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 – Penny Owen
Party – Labour
Ward – Heath
Website – heathandbirchgrovelabour.org.uk
Twitter – @HeathBirchLAB
Facebook – heathbirchgrovelabour
How can people get in touch with you? – By email, phone 07929140157, Twitter.
About You
Tell us about yourself
I have lived in the Heath and Birchgrove Ward for over 30 years – it’s a great place to live! I used to work in the NHS and I know how valuable it is to have a public service which is free for us to use when we need it and that is available to everyone. I want a country that works for everyone – not just the few.
What are the biggest issues in your ward?
As the Heath Hospital site has become busier so the overflow car parking has become more of a problem for local residents. Our local Labour Councillor, Graham Hinchey, has been listening to residents and working with Heath Residents Association to get this solved. We are working to encourage more people to take public transport, to cycle and to walk, and to build more Park and Ride schemes to reduce the amount of traffic in our roads. We will be consulting with local residents about 20mph zones in Heath and Birchgrove to reduce the speed of traffic on the roads. Wedal Rd will be staying open until improved local facilities are in place.
What’s your favourite place in Cardiff and why?
My favourite place in Cardiff is my allotment. Our parks, green spaces and allotments are very important for the health of all of us.
What do you think should be done to improve engagement in politics?
Politicians should respect voters, tell the truth and do what is in the best interests of the people.
And more websites like My Cardiff North!
What’s your favourite film?
Bladerunner.
If You’re Elected
What will you do to improve your ward?
- Listen to residents’ concerns and work with them to solve problems and develop Heath and Birchgrove in the best interests of all of us.
- Wedal Rd will remain open until better local facilities are in place.
- Help solve the parking problems. Reduce traffic and traffic speed.
- Protect all our green spaces.
- Continue to invest in our schools Support our excellent local shops and businesses.
- Support the vulnerable and those most affected by austerity.
How will you communicate with residents in your ward?
I will communicate with residents by talking with them, writing and distributing a regular newsletter, holding surgeries and through Twitter, Facebook and our website.
What issues that affect the whole city would you like to get involved in?
I would like to get involved with continuing to improve our green spaces, parks and allotments.
As a regular No 27 bus user I want to improve our public transport, make cycling easier and safer and encourage more people to walk, and make our roads safer.
Final Comments
What would you change about Cardiff and why?
I would change the public transport system so that more people could leave their cars at home.
I would change the culture of drinking all hours in the city centre so that everyone could feel safe visiting there.
Cardiff is well known as a very friendly city where everyone knows someone that you know! I would definitely work to keep that.
Any final comments?
Thanks for putting together this questionnaire Jack.
My Cardiff North 