The candidates have been approached for statements. Here’s what they had to say.
The polls will open on Thursday May 2. For information about postal voting, Voter ID, and the location of the polling stations, log on to the council’s website.
25. Paul Charles Castle - Conservative - Pound Hill North & Forge Wood
Having lived in Pound Hill North and Forge Wood for 42 years, I felt it was time to enter local politics to represent our area within Crawley. I’ve helped to run the boards of Crawley Arts Council and Crawley Community Action since 2007 and I am the Chair of Trustees of Crawley Museum. I’ve also served as a governor at two Crawley schools.I am campaigning for vital neighbourhood facilities in Forge Wood, pressing the developers to provide these for local residents at an affordable cost, as soon as possible. I am working hard to preserve our green spaces and heritage park, Worth Park. I shall work with our local county councillor to ensure our ward receives its fair share of the extra government funding for road repairs. Finally, we have already overturned plans by our Labour council to build at Bristol Close, which would have removed vital residents’ parking. Photo: submitted
26. Nicholas Richard Hilton - Labour & Cooperative Party - Pound Hill North & Forge Wood
I have previously been a councillor and will use this experience to work hard for Pound Hill North & Forge Wood. I have spent a lot of time talking with residents and know that we have many issues that need fixing and I will work to get these issues resolved. I will work with Councillor Justin Russell to get issues resolved and keeping our neighbourhood clean, safe and tidy. I will always do my best for Pound Hill North & Forge Wood. Photo: submitted
27. Neal Murdoch, Green – Pound Hill North & Forge Wood
Neal is 47 years old and has lived in Crawley all of his life. He works as a business coordinator at Equiniti Paymaster in Three Bridges. He has been involved in local politics since the age of 15 with both of his parents serving as borough councillors on Crawley Borough council. As a wheelchair user, Neal is acutely aware of the challenges facing disabled people in the town. He believes that neither of the two main political parties are offering adequate solutions to the economic, social and environmental problems that are affecting everyone. So other voices must now be raised to influence and change the political status quo.Also standing Pound Hill North & Forge Wood: Ben Newman (Trade Unionist & Socialist Coalition) Photo: submitted
28. Thomas Adam Henry Bidwell (Conservative) - Pound Hill South and Worth
Throughout my life, it has always been my aspiration to work for the benefit of society. Having both lived in Pound Hill for most of my life and possessing a passion for politics, standing for local council seems naturally the best way for me to serve local people. With that being said, there are some of the key areas that I would endeavour to address if elected:- Parking, both residential and communal- Development of Three Bridges Station- Collaboration with both borough and county councillors- Representation of local residents.Being a councillor is first and foremost about being a voice for the people within the community. Our democracy is an essential part of our lives, and local people should have faith that they are electing someone that not only respects this, but has their best interests at heart while acting on their behalf. Photo: submitted