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 – Adrian Robson
Party – Conservatives
Ward – Rhiwbina
Website – rhiwbina.campaigningforyou.com
Twitter – @Adrian1Robson
Facebook – adrian1robson
How can people get in touch with you? – 02920627757, adrian1robson@live.co.uk.
About You
Tell us about yourself
First elected in 2004, I’ve been on various Council committees, including the planning committee. Also currently sit on the Glamorgan Archives Joint Committee and am a Non-Executive (unpaid) Director of Cardiff Bus.
Aside from politics, am a member of Cardiff Speakers Club where I practice and compete in public speaking contest.
What are the biggest issues in your ward?
The key issues are basic services. Residents want their bins emptied on time, roads and pavements, swept and in a good condition. Drains cleared, grass cut and lights repaired. Traffic schemes such as a right turn filter at the Ty Wern/Caerphilly Road junction or full pedestrian facilities at the Monico are also needed. And of course retaining facilities such as Rhiwbina Library and Wedal Road are crucial.
What’s your favourite place in Cardiff and why?
I’m going to pick two places. Firstly the views from Wenallt Road back across Rhiwbina, the City and across the Severn Estuary. The second is Cardiff Bay and the Barrage, showing how the city has grown and developed since the 1980s.
What do you think should be done to improve engagement in politics?
Politics need to have people who do what they say they will. People need to see how their vote will make a difference. If the issue is relevant to them, or they can make a real change, then they will engage in politics.
What’s your favourite film?
The Shawshank Redemption.
If You’re Elected
What will you do to improve your ward?
Keep pushing for the basic services to be delivered and for roads to be improved. I’d like to see new bus shelters constructed and the community skip scheme reintroduced. Plus retaining what we have already got, whether it is Rhiwbina Library, Wedal Road or the Pantmawr Inn.
How will you communicate with residents in your ward?
Regular newsletters, plus updates on social media. Also advice surgeries throughout Rhiwina and Pantmawr. I’m happy to receive enquiries via any method.
What issues that affect the whole city would you like to get involved in?
For me, the largest issue facing Cardiff is the Metro and the development of the transport infrastructure as the city grows. We’ve one opportunity to get it right and all Councillors need to get involved in this.
Final Comments
What would you change about Cardiff and why?
The relationship with the business community is generally very poor. Business is a key pillar of Cardiff’s success and, mostly due to personalities, there has been real fallout. It doesn’t move the city forward in the way a modern Capital city needs.
Any final comments?
Rhiwbina and Pantmawr is one of the strongest communities in Cardiff and a fantastic part of the city to represent. The residents get behind campaigns they believe in (for example approx 1,000 people turning up at the meeting to call for a community poll to save Rhiwbina Library’s funding). Rhiwbina Councillors are left in no doubt as to what residents want and we make every effort to achieve it.
My Cardiff North 