THE people of Melksham will go to the polls on Thursday 6th May to elect their town and Wiltshire councillors, in what could be the most important election for years.
With plans for a new Melksham bypass, major concerns about the recent onslaught of large “predatory’ housing plans and Wiltshire Council’s “emerging” Local Plan proposing over 2,500 new houses; and ongoing worries about the lack of health, education and leisure facilities to support the town, voters are being encouraged to have their say in the polling booth and back candidates that will stand up and fight for the town.
In the town council elections, 23 candidates are standing for 15 seats – the Conservative and Lib Dem Parties will face a challenge from Independents including nine candidates from the new Together For Melksham group.
And in the Wiltshire Council elections all six seats will be contested, with 21 candidates from the Liberal Dems, the Labour Party, Green Party, Conservatives, and six Independents, all battling for a seat.
About why residents should vote, clerk for Melksham Town Council, Linda Roberts, told Melksham News, “It affects where you live. By voting in local elections you are voting for people who have the interest of your community and how it is shaped and developed.
“Local councillors are highly visible and easy to contact to discuss local issues and they are in a position to influence how the facilities you enjoy locally can be improved and expanded.
“Councillors are directly accountable to you the elector on how the council tax you pay is spent on local facilities. You have the right to hold them to account, with authority, if you voted them in. It is how we hold our elected representatives to account.
“Local elections are not about political parties and their national manifestos it is about choosing local people who have the interests of your community at heart.”
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 Wiltshire Council 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.
For more information about this year’s elections, go to the website: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ elections-2021
• There will no election for Melksham Without Parish Council as there were not enough candidates to fill its seats. The council will be looking to co-opt for three vacancies (one in the Beanacre, Shaw, Whitley and Blackmore Ward and two in the Bowerhill Ward).
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