Cllr Richard W. Booth

http://richard4wimborne.blogspot.com
t. 07745 134569
e. Richard4Wimborne@gmail.com

My policy positions on:

Antisocial Behaviour
Council Funding
Environment and Recycling
Infrastructure
Leigh Park's Community Centre
Local Arts
Littering
Small Business Investment
Transport and Mobility
Waitrose

I stand for honesty and the achievement of real results; local politics might not seem as exciting or provocative as the issues that we face nationally, like the war on terror and its social consequences, but in reality it is the local issues that affect us directly, on a day-to-day basis. It is for this reason that I want to represent the views of Wimborne Minster and East Dorset; I have just completed fourteen years of local education, so I feel that I am an authority on how and why we should continue to improve our local schools and give our children the best possible environment to flourish. In particular, I am receptive to our schoolchildren's wishes and I understand their needs.

Furthermore, I have been heavily involved in the local arts for the past four years, both in terms of filmmaking and drama. I realise the importance of The Tivoli Theatre to our local community, and I want to revitalise local creativity, encouraging more young and local filmmakers to pick up a camera, or indeed a pen. I want production companies to use Dorset as a filming location, just as I have done, because we really do live in a beautiful area of the world; for us, this will help local businesses and ensure our tourism continues to grow at a controlled, healthy rate. On top of this, our cultural identity will be boosted and our local economy will benefit.

My family has a long history with local emergency healthcare and it is thanks to their efforts that they maintained a strong quality of life. I want Wimborne Hospital and GPs' surgeries to always improve their care, efficiency and be open to suggestions; things can only improve. Furthermore, recycling is not a luxury but an absolute must - we must protect our environment and I want us improving our recycling habits down here in Wimborne with both residents and businesses. And above all else, I will ensure that recycling programmes are always kept free and collected regularly by the council.

I will work to ensure that relations between Dorset Police and the people of Wimborne are strong and healthy - we must maintain a sense of security and a warm atmosphere in our town at all times. I want to make sure that children in Wimborne are afforded the opportunity to engage in after-school activities and community-based events, which should in turn discourage the select few who turn towards antisocial behaviour. I want to encourage more businesses to invest in Wimborne, and for our transport links to be strengthened to places like Bournemouth Airport and Castlepoint. Town planning is another important issue for me as I feel that residents should always be informed about any developments in their back yard. I will be that voice for them.

The Waitrose issue is another "hot topic". Personally, I do not believe that this issue should be politicised. Instead, it should be a planning issue which should only choose its course after a full and thorough public meeting later this year, alongside various consultations with local residents, businesses and experts. I am leaning towards the idea of supporting a Waitrose supermarket in Wimborne, but I do question the location that has been suggested. Later this year work will begin at QE School to build a new premises by the existing ones and then, ultimately, to demolish the old building. I wonder whether this would be a more appropriate site on which to build a supermarket? At least we'd keep our green belt and ease any traffic congestion problems within the town itself. Similarly, we should investigate any other suitable locations before deciding once and for all on the cricket ground.

My family has lived in Wimborne since 1971 and I have a deep-rooted love for our town. Above all else, I want to go to the council and represent your views and wishes; I am your active representative, and not someone who will disappear within days of the election, not to be heard from for another four years.

Send me an email, write to me or pick up the phone and give me a call. I am there for you.

Richard is very keen to hear from his constituents if they have a problem or a query. Do not hesitate to pick up the phone at 07745 134569 or send him an email to richard4wimborne@gmail.com

He also maintains a blog, RICHARD4WIMBORNE, which you can access by clicking here