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 – Eleanor Sanders
Party – Independent
Ward – Rhiwbina
Website – Not set one up choosing other communication routes.
Twitter – @IndependentRhi1
Facebook – Eleanor Sanders
How can people get in touch with you? – Mobile 07802225425 or eleanor.sanders@cardiff.gov.uk.
About You
Tell us about yourself
I live in Rhiwbina and I am the Independent Councillor for Rhiwbina and Pantmawr seeking re-election. I am mum to two daughters who attended local primary and high schools and I enjoy being a Local Authority school governor at their previous primary school. As a new grandma 👵 I’m enjoying meeting other grandparents understanding the help we are able to give to our families. Looking forward to perhaps setting up a Grandma’s meeting point shortly. I work part time at my local church, Rhiwbina Baptist Church, with the many and varied activities this large church offers.
As Chair of Trustees of Cardiff Foodbank I have seen need across our city and have strived to work with others to meet that need.
My nursing experience gained through over 20 years working in the NHS has enabled me to support many across Rhiwbina to navigate their way through care services. I have very much enjoyed serving my community over the past 5 years and look forward to the next 5.
What are the biggest issues in your ward?
One of the biggest issues is public transport. Not just the infrequency of buses but the routes they take. Getting around the city proves very difficult for many is what is reported to me.
Many potholes appear in our roads, many reappearing when original repairs are inadequate. A major overhaul of repair schedules is urgently needed.
Many roads used as shortcuts, especially during morning and evening school and work runs, increases the risk of accidents with the need for traffic calming schemes to be put in.
Some parents raise concern about the ability to get their children into the local Rhiwbina primary schools as often the year group is over subscribed. A mapping exercise is needed to address this.
What’s your favourite place in Cardiff and why?
Well obviously where I live in Rhiwbina! We are blessed with beautiful trees, parks and at the moment our bluebell wood on the Wenallt. Having taken up running two years ago, being able to run around our parks such as Caedelyn Park, reminds me I live in a beautiful area of the city.
What do you think should be done to improve engagement in politics?
Demonstrating that anyone can be involved. Showing by example many in politics aren’t what the media often likes to portray them as. Mentoring and training. As an independent I would say you don’t have to be a member of a political party to be involved.
What’s your favourite film?
Um many but currently La La Land.
If You’re Elected
What will you do to improve your ward?
Listen to residents to hear and address their concerns through regular ward surgeries. Develop intergeneration conversations through school/ community to help break down generation barriers. Work hard to keep our Rhiwbina Library open and run by the Local Authority. Improve our roads, lobby Cardiff Bus regarding inadequate public transport as well as further improve primary school education as a School Governor.
How will you communicate with residents in your ward?
As a Rhiwbina resident I meet residents out and about during the course of my regular work around the ward. Regular ward surgeries advertised locally, PACT meeting regular attendance as I have been doing as well as newsletters; Social Media and email.
What issues that affect the whole city would you like to get involved in?
I have been heavily involved in bringing faith communities together in closer partnership with third sector and statutory organisations to address issues of homelessness for the vulnerable across our city. I intend to continue this work increasing closer working as well as helping those in need.
There is much work to do to support the vulnerable across our city. Whether it’s raising awareness of human trafficking or providing debt advice in our Foodbank centres these need to be further developed.
As a Corporate Parent for Looked After Children I would ensure each child or young person has the opportunity to achieve their full potentially educationally.
Final Comments
What would you change about Cardiff and why?
I would like to see the equalising of opportunity right across our city addressed. That each child irrespective of where they live reach their full potential. I’d like to see plans to improve employment opportunities for all particularly those who could fall into a category referred to a NEETS. If we don’t invest in the next generation our city will not prosper. I’d like to ensure funding for Social Services is increased, in particular increasing funding given to support domiciliary care in the community keeping older residents living as independently as they are able.
Any final comments?
Thank you for the opportunity to set out my ‘Independent’ thoughts and priorities for Rhiwbina over the next 5 years.
My Cardiff North 