Widcombe

I'm Ian Gilchrist, your newly-elected LibDem councillor in Widcombe, and I'd like to start by saying Thank You to the 734 residents who saw fit to put an 'X' against my name on May 3. I'm very grateful for this, and I look forward to continuing the contributions to Widcombe started by Peter Metcalfe and Nicole O'Flaherty.

Peter will be a hard act to follow, as I heard from many people during my visits around the ward throughout April. I have also to record my sincere regret that Nicole was not re-elected. I have known her as a hard-working, energetic and imaginative councillor for many years, and I had been looking forward to working with her. From the election results I have also noted the 500+ votes cast for the Green Party candidates and would like to mention I intend to pursue environmental issues as much as I am able.

The Next Four Years

There is always much to be done in Widcombe. My first duty is to represent residents in their dealings with the Council, to ensure they get the services that they are entitled to. These include dealing with rubbish, street lighting, graffiti, pavements and potholes. Then there are a number of major projects for which I will expect to do my best to ensure that the 'right' outcome is reached. Current ones include the Rossiter Rd Two-Way scheme and ideas to limit through traffic in certain parts of the ward. I know residents have discussed with me road safety e.g. traffic speed and safer crossings on many roads in the area. I hear plenty of stories of anti-social behaviour from neighbours ranging from 'students' to serious stories of drug-dealing (Yes, in Widcombe!). Can we do something to improve the situation with Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO)? Yes, we have the powers, but need to use them.

Sustainable Living

If there's time when all this is done I have my own ideas on tackling some of the environmental issues which I know are of common concern to many of you. One pet project is to reduce the volume of plastic material that we throw 'away'. How about a 'Ban the Bag' scheme to (voluntarily) reduce the number of plastic bags given away by shops in Widcombe. Many people are interested in renewable energy. How about a Forum to bring together people with experience and people who want to know?

Proud to Live in Widcombe!

Above all I want to do what I can to make Widcombe a part of Bath where people can say that they are positively proud and pleased to live there. There's a lot already that's good here, but I need your ideas, and in many cases I will need your help. So, get in touch and let me know.

Contact Ian:

Address: 24 Horseshoe Walk, Widcombe, Bath, BA2 6DF

Tel: 01225-334775

Email: [email protected]