Castle ward candidates on Why they want your votes
SWANSEA’S densely-populated and diverse Castle ward covers the city centre, Sandfields to the west, Mount Pleasant and Waun Wen to the north and Swansea Marina to the south.
Its population of nearly 21,000 is served by four councillors, one of whom, Sybil Crouch, passed away in January last year.
Castle has a higher proportion of 16 to 44-yearolds than the Swansea average, more males, and higher proportions of people from non-white ethnic groups and born outside the UK.
The long-term unemployed rate is higher than the city average, the area is popular with students, home ownership is low.
In 2019, two areas within the ward were ranked the fourth and seventh most deprived in Swansea.
Here, the nine candidates standing for the vacant seat talk about themselves and what they hope to achieve.
SAM BENNETT (WELSH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS)
I’m 31 and the Maritime Quarter is the place I call home. I work for Swansea University Medical School in digital communications. Originally from Reading, I moved to Wales to study at Aberystwyth University. I loved Wales’s beautiful coastline so much I have adopted Wales and Swansea as my home.
Why have you stood for election as a councillor?
I think we need change in Castle ward. We have issues with litter, fly-tipping, graffiti and antisocial behaviour across all of Castle’s communities. I believe these are basics that the council are failing to get right. From the marina, Sandfields to Waun Wen and everywhere in between is crying out for a councillor with a record of action who will put these communities first.
What do you think the key issues are in your ward?
Having spent a year speaking to residents on the phone, on the doorstep (when allowed) and through surveys it is clear that residents believe our communities want action on litter, fly-tipping and crime in the city centre.
Over the last year I have reported fly-tipping or litter issues on almost every street, and heard the sad stories of residents living in fear of crime and antisocial behaviour where no action is being taken. Whether brawling on the seafront or car thefts and criminal damage, residents are tired of living with it and shouldn’t have to.
What difference do you think you could make?
I think my record of action over the last 12 months has shown I have the energy and enthusiasm Castle needs to get the basics right. I will be on hand to speak to residents, engage with the variety of community groups and residents’ associations to put residents’ concerns to the Labour-controlled council.
Above all my focus will be on getting the basics right, and engaging with residents all year round as I already do, not just at election time.
GARETH BROMHALL (TRADE UNION AND SOCIALIST COALITION, OR TUSC)
I’m 28 and have lived in Swansea for six years. Born in Coventry to two psychiatric nurses, I moved to Pembrokeshire and was brought up in Milford Haven.
My first job was as a support worker in a dementia respite unit, and I’ve been passionate about my vocation in the care sector. I work supporting young people with autism in Swansea, after recently graduating from Swansea University Medical School with an MSC in autism and related conditions. I live with my partner in Sandfields.
I am a passionate trade unionist as well as being an active member of my Unite branch. I am also the secretary of Swansea and District Trades Council.
Why have you stood for election as a councillor?
Over the past five years Swansea Labour has implemented over £70 million of Tory cuts, affecting every area of council services, from social services, education, street cleaning, leisure. At the same time council tax payments go up at twice the rate of inflation or more every year.
I have lobbied outside and spoken from the public gallery each year along with my colleagues in the Socialist Party and the Trades Council and decided that it was time to take the step to stand.
What do you think the key issues are in your ward?
Castle ward is unfortunately referred to as the “city centre rubbish tip” where fly-tipping scars the landscape. Accumulated street filth constantly litters our streets in the Sanfields, Waun Wen, North Hill and Mount Pleasant.
Our young, elderly, and most vulnerable residents are neglected and all of us see our quality of life deteriorate as council venues, sports facilities, and leisure services face price increases, back-door privatisation, or closure.
With another £55 million of cuts projected over the next four years, the excuses from Labour councillors that there is nothing they can do is not acceptable.
If they won’t stand up to Tory cuts then they should step aside so that socialist councillors can organise with the trade unions and community campaigners to set a “no-cuts” budget.
What difference do you think you could make?
Even one Socialist, anticuts voice on the council could be the catalyst to mobilise residents and the trade unions to fight for the funding needed to end cuts and to restore and expand council services.
HEATHER BURDETT (INDEPENDENT)
I am 60, a parent, I live in Sandfields and have lived in Swansea all my life. I am a teacher and a learning support assistant working as a supply worker in schools in Swansea, Neath and Llanelli.
I enjoy working with young people of all ages, and I have also volunteered - with disadvantaged young people and adults who have drug and alcohol issues, and as a restorative justice facilitator, helping repair harm done to victims.
I enjoy writing and illustrating childrens’ stories and making creative artworks.
Why have you stood for election as a councillor?
I have seen the city centre, Sandfields, Waun Wen, Mount Pleasant and the marina change a great deal. Not all the changes are made in the best interests of the local residents.
If elected I would introduce various measures to keep residents safer, such as installing CCTV along the seafront, introduce mobile safety CCTV in residential streets to stop fly-tipping, and a speed camera would be installed along Oystermouth Road.
I would like to introduce a cycle lane alongside Oystermouth Road and a cycle lane along the road in the marina to allow all residents to use the pavements again in safety. What do you think the
key issues are in your ward?
Many residents have told me they are afraid to go outside at night because of the crime and anti-social behaviour.
Many residents don’t know who is living next door, as the current rental HMO (house of multiple occupation) system sees tenants moving in and out of communites, and some residents just don’t seem to care about the area they live in.
There are problems with fly-tipping and rubbish dumped outside on the pavements, and this stops disabled residents, older residents and all other residents from using the public pavements safely.
What difference do you think you could make?
I would like to bring a positive community spirit to Castle ward and if elected I would like Swansea to be promoted as a tourist destination which would bring more jobs and employment.
I have lived in Swansea for over seven years now, at first being attracted here by Swansea University but now growing my roots in Mount Pleasant after completing my degree in medical genetics.
I’m a 25-year-old carer, but always happy to help even if I am not on the clock. I enjoy walking on our beautiful beaches, swimming and baking.
Why have you stood for election as a councillor?
I’m standing for election as I want a change from the littered pavements, from the neverending construction of The Kingsway and to be an effective opposition to the long list of our Labour council’s “vanity” projects.
What do you think the key issues are in your ward?
We need to bring businesses back to the city centre, our high street is full of empty shops driven out by Labour’s policies.
We must tackle crime in the Castle Ward by engaging with local residents in high crime areas about what would best deter future incidents, like CCTV and actually securing funding for crime prevention.
What difference do you think you could make?
If elected I will do everything I can to enlarge the free parking provision in the city centre - local residents should not be treated as cash cows only to grab a few things in our indoor market.
I want to be accountable to the local residents and not take votes for granted. Living in a Labour “safe” ward with four councillors I want the council to finally listen to what the local people want instead of just going on a spending spree with the taxpayers’ money.
MIKE HARCOURT (INDEPENDENTS@ SWANSEA)
I was born in London and lived there until my retirement in 2018. My career was in education, as a caretaker.
I’ve been coming to South Wales for holidays and weekends for 20 years and completely fell in love with the area and its people. I’d always wanted to live by the sea so I jumped at the opportunity to buy the marina apartment I now live in.
I’ve been working at Matthews House for nearly six months and I absolutely love it. It means so much to me to be part of a great organisation that does so much for the most vulnerable people in our community. As I’m still quite new, my role involves washing up, peeling and slicing vegetables, vacuum packing food for storage and whatever else I can help with.
Why have you stood for election as a councillor?
I decided to stand as I was annoyed at the way our city, my city, was being allowed to deteriorate before my eyes. Behind the veneer of a “city fit for the 21st Century”, the basic things were being overlooked: the huge increase in litter, the proliferation of dog mess on our streets and pathways, the few street bins we have are overflowing, the mess the dustmen leave behind on their rounds, to name a few.
Being an independent councillor allows me to challenge the status quo and to vote on what my community wants and not what my party expects. If I am elected, I’ll not just be a councillor for Castle, I will be a councillor for Swansea, so can also question why, for example, the Guildhall clock still isn’t working or that the No Entry sign opposite Mount Pleasant Chapel has been left at a precarious angle after being hit by a vehicle.
What do you think the key issues are in your ward?
The key issues in Castle Ward are all of the above, as well as fly-tipping and many of the drains being blocked up. In my view there is no point spending hundreds of millions of pounds in regenerating the city, when the basic services are failing.
Whatever must the many thousands of tourists think, when they travel here for the stunning beaches and are confronted with overflowing bins, litter, weeds and a city looking past its best?
What difference do you think you could make?
I believe I can make a real difference. Now that I am retired, I can devote all my time to carrying out my role as a councillor. There is far too much to address, and electing another candidate who already has a day job is not what residents need. Importantly, I live in Castle Ward. Residents’ issues are my issues, too.
HANNAH LAWSON (WELSH LABOUR)
I was born in Swansea, lived in Africa for three years as a child, went to Waunarlwydd primary and Gowerton comprehensive, and studied at the University of London and Swansea University. I now spend my time between Mount Pleasant and Waunarlwydd.
I currently work for the Voluntary Service, having previously worked in the DVLA, National Waterfront Museum, Unison and as a bookseller. I am 43. Why have you stood for election as a councillor?
Because I love Castle ward as a diverse, vibrant and creative place. I want to continue the good work done by (the late councillor) Sybil Crouch, particularly in supporting community activities, the arts, and nurturing parks and other green spaces around the ward.
What do you think the key issues are in your ward?
I think a big priority for the ward is tackling litter and waste issues; I am working with Labour councillors and the leader to provide more cleaning. Like many city centres, we also have anti-social behaviour and problems related to substance abuse and poverty which we have to work closely with communities to address.
What difference do you think you could make?
As a socialist, I think my experience in trade unions will help me to represent residents with individual and community issues, and with a background in public services I will always strive to protect and improve our fantastic amenities. I am passionate about supporting the city’s culture and creativity, and am a drummer and printmaker when I have spare time.
JON PITANS (WALES GREEN PARTY)
I am 42 and have lived in Swansea since 2012. I enjoy gardening, surfing, hiking and woodworking projects with varying degrees of success. I was born and raised in Manchester, and was a proper 80s kid: climbing trees, Bmxing, and playing football.
After university I spent many years working in theatre, living in London but spending most of my time on the road as a tour manager. It was while in London that I met a wonderful Swansea girl, and in 2012 we decided to move to Swansea to start a family.
We are married with two delightful Welshspeaking children, and I now spend my time acting as primary carer for our children while she pursues her career.
I campaign for various social and environmental charities. I am also about to begin training as a volunteer coach for a local youth football team.
Why have you stood for election as a councillor?
I want to give something back to my adopted home town, to serve our community, improve the lives of residents, and to help preserve our wonderful natural landscapes and coastlines for future generations to enjoy.
What do you think the key issues are in your ward?
Key issues in Swansea are many and various but include housing, transport links, access to council services, not to put too fine a point on it all the effects of a decade of Tory under-investment and Labour misrule.
What difference do you think you could make?
I believe I can be a force for good, helping drive Swansea towards a prosperous and sustainable future by listening to the community and embracing innovation. As a Green I stand for social justice, economic justice and environmental justice and pledge to apply these principles if elected.
The effect of having just one Green in the room can be transformative.
HARRI ROBERTS (PLAID CYMRU)
I was born and grew up in Caernarfon, Gwynedd, and came to Swansea University aged 18.
I’ve lived in or close to Swansea ever since - 18 years in Uplands followed by nearly 20 years now in Mount Pleasant - the middle of Castle ward.
I’m a self-employed business consultant, advising small local companies to help them develop and improve.
Why have you stood for election as a councillor?
I believe this Labour administration is as stale as that in the Senedd Swansea needs innovative and progressive policies to help us recover from this pandemic. I believe I can provide a fresh outlook and just as importantly concentrate on improving people’s everyday lives and environment here in the city.
What do you think the key issues are in your ward?
There are many shared with the national need to recover from the pandemic, but specifically in Castle is the need to ensure that developments do not impact on residents. The whole area suffers from the council’s concentration on key projects at the expense of basic upkeep - potholes, rubbish and run-down buildings left to deteriorate. Even the main road through the marina is a disgrace - problems for locals, and off-putting for visitors.
The city needs to concentrate on tackling poverty - whether it is homeless people or those working for tragically low wages - and the council can do more to help with council tax as well as local costs.
Pressing for schools to provide free school meals for the children of all parents on Universal Credit would be a small but vital starter.
What difference do you think you could make?
If elected, I might be a voice in the wilderness for a year - but I would campaign hard for our local community. I believe in open Government and I would seek to be the voice of the residents in the council, pushing for quicker repairs and a more responsive response to people problems.
I would not be silenced by a Labour whip - and I do live in the ward.
STAN ROBINSON (UKIP SCRAP THE ASSEMBLY)
I have lived in the centre of Swansea for many years working as a contracts and facilities manager both within the NHS and Ministry of Defence. My job was to keep the lights on and people safe. From supplying the bed linen, food and medical gasses to building brand new hospital wings and housing for our Armed Forces.
My greatest achievements have been to rescue five people from the wreckage of a burning aircraft, house troops for the Olympic Games in 2012, set up The Voice of Wales, volunteering in support of the Army, building beds and decontaminating ambulances during the pandemic. I am chairman of Henllys Community Group and the regional coordinator for No.13 (South Wales) Group Royal Observer Corps Association. Why have you stood for election as a councillor?
Labour have not only controlled the council for many years but returned councillors for Castle ward year after year. The reward for such loyalty - the highest crime area in the country, Swansea dubbed “brown town” due to the amount of heroin available on her streets, aggressive begging, prostitutes and drug dealers plying their trade and the council and South Wales Police believing “education” is the path not prosecution.
What do you think the key issues are in your ward?
The council’s listening skills need to be improved for a start.
Recovery from the pandemic must be a priority, with the needs of business and industry understood and met. Small businesses and the fishermen have suffered the most.
The never-ending roadworks around the whole of Swansea are a joke yet roads remain poor.
Swansea needs to get moving again and with herd immunity which we are told we now have should guarantee no more lockdowns.
Traffic wardens scaring people out of shopping in Swansea hits businesses badly; people with Blue Badges should be allowed to park for free for three hours and people popping into shops for one hour; all city centre businesses waived business rates and market stallholders reduced rents - all paid for by cutting spurious voluntary groups’ funding and projects like the “Taco Bridge” which once completed will burden council taxpayers for years.
Real jobs with trade apprenticeships not row after row of coffee shops, fast food, betting offices and charity shops.
The unacceptable level of people high on drugs, fighting and petty crime makes Castle Ward feel unsafe.
What difference do you think you could make?
I won’t be taking my constituents for granted. I will be keeping the council’s feet to the fire.
We now have an army of local Government officers yet we cannot keep Swansea tidy, safe or even pothole-free.
Swansea is a shadow of herself if anyone cares to look at the photographs of the 1950 and 60s.
Swansea was a place to come to.