By Isle of Wight Observer
Luisa Hillard has been selected as Labour candidate for the forthcoming IW County Council by-election in Whippingham and Osborne. The by-election was prompted by the resignation of previous Labour councillor, Julia Baker-Smith. The vote is expected to take place in June.
Luisa said: “Whippingham and Osborne is a diverse community with each area having different issues and needs, which will require a balance to make sure that every resident feels represented and supported. I will make myself accessible to residents at regular drop-in sessions across the ward and via my active Facebook page, and I will reply quickly to calls and emails, just as I did during my previous term as a Councillor. I hope residents will have confidence in my ability and willingness to work hard for our area.
“All three of my children will have gone to Queensgate Foundation Primary, with my youngest due to start in September. So I have ties to the ward: doing the school run, using the local parks/playgrounds and having also been a parent governor at the school.
“Having worked closely with former Councillor, Julia Baker-Smith, on several projects, I understand many of the current issues and those that can be expected to arise in the next few years, such as pressure from government to build more housing estates, and the completion of Folly Reach.
“I will be ready to oppose any further large scale developments in the woods and fields in and around Whippingham as I believe that we must preserve the natural environment, which gives such character to the area.
“I’d also like to push for the completion of the East Cowes to Newport cycle track, having already overseen the installation of Newport to Island Harbour section. Plus, make sure that the Coastal Path does not disturb local residents, that the community bus continues to support isolated residents, and that I can hold the Council to account in delivering local services, be that repairing pot holes in a timely manner, or emptying bins.”
