Ballot box. Pic: Anthony Karanja
Ballot box. Pic: Anthony Karanja

As Lichfield and Burntwood voters prepare to go to the ballot box for the local elections on May 5, The Lichfield Blog has offered each of the candidates the chance to have their say.

We’ve sent out questionnaires to all District Council candidates and will publish their responses on the site to help you decide where to put your cross on election day. If your local candidates haven’t responded yet, why not chase them?

Name: Keith LePla
Party: Liberal Democrats
Ward: St John’s
Occupation: Retired accountant

What has made you decide to stand for election?
To help and represent local people.

What are the key local issues for you in your ward?
South Lichfield has had its full share of development and the existing green belt boundaries must be firmly defended.

I have a particular concern about how the junction planned for the Southern Bypass/Relief Road with London Road will be designed and managed.

If you are elected how do you plan to keep your constituents informed of what you are doing to represent them?
As well as availability to all constituents through phone, post and e-mail, there would be regular feedback through our Focus newsletter which will continue to go regularly throughout the year.

How do you feel you will be able to make a difference to your constituents?
I believe that my previous experience as a councillor in another area can help in dealing with residents local issues and complaints – dealing with individuals and groups of residents.  I will listen carefully to their concerns and work with them towards solving these.

Anything else you would like to add?
If elected I would do my best to represent the interests of all electors.

I believe Lichfield District as a whole needs a modest and carefully balanced growth in the coming years.  South Lichfield city has had a large expansion in recent years – principally through the Darwin Park and Sandfields development – and further expansion would be excessive.
Elsewhere there is a shortage of family houses at affordable rents and it is important for that this is allowed for in future development plans.

Also standing in the St John’s ward (once they have responded, these will link to the response):

  • Gwyneth Boyle (Conservatives)
  • Michael Hawkes (Labour)
  • John Maunder (UKIP)
  • Gordon Owers (Lib Dem)
  • Paul Ray (Lib Dem)
  • Christopher Spruce (Conservatives)
  • John Wilks (Conservatives)

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.