Voters in Wootton will head to the polls later this month to choose a candidate for the Isle of Wight Council seat, vacated by the disgraced former councillor Daryll Pitcher.
The former Vectis Party leader was jailed in April for historic child sex offences and resigned from the Isle of Wight Council last month.
His departure forced a by-election in Wootton Bridge which will take place on August 24.
Four candidates have put themselves forward for the position but who are they?
Ed Hopper – Conservative Party
Mr Hopper lives in the village, is a governor at Wootton Primary and is a member of the congregation at St Mark’s Church.
He has experience in local government, at both parish and county levels.
Mr Hopper said he is ready to hit the ground running, dealing with the concerns and priorities of villagers, after the local Conservative team surveyed residents.
He said he is aware of the value of the school and is concerned that the ruling Alliance Group of the Isle of Wight council has “no idea” how to deal with the challenges facing education.
“We need a councillor who can stand up for our children and not be fobbed off,” Mr Hopper said.
He said he wants to build on the good work done Councillor Barry Abraham, who served as Wootton’s council representative for 17 years.
Councillor Suzie Ellis, the leader of the Conservative Group at County Hall, said she was delighted Mr Hopper was standing and his enthusiasm and experience would be a valuable addition to the group.
Linda Pitcher – Vectis Party
Mrs Pitcher has been a long-standing resident of Wootton Bridge and a member of the parish council for the past nine or so years.
She is standing to replace her son, Daryll, who was also representing the Vectis Party.
Barrie Hailstone, leader of the Vectis Party following Daryll Pitcher’s resignation, said Mrs Pitcher put herself forward for the seat which the group accepted.
Mrs Pitcher says she is concerned about over development of the village, adding that it does not have the infrastructure in place. She is also worried about the general state of disrepair of the village roads, “potholes in abundance, which in places are simply dangerous”. If elected she will do her utmost to get the necessary repairs done, along with seeking the reduction of the speed limit to 20mph. She is also a strong opponent to the proposed gravel extraction at Palmers Farm.
Mr Hailstone said Daryll had been an excellent councillor and worked hard for residents, especially during the Covid pandemic.
He said Mrs Pitcher provides a good service for the village.
Mr Hailstone, the chair of Wootton Bridge Parish Council, said Daryll did the right thing by resigning from the Vectis Party but the group was still going under the same ideals, here to work for Islanders.
He said no matter who they are, the Vectis Party would work for anyone to the best of their ability.
Sarah Redrup – Liberal Democrat
Ms Redrup is a businesswoman and part of Grace’s Bakery, who volunteers with Isle of Wight Steam Railway, has a keen interest in Island heritage and supports charities providing free meals for children during the summer holidays.
She said feels lucky to live on our beautiful Island and even luckier to spend time with her family running the bakery but feels like she has a duty to give back to the Island because without the support of the community, Grace’s would not be what it is today.
Ms Redrup said she would love to do more to support the Island and especially Wootton Bridge, a place she spent a lot of time as a child and continues to enjoy today.
She said,
“I have always felt that the most important thing a councillor can do is to listen and offer support for their residents when they aren’t sure where they can turn for help.
“If elected I will do my best to help residents navigate council services, be a listening ear and be a strong voice for Wootton Bridge.”
Chair of the Island’s Liberal Democrats, Councillor Andrew Garratt, said through her voluntary and charitable work, together with her expertise as a businesswoman, Sarah has the commitment, skills and experience to be an excellent councillor for Wootton Bridge residents.
Michael Smith – Green Party
Mr Smith is a community councillor and campaigner on the Island, who volunteers for several organisations, including Citizens Advice, makers and local events like carnivals and the County Show.
Having been involved in a serious collision with a car while walking in Newport, he is now an active campaigner for improvements to road safety on the Island.
Mr Smith said residents have already written to him about concerns in the village, including the GP services, proposed housing developments and the gravel quarry at Palmers Farm.
He said as the councillor for the area he would ensure the needs of villagers were heard at County Hall, particularly protecting the local countryside.
Mr Smith said as a part time worker he fully understands the pressures of the cost of living on Islanders and how important local services are to the people of Wootton.
He said he will be a voice of fairness and for action and looks forward to meeting more residents throughout the campaign.
Register to vote
If you live in the village and are not registered to vote, you have until Tuesday, 8th August, to do so.
It will be the first Isle of Wight Council by-election to require photo ID to cast your ballot.
Article update
9.17am 2nd Aug 2023 – Photo and extra info about Linda Pitcher added
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
