Cllr Paul Bidwell
Bracknell Town Council, Priestwood. Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Old Bracknell
Recently elected as a Labour Borough Councillor for the Old Bracknell Ward, I am am proud to represent residents of Easthampstead and will do all I can to improve the Community for all. I’m available to discuss issues and community events at my monthly surgeries at the Easthampstead & Wildridings Community Centre, first Saturday in each month, 12:00 – 13:00.
I have also been a Labour Town Councillor in Priestwood for over six years successfully being re-elected in 2019 with an increased majority within my Ward, gaining top spot as opposed to just scraping in at the 2015 election, my first attempt!
This achievement follows standing for the Parliamentary elections in the 2017 election doubling the previous 2015 vote gaining 30% of the vote, a significant achievement given that Bracknell has always returned a Tory MP. Sadly the 2019 election was not so kind, the BREXIT election dropping Labours share of the vote to 22%.
The Labour manifesto is strong and supported by many across the UK, even non-Labour supporters. I will continue to get the message across that what our manifesto proposes is for the benefit of the many not the few. The increasing deprivation of the most vulnerable continues, despite statistics that point to full employment and wage increases in the Bracknell Forest area. For the few this is the case, but a continuance of austerity for the many has seen a struggle for over 15 years.
The last two years have been challenging for everyone, COVID-19 has dealt tragic consequences for many. The coming months, perhaps years will require support from Government, Local Authorities, Support Agencies and most crucially the Private Sector as the repercussions effect everyone.
As a resident of the Bracknell area for over 20 years I know the community well and can offer an insight as to why Local Government and to a certain extent Central Government works and how decisions affect constituents’ lives. I have been determined to reach out to groups of the community that are often forgotten. I am always available to meet local groups, I am your champion and voice on the Council.
As Chair of Age Concern Bracknell, day centre for those suffering from Dementia, I am committed to promoting our services within the Bracknell Forest Community. As Trustee for Priestwood Community Centre I have become involved with Homelessness visiting the night shelters provided in Bracknell by the excellent Pilgrim Hearts I have also engaged with the Bracknell Foodbank, together with Pilgrim Hearts they provided excellent services for sadly a growing demand.
I look forward to meeting many more Bracknell Residents in the coming months and years, it’s a privilege and honour to serve you.