As part of our 2018 Local Election coverage, we have contacted each candidate standing in 16 wards across South West Birmingham, asking them to contribute to this election’s ’500 Words’ series.
Each candidate has been invited to describe themselves and their campaigns in their own words. Their submissions will be published – without editing – in the order that they are received. Should they be longer than 500 words, they will be cropped.
With the formation of new wards across the city, this is an all-out election, with every seat up for grabs. Some wards have one seat and some have two. Learn more about the ward changes and your candidates.
Our latest submission comes from one of two Conservative candidates for Longbridge & West Heath ward, where two seats are being decided: Debbie Clancy.
As a local resident myself and since being chosen as an elected member, I have listened and responded to many residents’ concerns. It has been a privilege to be able to use my passion to help the community. However there is more work to be done, especially in light of the well documented poor performance of the City Council. Our local Conservative message is clear and meaningful. We have listened to you and set our pledges accordingly with a vision to improve services that affect you the residents every day.
Services such as waste and green waste collections have been a disaster for many homes. The bin strike happened and yet the misery of missed collections continues. The bin strike cost taxpayers £6.6 million – enough to pay the annual salaries of 195 teachers. We have pledged that weekly bin collections under the Conservatives will continue and we will scrap Labour’s Waste strategy document. Fly tipping has increased by staggering amounts so we will start by stopping the Council’s bulky waste collection charge and introduce extra litter crew teams to give you cleaner streets. Our priorities for the next four years are:-
- We will carry on cleaning up our area
- We’ll fight to fix broken roads, potholes and pavements
- We’ll continue to promote our area as a great place to live
As a Governor of a local West Heath school, I am delighted to oversee the wonderful new rebuild the school is presently undertaking. I believe our children deserve the best facilities and environment to propel them forward and encourage their talents.
When I first started campaigning one of the main issues was to keep West Heath Library in West Heath. I listened to residents and have continued to fight that the Library is rebuilt on the original site. It was the Conservative administration who originally set aside the budget to have the Library rebuilt in its original location on the Fordrough, yet the City Council have dismantled monies to be redistributed elsewhere. I still serve West Heath.
I have voiced a Motion in City Council that parks should not be under threat of car parking charges. I believe Cofton Park amongst others should be accessible open spaces as I have heard of the negative effect that charges at other parks have had on different groups such as the elderly, young mothers with children, sporting groups and dog walkers.
Sadly gang crime and anti-social behaviour has blighted our area. Although Labour voted down our Motion for a joint Task Force, we understand the damaging effects gang crime can have on families. We need effective partnership working so that our youngsters in Longbridge and West Heath are resilient to becoming involved in any way.
If you vote for me I will continue to advertise my home telephone number as I know residents want help from an out of office hours’ service. Myself and Graham Knight will work tirelessly on your behalf if given the opportunity as your representatives.
Best wishes, Debbie Clancy
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