Polls open for the 2019 local elections in less than a week.
This week Bracknell News will be bringing you statements from candidates standing in all 18 wards.
Scroll down and you'll find out a bit about who your candidates are, why they want to be elected and who they're standing for.
In Crown Wood ward, voters will be asked to choose three councillors from the list on their ballot paper.
You can find your nearest polling station at the bottom of this story.
Residents can vote from 7am - 10pm on Thursday, May 2.
Candidates:
Marc Brunel-Walker (Conservative)
“I was first elected in May 2003 and over the past 16 years I have worked hard with my Conservative colleagues on day to-day issues affecting residents of Crown Wood & Forest Park. Some of our accomplishments include:
• Securing £3m for improvements at Crown Wood School
• Delivered on our promise to introduce speeding measure and improvements to Opladen Way and Savernake Way
• Worked with residents, the Council and Silva Homes to deliver more parking spaces – with many more to come!
“I am the Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development – delivering on our promise to make The Lexicon happen and working on future phases of regeneration like Princess Square & The Deck My other focus has been to work with companies and business groups from across the Country to promote Bracknell. Bracknell Forest has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the South East and I want to keep it that way. Outside of the Council I currently work for a large telecommunications company here in Bracknell, I’ve been married for 19 years, and we have 2 children both of them attend Schools in Bracknell Forest I have helped many residents during that last four years on issues such as housing, school allocations, benefits and planning issues. If re-elected I promise to continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Crown Wood and Forest Park stays a great places to live and work, to listen and represent you and to be YOUR voice on Bracknell Forest Council.”
Stephen Clay (Liberal Democrat)
"My name is Stephen Clay and I have lived in Bracknell for the last 20 years. I’m married with 2 children both of whom have lived in Bracknell all their lives.I’m passionate about Education and have been a governor of a local primary school for 12 years including 4 years as chair of the governing body. As a local candidate, I feel that I can understand local issues and can provide much needed constructive opposition on the council."
Colin Dudley (Conservative)
“I was first elected as a Bracknell Forest Councillor in 2003. I have served not only as your ward Councillor, but also as Chairman of the Borough Planning committee and as Chairman of the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority. I have lived in Forest Park since 1998 and have 2 adult children who, when young, both attended Crown Wood Primary School. I have worked alongside my two Conservative colleagues in Crown Wood & Forest Park to help residents with issues, represent residents when they have problems. Alongside my two Conservative Councillors in Crown Wood and Forest Park I have undertaken monthly walking surgeries listening to your concerns and, had many congratulatory comments from you regarding the work we have undertaken on your behalf. As Chairman of the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, I have secured the future of Crowthorne Fire Station which is to be completely redeveloped this year and also led the reopening of Ascot Fire Station as a satellite of Bracknell Fire Station which now has at least 11 full time firefighters 24hrs a day helping to keep us all safe. I have also held weekly liaison meetings with our Neighbourhood Police to ensure that Crown Wood and Forest Park are safe places to live and for our children to play and have also gained funding for equipment for the Crown Wood Police Community Support Officer. I have helped many residents during that last four years on issues such as housing, school allocations, benefits and planning issues. If re-elected I promise to continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Crown Wood and Forest Park are great places to live and work, and to listen and represent you, my neighbours in Crown Wood and Forest Park.”
Christopher Foxon (Labour)
“I have lived in Forest Park for the past four years and am a very proud resident. I am a history graduate from Huddersfield University, a former teacher and now a Sports Coach for schools in the area. I am passionate about inspiring children to take up sports such a cricket and football, making sure all children have the same chances to achieve success in their chosen sport. I have run junior cricket teams at Crowthorne and Crown Wood and last year we won the U13s Berkshire Central league. I have also worked for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Marie Curie cancer Care and fundraised by running half marathons for the Babies in Buscot Support Charity -associated with the Royal Berks Hospital.
“I enjoy living in Bracknell but feel it could be even better. I believe Councillors should involve residents in decision making, contacting them regularly with face to face discussions. Handing real power to communities in the form of co-operatives is a passion of mine. The provision of ‘affordable’ housing would also be a priority.”
Guy Gillbe (Labour)
“Having lived in Bracknell Forest for 19 years, I want to support the community that has supported me. I work for a children’s charity based in Forest Park, and am involved in campaigns on issues that matter, including street lighting, public transport, local shops and the state of our green areas.”
Suki Hayes (Conservative)
“I am a resident of my ward, living in Forest Park and I am proud to say that I have lived in the Borough of Bracknell Forest since 1987. I was privileged to be first elected by my local residents in 2011 to become your Conservative Borough Councillor and I have tried on your behalf to attain your requirements to the best of my ability. I am a working mother with an infant daughter. My partner and I understand the pressures and challenges that modern parents and families face in these trying times, often multi-tasking with home and careers. I am an avid listener to the voice of the residents of Crown Wood and Forest Park, representing and solving the problems and issues that are important to you. I have many local interests and have served my residents at the following committees: Corporate Parenting Advisory Panel, Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel and Finance. I work as a SEN Commissioning Manager, providing specialist respite services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. For me it is important that everyone has the right to be included and have a voice. Being a Councillor has enabled me to speak on behalf of all my residents. If re-elected I will represent you and work hard for the benefit of all in Crown Wood and Forest Park. You can be assured the voice of the residents will be heard.”
Danielle Turner (Labour)
“I am Danielle Turner and I have lived in many parts of Bracknell Forest for most of my life.
“I have lived in Crown Wood for the past 10 years and my two youngest children are current pupils at Crown Wood Primary School.
“I would like to be your council representative because I truly believe that Crown Wood and Forest Park is a beautiful area. I am committed to ensuring this continues for future generations through community litter picks and fighting for much needed bins in the area.
“As a fellow resident I too am concerned about the street lighting or lack of, the increase in Van/car crime over the last year and the increase in parking issues.
“I am also passionate about our children’s services, community services and affordable housing.
“If elected I will ensure that I do everything I can to give a voice for our residents and take the much needed action to improve this.
“With over 20 years’ previous experience in sales and marketing I am now a Product, Process and Service trainer in the funeral industry. The most important thing I have learnt thought my career is that to understand the problems you have to not only see, but also listen! Only then can you truly understand and take the right steps towards a positive solution for all.”
Nearest polling station:
Crown Wood Community Centre, Opladen Way, Bracknell RG12 0PE
Forest Park Community Centre, Horndean Road, Forest Park, Bracknell RG12 0XQ
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article