Watch Bishopstoke Ward candidates video

[1s] Who are you and why are standing in selection?

[26s] My name is Victoria White and I'm the Labour candidate for Bishopstoke.

[30s] This is the second time I am standing because I believe the local residents deserve a candidate who will bring a fresh perspective and make sure their

[36s] concerns and ideas are priority.

[38s] My background is in education.

[40s] I worked as a teacher for many years and am currently a community programme manager for an arts centre and library.

[54s] I'm Gary, I am a resident of Bishopstoke and live here with my children and fiancé who was born and bred in Bishop Stoke.

[61s] I stand for their future and all current and future residents as I believe I can make BishopStoke an even better place to live now and for future generations.

[70s] And I also stand to allow people to vote for an independent candidate who is not aligned with any political group or party,

[77s] which gives me the opportunity to act as best serve the residents, allowing individual voices to be heard.

[83s] Hi, I'm Karen Coors, and I am really excited to be standing in this election.

[88s] I wasn't planning it at all, but I was given the opportunity, And I have been living in Bishopstoke for six years, i totally love it here.

[97s] i was born just down the road, um and i'm really passionate about this this community and particularly Stone Park Farm.I really want to help to see that

[106s] being made into the most amazing nature reserve possible.

[117s] What are your intentions regarding Stoke Farm?

[121s] The decisions concerning the use of Stoke Park Farm would be very closely observed and monitored by myself.

[127s] It is so important that it's protected as a green space for the sake of local wildlife and the enjoyment of residents for generations to come.

[135s] The overbuilding of houses with complete disregard to the environment, infrastructure and quality of life in the borough has got out of hand and is deeply concerning.

[144s] Enough is enough.

[147s] This issue is close to my heart as I have two family members who live on the estate next to the State Park Farm.

[152s] My main intention is to listen to residents' ideas and concerns.

[156s] Personally, I feel that it is important that the farm benefits local residents and easily as a whole, perhaps creating a diverse range of habitats which

[164s] will enhance the local ecology.

[165s] Regardless of what the farmers are used for, it's extremely important to respect the nearby residents, and not allow their small private roads to be used

[173s] to free traffic.

[174s] A suitable alternative must be found.

[177s] Stoke Park Farm is the reason that I am doing this.

[180s] I have followed and supported the ad campaign against destructive development, which was actually founded by the current independent Councillors,

[188s] Gin Tidridge and Louise Parker-Jones.

[191s] i am deeply passionate about this precious piece of land and seeing that it gets turned into the best nature reserve possible so that there is absolutely

[199s] no chance that would ever be built upon.

[201s] How can we prevent repetition of felling of mature trees like at Scory's Cops and Dallington Lane?

[208s] The current approach is just not enough.

[210s] The Scories Cop's enforcement action is being highlighted as a success, whilst hypocritical devastation to surrounding areas goes ahead quietly in the background.

[218s] We have to take stricter action to stop developers believing that apologising is easier than asking for permission.

[223s] and there needs to be a zero-tolerance approach to those who are involved in the illegal, irreversible destruction of our natural environment.

[230s] This includes complete replanting with mature trees and future licensing revoked.

[234s] Fines are important, but prevention is the only way forward.

[238s] Sometimes trees become dangerous and need to managed, including by fellow.

[243s] However, mature tree that have been Bishops though should be afforded greater protection.

[247s] It is impossible to physically protect every tree.

[250s] harsher penalties should be given for offenders, including prison sentences, as this will act as a stronger deterrent as fines often do not work,

[257s] such as the scory cops.

[259s] Also, it's important local residents know who they can report such fell into, so quick and prompt action is taken to minimise damage,

[266s] because once these trees are lost they cannot be replaced.

[270s] So with regard to the prevention of felling mature trees, I see and I read also that this has happened here.

[276s] I think it is awful.

[278s] What some things that we could do in order to prevent this happening in the future are ensuring that tree preservation orders are put on ancient woodlands.

[286s] If it comes up for sale we can either consider buying it ourselves or work closely with new landowners to find out what their intentions might be.

[300s] Absolutely, not only is it great for the wildlife, it also tackles pollution.

[304s] According to Plantlife UK, we've lost nearly 97% of flower rich meadows since the 1970s and with them vital food needed by pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

[315s] It couldn't be easier to take part, put that lawnmower back in storage and do nothing this May and those of you with small pets know how much they appreciate

[324s] a handful of dandelion leaves.

[328s] As an animal and nature lover, I do support no-mow-may.

[331s] No-Mow May is very important for both flowers and animals, particularly bees and other pollinators.

[337s] Also, by not cutting the grass for a month increases how much carbon is locked away in the soil, which is of general environmental benefit.

[345s] In 2021, more than 250 wild plant species were spotted by gardeners who had taken part, so it is definitely worth supporting.

[353s] I definitely support No Mow May, I absolutely love at the moment seeing around Bishopstoke on all the verges that it hasn't been mowed so far.

[360s] So there's lots of dandelions and things for the bees and the butterflies and wildlife to enjoy.

[365s] I lead the eco team for The Parish of Bishop Stokes, so in the churchyard we've started wild, we did it last year and we're doing it again this year,

[374s] wildflower areas where we are just letting it grow and within six weeks we saw nine different species.

[381s] One last call, anything you'd like to say?

[385s] Don't forget your photo ID this May as your vote is really important.

[389s] Use your votes wisely and keep sharing your concerns, ideas and improvements to enable Bishopstoke remains a thriving community.

[396s] And thank you for taking the time to listen to my answers.

[401s] Please remember to take your ID to allow you to vote and most importantly vote for the candidate who you feel will best serve you and Bishopstoke.

[410s] I'd love you vote to me as I am passionate about BishopStoke and want to make a difference for my family and yours.

[416s] Thank you.

[417s] So the other thing I'm really excited about is the possibility of working as a team with Gin and Louise.

[424s] Louise, Gin, and Ray are currently the three independent councillors that represent the Bishopstoke Ward for Eastleigh Borough Council.

[434s] but Ray's term is ending and he is moving away to Wales so that's why this opportunity has arisen for to stand as an independent councillor and I just

[442s] feel like the three of us we don't follow a party line we are independent but it's just it would just be great to be able to work together and share our

[451s] common vision to improve the environment of Bishopstoke.

[454s] We have a multi-skill set.

[456s] Gin is a scientist and she works in sustainability.

[460s] Louise has studied politics and policies, and I have been a teacher and also have studied business.

[468s] And we have deep passion for the environmental and we share that common goal.

[475s] and, we also share the goal to make BishopStoke a better environment to live in.