LOCAL elections are taking place on May 4, 2023 and the Sandford and Creedy ward candidates for Mid Devon District Council are: Sandford and Creedy: Mark Jenkins (Green), Alex Monro (Conservative), Margaret Squires (Conservative), Helen Marie Tuffin (Green).

Following are their election details.  

The polls will be open between the hours of 7am and 10pm, and local residents will be asked to select two candidates as their representatives at Mid Devon District Council.

Voters are reminded to take along their Photo ID or they will be unable to vote!

Alex Monro – Conservative

Alex lives in Morchard Bishop. Frustrated with the lack of a decent internet connection, he co-ordinated a local campaign in 2018 that boosted broadband coverage for some of the most rural properties in Morchard Bishop, helping many rural businesses, including local farmers.

He also got a mast installed at the village hall, which has benefited local community groups. Alex runs his own business from Morchard Bishop - the Devon Energy Partnership - which helps businesses and councils to reduce their energy costs and navigate the road towards Net Zero. Before starting his business, Alex cut his teeth working for EDF.

Alex’s professional background should be a real asset to Mid Devon District Council as it seeks to reduce its own carbon footprint and help families and businesses to do the same. 

Margaret Squires – Conservative

Margaret’s background is in nursing and farming. She served as a Sandford parish councillor for 30 years, has represented Sandford and Creedy Ward on Mid Devon District Council since 2003 and represents local residents on Devon County Council.

Margaret’s three decades of experience at standing up for rural communities at every tier of local government means she always knows where to turn to get things done.

For example, to help local families and essential workers to afford local housing she has helped to deliver small-scale affordable housing schemes where properties are sold or rented out to residents with a local connection at below market value. She has also battled with developers to ensure they fulfil their commitments to fund local infrastructure improvements. A champion for small rural communities, Margaret has a long record of supporting local Post Offices and community shops, sports clubs, play parks and pre-schools.

Helen Tuffin - Green

Helen says she is passionate about: 1 Funding to make our homes fit for the future – and so cut energy bills; 2 Social care and facilities for young people, the elderly and the vulnerable; 3 Safe cycle routes, e.g. Sandford to Pedlarspool; 4 Better, cheaper public transport in rural areas; 5 New developments including a higher proportion of lower cost housing; 6 Biodiversity, habitats for pollinators, working together with farmers and landowners to see their needs are also met; 7 Protecting our rivers, beaches and countryside, and ensuring new developments don't add to existing problems. (Meaningful regulations to protect our rivers, beaches and countryside – and ultimately, our health and well-being); 8 Defending local and rural interests when central government seems out of touch.

Helen is a translator, and is active in a number of community groups, including planting trees with Sustainable Crediton and supplying food to the Community Larder in Crediton Library.

Mark Jenkins - Green

Mark says: “I have lived in Sandford for 20 years. I’ve been a member of the Parish Hall Committee and helped raise nearly £20,000 to save Sandford Post Office through concerts at The Parish Hall and festivals. 

“I’d like to see Devon tackling environmental issues with improved public transport for our rural areas and speedy repair of roads, with better control of flytipping.

“I’d like to see more support for Crediton’s independent retailers.

“Of course, I’m concerned about government policies which, combined with cost-of-living increases, mean rising reliance on foodbanks; and I’m concerned that in Mid Devon we need more social housing, since so-called ‘affordable’ housing can be unaffordable on low local incomes.   

“I would work to ensure the fabulous Millennium walkway and grounds are well-kept, and encourage more users.”