Shifnal Town Council By-elections

12.00.00am GMT Mon 1st Feb 2010

On Thursday 4 February, people will be voting to fill the vacancies on Shifnal Town Council caused by the resignations of the deputy mayor, Cllr Stuart West, and Cllr Mrs Jennifer Hurlstone in Manor Ward, and young Tom Jones in the Rural Ward. Five candidates are contesting the two seats in Manor, and three candidates are contesting the Rural seat. The mayor, Cllr Les Jones, who resigned publicly from the council at the end of last year, refused to confirm his resignation in writing, and is still in post.

David Murray, who stood for Shifnal South & Cosford in the unitary elections last June, is standing in the Manor Ward for one of the two seats. As a Bridgnorth District councillor, he succeeded in saving the bungalows in The Grove from demolition, and submitted improvements to the Yew Tree Court application, without support from some Shifnal councillors on behalf of their residents. David doesn't like the way in which the Town Council has dealt with the old Magistrates Court, and is aware of concerns about the location of a new medical centre. He supports the continuation of the Shifnal Carnival, and better youth facilities.

After all the difficulties of the last year, it is to be hoped that all the town councillors will work together in the best interests of the local community, and set aside their past differences and personal interests. There is a lot that could be achieved in terms of better communications, a Shifnal newsletter, website, and contact information. As an active campaigner for town and parish councils, David hopes you will vote for a new beginning for the Shifnal Town Council, and better service.