Bishopstoke Ward candidates video hustings

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

[29s] Hello and thank you so much for letting me take part in this local hustings event.

[32s] It's really exciting.

[34s] So I've got three questions.

[36s] The first question is who am I and why am i standing?

[39s] My name is Gin Tidridge and I'm an independent standing for re-election to the Borough Council for Bishopstoke Ward.

[46s] When I first stood for election in 2018, it was out of frustration that my local Lib Dem councillors voted for the local plan following their party's line.

[55s] They were not listening to local people.

[58s] As an independent councillor, I've been able to make decisions based on what local residents are telling me is important.

[64s] I can put the community first.

[67s] Hi everyone, I'm Ben, your Conservative candidate for Bishop Stoke.

[71s] In my professional life, i'm a tutor working locally.

[74s] in my personal life I spend a lot of time mentoring young disabled people and charity fundraising.

[81s] I am standing in this election so that together we can send a clear message to Eastleigh Borough Council.

[86s] Spend our council tax on the priorities and services that matter to us.

[91s] Don't gamble it on property deals that nobody voted for.

[95s] Together we can make sure Bishopstoke is known for its community and green spaces, not as part of the third most indebted council in the UK.

[116s] How would you make a difference locally?

[120s] I've learned how to make difference in opposition in a council where all bar four councillors are from one party.

[127s] I challenge the council when improvements are needed.

[130s] For example, the enormous and ever-growing cost of the One Horton Heath housing development.

[137s] A push for action by Bishop Stokes seems to have been a bit forgotten.

[141s] So, for example, we've got allotments locally built five years ago, still unusable.

[145s] It's really not good enough.

[147s] If elected, I will work to ensure that maintenance, bin collection and road sweeping do not fall victim to Eastleigh Borough Council spending cuts.

[155s] I'll work towards the establishment of a local banking hub to help make sure that Bishopstoke does not become a banking desert.

[162s] And I work ensure the bus routes remain reliable and affordable throughout the area.

[175s] One last call, anything you'd like to say?

[179s] Stoke Park Farm.

[180s] Stoke Part Farm and its fields really should be designated a local nature reserve.

[184s] It's the only way to protect it from development in the long term.

[188s] I know that's really important to local residents because it's what I'm told on a regular basis.

[194s] Really important and so therefore it is on my action list of things to do should I be elected.

[200s] Thank you so much for taking the time to watch this virtual hustings.

[205s] I would just like to say please go out and vote on May 2nd.

[208s] Last year fewer than 40% of people did so.

[211s] Voting is the only way you can send a clear message to Eastley Borough Council about what matters to you.

[217s] In fact, 35 of Eastleys' 39 councillors have refused to take part in these hustings when asked.

[224s] Make them listen.

[225s] Vote.

[226s] And when you do, please don't forget your ID.