TWO INDEPENDENTS and one Conservative candidate are competing to be elected Milford ward member for Waverley Borough Council on February 13.

The polling station is Milford Village Hall in Porstmouth Road, Milford, and it will be open for voting from 7am to 10pm on February 13.

These are their personal statements:

ROSALEEN EGAN

Independent candidate, Milford resident Rosaleen Egan, said: “In the short time that the late Jack Lee represented Milford, he did a sterling job and was always available to help.

“If I were fortunate enough to be chosen to represent you, I would certainly hope to follow his example.

“I have lived in Milford for the last 15 years. I care passionately about local issues and feel that it is vital that local people should have a real say without the interference of party politics.

“I aim to campaign for: holding council officers accountable for their actions; voting according to constituents’ wishes; brownfield before greenfield development; and no development without local referenda.”

MAXINE GALE

Independent Witley resident, Maxine Gale, said: “I have been a Witley parish councillor for 20 years and I am a life member of the Burton Pavilion management committee.

“If I am elected to represent Milford I believe I can do a good job as I know this area very well and can identify personally with everyday issues and problems residents face.

“Housing is a top priority. I would continue to oppose all inappropriate development proposals.

“We need genuinely affordable housing, but not bad development.

“I will campaign to make Milford safer for pedestrians to use local shops.

“I will fight for more investment in local schools and better GP services.”

CARMEL OATES

Conservative candidate, Brook resident Carmel Oates, said: “ I am a Witley parish councillor representing Milford and the lead member for the Waverley and Western Villages Traffic Task Group.

“Environment and planning issues shape where we live and it is important we maintain a strong voice so that our views are heard and acted upon. Waverley Borough Council makes important decisions about the level of our council tax, planning approvals and allocating resources to community groups.

“I am concerned that the interests of villages like Milford are at risk of being ignored and I want to be the voice that stands up for Milford.

“My priorities are to improve planning and infrastructure to ensure that development density and infrastructure are appropriate for Milford; to deliver value for money by leveraging my extensive experience in financial management: and to work with police and the community to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime.”