Category: District Ward

Cllr Petrina Lees

A proven champion of her community and local causes, Petrina Lees previously served on the Elsenham Parish Council for 17 years, including 3 as chair; enjoyed a 30 year career in nursing; and has been part of the leadership team of Save Our Villages for 9 years. Petrina stood for district council as an Independent in 2015 and was elected as an R4U councillor for the Uttlesford District Elsenham and Henham ward in 2017. She is the first female Leader of Uttlesford District Council, where she is leading R4U’s programme of improvement at the authority.

“I’m passionate about fairness and regularly jump in to volunteer to create a better community. I don’t seek an easy life – I’m not afraid to challenge the norm, roll up my sleeves and get things done. People who know me know I work tirelessly for local residents and their causes and will have seen that since I was elected I have done so.” Petrina Lees

 

WardAbout/BioContact

Petrina Lees is a very active member of her community. She has lived in Elsenham for over 20 years with her husband, and their family. She cooks for the Lunch Club, runs the Elsenham Rainbow Guides and manages the village rounders team.

She is also well qualified as a councillor. She served on Elsenham parish council for 17 years including 3 years as chair. Petrina has been part of the leadership team of Save Our Villages for 9 years, helping secure last year’s planning rejection of ‘Hellsenham’ by the Secretary of State. She is also a member of the Joint Parishes Council Steering Group.

Outside of the home she enjoyed a career in nursing of more than 30 years, most recently caring for the terminally ill, but left the NHS a couple of years ago to concentrate on her family and community activities.

Petrina stood as an Independent in 2015 and was elected as an R4U councillor for the Uttlesford District Elsenham and Henham ward in 2017.

Petrina said “The first thing we addressed after being elected was the appalling state of the road outside the local shops in Elsenham.  For over 15 years there have been numerous complaints. As Parish Councillors we were always told by District Councillors that they were ‘unable to help or fix it because it was the responsibility of the county council’. That’s as may be, but it is shirking and rubbish, and that attitude holds no truck with me. People don’t care what council you are elected to. As a district councillors part of your job is to advocate for local people and hold those responsible to account, even at other authorities. Within 6 months of being elected we facilitated and contributed to the road being resurfaced. My motto is ‘never give up’ – there is always a way, you just have to think outside the box sometimes.”

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    ‘Olympic legacy’ investment in facilities at Thaxted Skatepark by R4U administration

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    Residents for Uttlesford (R4U) is delighted that its councillors at R4U-led Uttlesford District Council have unanimously approved a £35,000 grant to refurbish the skatepark operated by the Thaxted Youth Club. …read more →

    Residents’ champions stand up for Newport and Sampford in Uttlesford District Council By-Elections

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    Residents for Uttlesford (R4U) is fielding candidates in both Uttlesford District Council by-elections on 6th May for the Newport and Sampfords wards. Newport Uttlesford District ward councillor Neil Hargraves said …read more →

    Cllr Mike Tayler

    Mike is a well-known and respected GP from the Thaxted Practice who delivered healthcare to the residents of surrounding villages from 1986 until he recently retired. He became a district councillor in 2019. He is a strong supporter of environmental causes and protecting our rural villages and countryside.

    “I am proud be a councillor for R4U because it respects local residents and delivers positive, practical change without the constraints of Westminster political control.” Dr Mike Tayler

    WardAbout/BioContact

    Dr Mike is a well-known and respected GP from the Thaxted Practice who delivered healthcare to the residents of surrounding villages from 1986 until he recently retired. He is a strong supporter of environmental causes and protecting our rural villages and countryside. He became a district councillor in 2019 and sits on the Standards and Licensing Committees.

    Mike says:

    I have worked as a rural GP based in Thaxted for more than 30 years. I feel privileged to have got to know many local residents and where they live. I wish to work to preserve the tranquillity and biodiversity of our communities, but know, to be sustained, that they must be supported with such things as improved facilities, broadband, and local services.

    I am proud be a councillor for R4U because it respects local residents and delivers positive, practical change without the constraints of Westminster political control.

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      Cllr Martin Foley

      Community champion and Thaxted resident Martin is one of Uttlesford’s longest serving and most respected district councillors. He is also an Essex County Councillor for the Thaxted Division. He’s represented his ward at UDC since 1995. He’s an active local voice who campaigns for our environment, and against airport expansion, urban sprawl on our fields, and the closing of the local libraries.

      “R4U has made solid progress at UDC since being elected to lead the council in 2019. They have fixed the finances, got the Conservatives’ £6m failed Local Plan back on track, and are delivering a major Climate Change programme. As part of R4U, I am helping UDC steer the future of our district, as well as for that Thaxted and Eastons ward residents.” Martin Foley

      WardAbout/BioContact

      Residents champion Martin is one of Uttlesford’s longest serving and most respected councillors. He’s represented the Thaxted and now Thaxted and the Eastons ward at UDC since 1995. He’s a strong and active local voice who campaigns for our environment, and against airport expansion, urban sprawl on our fields, and the closing of the local libraries.

      Martin lives in Thaxted with his wife Claire.

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        Thaxted & Eastons Independents Martin Foley and Mike Tayler combine with R4U to serve residents more

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        Residents for Uttlesford (R4U) and the Thaxted and the Eastons Independent Group have announced that they are joining forces at Uttlesford District Council. Dan Starr, chair of R4U, said “We …read more →

        Two major appeal wins prevent 224 unsustainable homes on the edge of Newport

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        Residents have been celebrating in Newport after they won two appeals against the unsustainable development of more than 200 new homes in their village. The appeals were fought by a …read more →

        Cllr Arthur Coote

        Arthur Coote is a well-respected Saffron Walden councillor. He was born in the town where he lives with his wife. He’s a director of the Bell Nursery and active in many other aspects of town life.

        “I’m a strong believer that councils can work harder to do more to create an environment that allows the next generation to grow and give back to society. Through its actions R4U has shown it focuses on the issues that matter and cares about making a difference for local people. After years of being actively engaged with Labour, I joined R4U because they’ve shown that they are the party willing to work collaboratively for local people.” Arthur Coote

        Several councillors have switched to R4U from the traditional parties because being free of a national agenda allows them to focus 100% on local residents with local issues.  Nationally Arthur is a long time Labour Party supporter. He was elected as a councillor to Saffron Walden Town Council in 2015 and to Uttlesford District Council in 2019. He was mayor of Saffron Walden for the 2019/2020 year.

        WardAbout/BioContact

        Arthur Coote is a well-respected councillor for Saffron Walden. He was born in the town where he lives with his wife. Arthur is active in many aspects of town life including the Baptist Church. Key interest areas for him are community, equality, youth development and sports.

        He’s is a family man who is committed to youth development. Arthur is a director and manager of the Bell Nursery in Saffron Walden and member of the charity Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY). Two of his children have followed him into education as both are head-teachers, and the third has followed a career in law.

        Arthur is a lifelong member of Essex Cricket Club and a strong advocate for sports and healthy lifestyles. He’s been active in the funding and design of new playgrounds by Saffron Walden Town Council, and been working to provide more open spaces and sports facilities.

        Nationally and locally Arthur has been a long-time supporter of the Labour Party. He was elected as a councillor to Saffron Walden Town Council in 2015 and serves as Mayor for the 2019/2020 year. Like a number of councillors from all the main national parties, he joined R4U in 2019 to create a difference locally.

        Arthur Coote says “Over the last 50 years I have taken part in hundreds of campaigns for Labour candidates. I have stood for office to try to create a more equal society and have been a member of the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party. Over the last 4 years it’s become clear that the best way to represent local residents and uphold the ideals I stand for at the district council is by joining R4U. R4U has shown they care about the community’s future and want to create a positive difference for local people. They’ve proven that they are the only party that has the skills and support to deliver for local people. In my mind it’s simple: I will continue to vote for Labour on national issues, but am standing for R4U to deliver local things for local residents. I urge others to vote local Resident for local matters.”

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          Cllr Geof Driscoll

          Geof has lived in Uttlesford for 20+ years. After a 30 year career in senior management in road-haulage, he is now vice-chair of Uttlesford District Council, where he also sits on the scrutiny, governance, and audit committees, highways panel, and housing board.

          “I believe that we should always fight for local residents. I feel that there is a correct balance between protecting our heritage and investing in the future for the youth of our district. I strongly believe that we, the residents of Uttlesford, have a right to control local issues not be told by national parties “this is what will be good for you.” Geof Driscoll

          WardAbout/BioContact

          Where do you live?

          I have lived in Birchanger for the last 22+ years with my wife Angie.

          Do you have any councillor or political experience?

          I served on the Birchanger Parish Council for eight years in the early 2000s until work responsibilities altered my available hours. I am now retired and have been an Uttlesford District Councillor since 2019. I an currently vice-chair of Uttlesford District Council, as I also sit on the scrutiny, governance, and audit committees, highways panel, and housing board.

          Any work details that you may want to highlight that add to your experience?

          In addition to 12 years as a local councillor, I am a qualified transport manager, with over 30 years of international experience including divisional management for a blue-chip multinational organisation. I have operated my own transport consultancy (compliance and training) since 2009 and am an avid supporter of Road Safety.

          Do you participate in community or residents’ groups, boards, or charities?

          I was Birchanger’s local Poppy Appeal organiser for 15 years raising approximately £50,000 for ex-servicemen and women. I currently sit on the Birchanger Sports and Social Club committee, as well as on the Freight Transport Association Easton Region Council.

          Why did you stand for Residents for Uttlesford?

          As residents of Uttlesford, national issues and local issues rarely carry the same weight in our daily lives. Of course, everyone has the right to vote for which person/party they wish, but only locally focused parties can deliver specific local democracy. By providing real, transparent leadership R4U, at a local level is representing our local interests.

          By reorganising the way UDC is structured, and by using the best skills and tools available, R4U has been able to deliver higher levels of services. But we need four more years to deliver on our programme of improvement at UDC. Let’s all make sure we make the most of where we love to live – together.

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            Cllr John Evans

            John has lived in Stebbing for 30 years. He’s a strong advocate for residents having a stronger say in what happens locally. He’s used his position as a district councillor and UDC portfolio holder for Planning and Infrastructure, the Local Plan, and Stansted Airport to do just that. Outside of the council, he’s a solicitor and interested in heritage and our rural landscape. He previous served a chair of the successful Stebbing Neighbourhood Plan.

            “Whilst the fear of the Conservatives’ West-of-Braintree new town has receded since R4U was elected, we must remain active and vigilant to protect our rural life from over-development – and residents must always have a say in what happens.” John Evans

            WardAbout/BioContact

            John has lived in Stebbing for 30 years, and prior to that 10 years in Hatfield Heath, so is very familiar with and supportive of both Ward and District interests. He has served as UDC Cabinet Member for Planning, the Local Plan, Stansted Airport and Infrastructure while appointed also to a number of external bodies. He was privileged to chair the Stebbing Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, whose Plan was passed successfully last Summer. As Cabinet Member, he has been a strong advocate for neighbourhood planning and spoken widely in the community in support. He is particularly interested in heritage and landscape matters and serves as Vice Chair of Stebbing Local History Society. He is a Solicitor and also sits as an Arbitrator.

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