think it is sad when other councillors say they will do as their residents wish but when it comes to vote they have to follow party lines and let their residents down, I can vote how I wish on any matter.

I have lived in the ward for 16 years and already represent Hartsholme on the county council and have a 100% attendance record and would bring the same work ethic if elected to the city council.

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

I have babysat Sean Connery’s son Jason.


Peaceful Warrior – Green

Peaceful Warrior - Green

Peaceful Warrior – Green

Age: 50

Marital Status: Single

Twitter: ImagineWarrior

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

Lincoln is a fast growing city. Hartsholme ward in my opinion suffers greatly from the daily traffic congestion, largely impacted upon by the rail crossings being down for long periods during the day time. Making freight trains bypass Lincoln or re-timing them would be a good start.

I would work with city planners to make effective and swifter changes to relieve queues and emissions. Improving public transport, creating more routes that allow traffic not to have to pass through areas they didn’t need to be, I feel we could see improvements. Additionally an effective park and ride scheme would reduce this.

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

I am personally involved in running a community garden/permaculture project at Stones Place. It is a retirement home and we are working to engage the residents and staff alongside other target groups to produce both food and social inclusion with weekly sessions, sharing activity and cooperative values.

I am also helping to run a bicycle recycle project, that re-homes unwanted discarded bikes and engages unemployed people in learning new and useful skills. The local police are involved with this as are Framework and Addaction.

I believe that change comes when we are being the change we wish to see.

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

I am a keen walker and writer. I publish articles of interest on my personal blogs and share them with the wider world.

I once walked from Nottingham to the Shetlands raising money for charity and to learn more about the people of Britain with only a backpack and tent.