Tag: labour

Masudah Ali: Labour – Llanishen

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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Masudah Ali

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

About You

Tell us about yourself

I was born and brought up in Cardiff North. Law Student at Cardiff University and Ex-Llanishen High School Pupil and went to Ton-Yr-Ywen Primary School. I joined the Labour Party when I was 14, ever since I have been involved with campaigns, elections and working with Julie Morgan, Assembly Member for Cardiff North during my summer holidays. I am an avid supporter of lowering the voting age to 16 as issues which affects young people are not high enough in the political agenda.

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?

Cardiff Bay Barrage! Best tourist attraction and unique to our city!!

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

Voting should be extended to 16 & 17 year olds!! The current proposals from Welsh Government will help engage young voters and place their issues in the political agenda.

Also, using social media to connect with local residents.

What’s your favourite film?

Bridget Jones’s Baby.

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.
Hold regular Councillor surgeries.

How will you communicate with residents in your ward?

Hold regular surgeries in Llanishen and Thornhill
Via Facebook and Twitter.
Produce regular newsletters.
PACT Meetings.

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

I’d like to be involved with Cardiff’s City Deal, the £1.2 billion investment is an amazing opportunity for the growth of our City, unlocking a fantastic new partnership between the 10 councils in South East Wales to work on projects such as improving regional transport.

Final Comments

What would you change about Cardiff and why?

Improve the transport system.

Any final comments?

I hope you will consider voting for your Llanishen and Thornhill Labour team on Thursday 4th May!

Dilwar Ali: Labour – Llandaff North

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Dilwar Ali

Name – Dilwar Ali
Party – Labour
Ward – Llandaff North
Website – llandaffnorthlabour.org.uk
Twitter – @DilwarAliLAB
Facebook – llandaffnorthlab
How can people get in touch with you? – contact@llandaffnorthlabour.org.uk, Phone, Surgeries, Facebook & Twitter.

About You

Tell us about yourself

I live in Llandaff North and was elected to Cardiff Council on 3rd May, 2012. I also served as Deputy Lord Mayor of Cardiff 2015/2016. As a Councillor this has given me a real insight into the wide range of needs within the community and I understand the value of engaging, listening and learning. I am an Associate Member of the Royal Society for Public Health, Member of Cardiff City Supporters Trust, Member of the Advisory Board, Uprising Cymru and involved with many organisations as well as fundraising for many charities. I am a founder of NAID (Nationwide Association for Integrated Development), a charity established in 2001, and serving Director of NAID. I have served last 5 years on Cardiff Council’s Economy and Culture Committee, Democratic Services Committee, Constitution Committee, South Wales Fire & Rescue Service and Cardiff Airport Consultative Committee. I am a governor at Gabalfa and Hawthorne Primary Schools. I have vigorously campaigned for reform of the law relating to dangerous dogs and animal welfare generally. Also a keen fan of both cricket and football.

What are the biggest issues in your ward?

Residents around the ward have different issues, as every street is different but we have heard more often is speeding, parking, potholes and improvements to Hailey Park, Bowling Green and Tennis Court.

What’s your favourite place in Cardiff and why?

Love Llandaff North because of the great community feeling and lovely to have Hailey Park & Taff Trail so close to me.

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

I have a real insight into the wide range of needs within the community and I understand the value of engaging, listening and learning.

What’s your favourite film?

Star Wars.

If You’re Elected

What will you do to improve your ward?

Schools: Education is a priority for Welsh Labour. We continue to invest in all our local schools, ensuring we provide the children and young people of Llandaff North with the best education and facilities.

Parks: Our local recreation facilities are a vital part of our community. Myself and Jennifer Burke-Davies promise to improve and maintain our parks to promote health, leisure & sports, and the environment.

Potholes: Will ensure all pavements and roads are resurfaced across Llandaff North. We support the Safer Roads and ’20 is Plenty’ campaigns to make our streets safe for everyone.

Street cleaning: With the support of Keep Wales Tidy and Cardiff Council, we will campaign to ensure our streets are free of litter and well-maintained.

Surgeries Advice: We will continue to hold regular advice surgeries around the ward and engage with residents on any issues that affect them. Our aim is to support you.

How will you communicate with residents in your ward?

Quarterly newsletters which reaches every household, Llandaff North Labour Website, Facebook & Twitter and I am always available by phone, email or at surgeries.

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

My interests include better cycling and public transport, the regeneration of Llandaff North, Central Square and Cardiff Bay.

Final Comments

What would you change about Cardiff and why?

Whilst serving on Economy and Culture Scrutiny Committee, I have had a keen interest on trams for Cardiff.

Any final comments?

I would like to thank residents of Llandaff North for 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 Llandaff North Labour Team, (myself and Jennifer Burke – Davies) to keep delivering our promises on Thursday May 4th!

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.

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.

Jennifer Burke Davies: Labour – Llandaff North

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Jennifer Burke Davies

Name – Jennifer Burke Davies
Party – Labour
Ward – Llandaff North
Website – llandaffnorthlabour.org.uk
Twitter – @jenb_davies
Facebook – llandaffnorthlab
How can people get in touch with you? – contact@llandaffnorthlabour.org.uk or Facebook

About You

Tell us about yourself

I moved to Cardiff 7 years ago, when I was working for Remploy. I met my husband, Ceri, not long after and we settled in Llandaff North, where my husband is from & went to school. My career has been spent in Welfare to Work, working across various contracts in West Yorkshire & Wales that have sought to assist people with complex barriers such as long term unemployment, disability, debt, learning difficulties or health conditions to return to sustainable work. Within this remit, I have worked directly on Department of a Work & Pensions contracts such as Pathways, Workstep & Flexible New Deal in addition to devolved contracts such as Jobs Growth Wales, Traineeships & Apprenticeships through the South East Wales valleys. This experience has been absolutely invaluable in enabling me to build relationships with individuals and I feel would directly benefit my ability to carry out casework on behalf of constituents in the Ward. In my spare time, Ceri & I enjoy walking our Miniature Schnauzer, Pretzel, through Hailey Park, I’m currently trying to learn Welsh, albeit slowly! And I’ve always particularly enjoyed photography although Ceri is much better it than I am!

What are the biggest issues in your ward?

From campaigning in the last 6 months & meeting residents around the Ward, every street is different but what we hear more often is speeding, car parking, pot holes and improvements to Hailey Park.

What’s your favourite place in Cardiff and why?

Llandaff North! There’s a great community feel here thanks to the residents who live & work here, it’s wonderful to have Hailey Park & the Taff Trail on our doorstep. There’s a great convenience to living here with transport into town being regular but with the benefit of not feeling like you’re living in a city. There are good schools and overall it’s a safe, quiet and welcoming place to live. I love that I know a lot of my neighbours too.

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

I think it’s a two way street for residents and local politicians to come to the table together. Councillors should be visible & approachable, I think this is achieved with regular surgeries and being open to contact from constituents but residents have to be able to know where they can find you & when which is why I think it’s really helpful Councillor Dilwar Ali has taken up surgeries at the new Hyb. Residents should be listened to through consultation, ultimately action taken in a ward affects them and, where possible, the consultation process should be as accessible as possible to inform the decision making process. I think the internet/twitter is a great tool but shouldn’t replace what can be achieved through face to face communication and open dialogue.

What’s your favourite film?

You’ve Got Mail or The Departed!

If You’re Elected

What will you do to improve your ward?

Speaking to residents throughout the Ward has informed our manifesto, we have committed to improving the Schools in our local community and this begins with an £8million investment into Gabalfa Primary/Ysgol Glan Ceubal. We’re committed to improving our parks and work has already started on clearing the Bowling Green in Hailey Park making way for the second phase. We’re committed to ensuring all pavements and roads are resurfaced across Llandaff North, we support the Safer Roads and “20 is plenty” campaigns, which will help improve traffic around the schools in the ward. We are committed to working with Keep sealed Tidy & Cardiff Council to ensure our streets are free of litter and well maintained. Dilwar & I are committed to continuing to hold regular Advice Surgeries in the Ward where residents can speak to us about their concerns and we can deal, effectively, with casework. The Cardiff Labour Manifesto is also available online: https://www.dropbox.com/s/qvdaduurm7huh3f/Cardiff%20Manifesto%20Amendment%20Digital.pdf?dl=0

How will you communicate with residents in your ward?

I would seek to improve our visibility to constituents, we have quarterly newsletters that reach every household in the ward but Facebook & Twitter is more immediate and also gives residents a means to contact us directly. Additionally, I’d be available by phone, email or face to face at surgeries – similarly, I’d never discourage someone from saying hello if they saw me in one of the shops or the rugby club!

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

I’d like to be involved with housing & education, infrastructure – there’s so much! One thing affects the other really – for instance housing is a big issue nationally, not just within Cardiff, the Cardiff Labour Group has committed to building 1000 new council houses which is fantastic but we desperately need the South Wales Metro in place to support the growth of our city. I’d like to see improved bus & rail services taking pressure off our roads, an improved cycle network. Ideally, I’d like to get stuck into a bit of everything!

Final Comments

What would you change about Cardiff and why?

The weather. Less rainy days! But practically, no city is perfect – I grew up in London & spent a number of years in Leeds before moving to Cardiff and I’ve never been happier anywhere as I am here. Yes the roads can be congested & the rail services require drastic improvement but in the time I’ve lived in this city, I’ve witnessed Cardiff come on in leaps and bounds. I feel incredibly lucky to live here and have the best of all worlds: city, countryside, mountains and sea all within a short distance. There isn’t anything I’d drastically change that isn’t already happening – I feel, soon, we’ll be in a position to compete/work with Bristol, Bath and other cities in the U.K. – I really think we’re heading in the right direction.

Any final comments?

Non submitted (Editor)

Councillor Survey: David Groves

Describe three achievements that you were instrumental in implementing and that benefited the community.

Social care and welfare

I served as Chairperson of the Community and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee for a year, and served two additional years as a member of the committee – participating in a range of task groups on Affordable Housing, Carers and the impacts of Westminster’s Welfare Reform on the people of Cardiff. As such, I believe that we have done our very best, as a Council, to maintain the essential social fabric of social care in Cardiff, even at a time when the Cardiff Council’s budget has been savagely cut by the Westminster Government. Writing as a disabled person, I am very conscious that, changes by the Westminster Government to Employment and Support Allowance will result in a loss for new claimants of £1.560 per year; and Personal Independence Payment changes will make it more difficult for disabled people to receive the financial help and support which they need to lead dignified, decent and inclusive lives. Labour Councillors will do all that they can to protect those in need!

Cold Call Control Zones

We have successfully established Cold Call Control Zones for the whole of Tongwynlais; and the Hollybush Estate; and, worked with existing resident groups in achieving the same in Pendwyallt Road and Heol y Forlan, in Whitchurch. Cold Call Control Zones help to empower and protect residents from Rogue Traders and nuisance door-step callers. Political canvassers are not included in the restriction.

Pedestrian and road safety improvements

Amongst other things, through working with the local community, we have recently seen the new, improved, halogen heads fitted to the pedestrian crossing at the bottom of Pendwyallt Road; and following concerns about traffic speed, a Driver Feedback Sign has also recently been installed and activated on the same road.

Councillor Survey: Ben Thomas

What are the biggest changes in your ward over the last 5 years?

Strengthening the community spirit within our community has been the largest change in the past five years.
We have worked with several local community groups in the past five years and supported them into becoming strong independent community groups.
AWEN, a charity made up of local residents and committed members to ensure the smooth running of the village library.
Securing funding for the Whitchurch Christmas lights, which will now run for the next five years at a cost neutral basis.
Working with organisers to continue the Christmas Reindeer run and 5k fun run for local charities.
Continue to promote Whitchurch and Tongwynlais summer festivals.
Working with Friends of Forest farm and friends on Whitchurch library gardens.
Successfully lobbying to have Whitchurch and Tongwynlais promoted on “Visit Wales” website as a destination for visitors across the U.K. and the world.
And ensuring the our business in the heart of the village remain vibrant within our community.

Describe three achievements that you were instrumental in implementing and that benefited the community.

I became the Chair of Cardiff Bus in 2012 and along with other duties as a councillor have worked to ensure that Cardiff as a city has the best possible public service we can provide. While working with the local council, Welsh Government and local community groups, we have been able to implement more bus measures and priority lanes in the past five years than in the last 20. We have maintained regular services from Whitchurch and included a direct service to the Heath hospital. Recently we have introduced a £1 short hop fair for residents living in Rhiwbina, Pantmawr and Whitchurch. The company still is the crown jewel in our service to this city and will continue to work to reduce congestion and improve air pollution.

I have been fortunate to have been elected with three other Labour colleagues which has allowed us to work closely together over the past five years. We committed to running a local advice surgery every Saturday and we have done just that. We have used the library, community centre, ARARAT and Bethesda church to provide this service. We have never failed for one of us to be there, and over the years we have had regular constituents come to visit and dealt with some very serious issues. Collectively, the four of us have our own areas of expertise and experience and I have been able to call on my colleagues for help and advice when required. We estimate to have handled around 500 local cases bought to us by residents.

Labour was voted to run the administration in the election of 2012. Shortly after I was elected to Chairman of the Cardiff administration. These duties have taken me to the heart of politics in the city, and while meeting with back benchers from across the city I have had the pleasure of working with two leaders of this council and their cabinets. This position has enabled me to bring issues bought up to us by local residents straight to the people that can help resolve issues. The cabinet member responsible for Highways, environmental services and housing have made regular visits to Whitchurch and Tongwynlais. They have met with residents and business owners alike to get to the heart of issues and how best to tackle them. This link between local government, council officers and councillors has seen more money put into our roads, waste collections and housing repairs. It has helped keep all residents of Whitchurch and Tongwynlais feeling proud of where the live and safe to bring up their families or set up a local business.