The Independents: here's who's standing

The local elections will be taking place next week, on May 4.

An independent is someone not affiliated with any political party or bureaucratic association. There are numerous reasons why someone may stand for office as an Independent.

The big difference between an Independent and a party councillor, is the freedom to act and vote in the interests of those they represent.

An Independent councillor is free to work for those they serve, rather than the interests of a political party.

Unlike a member of a political party, Independents don’t have to attend or get involved with the political party meetings, electioneering for fellow party candidates at all elections and political plotting.

An Independent councillor may have more time to concentrate on and look after those they represent.

Each councillor was contacted for a comment and a photo.

Here's a list of those who are standing and what they had to say.

Sarah Anne Ould.

David William Shopland.

Cathy Hawkins​.

Andy Neads.

Andy said: "I am passionate about creating a prosperous town that attracts businesses and visitors alike whilst preserving our very special heritage for generations to come. We have all seen government money, our money wasted on schemes that don’t work, I’d like a review of spending on our town and a common-sense approach going forwards.

"Lets’ get our infrastructure right first! The seafront is just one issue that needs addressing, there are many more. I have lots of ideas, but I really want to hear what matters to YOU! You can contact me by email or phone:  standupforclevedon@gmail.com  tel:07498 240432"

Andy Neads (Image: Andy Neads.)

Trevor John Morgan.

Trevor said: "I am a prospective Independent candidate for Clevedon Yeo Ward.

"I have lived in Clevedon for over 40 years and been a vocal town councillor since 1991 representing the ward l live in.

"The way NSC consults needs to be more transparent reflecting not ignoring people’s views. I voted against the changes to the Seafront and Hill Road and would work to restore this mess. Public open spaces Marshalls Field Strode Road and Penny fields must be protected as unrestricted open spaces.

"The Millcross site should have been a new hospital but was shelved by political interference the resulting boarded up site has been an eyesore ever since.

"Clevedon deserves better and this will be my priority if elected."

Trevor Morgan. (Image: Trevor Morgan.)

Elfan Dyfed Ap Rees.

Mike Solomon.

Mike says: "I am standing as an independent district councillor for Hutton Locking and Bleadon. This is a position I have proudly held for the past 4 years, also as executive for Neighbourhoods and Community Services. I was born in Weston-super-Mare and passionately support my ward town and district.

"I work hard for residents as you will see from my attendance record at meetings. I will continue to work hard if re-elected on important issues like public transport, the condition of our roads, and the services critical to all of us. I pride myself on always responding to emails and requests for help."

Mike Solomon. (Image: Mike Solomon.)

Andy Cole. 

Andy has said: "I am currently the district councillor for Nailsea Golden Valley Ward and my priorities are:​

1) Protect small amenity areas from development; 

2) Oppose proposals for parking charges; 

3) Support  NSC authorising low noise fireworks on council land; 

4) Halt the over planting of sapling trees in amenity areas, which predominantly die. Instead plant a small number of specimen trees.

5) Oppose ill thought-out highway schemes, such as the Clevedon sea front and the empty bus lane on the long Ashton bye pass.

6) Reverse the decision to radically limit elected councillors to represent their constituents in the planning process. A ridiculous reduction from 27 members to 13.

7) Prioritise Nailsea interests over WSM interests. 

Andy Cole. (Image: Andy Cole.)

James Jeremy Tonkin.

Mike Bird.

Caritas Idris Caradoc Charles.

Caritas said: "I’m Caritas Charles, councillor for Portishead East since 2019. I’m hoping to be again. I’m passionate about Portishead and East Ward - it’s a fantastic place but there are issues that need addressing.

"We need:

• A direct bus to Bristol
• A parking and roads plan for Portishead East
• Stop the A369 Bus Lanes that will cause chaos.  
• Refreshed playgrounds in Portishead East.
• To lobby NSC to protect and enhance our High Street.

"We deserve to be heard – we should be listened to – we should be involved.  I hope to continue being that voice reminding Weston politicians whose voice matters, ours."

Caritas Charles. (Image: Caritas Charles.)

Roger Whitfield.

Roger said: "I am passionate about Portishead and ensuring that our services and infrastructure are up to scratch. I will work with the executive to bring the Lake Grounds back under Portishead Town Council control so that local people can have a real say in how this area is improved.

"I will continue the work to stop the North Somerset proposal for a bus lane right up to the M5, Junction19 roundabout from the Bristol direction which will cause traffic chaos. Instead, I will champion workable active travel solutions including resolving bus service integration and parking issues when the railway finally arrives."

Roger Whitfield. (Image: Portishead Independents.)

Tim Snaden.

Tim said: "I am a care worker and a town and district councillor. I am pleased to have led the work to bring the Slade Road Woodland Play Area back to life and excited to see the Lake Grounds Play Area improvements made by our Town Council.

"I want to return the Lake Grounds to Portishead ownership so that local people have a real say in how this area is improved. I am Chair of the Adult Services and Social Housing committee at North Somerset and aim to continue my work to ensure local people get the support they need."

Tim Snaden. (Image: Portishead Independents.)

Paddy Sterndale.

Paddy said: "I have been chair of Portishead Town Council for the last two years and am a trustee of Nailsea & District Community Transport, vice chair of the Gordano Civic Society and volunteer for a Portishead charity.

"My priorities are to continue supporting Community Transport which is a lifeline for many; prevent any development around Weston Big Wood, our Ancient Woodland and Site of Special Scientific Interest; bring the Lake Grounds back into Portishead ownership so that local people have a real say in how this area is improved; continue campaigning to bring back our Post Office and Bus Services."

Paddy Sterndale. (Image: Portishead Indpendents.)

Nicola Jane Holland.

Nicola said: "I am a care worker and a town and district councillor. I am pleased to have led the work to bring the Slade Road Woodland Play Area back to life and excited to see the Lake Grounds Play Area improvements made by our Town Council.

"I want to return the Lake Grounds to Portishead ownership so that local people have a real say in how this area is improved. I am chair of the Adult Services and Social Housing committee at North Somerset and aim to continue my work to ensure local people get the support they need."

Nicola Jane Holland. (Image: Portishead Independents.)

John Ley-Morgan.

Martyn John Williams.

Dawn Karen Payne.

Len Purnell.

Steve Hogg.

Steven John Bridger.

Steven said: "My first priority when elected in 2019 was to successfully get the bus to Clevedon reinstated - only to lose it to the broken commercial bus market. Now our on-demand buses are reconnecting our villages to the transport network.

"Investment went into building a primary school at North End and a safe route into Yatton Schools. We’re lowering speed limits and making our High Street safer. I was proud to lead the generous local response to the COVID lockdowns.

"My priorities include extending the Strawberry Line to Clevedon and campaigning for better access to medical facilities to serve a growing population."

Steve Bridger. (Image: Steve Bridger.)