We’ve invited all the local election candidates to complete this questionnaire so you know more about the people asking for your vote on the 4th of May. We’re also compiling a list of their websites and social media accounts so you can follow them and get in touch if you have any questions.
Follow @mycardiffnorth
Name – Julia Burns
Party – Plaid Cymru
Ward – Whitchurch and Tongwynlais
Website –
Twitter –
Facebook – julia.burnsloaring
How can people get in touch with you? –juliaburnsloaring@gmail.com
About You
Tell us about yourself
I was born in Cardiff in 1950, to parents of Irish & English extraction. I grew up in Cathays & Canton, (now Pontcanna!). Educated at Heathfield House in Richmond Rd. Trained as a teacher in Cardiff College of Education in 1970-73. Moved to the Vale of Glamorgan in 1971 until coming home to Whitchurch in 1981. Learned Welsh as an adult & graduated in Welsh from Cardiff University in 1984. Spent 7 years living in the Caernarfon area & working as Education Officer for Gwynedd Archives & Museums. Returned to Whitchurch in 1991 & resumed my teaching career: teaching at Llanhari, Cantonian and St Illtyd’s High Schools. Now I’m semi-retired as I still teach adults now & then, I have time to give back to our community as a local Councillor. I know & love our area and I feel passionately about it.
What are the biggest issues in your ward?
Long Meadow & the consequent destruction of extremely important wildlife habitat & open space. Access & hugely increased traffic would be a major problem in our ward. Parking & traffic flow is already bad, especially in Velindre / Kelston Rd, Maes Glas / St David’s Rd & the area around Glan y Nant. Litter is a problem to be tackled in all areas, but particularly in Whitchurch village and Library Park. Old shop frontages in roads like Westbourne need a facelift. We must fight too for our library. Keep our village attractive by clamping down on litter.
What’s your favourite place in Cardiff and why?
In Cardiff my favourite place is our stretch of the Glamorganshire Canal at Melin Gruffydd. Forest Farm is our very own gem and Long Meadow is part of it. I have lived in Whitchurch for almost all my adult life and spent much of my teenage years here too. Our village is still a village. Shopping locally must be encouraged & young people encouraged to respect their local area. A permanent History of Whitchurch exhibition would be an asset in the Library.
What do you think should be done to improve engagement in politics?
I tend towards compulsory voting as has long been the case in Australia. People fought and died for the right to have a say in government. Lessons in how democracy works could be part of the PSE curriculum in all schools.
What’s your favourite film?
Rob Roy starring Liam Neeson & Jessica Lainge. Tim Roth & John Hurt are superb adversaries to the hero. He is a real hero: brave, strong, loyal. I know the details aren’t accurate, but his character in the film is truly heroic.
If You’re Elected
What will you do to improve your ward?
I will work to oppose destruction of Long Meadow. I will work to improve traffic flow in the Village, particularly in Velindre / Kelston / Foreland Roads. I will support initiatives to cut down on litter and excess packaging. I will do my best to support our Library and our public spaces so that they remain available for our enjoyment.
How will you communicate with residents in your ward?
I am available by email, phone or post.
What issues that affect the whole city would you like to get involved in?
Transportation including local trains, litter and recycling, libraries, parks & open spaces especially areas for exercise & games.
Final Comments
What would you change about Cardiff and why?
I want to stop litter and loutish behaviour. We have a beautiful city. Young people need to feel they own it too & be proud of it. If you know your Cardiff like I do and feel you are part of a community that actually values you, hopefully you will want to respect your environment. We need to show we care for young people and also for the homeless people who live on our streets. They must know where they can find refuge and support to reintegrate into the community. Supporting causes that work with homeless people in our city is important for any councillor.
Any final comments?
Non submitted (Editor)
My Cardiff North 