In the run up to the General, Borough and Parish Council elections on May 7th we have been publishing brief interviews with each of the candidates that respond to our request (before the end of the month), in the order in which they respond.
To read the interviews with other candidates click on the tags at the bottom of the article. For example, pieces on the other candidates for the Alderley Edge Parish Council election will all be tagged 'Alderley Edge Parish Council Election'. Candidates representing the same party or group will also be connected via the tags.
Mike Taylorson is an AlderleyEdgeFIRST candidate for Alderley Edge Parish Council.
Mike has been a resident of the village for 20 years, living with his partner Anne on Carlisle Street. Born in Macclesfield and raised in Wilmslow, Mike's family have a life-long association with Alderley Edge Cricket Club, where Mike is a member.
He spent 30 years in the fashion/textile business both at home and abroad and subsequently ran his own business in Manchester,
Mike told me "I am proud to be a candidate for AlderleyEdgeFIRST and to be part of a new, multi-talented team who would represent all residents of our village in an open and accountable way, achieving the best results for us all.
"Independent candidates are uniquely placed to engage with those who feel voiceless and unrepresented. I believe the interest shown in AlderleyEdgeFirst suggests an electorate tired of the status quo and ready to embrace change."
Speaking about why he is standing to become a parish councillor, Mike said "I decided to stand for AlderleyEdgeFirst after attending many Parish Council meetings where I felt uncomfortable with the lack of interaction between the residents and the Parish Council."
When asked about the important issues facing Alderley Edge, Mike said "Parking is, as many other candidates have indicated, a major problem in the village.
"I was instrumental in negotiating residents parking in the Carlisle Street and neighbouring roads and so I have experience in this area.
"Building a car park, wherever it may be, will not solve the problem on its own, we have to ensure that it will be used. There is a need to assess the overall situation. The status of the various car parks we already have must be examined, for example South Street and the car park in the park. Streets such as Greystoke, Church Lane and others are suffering because of the current situation. Ryleys Lane and the surrounding roads are also areas of great concern."
He added "We need to look at all possible solutions to this problem, and traffic calming measures may be required in some areas, for example on Chorley Hall Lane. We also need to engage with the schools and businesses to find a safe solution. It is important to develop a strong relationship with the relevant departments of CE to achieve the best outcome.
"With regard to the Festival Hall I would like to find out what the village thinks about its development, and how they see it being used to benefit our community in the future."
Mike continued "I believe that the Alderley Edge First candidates will find a better way to engage and consult with our residents by listening to their views, and addressing their concerns and requirements.
"It is time for a change, let's put Alderley Edge First!"
Comments
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What a contrast with the vacuous twaddle from Xanthe Holt who gets “really annoyed” because non-members park in her tennis club car park and wants those common people on the allotments to be evicted to stop this happening.
Xanthe was flattered to be asked to stand as she “didn't think I would be the right person. I am outspoken, truthful, often blunt, and although never rude”. The flatterer’s response was 'perfect!' Well, why stop at not being rude Xanthe, it has never bothered some of our Parish Councillors.
Xanthe is just what we need on the Parish Council, someone whose knowledge of local issues comes via chit chat at the tennis club and who is standing as a prospective Parish Councillor because she was flattered into it over a glass of wine in the club bar; just the sort of committed and considered representation that ordinary people in the village need.