Due to the resignation of Councillor and ex-mayor Katie Coates, there is now a vacancy on the town council.
Members of the public have called for an election for the single vacant seat and there are three candidates who have put themselves forward, so an election will be held on Thursday 17th December. The candidate details are listed here:
Here are statements from the candidates:
Pam Greenhill
Pam Greenhill
Having spent many of my younger years visiting family in Buckfastleigh, I eventually moved here 5 years ago. I help out at the local food bank as support for others and now run a craft group that was born from the need of that extra support in times of crisis.
I recently started a monthly craft market in the town hall which provides a showcase for local artists allowing them to sell their products directly to customers. It also raises funds for local projects, including the community dinner which I am organising this year to provide a great meal, presents, entertainment, transport and company to anyone who needs it on Christmas day. I am also working to set up a Life-Skills Centre to create a central hub for people to get information about groups, projects and businesses in town.
I would like to act as a translator between the council and the community. Right now we are split, and while everyone wants the same thing, no-one is really listening or understanding each other. There are many groups of people in our community who feel either misrepresented or badly represented and I would like to change that.
Fanny Jackson
Fanny Jackson
It wasn’t until 1969 that all adults over the age of 18, both male and female, were eligible to vote. The right to vote was won after over 100 years of campaigning by ordinary men and women.
Having recently spent some time helping out in our Town Clerk’s office and listening to people’s stories and views, I felt strongly that there is a need for better communication between the people and their council. I am standing as a councillor who will listen to your voice so that any changes the council make are in line with the true wishes of the community.
I am a local independent woman, not tied into party politics and free to represent your needs and aspirations. I am a trained playwright, performance artist and mother of two. I grew up and went to school in Plymouth. I am passionate about Buckfastleigh, its history, its strength that it has kept its ordinary men and women. Local elections may not seem of interest to you in the run up to Christmas, but they are important first steps towards shaping the future of our town.
Darren James
Darren James
As a local I have a strong bond with our town and the surrounding countryside, having lived in and around Buckfastleigh for 42 years.
Local people should always be prioritised and consulted before far reaching decisions are made. Viewing things from a sustainable and ecological perspective I pledge to work towards the best long term interests of our town.
Before we even consider increasing the size of our population with new housing development we ought to be ensuring that those already here have work and the means to make these new houses their homes. Disenfranchising the towns youth and allowing Buckfastleigh to become a festering commuter town is not the way to go.
If we view our town as a brand to be marketed and promoted with pride. A town where we support our own and wish the very best for young and old alike, success will surely follow.
All Buckfastleigh parish registered voters are eligible to vote at the town hall and Buckfast residents at Southpark Community Centre, between 7:00am & 10:00pm. You will not be receiving voting cards through your door as we are trying to keep the costs to the town council at a minimum. If you are not yet registered to vote, you need to apply to the Electoral Registration Officer by Tuesday 1st December. If you want to register for, or change a postal vote, you need to apply to the Electoral Registration Officer before 5pm Wednesday 2nd December. If you want to register to vote by proxy, you need to apply to the Electoral Registrations Officer by 5pm Wednesday 9th December. If you become incapacitated or unable to vote due to work after the 9th December, you can apply for proxy voting by 5pm Thursday 17th December.
Electoral Registrations Officer
Council Offices
Forde House
Brunel Road
Newton Abbot
Devon
TQ12 4XX
01626 215104
electoralservices@teignbridge.gov.uk
To more information check out the town council facebook page, email the town clerk at: clerk@buckfastleigh.gov.uk or contact the Electoral Services Section at Teignbridge District Council by email electoralservices@teignbridge.gov.uk or on 01626 361101