Joel Williams: Conservatives – Pontprennau and Old St Mellons

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.

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Joel Williams

Name – Joel Williams
Party – Conservatives
Ward – Pontprennau and Old St Mellons
Website – joelwilliams.net
Twitter – @JoelTory
Facebook –
How can people get in touch with you? – joel.williams@welshconservatives.com, Telephone, Social Media.

About You

Tell us about yourself

Cardiff born and bred I’ve lived in Pontprennau and Old St Mellons all my life. I was educated at the local Village Primary School and at St Teilos Church in Wales High School. I first became interested in representing the views of others when I was asked to stand for the School Council when I was 11 years old. I was unhappy with the School’s uniform and the lack of practical work in science lessons!

I am passionate about improving public services that work for all, coming from a family of teachers I understand the importance of education and delivering sustained teaching and learning for all children. When I was 18 I was appointed a governor of a local primary school, since then I serve the School as Vice-Chair and Chair of the Finance & Estates Committee.

My interests in law and the planning system in Wales led me to become an active campaigner against unsustainable forms of greenfield development. In 2014 I led a legal challenge against a major development between Pontprennau and Old St Mellons. Cardiff needs homes, but these homes must be sustainable, with improved infrastructure and roads links- currently we lack this approach.

I’m a member of the local church in Old St Mellons and Old St Mellons Village Association (OSMVA). OSMVA organise social and sporting activities in Old St Mellons and hold regular events throughout the year that bring the community together. I have a keen interest in acting and am a member of a local amateur dramatics group in Cardiff.

Since 2012 I’ve run a small local business in Cardiff which publishes a magazine twice a year- the directory contains contacts for local businesses and groups in the area and has enabled me to listen to the views of others.

What are the biggest issues in your ward?

Parking and congestion is by far the biggest issue that comes up on the doorstep in Pontprennau and parts of Old St Mellons. There’s no point in highlighting an issue unless your prepared to do your best to do something about it. Linked in with congestion is greenfield development. We can’t build thousands of homes between Lisvane and Pontprennau unless we have the road network and infrastructure arrangements in place.

That is why local residents fought against the development between Pontprennau and Old St Mellons- the Pentwyn Link Road is already over capacity with neighbours spending hours in lost time waiting to get onto the M4 or Eastern Avenue.

Unless we address greenfield development from a strategic position the operational fallout on our streets will be continued and worsened parking problems and congestion. Let’s get it right for Cardiff, let’s get it right for Pontprennua and Old St Mellons. It would be wrong for me to promise a quick fix but I will fight tooth and nail for one!

What’s your favourite place in Cardiff and why?

For me it has to be Roath Park.

For the last couple of years its been a privilege to volunteer at Cartref Care Home on Lake Road West- after our meetings I often go for a walk round the lake and ‘clear my head’. Its funny how many people you meet there too!

What do you think should be done to improve engagement in politics?

Politics has become a dirty word and its the job of politicians to do something about it. When people ask me on the doorstep why I got involved in politics my answer is always the same: Once I was shouting on the sidelines for action, in this case I contacted Cllr Rees (my running mate for the Elections in May) about 10 years ago because of speeding traffic and pavement conditions, it was Dianne who challenged me to get involved and help improve our Community.

Politics must mean something, it impacts our lives in a good way and a bad way. Improving turnout in elections can only be achieved if residents can see that voting will make a difference. Local elections arguably have the most visible influence over our lives. For example our councils control our schools, our planning system, care for elderly residents, environment, parking and local roads. These examples can influence our wellbeing and effect the areas in which we want to live.

What’s your favourite film?

The best films are the films that make you laugh, for me ‘White Chicks’ is in my top 10.

If You’re Elected

What will you do to improve your ward?

Teamwork is needed to improve the issues our Community faces. Working as team, Dianne Rees and I will do what we can to get the job done when it comes to parking and congestion challenges in Pontprennau and parts of Old St Mellons.

Let’s be honest, if 4,500 homes is given the green light on Greenfields between Lisvane and Pontprennau, our roads will become completely gridlocked.

In Cardiff there is united opposition to Cardiff Labour’s 40,000 dwelling plan for Cardiff. Ask yourself: Where are the roads? Where are the school places? Where are the hospital beds?

It would be wrong to promise that if elected all greenfield development will go away but we must revise down mass development and ensure infrastructure arrangements and roads are in place before we embark on mass schemes.

Flytipping and the speed of traffic continue to cause concern for local residents. The Council must be tough on flytipping and use cctv footage to detect and prosecute offenders.

There are a number of issues that impact a small number of people and we are committed to working with individuals and groups to mitigate any local issues or concerns and act for our Community.

How will you communicate with residents in your ward?

Since 2012 we have been keeping residents informed through our regular newsletters. We also send our targeted letters to areas that are affected by a particular issue.

Since 2015 the Pontprennau Community Facebook page has been a great way to highlight local issues and respond to concerns raised by residents. Hopefully we have proven to the Community that we work well as a team and can do much more if both elected in May 2017.

Social media has become an important way of communicating quickly with residents and this must continue.

What issues that affect the whole city would you like to get involved in?

Delivering a robust education plan for our City that aims to educate and work with parents, staff, teachers and governors to get the best deal for all stakeholders in Cardiff School’s.

The Local Development Plan needs to be revisited to take account of the views of local residents who are overwhelmingly against mass green field development. Residents were ignored when the Plan was passed in 2015.

Final Comments

What would you change about Cardiff and why?

Cardiff is in a critical part of its development. We must get it right because we can’t afford to get it wrong.

The best people to deliver change in Cardiff and its Communities are local people who know the issues that Cardiff faces. That should also apply to local Communities who should be represented by those who know the issues and are committed to fighting for a solution that works.

As far a possible, party politics should be put to one side and Cardiff and its resident’s prioritised.

Any final comments?

These elections are crucial for Cardiff and for Pontprennau and Old St Mellons. In many ways the election is a local referendum on the issues that matter to residents. Parking. Greenfield development. Congestion.

It is a privilege to fight for our Community and for our City.

Michael Cope: Green Party – Llanishen

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Michael Cope

Name – Michael Cope
Party – Green Party
Ward – Llanishen
Website –
Twitter –
Facebook –
How can people get in touch with you? – Through email at michaelcope@walesyounggreens.uk.

About You

Tell us about yourself

I grew up in Llanishen and with the exception of four years at university have lived here all my life-22 years in total. I love living in Cardiff and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I’m a passionate writer and my ultimate dream is to get that first novel published. I’m an avid tennis fan, a reader of high fantasy fiction and a proud geek. Having lived in Llanishen for so long, I feel it is now time to throw my hat into the ring and run for Council myself. I joined the Green Party because of its strong history of local activism and because it is the only party to put the environment at the heart of policy making. I believe in getting more young people and members of other underrepresented groups involved in politics and support any efforts to increase engagement.

What are the biggest issues in your ward?

One of the biggest issues facing residents (and the issue which inspired me to stand for council) is the cuts which have been and are currently being made to public services in Llanishen. The running of Llanishen Leisure Centre has been outsourced and library services and social care services are under pressure. We need to start putting money back into these vital public services, which bring important long term benefits to people’s health and wellbeing and save money in the long run. One issue which has only recently started to make the news, but urgently needs more attention from policy makers is air pollution. Air pollution has potentially harmful and even life limiting effects and children are particularly vulnerable. We need a cross party effort to tackle this issue, and Green Party councillors need to be a part of it. The state of Llanishen’s shopping streets must be improved, particularly areas such as the Llangranog Road shops, which have fallen into decay and become blighted with litter. Finally, we in Llanishen are lucky to have a lot of green space. We need to make sure that our green space is not only protected from development, but properly maintained so that it can be enjoyed by us and by future generations.

What’s your favourite place in Cardiff and why?

Roath Park and the pleasure gardens hold special memories for me. I remember feeding the ducks with my parents when I was a child and playing tennis on the courts every Sunday as a teenager. In Llanishen, I love the tree lined grassy verges between Thornhill Road, Cilgerran Crescent and the bottom of Templeton Avenue. In spring, they come alive with daffodils and crocuses. I walk past them most days and they give a constant reminder of how important our green spaces are and why I’m doing what I’m doing.

What do you think should be done to improve engagement in politics?

The most important and most ambitious step would be to introduce a fully proportional voting system for Welsh Assembly and local council elections. Many people are reluctant to vote as they feel that their vote is worthless and cannot change anything. Proportional representation would mean that every vote would count, whoever it is for, and it would inspire people who rarely vote to do so often. Compulsory political education needs to be introduced into school curriculums. Young people need to be equipped with knowledge about how the Welsh political system works, as well as the critical thinking skills necessary to make an informed choice at the ballot box. The voting age should be lowered to sixteen. Politics is a two way street. If you don’t engage with the people you represent or want to represent, you have no right to their support or vote. We need to start engaging with residents in a meaningful way. It has long been Green Party policy to devolve decisions to the lowest local level possible. I would like to see Cardiff Council try this by, for example, holding meaningful public consultations on Cardiff Council budgets. If elected, I will push for them to do this. Finally, I would like to say that I disagree with compulsory voting. All it does is massage turnout figures and does not attempt to engage with the reasons why many people don’t vote. Choosing not to vote is just as much a political decision as voting, and if politicians want to see the turnout figure increase, we must show that we are worth voting for.

What’s your favourite film?

I don’t have one. I’m not much of a film fan.

If You’re Elected

What will you do to improve your ward?

If elected, I will push the council to put money back into local services and to bring Llanishen Leisure Centre back under council control. I will challenge any attempt to sell off or build upon the green spaces we are lucky to have in our ward. I will call for more resources for park maintenance and litter collection. The Love Where You Live campaign should be extended to all wards and litter collections should run at all times of the year. I will do my best to make Llanishen one of the greenest, safest wards in Cardiff. I will provide strong scrutiny of council policy to ensure that it is the best it can be. Above all, I will be a constant voice for the residents of Llanishen. As a local resident myself, the decisions the council makes about Llanishen’s services, environment, roads, businesses, and buildings affect me too. I will not forget this, nor will I forget the people who elected me. Should the council make a decision which negatively affects Llanishen or its residents, I will fight the council all the way and stand by the people who are not just fellow residents, but friends and neighbours too.

How will you communicate with residents in your ward?

I will hold regular, monthly surgeries in safe, accessible locations, with the option to hold them more frequently if demand is high. I will produce printed newsletters to update residents as to what the Green Party is doing but also use social media to reach as many people as possible. I will spend as much time as possible doing ward work and casework and will be available through email and phone. I will also regularly knock doors and canvass opinion on our progress and council policy. The Green Party prides itself on being as accessible and approachable as possible and I will carry that philosophy through to my dealings with fellow residents. The Cardiff Green Party and Wales Green Party have active Facebook and Twitter pages which can be used to reach us. I will also work with the other three Llanishen councillors to make sure that residents can see us as a group.

What issues that affect the whole city would you like to get involved in?

I would like to take an active role in solving the city’s homelessness crisis, a crisis which will only get worse if action is not taken now. I would like to work with those who are responsible for housing to make sure that more social housing is created and we can provide safe, stable homes for all people who are homeless or in crisis. As a Green Party member, the environment is close to my heart and I would become personally involved in any effort to make Cardiff as green and sustainable a city as possible. I would also like to make sure that local services and social care services are protected from budget cuts as much as possible.

Final Comments

What would you change about Cardiff and why?

Cardiff is a wonderful city and a great place to live. We need to be proud of it and take care of it. I would like to see Cardiff become a place of safety and support for all who live in it, a place where nobody feels like they aren’t valued or that their needs aren’t being met. I would like to see a greater emphasis on providing a city which future generations can take pride in. We need to make sure that Cardiff can withstand the challenges of the future and come out of them stronger.

Any final comments?

I hope that everyone in Llanishen votes Green on May 4th. The Green Party is a party of the future. We are forward looking. We provide a truly environmental outlook on policy and are dedicated to protecting green spaces and strengthening public services. But whatever your political opinion, I urge everyone to vote on May 4th. Cardiff Council matters, and the policies made there will impact upon all our lives. We need to make sure that the people making those policies are the right people and that they have their residents best interests at heart. Thank you for reading my answers and thanks to Jack for providing all candidates with this platform.

Dr Ashley Wood: Liberal Democrats – Gabalfa

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Ashley Wood

Name – Dr Ashley Wood
Party – Liberal Democrats
Ward – Gabalfa
Website – cardiffld.org.uk/gabalfa
Twitter – @TeamGabalfa
Facebook – gabalfafocusteam
How can people get in touch with you? – ashleywood007@gmail.com

About You

Tell us about yourself

I have lived in Cardiff since 2003, moving here to study Optometry at Cardiff University. I’m now a qualified Optometrist, and since completing a PhD in Vision Science in 2011, have been employed as a lecturer at the University where I teach and undertake research into Age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of vision loss in the UK. In my spare time, I will often go for walks in the country or tend my vegetable patch and probably spend a little too much time watching DVD boxsets. I’m also a Cardiff RFC season ticket holder and try to make it to the Arms Park as often as I can.

I’ve had an interest in politics for many years with strong views on inequality in society, but it was the invasion of Iraq and the principled stance of the then leader Charles Kennedy that finally convinced me to join the Liberal Democrats. So when I moved to Mynachdy in 2008 it didn’t take long for my new local councillor, Ed Bridges, to encourage me to get involved with the work of the local Focus Team representing our community, and as they say the rest is history.

What are the biggest issues in your ward?

Through living in Mynachdy myself and the many conversations with other residents over the years I’m aware of numerous issues affecting our area including traffic, the state of our roads and pavements, anti-social behaviour and bouts of car crime to name a few. But the three biggest current issue are probably the cleanliness of our area, availability of parking and local transport links.

In the last few years the cleanliness of our area has suffered from increased fly-tipping and rubbish in our streets and lanes. I feel strongly that changes made by the current council which includes introducing charges for bulky waste collections, reducing the size of the black bins and ending of regular lane sweeping, have all combined to make the problem worse. I’m greatly concerned by their plan to close Wedal Road, leaving the north of Cardiff without a tip that will accept general waste, that will no doubt increase fly-tipping and further inconvenience residents.

Local transport links in recent years, particularly around Mynachdy, have seen loss of bus services and diversions away from local stops, leaving many residents who rely on public transport in the area feeling marooned.

Whilst demand for parking is increasing everywhere, locally this is exacerbated by the proximity to the Heath Hospital and the current parking regulations which means residents increasing struggle to find spaces on their streets, especially in the evenings.

What’s your favourite place in Cardiff and why?

I love walking and being outdoors, and we are lucky in Cardiff to have some wonderful places on our very doorstep such as Bute Park, Roath Park lake and the River Taff, but if I had to plump for a favourite it would be Fforest Fawr. In particular the views across Cardiff glimpsed through the tress on a sunny winters morning with Castell Coch in the foreground.

What do you think should be done to improve engagement in politics?

A fair electoral system is essential. I believe our current ‘first past the post’ system, with the winner takes all approach, leads many people to feel disconnected from their representatives who make decision on their behalf. Representatives in our system are too often felt to only represent those who voted for them and not the whole community, which leads to apathy and loss of faith in democracy. Proportional systems by contrast allow everyone’s vote to count, not just for those who chose the winner. I believe this will lead to a more diverse range of people elected, and make it more likely everyone in the community has a representative who shares their views and can express them when decisions are made.

To improve engagement in local government I believe in giving more power to councils and giving councils greater ability to choose what to spend money on or how they make decision. This will allow representatives greater freedom to pursue and act on the issues of importance to our communities.

These two measures I believe would make elected representatives more relevant to voter’s everyday lives and help make representatives elected more closely reflect the background and views of the people they represent.

What’s your favourite film?

Dr Strangelove.

If You’re Elected

What will you do to improve your ward?

I want to improve the cleanliness of our area by reversing Labour’s plan to close Wedal Road tip, which will make problems with fly-tipping even worse, and support the reintroduction of free bulky waste collections. I will also lobby for roads to be swept the day after bin collections, when rubbish is most likely to be on the street, not the day before as currently happens.

I want to address local parking problems by getting the council to change the parking policy through increasing the proportion of streets given to resident parking bays on streets from 50% to 75%. I will also push for more visits by traffic enforcement at times when parking is in highest demand.

I will continue to campaign for a Mynachdy & Talybont train station as part of any Cardiff Metro project and pressure Cardiff Bus to bring services back to Mynachdy. I would also like to see improvements in the cycle infrastructure, but importantly, in a way that does not adversely affect pedestrians.

How will you communicate with residents in your ward?

As part of our Focus Team I’m very proud of our record on communicating with and engaging with local residents all year round, not just at elections like other parties. I’m a regular attendee at PACT meetings and will continue to be so. We distribute a regular Focus newsletter which keeps residents up to date with local issues, our campaigns and the work of the elected representatives. We also distribute letters when planning or licensing applications are made so residents can make their views known, and we regularly knock doors to hear resident views and to discuss local issues, campaigns and petitions. We also communicate via Twitter and Facebook accounts which we use to keep residents posted on the latest news in our area and what we’ve been up to.

What issues that affect the whole city would you like to get involved in?

I would like to improve transport links across Cardiff by ensuring the Cardiff Metro is delivered effectively with better rail links, more frequent services and importantly a station at Mynachdy & Talybont. I would also like to see the council improve the cycle infrastructure in the city, with an ambitious plan that actually links up cycle routes and provides safe, purpose built lanes wherever possible.

Final Comments

What would you change about Cardiff and why?

Over the last 20 years we have seen massive investment in Cardiff Bay, which is now one of the jewels in the crown of our city, but for many residents of Cardiff particularly in the north, travelling to the Bay involves crossing the congested city centre by car or with the public transport alternatives that often require transfers. Whilst I feel strongly that the city centre remains the main hub for civic and commercial activity in the city, we need to improve links to the Bay so all residents can visit the area and make use of the amenities.

Obviously, I would also like to see a change from a Labour to a Liberal Democrat run Cardiff Council!

Any final comments?

Like my colleague Rhys Taylor, I would like to thank My Cardiff North for carrying out this survey and making it easier for people to engage with the democratic process through this informative website.

Georgina Phillips: Labour – Pontprennau and Old St Mellons

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Georgina Phillips

Name – Georgina Phillips
Party – Labour
Ward – Pontprennau and Old St Mellons
Website – cardifflabour.wales
Twitter – @G_A_Phillips
Facebook – PontprennauOldStMellonsLabour
How can people get in touch with you? – By any of the ways already provided. Most residents already have official telephone no. which is still usable.

About You

Tell us about yourself

I was born and brought up in Cardiff, and have lived in Old St. Mellons for about 25 years. I have watched Pontprennau grow from farm land to the new community which has developed over all these years.

When I was first married I spent some years travelling with my husband, who was an officer in the Merchant Navy. We both thoroughly enjoyed the travelling, and I was lucky enough to visit a very large part of the world. However, after almost thirty years of travelling we decided to settle down and since that time the urge to get away has completely left both of us! people often ask if we are going away for a holiday. The answer is always no, because as we explain – to us it was work which always took us away, and holiday time brought us home! Therefore, for us we are always on holiday these days, even though both of us are working full time!

I am very happy being at home totally immersed in the community in which I live and work. Perhaps that is why I enjoy being a Councillor so much. My relationship with this community is an enormous part of my life, and also a very important part. I suppose that is why I am standing yet again.

What are the biggest issues in your ward?

Parking is an enormous issue in both Pontprennau and Old St. Mellons. In both cases it is however for very different reasons. This is I think one of the problems which this particular issue has. I know from listening to concerns expressed by other colleagues from different areas of Cardiff that the whole parking situation is becoming a major problem throughout the city, though for many different reasons. The simple fact is that we have more traffic than we have roads to accommodate it. However, we cannot of course just keep building more and more roads. Where would we put more roads? And where would we park all these vehicles?

The second issue in the Ward is also caused by traffic. Again this is both parts of the Ward, and this is the need to get the lanes which lead from Old St. Mellons towards Lisvane closed. This would finally give a feeling of peace and safety to all the residents who live alongside those particular roads. There are I know many residents in both Pontprennau and Old St. Mellons who want the roads to be closed as a priority.

What’s your favourite place in Cardiff and why?

My favourite place is the castle and Bute park. It is a beautiful area, and what a stunning feature for tourists to see and enjoy. I love it because it has both peace and tranquillity on the one hand, and also provides a beautiful setting for major events.

What do you think should be done to improve engagement in politics?

To me the issue is about talking with residents, listening to what they are saying, and taking on board the majority view rather than your own opinion.

What’s your favourite film?

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the galaxy.

If You’re Elected

What will you do to improve your ward?

Try to resolve some of the issues which residents are concerned about.

How will you communicate with residents in your ward?

I will go on using social media because quite a few people do seem to like that particular way of communicating. I will also use email, and the good old-fashioned telephone. However, I have been putting out a quarterly newsletter for the past 18 years and so many people really do like to have that old way of communicating, and so I would carry on putting that out too.

It has always been quite amazing to me how many people say they look forward to it arriving every quarter. As soon as it goes through their letterbox they say they make a cup of tea or a coffee and sit down and read it!

What issues that affect the whole city would you like to get involved in?

I think after everything I have said about the main issues not only in my ward by in I would think every other ward in Cardiff, I would like to be involved in all issues relating to roads, traffic, parking etc. I honestly do think that these are going to be the biggest issues which have to be resolved in some way in the coming years. What we really need is a huge improvement in public transport.

I would also like to be involved in planning in order to protect our remaining green spaces.

Final Comments

What would you change about Cardiff and why?

Cardiff is a beautiful city, often spoiled by the dropping of litter and fly-tipping. Both these issues need to be resolved in some way. They are for me the worst things we have to deal with. Of all the problems we have, the ones which make me the most upset and angry are these two issues.

Perhaps there needs to be greater fining when people are caught. Whatever is done to try to deal with this issue, it has to be dealt with. It is spoiling what is otherwise an amazing city.

Any final comments?

Being a Councillor representing your Ward gives you the ability to help individual residents on the one hand, or the whole community with major issues on the other.

It is I would have to say an enormous privilege and something I enjoy very much. I would recommend it to anyone!

Shane Andrews: Labour – Pontprennau and Old St Mellons

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Shane Andrews

Name – Shane Andrews
Party – Labour
Ward – Pontprennau and Old St Mellons
Website – cardifflabour.wales
Twitter – @gingio
Facebook – PontprennauOldStMellonsLabour
How can people get in touch with you? – Whichever way is preferred by the individual making contact.

About You

Tell us about yourself

I’m Shane Andrews and I was born and bred in Cardiff, a fact I am proud of. I live my life by the mantra of ‘Work hard, play harder’.

I work hard by day in the public transport industry and then most evenings I work in various voluntary roles. These range from fundraising for various charities, being a school governor, being a trustee for Cardiff East Scout District and working with Pride Cymru.

Outside of volunteering my interests are centred around current affairs, travelling and music. I’ll listen to almost anything, from Abba through to The Zutons. I’m also a big Royalist and very lucky to say that I was invited by Her Majesty The Queen to attend a Garden Party last year. It was the best day of my life! A real dream come true.

Words used by others to describe me often include: friendly, consistent, gregarious and fun.

What are the biggest issues in your ward?

The main issues that I’m hearing about, be it on the doorstep, telephone or via social media, is parking.

Parking is a big issue right across the ward, be it for those in the west, impacted by business such as the Barclaycard call centre, or those in the east impacted by the many businesses at Cardiff Gate Business Park. The way to fix it isn’t an obvious one, nor an easy one, despite it seeming so simple. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not possible.

If I’m elected, I will work with residents and businesses to seek solutions. Each area of the ward is different and should be treated as so, but there are many options to be discussed such as residents permits, enforcement or maybe even a modal shift. I mention modal shift because I personally use the Cardiff East Park & Ride (P&R) each day. Nothing pains me more than seeing the car park with so many available spaces and the bus going up to Cardiff Gate with no passengers boarding from the P&R.

The other issue is the lack of community facility, which was promised previously. If elected, I’ll fight for that.

What’s your favourite place in Cardiff and why?

I adore the Cardiff Bay barrage. There’s nothing better than a walk along there during early evening, particularly as the sun is setting. I think I like it so much as it’s peaceful and unique to our city!

What do you think should be done to improve engagement in politics?

I think trust is a big issue. Many politicians aren’t transparent enough and are deemed to be ‘out of touch’. Engaging with the electorate is difficult to get right, but consistency and transparency are two significant steps towards this.

What’s your favourite film?

Notting Hill.

If You’re Elected

What will you do to improve your ward?

I will work tirelessly to represent the ward and ensure that voices are listened to. I am conscious that I’ll be YOUR representative, so therefore it’s right that I listen and consult reguarly on issues as they arise.

I will work with businesses and residents to improve the parking issues. As I mentioned earlier, there isn’t a quick one fix or magic wand! But, that doesn’t mean it’s not possible to alleviate some of the problems being endured day in, day out, right now.

I’ll also fight for the community facility that was promised.

How will you communicate with residents in your ward?

In what ever ways are preferable! Some may want to hear from me via email or a post through the door, others may wish to hear from me via social media. If it works for the resident, then it works for me! I’ll be communicating via as many ways that I can.

What issues that affect the whole city would you like to get involved in?

Good question! Cardiff is often dubbed the fastest growing European capital city, yet we’re behind in some aspects of that, particularly transport. For example, if you travel to close capitals such as Dublin or London, you can hire a bicycle for an hour or two, yet you can’t here. We need to change that.

Our road network is very fragile, I’d be keen on exploring how we might make that work better for the wider benefit of the whole city.

Anything that boosts our cities reputation to tourists would be something of huge interest to me, from improvements to signage to street cleanliness, I’m sure there’s lots that could be on that agenda.

Final Comments

What would you change about Cardiff and why?

I’d keep the Dr Who exhibition open at the bay. I’m not going to confess to being a fan, but what I do know is that it attracts so many fans and tourists. It seems a great shame to be closing down later this year.

One thing I’d love to see is better rail links to the East of Cardiff, because it’s strange to have a whole chunk of Cardiff without easy access to the UK National Rail network. It’s also frustrating for us all to have to go 4 or 5 miles in to the city centre to then technically go back on ourselves once we’re on the train (provided we’re going east, of course!).

Finally, I’d be interested in looking at some sort of “open city” event, where members of the public get the opportunity to view buildings that are not normally open to the public. This is a big thing elsewhere in the UK but doesn’t seem to have made it here yet and we have so much here to see!

Any final comments?

To me, being a councillor is 3 things.

First and most importantly is that you’re a representative of those that voted to elect you (and also those that didn’t!). You have to be the representative of the needs of the community and not follow your own agenda.
Secondly, a councillor should be representative and ambassador of the city and county of Cardiff. This should be enacted consistently.
Thirdly and arguably the least important of the three, is that you’re a representative of your political party – in my case, Labour.

If I am lucky enough to be elected, I’ll follow these 3 principles throughout my time as councillor.

Dan Allsobrook: Plaid Cymru – Whitchurch and Tongwynlais

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Dan Allsobrook

Name – Dan Allsobrook
Party – Plaid Cymru
Ward – Whitchurch and Tongwynlais
Website –
Twitter – @PlaidCymruENT
Facebook – PlaidCymruENT
How can people get in touch with you? – plaidcymrueglwysnewydd@gmail.com

About You

Tell us about yourself

I was brought up in Whitchurch, attending Eglwys Newydd Primary School and Whitchurch High School in the 1970s and 1980s. It seems a long time ago now! I’m married with two kids; both boys are pupils at Ysgol Gymraeg Melin Gruffydd.

I’m a self-employed IT consultant. Currently I’m working in financial services but I’ve worked in a variety of industries during my career. One of my proudest achievements was working on the build and opening of Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay. It was an amazing experience and I still love visiting the building after 13 years.

I’m a keen but not particularly talented cyclist, and am very passionate about active travel. I commute to work on the Taff Trail every day and enjoy riding for leisure around South Wales whenever I have time to spare.

I’ve served on the committees of two local rugby clubs, Cardiff Harlequins and CRICC, for several years now. These community clubs are vitally important for the health and happiness of young people in the area. Like so many of our local resources, they rely almost completely on volunteers for survival.

Whitchurch is a great place to live, but we face many challenges and that’s why I’m putting myself forward to try to help us all meet them.

What are the biggest issues in your ward?

Traffic congestion, parking and pollution
Potholes and road maintenance
Safety and security for residents
Facilities for people of all ages – social care, libraries, schools and public transport
Litter
A safe and clean environment for kids to travel to school – road crossings, cycle paths and walkways free from hazards and danger

What’s your favourite place in Cardiff and why?

Spiller’s Records. I’ve loved that place since I was a kid. I admire the way it’s survived and stayed faithful to the independent music ethos.

What do you think should be done to improve engagement in politics?

Reduce the voting age to 16
Election hustings in every school
Mock elections in every school
Ensure politics is taught at all levels of the curriculum
Emphasise the impact your vote has in changing the community you live in for the better
Improve the quality of local and national media

What’s your favourite film?

Withnail and I.

If You’re Elected

What will you do to improve your ward?

We need to grasp the nettle and realise that we must move away from reliance on the car as the primary mode of transport. This may involve tough choices, such as congestion charging and harsher traffic and parking penalties, but we have already done irreversible damage to ourselves and our environment. Drastic action is needed.

Tidying up. This sounds really simple but we need to encourage people to come together to help clean up and take pride in our community. Littering is something everyone can do something about. Whether it’s organised litter picks or volunteer wardens making sure that people dispose of their rubbish in the right way. We need to foster a community where irresponsible, anti-social behaviour is not tolerated.

Safe routes to school and work. We need clearly-marked and protected pathways to enable everyone to get where they need to go without having to face unnecessary danger.

Community hubs. Working with local businesses and residents to provide residents of all ages with somewhere to go and things to do. Develop the Whitchurch Library and Park site into a valuable community resource.

How will you communicate with residents in your ward?

Digital communication and social media are great for engaging with younger people, but there is no substitute for face-to-face contact. Street stalls, surgeries, community groups and home visits ensure that no-one feels they’re out of the loop.

What issues that affect the whole city would you like to get involved in?

I’m very concerned about traffic congestion and the lack of active travel and public transport alternatives. Pollution is a hidden menace which is damaging us and our environment. There needs to be a step change in the way we behave, and it needs to happen now.

Better cycling facilities and safe walkways are part of this, but proper joined-up public transport services need to be implemented if we are to persuade people to get out of their cars. I’m very keen to get involved with this as a councillor.

Final Comments

What would you change about Cardiff and why?

Introduce a congestion charge
Better park and ride facilities
Invest in joined-up, 24-hour public transport which is safe and reliable
Be proud and respectful of our environment and fellow citizens

Any final comments?

I’m not a politician. I just want to make our village and city safer, happier and cleaner. I’m not going to do that on my own. We need to encourage everyone to re-engage with the way in which our city is governed and participate in the decision-making process. This will only happen if we elect politicians who listen and who are brave enough to talk about the difficult things we need to do in order to make Cardiff a better place to live.

Crispin John: UKIP – Llanishen

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Crispin John

Name – Crispin John
Party – UKIP
Ward – Llanishen
Website – ukipcymru.wales
Twitter – @CrispinJohn
Facebook –
How can people get in touch with you? – Twitter

About You

Tell us about yourself

I was born in Cardiff and was educated at Cardiff High School and Cardiff University. I have lived in North Cardiff for over 20 years and I have had a varied career in financial services and the public sector. I am now Senior Advisor and Researcher for Gareth Bennett AM at the National Assembly for Wales. My special policy interests include transport, planning, local government and housing.

I’ve previously held a number of roles as a school governor and in the voluntary sector, and I’ve been interested in politics ever since I was growing up. At knocking on for 40 years old now, I want to bring the experience I’ve gained to work together with others to make Cardiff a better place to live, work and visit.

What are the biggest issues in your ward?

By far the biggest issue is that Llanishen has been neglected and taken for granted for too long. We need to see better opportunities for local people, and regeneration of our communities. From the shops at Llangranog Road to the Business Park and Industrial Estate at Ty Glas, investment is desperately needed.

We need to improve transport links and ensure that local services like libraries and community centres are protected from damaging cuts, so we give all of our community the best possible opportunities to get on in life.

What’s your favourite place in Cardiff and why?

Working in the Bay, people may expect me to say it’s down there, but I like to get away from it all. I love walking, so heading up to Cefn Onn Park or the Wenallt is probably my favourite activity, just to get away from it all and enjoy what North Cardiff has to offer.

What do you think should be done to improve engagement in politics?

We need more ‘real people” in politics, people who represent society as a whole and who aren’t just cardboard cut-outs in suits. Now I do like a suit myself, but I’m equally at home in a pair of jeans and a T shirt. The point is really that people do feel cut off from politics, and I want to change that. It starts by getting more people from all walks of life engaged and involved in the daily grind of it all.

What’s your favourite film?

Airplane!

If You’re Elected

What will you do to improve your ward?

I’ll stand up for the people of Llanishen and Thornhill by providing a strong voice in the Council Chamber and will really listen to what people are saying. There are some really simple steps that can be taken to make a difference to some of the things that niggle people on a daily basis. This goes from basic highways maintenance like dealing with pot holes and uneven pavements, to eliminating rat-runs, to ensuring that antisocial behaviour is dealt with. We also need to look at regeneration of areas in the ward where it’s desperately needed. In particular, I’m concerned about the Business Park at Ty Glas which is rapidly emptying, and there are proposals to move the Tax Office to Cardiff City Centre. We need to develop a plan to ensure the community doesn’t suffer as a result.

How will you communicate with residents in your ward?

The first part of communication is listening, so I will make sure that I do this by holding regular surgeries, establishing a social media presence dedicated to the ward, and undertaking resident’s surveys for those who want to contribute. I will also keep people updated with what I’m doing by regular updates, and if anyone has an issue and wants to get in touch, I will always be pleased to hear from them.

What issues that affect the whole city would you like to get involved in?

One of the major challenges facing Cardiff at the moment is the Local Development Plan and its impact on public transport. I’ll bring my experience to tackling that and pushing for the best possible outcome for Llanishen and Thornhill to protect our bus and train services. I’ll also be looking to protect those essential public services we all rely on; waste collections, libraries, care for the elderly and schools and youth services.

Final Comments

What would you change about Cardiff and why?

Cardiff needs to be a city which works for everybody. This just isn’t happening at the moment and the Council has become tired and ineffective. The Council needs to work hard, and not just at election time, so that’s what I would change about the city. I’m proud to live in Cardiff, proud to be a Cardiffian, and by working together, we can make the changes we need to make this an even better place to live.

Any final comments?

Non submitted (Editor)

Phil Bale: Labour – Llanishen

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Phil Bale

Name – Phil Bale
Party – Labour
Ward – Llanishen
Website – welshlabour.wales
Twitter – @PhilBale
Facebook – llanishenlabour17
How can people get in touch with you? – llanishenthornhilllabour@gmail.com

About You

Tell us about yourself

https://cardiffleadersblog.wordpress.com/biography/

What are the biggest issues in your ward?

Restoring Llanishen Reservoir & securing the return of sailing and leisure activities for the community with new owners Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water.
Secure the future of the local Police Station and Library in Llanishen and Thornhill by creating a new Community Hub in the Police Station building.
Raising school standards even further.
Better transport links, including walking, cycling and local bus services.
Improving local parks and neighbourhood shopping centres, such as Fishguard Road and Llangranog Road in Llanishen.

What’s your favourite place in Cardiff and why?

Just one?!!! I’m a big fan of the Look Out Café in the World of Boats attraction down in Cardiff Bay. Its terrace has some of the best views you’ll find looking out across the Cardiff Bay waterfront and owner Graham and his wife are fantastic too! In Llanishen, ‘Yogamobility’ is another hidden gem who provide specialist yoga sessions for people with all forms of physical and mental disability. They are based in a slightly hidden cottage retreat off Fidlas Road but often have fundraising events and I always find a warm welcome for visitors!

What do you think should be done to improve engagement in politics?

Locally, the City Council needs to extend its use of social media networks and look at more ways in which the views of local residents can be taken into account when making decisions. Cardiff Labour are also committed to extending the use of webcasting of Council meetings so that residents can follow the work of their local representatives more easily. The Planning Committee is now webcast and this has attracted lots of views.

I also support the current proposal from Welsh Government extend voting rights to 16 and 17 year olds for Welsh elections, as is the case in Scotland.

What’s your favourite film?

Citizen Kane.

If You’re Elected

What will you do to improve your ward?

Campaign to restore Llanishen Reservoir and bring back sailing and other leisure activities
Work to ensure our schools continue to improve
Work to improve our local shopping centres and open spaces
Support a new Llanishen library and community hub
Continue to hold regular Councillor surgeries

How will you communicate with residents in your ward?

As local Welsh Labour Councillors, Garry Hunt, Julia Magill and myself have held regular surgeries in both Llanishen and Thornhill as well as attended the regular PACT meetings with the Police in Llanishen and in Thornhill.

We have also produced a regular newsletter and now have a new ‘Facebook’ page where we regularly post updates on what we’ve been doing as local councillors, all of which I would plan to continue.

What issues that affect the whole city would you like to get involved in?

I’d want to help Cardiff make the most of hosting June’s Champions League Football Final – the world’s biggest sporting event this year – which will attract thousands to Cardiff and a worldwide TV audience of over 200m people! It’s a great chance for our city to once again shine on a world stage! Other interests include better cycling and public transport, the regeneration of Central Square and Cardiff Bay and potential bids for European Green Capital and Capital of Culture!

As a growing and successful Capital City, it’s also vital the UK Government’s negotiations to take Cardiff out of the European Union (EU) doesn’t damage local jobs or the city’s economy. We will need to work hard to secure more funding and more powers for Cardiff to help the City Council get on with creating an even better city. Cardiff has always been an outward looking city and will remain a part of the European continent, so we must continue to work with cities across Europe to create jobs and promote peace and good community relations.

Final Comments

What would you change about Cardiff and why?

I’d bring trams back to Cardiff because we need them!

Any final comments?

I’d just like to thank residents in Llanishen and Thornhill for giving me, Garry and Julia the opportunity to represent the area since 2012 – and whether you voted for us or not – I hope you’ll consider putting your faith in your local Welsh Labour Team to keep delivering locally on Thursday May 4th!

Penny Owen: Labour – Heath

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Penny Owen

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.

Matt Hexter: Labour – Gabalfa

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Matt Hexter

Name – Matt Hexter
Party – Labour
Ward – Gabalfa
Website –
Twitter – @hexter101
Facebook – GabalfaGydaiGilydd
How can people get in touch with you? – matthew.r.hexter@gmail.com, Twitter of Facebook message.

About You

Tell us about yourself

My name is Matt and I was born in Cardiff and have lived here my entire life minus a short stint studying law in London. I returned back to our incredible capital city two years to study my masters in devolution and now I work as a community liaison and caseworker in Newport. I live in Gabalfa, the place where my parents and Grandparents bought their first homes and hopefully I will do the same one day soon. I am a second language Welsh speaker and you will often see my striding round the streets of Gabalfa with my orange ‘Cymraeg’ badge. I live with my partner Chloe and we look forward to owning a home mainly so we can own a dog.

What are the biggest issues in your ward?

In Gabalfa it all boils down to roads. Whether it is parking on them, how fast you can travel down them or the holes that appear in them, Gabalfa’s main issue is its roads. Though the pressures on the roads reveal other problems. There’s a housing crisis because of which children now have to spend longer living with their parents and end up taking extra car parking spaces which would otherwise go to other local residents as well as a £12 billion shortfall in funding for local authorities from the UK Government in road maintenance. Although the pressures show on the roads, the problems go much deeper.

What’s your favourite place in Cardiff and why?

Roath Park is a gorgeous place full of my childhood memories. Whether going on a rowing boat or getting chased by the geese, there is always something to do at Roath Park. The rose garden is one of my favourite places to just sit and think, and the wild gardens have a number of fantastic bridges for playing pooh sticks. It is a perfect place for children of all ages, even grown up ones.

What do you think should be done to improve engagement in politics?

Politics for me is in everything. It is the roads we drive on to the cost of a pint of milk. The burden is on politicians both at a local and national level to remind people of that, to make politics real to people, not an abstract theory or ideology but a way of changing people’s lives for the better. As such, it is important that people feel that their voices are being heard and that political parties deliver on their promises so as not to disenfranchise people. People feel all too often we are all the same, it is our responsibility to prove that we are different and that we can deliver. Only by making people see that politics makes a difference will they become engaged.

What’s your favourite film?

High Fidelity.

If You’re Elected

What will you do to improve your ward?

The first thing I would do if elected is solve the parking nightmare for local residents. Previous administrations run by a range of political parties have not done sufficient work to ensure that if you pay for a parking permit, you get a place to park. If elected I would petition the Council’s leadership to ensure a higher percentage of parking spaces were reserved for residents. I would ensure this was done in consultation with local residents and businesses to ensure a fair deal for all who want to live and work in our wonderful area. Secondly I will fight to ensure that Gabalfa gets investment in its roads. Cardiff Labour is committed to spending £540,000 on road repairs and I will make the strongest case possible that Gabalfa deserves its fair share of that funding.

How will you communicate with residents in your ward?

If elected, I will ensure I have a number of channels of communication which remain open with all residents. I will ensure that I hold regular Councillor Surgeries all across the ward so that residents can come and discuss anything that may be affected them, I will make sure that these surgeries are advertised both online as well as via posters and notices across the ward. Additionally I will publicise my contact details and encourage communication via phone call or email or via Twitter or Facebook if the resident prefers. I will regularly attend PACT meetings with whoever is also elected as a Councillor for Gabalfa and ensure that residents are notified of when those meetings are set to take place.

What issues that affect the whole city would you like to get involved in?

I am eager to become involved in the Cardiff City Deal. The £1.2 Billion investment into our city is a fantastic opportunity to provide jobs and growth for our capital, but it will also bring its challenges alongside its benefits. I want to get involved with the city deal to ensure that it is not only the businesses of Cardiff who see the rewards of this deal, but its residents too. I want to see the investment extend beyond the city centre and the few wards that surround it, I want to see a deal that works for the whole of Cardiff and the whole of the City region.

Final Comments

What would you change about Cardiff and why?

As it appears that changing the climate of a City is a bit beyond even a councillors powers, I think that the best thing we could do to improve Cardiff would be to improve the connectivity of our City. For example if you want to go from one part of the City to another on the train, more often than not, your only option would be go into the City centre and then back out again. Having a rail service (a publicly run one at that) which allowed you to cross the city would not only be incredibly helpful for commuters and families but would prevent the over centralisation that has often been a problem in Cardiff.

Any final comments?

There are many exciting opportunities and challenges facing our city in the next few years, I hope that you can trust me to be your representative through these changing times. I promise to be an effective communicator and advocate on your behalf, fighting for the best deal for us all.

I will always stick up for Gabalfa and for Cardiff because it is my home, it would be an honour to do so as your Councillor.