UKIP Candidate Zachary Bishop

Dear Resident,
I have a real vested interest in the prosperity of Roche, and the surrounding areas that makeup the area, not only from a business standpoint but also from a family aspect.

The key to prosperity is a vibrant community, which, I fear, is under threat by short-sighted decision making and a lack of accountability and representation. The proposed bypass route and the accompanying Neighbourhood Plan are two examples of decision making that have been made without the input of those that will be adversely affected by their proposals. These are knee-jerk reactions and hold the potential to have a devastating impact on our community with no guarantees on their success. Furthermore, they do not address arguable greater issues such as the cost of home ownership, rent and the under-resourced local schools that cannot guarantee a place for every local child and do not have adequate provisions to support children with additional needs and support.

To address this I will oppose the planned bypass route, and seek a redrafting of the Neighbourhood Plan to accurately reflect every resident’s wishes and needs. Future Development proposals would be controlled and require stringent criteria to provide affordable homes and be made available to people with a strong connection to the area only. The proceeds of the development will then be redirected back into the local infrastructure with a particular emphasis being placed on educational provisions. To ensure your voice is heard, and decisions made with the community at the centre of the focus, I will hold weekly drop in sessions at my office in my store, providing accessibility and privacy, with accountability.

At County level, the Liberal-Independent led Council continues to waste taxpayer’s money on failed projects and initiatives, and then expects to be reimbursed through increased taxation year on year. I am fundamentally opposed to any increase in taxation until the Council becomes more efficient in its expenditure.