Voters urged to turn out for important local elections
THE people of Westbury will go to the polls on Thursday 6th May to elect their local councillors for Wiltshire Council, in what could be the most important election for many years.
With a decision looming for the proposed waste incinerator and major concerns over the town’s air quality, the lack of a bypass and Wiltshire Council’s plans for hundreds of new homes, voters are being encouraged to have their say in the polling booth and back candidates that will stand up and fight for the town.
Although there will be no town council elections this year – there were not enough candidates to fill its 15-person council – voters are being urged to vote in the Wiltshire Council elections where 14 candidates are fighting for the four seats.
Mayor of Westbury, cllr Mike Sutton, told White Horse News, “I would urge all those residents who are concerned about the incinerator, air quality and other issues such as the lack of infrastructure to go with the large housing increase, to vote at the local election on May 6th.
“Local elections are not really party political and this is an opportunity to support and back those individual candidates who have been at the forefront of the opposition to the incinerator and the neglect of Westbury by Wiltshire Council.
“There is a general view that we cannot control a lot of what happens in our town but the elections are the one time we can register our dislike of how Westbury is treated. So now is the time to make your voice heard!”
Waste Incinerator Campaigning group, WGAG / No Westbury Incinerator Group, is also urging voters to think carefully before casting their vote.
On behalf of the group, Dan Gmaj said, “Who you vote for may affect how future decisions are made! So with regards to the incinerator decision, this is an issue that Wiltshire Council must address and stop now in its tracks.
“This is where you come in, as you do get one democratic vote in 2021. All candidates apparently oppose the incinerator and make other shiny pledges that tap into known local issues and feelings.
“You have to make up your own minds, but we see many ‘claiming’ to ‘work to oppose’ this project so please put your questions to them in writing and get answers ‘on the record’ as it will allow you to hold them to account later.
“A track record helps too, and although you can’t always have one of those, I believe that promises and pledges must be seen to be carried out after the election if trust is to be restored in politics.
Climate change
The Wiltshire Climate Alliance group is urging people to turn out and vote for candidates who put the environment first.
The group has asked all local candidates a series of questions about climate change. You can find the answers on their website – www. wiltshireclimatealliance.org.uk.
“This election really matters,” says the group. “The outcome of the council election on 6th May will determine whether Wiltshire Council delivers on its commitment to act on the climate emergency. We are urging all our supporters to vote for a candidate, from whatever party, who you know is committed to this goal.
“Vote for the planet on May 6th. We urge everyone to challenge their councillor candidates on climate change, and to vote for those most committed to taking action. Together we can make a real difference at this crucial election.
“Voter turnout in local elections is low, and the majority in many divisions (i.e. local voting areas) is small. The winning margin in the climate emergency vote two years ago was a few votes. Electing a few more of the right councillors this time could swing the balance decisively towards taking action.”
The group also held an election debate with candidates on 15th April which can also be viewed on its website.
• Westbury Town Council did not have enough candidates to fill its 15 seats – only 12 people put themselves forward, which means the town council will be looking to co-opt three vacancies – one in the Westbury West Ward and two in the Westbury North Ward.
