Whilst most residents think Ruddington is still a great place to live, complaints are frequently seen on social media and elsewhere about the significant amount of new house building that’s been permitted in and around our village.
Inevitably our growing population is resulting in an increase in local traffic, a lack of public parking, the over-stretching of our existing facilities such as schools and doctors, and a general strain on our fundementally ‘Victorian’ era infrastructure. It’s also having a significant impact on our ‘natural’ environment – as precious former Green Belt land surrounding Ruddington has been sacrificed for development and is currently being concreted over. Yet all this is happening at a time when we’re being urged to protect nature – to help in the battle against climate change and the more extreme weather it will bring.
If you feel strongly about these issues – or other aspects of Ruddington life – and wish to ‘make a difference’, Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) suggests you could resolve to become a local Councillor this New Year. Elections are taking place on 4th May 2023 for both Parish and Borough Council seats. If elected, it says you can help shape where your family, friends and neighbours live by representing Ruddington on your local council.
RBC oversees local elections every four years and is appealing for more members of communities across the Borough to stand this year and represent their fellow residents and stakeholders in their local area. On Ruddington Parish Council there is still an empty seat in ‘Manor Ward’ – despite the recent co-option of new village Councillor Katie Anderson to fill one of the two vacancies there – and also a good chance that not all existing Parish Councillors will wish to stand for re-election.
Meantime, on Rushcliffe Borough Council, Ruddington has three elected representatives – currently Labour Councillors Jen Walker and Mike Gaunt and Conservative Councillor Gary Dickman (pictured left to right above). Jen and Mike have already revealed that current Parish Council leader Graham Fletcher will be running alongside them to try to win all three seats for Labour in this May’s elections. RUDDINGTON.info will bring you details of all the Ruddington candidates once they’re announced.
Meantime, RBC says it’s keen that any individual who has the desire to represent their local area is aware of the ease of the process to stand as a candidate – taking no longer than an hour to complete all the relevant paperwork. Prospective candidates can now also view the Council’s ‘Become A Councillor’ information pack.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Chief Executive Katherine Marriott, explains: “It’s the New Year and we’re asking residents who are passionate about their local community to stand as a borough, town or parish councillor at this year’s elections in May. It can be exceptionally rewarding and by standing and being elected you can help change your community for the better. Age or experience is not important, you can represent your local area as long as you are over 18. You don’t have to be part of a political party, anyone can stand as an independent candidate.”
She asks: “If there is a particular local issue you wish to influence or feel passionate about, why not stand for election? You could also actively play a part in hosting and co-ordinating community activities and celebrations and it can be great way to help shape a community’s identity, uniting people together to achieve more.”
Further information for prospective candidates is available from RBC’s Elections team by emailing elections@rushcliffe.gov.uk or by calling 0115 914 8515 during office hours.
