The following article is a candidate profile for the Radstock Labour and Co-operative Party candidate, Lesley Mansell. All views expressed are solely those of the author.
With over 20 year’s experience as a local Councillor, I have the skills and ability to deliver for our community.
Using 13 years of experiences gained in the NHS, and over 30 years as a member of Unite the union representing people at work, I can provide solutions to local issues - not rash promises or exaggerated claims.
Recently, I worked with other councillors to promote our green initiatives. We must continue to push for a much bigger focus on developing more sustainable alternatives to protect our environment.
My experience as a school governor highlighted the lack of facilities for young people in our community. As an active member of the Radstock Youth Partnership I will continue to make this a priority. Remember, it is the Lib Dems who, like the Tories before them, continue to starve this service.
I campaigned for and won a new bus service for Writhlington against the cuts being made by the Lib Dems. Our local transport system needs to be improved and I will continue to fight for more regular affordable, services.
We have to be innovative to:
- safeguard employment spaces by developing a co-operative economy, through a Community Wealth Building Strategy similar to the Preston model
- establish local funds for the Radstock community
- set up a quality domiciliary home care service using a co-operative system, similar to that in the Colne Valley, which values our elders, the disabled and the staff who work to care for them.
Let’s start by raising awareness of Healthy Start vouchers to increase take up of families struggling with the rise in food prices.
As always, I will commit to working hard for all the residents of Radstock to improve the lives of all in our community.
On 4 May, please use both your votes for Labour and Co-operative; Lesley Mansell and Chris Dando.