2011 Local Election

Local Elections : 5^th May 2011

Click here for the full election results

The Liberal Democrat Vision for North Somerset 2011-2015

Here are the Lib Dem candidates who stood for election to North Somerset District Council

CLEVEDON CENTRAL

Ron van der Holt has lived in Clevedon for 10 years and is self-employed in Clevedon as a hypnotherapist. As Senior Vice-President of the Clevedon Rotary Club, he is involved with several ongoing local charitable fund raising initiatives. As a father with young children, he is interested in quality education and he is currently a Special Educations Needs Governor at St. Nicholas Chantry School. He also works with the elderly at the Clevedon Court Nursing Home.

CLEVEDON YEO

Robert Masding has lived in North Somerset for over twenty years, and his children went to school here. Since retiring from a career in IT working for several large local companies he has worked in Education and the Care Industry, and has also done voluntary work in drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Robert is new to being actively involved in politics but is very keen on the “consensus politics” of the coalition. Robert supports the “Yes” campaign for a referendum on the Alternative Vote system, and he believes Local government needs to be by consensus too. Robert will work hard to promote Clevedon and for the interests of the people of Clevedon. Local services will be hit by the budget constraints, but he will ensure as far as possible that the cuts are applied fairly and that no sector of the community is hit disproportionately. Robert is very concerned about the environment, but knows that people need jobs and homes too. To learn more about Robert visit his website by clicking here.

NAILSEA NORTH & WEST

Robin Bell is 25 years old and has always lived in Nailsea, attending Grove School and Nailsea School. As a Nailsea Town Councillor for three and a half years, he has represented the views and interests of local residents. He is also a school governor at Ravenswood School. He is currently undertaking PhD research in the development of entrepreneurship and business management. Robin has seen what active involvement in local issues can achieve and wants to involve more people in solving Nailsea’s problems. Robin is keen to protect Nailsea residents’ interests, the local environment and to develop amenities and facilities for people of all ages. He is particularly concerned about the deterioration of local roads, the threats of electricity pylons and anti-social behaviour and believes that these concerns should be of higher priority in local government. Robin says: "If I am elected I will:
o Make sure I am available to help you with local issues and council matters
o Attend Town Council meetings so I know what the hot topics are and which planning applications really bother you
o Represent the whole community"

PORTISHEAD

We have six candidates standing for North Somerset Council in Portishead
- for biographies and photos of our candidates click here

WRAXALL & LONG ASHTON

Angela Neale has lived in Long Ashton for most of her married life. A retired special needs teacher in Bristol, she has been a governor of Northleaze School as well as chairman of governors at two North Somerset Special Schools. She has been very active in many aspects of village life including the church, the WI, Transition Group, HOLA, and has organised village events such as the Jubilee and Cabot Celebrations. She is a parish councillor and former Liberal Democrat district councillor for the Long Ashton Ward before the 1999 boundary changes. She continues to make a positive contribution to parish life especially on environmental, youth and road safety issues.

WRINGTON

Deborah Yamanaka has lived in Wrington for 29 years with her Canadian husband Ian. They have two adult children. In 1995 Deborah was elected as the North Somerset councillor for Wrington ward and then re-elected at every election since then. Deborah has worked with Wrington & Butcombe Parish Councils, residents & North Somerset on the many issues affecting the ward, including flooding & drainage, the threatened surgery closure, controversial planning applications, new waste collections, threats to the 121 bus, mobile library & Churchill Sports Centre & airport expansion. She is keen to preserve facilities in rural areas.

YATTON

Wendy Griggs moved to Yatton in 1975 and has lived there ever since. She has a mathematics degree and teaching qualification and is also a qualified school Inspector. She started her career as a mathematics teacher eventually becoming a Deputy Head at a large secondary school. Since leaving work she has been determined to "give back" to the community in which she has lived for so long. She is a Governor at two local schools, and a member of Yatton Youth Club Management committee taking on the role of treasurer in April 2006. She was co-opted onto Yatton Parish Council four years ago and serves on the Finance and Planning Committees. She has represented Yatton on North Somerset Council before and would like to do so again! To visit Wendy's website click here