BOB Wicks stands for election to Fenland District Council as an Independent candidate in Benwick, Coates and Eastrea.

I am married with two grown up children, two grand children and have been a Coates resident for 12 years.

In that time, I have served as the inaugural Chairman of the Friends of Holy Trinity, provided assistance to Coates School PTA in their fund raising activities, I am a member of the Whittlesey Strawbear organisation, and an active campaigner on local issues.

I am standing to represent the villages of Whittlesey, look after their interests and have a control over the growth of Whittlesey – there is a lot of development planned in Whittlesey that will directly affect the villages.

I believe that it is time for a change back to old-fashioned representation where the councillor is accessible, listens to the constituents and represents their best interests.

It is clear from conversations I have had with constituents that:

• Communication is something that needs to be made more effective,

• Traffic control within the villages needs addressing,

• The state of the paths and street lighting has been highlighted,

• There has been a lack of expenditure on general maintenance within the villages,

• Visible policing is required.

Other matters I intend to champion include:

• A replacement of the Kings Dyke level crossing with a bridge,

• A 20mph speed limit near schools at the times children are arriving or departing,

• Provision of play facilities within the village,

• Work with parish councils to address public transport issues.

These are but a few of the issues that have been raised and need addressing.

Let us not forget how long the previous incumbents of the elected posts have been in office. When can you remember the status quo being altered?

Now is your opportunity to change things so that your issues get addressed and change is brought to the way you are represented.

At the end of the day, your political issues are my issues.