9 May 2019
A tectonic change has been delivered by the people of Hednesford where the whole Council was replaced and nine of these ten seats have gone to the group working to take the politics out of the Town Council.
For the first time since it was established 19 years ago the whole council was replaced reflect the yearn for change, community engagement and the people actually doing things in the town being the Councillors
Well done to everyone elected including a number of Green Party members as well of those of no political affiliation.
Group spokeswoman Kathryn Downs said: “We are overwhelmed by the response we received from Hednesford and would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that believes in us and voted for us.
“With nine seats on the town council we are in a very strong position to deliver on our campaign promises, and we won’t let the people of Hednesford down.”
“Our primary purpose is to bring the priorities of our community to the fore. We want the people who live and work in Hednesford to have more of a say on the future of the town, where we invest our time and money to be of most benefit.”
As volunteers, members of the group have helped maintain the public library in Hednesford and aided with the organisation of community events such as the artisan markets and summer and Christmas fayres.
“We’re known to many people around Hednesford already so I hope that will make us approachable as councillors,” Ms. Downs added.
“It is important for us to take the time to fully understand the detail of the council's existing commitments and responsibilities, including the wider financial position, but we are very much looking forward to building on Hednesford’s strengths whilst tackling local issues.”
The next public council meeting will be held on 22nd May, a week later than originally publicised to allow for the initial induction of the new councillors. Local residents are invited to attend to meet the new councillors, offer their views, ask questions and hear the new council’s initial plans.
Those elected were:
Paul Woodhead Anglesey ward
Kathryn Downs Anglesey ward
Andy Fittes Pye Green ward
Robin Kingston Angelsey ward
Debbie Cartwright West Hill ward
Sharon Jagger Pye Green ward
Mandy Dunnett West Hill ward
Garry Jones West Hill ward
Arthur Roden West Hill ward
The final seat was taken by a new Labour Councillor Mark Deakin