In the run up to the General, Borough and Parish Council elections on May 7th we are 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.
Ruth Norbury is an AlderleyEdgeFIRST candidate for Alderley Edge Parish Council.
Ruth has lived in Alderley Edge for 17 years and is married to Mike, whose family has been here since time immemorial. Ruth has a Music Degree from Sheffield University, and then worked in London for 10 years with NatWest and Goldman Sachs.
She returned to this area with her son, and worked for Trafford Park Development Corporation (TPDC) as a Project Manager on Civil Engineering contracts. When TPDC came to its natural end, she became a Project Manager for Manchester City Council Special Projects Department, which was responsible for the rebuilding of the City after the bombings in 1996, and preparing for the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
Speaking about her work Ruth said "These were exciting times indeed, with the physical regeneration of the City of Manchester, and ensuring long-term benefits to its residents.
"Now I work with Mike as a professional gardener and beekeeper. We are active members of the Bee Farmers Association and have 60 hives of bees in 10 sites in and around the Parish."
Ruth describes herself as being "a bit intense about feeding the birds, hedgehogs, butterflies and, of course, all kinds of bees that visit our garden." Since moving here she has tended an allotment on the Beech Close site which she says is a lovely way to meet people with a common interest, adding "I have always grown my own food and always will – as my parents and grandparents did too, because what you grow yourself is always fresher and tastier than anything else."
I asked Ruth why she decided to stand for election as a Parish Councillor, she replied "Having been to Parish Council meetings and seen their negative view of public opinion being expressed at those meetings, I became very frustrated with the existing PC.
"And having seen the workings of this Conservative Parish Council with regard to the Heyes Lane Allotment Site and their determination to concrete it over, I became concerned that we face a group of people in power who have no interest in the wishes of residents – nor of those who bequeathed the land with a covenant requesting that it should remain a green space for the benefit of the people of Alderley Edge."
Ruth added "The Parish Council made a sub-committee for the Heyes Lane issue, so only a few of them were needed to make critical decisions - ruled over by one who was, shall we say, more forthright than the others.
"They spent over £3,000 of our money on the Parish Pledge leaflet, asking for responses to their proposal. Unfortunately, reinforcing the findings of the Allotment holders' petition, public opinion was against them by some margin - but this was disregarded and proposals for the 'Heyes Lane Car Park' are still being touted to this day.
"So I assessed my options – either stand for election as an Independent or, by my inaction, imply approval for those elected unopposed. I am therefore standing for election."
Speaking about the important issues facing Alderley Edge, Ruth told me "Alderley Edge is a lovely place to live, and an aspirational place for people to move to – starting with the 1850 Manchester warehouse owners who were given free travel by train in return for building large houses here.
"While it is delightful to live in such a vibrant village, we must be careful to protect our community assets against the encroachments of development. We have lost many public facilities, not least the Village Institute, the Cottage Hospital and the former Library building on Heyes Lane.
"The Park (aka Playing Fields), the Edge itself, the Festival Hall, the allotment sites – these are all important parts of the legacy which remains with us.
"I am delighted that we stand to gain a state-of-the-art Medical Centre at the Festival Hall, although I am deeply concerned that the current Parish Council has instructed demolition works before the Lease agreement with the NHS has been signed.
"The borrowing of £2million by the current Parish Council, at taxpayers' risk, is another matter which must be addressed with full costings. Using the remainder of the Festival Hall building to full advantage is essential – however, benefit to the community must balance sheer profit-making in this case."
Ruth added "I hope that all of us in AlderleyEdgeFIRST will bring clarity and openness to the workings of the Parish Council. Some say that this is too little to promise, and that we should produce a manifesto detailing exactly what we propose. I would counter that we are a group of people who want the best for this village. None of us has any political or other agendas which can be written into a manifesto.
"Parking, and drop-off and pick-up congestion, are obviously key issues. We will work to achieve the best arrangements for compatible parking for residents, workers, schools and shoppers. I want to ensure that the key parties responsible for these issues make commitments in terms of investment, and that any future developments in the village have such commitments as part of their planning approvals."
When asked why Alderley Edge residents should vote for her, Ruth said "My experience in Project Management has given me a broad view of what makes 'good ideas' successful. I hope to bring this experience to play in completing redevelopment of the Festival Hall – which has so many potential problems it makes me nervous, but with close financial control and imaginative end use, could be the one thing our children are grateful to us for.
"And I promise that if I'm elected I will insist that Parish Council meetings embrace and engage our residents, not make them feel foolish for wanting to speak.
"In AlderleyEdgeFIRST we have between us years of business and management experience, we represent all age groups and walks of life, we are residents and business owners. And we all have the desire for the continued success of Alderley Edge in our hearts."
To clarify her position regarding plans to build a car park on the Heyes Lane allotment site, Ruth said " I do not want the Heyes Lane allotment site to be concreted over as a car park. However, it is a possibility that we could work with the Allotment Society to agree a section of the allotment site, adjacent to the Festival Hall, being taken over for car parking spaces. Just a possibility.
"There are many options being reviewed for a solution to the parking problems, and I think a combination of all - and some innovative ideas currently coming to the fore - will be the answer, rather than a public amenity being destroyed as a 'single solution' to the problem.
"As always, lots of preparation - costing, consulting and working with potential funding partners - is part of the job before we get there."
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
Ruth would be an asset to any organisation and very pleased that she is standing for the PC.
I would vote for Ruth regardless of what party she stood for. But as we don't need party politics at the PC level of government I'm very happy to be voting for Ruth.
Ruth's project management is exactly what is needed to complete the medical centre project and look at the parking situation in the village.
As chairman of the allotment society people will naturally suppose I back Alderley first based on the Heyes lane issue.
This is not the case as I've always voted conservative but after the last three years of dealing with the current PC, I believe its time for a change.
I'd say that's a winning combination of excellent experience and a genuine willingness to engage with local people to bring beneficial, measured change.
At last, the winds of change are blowing through Alderley Edge !
I don't understand what element of Ruth's profile, above, would cause such an impassioned negative response. I'd be very grateful if you would enlighten us.
To look into all areas of a problem all concerned need transparency. To ignore all that signed the 1800 signature petition and then ignore the parish pledge in my book is hypocritical and down right ignorant oh that's the conservative stances isn't it ?
Theres a world of difference between riding rough shod over residents wishes and looking for solutions to drawn out unsolved issues. As you may have guessed I'm Ruth's husband so may be biased.
Look again at what Ruth actually said....
(QUOTE) To clarify her position regarding plans to build a car park on the Heyes Lane allotment site, Ruth said " I do not want the Heyes Lane allotment site to be concreted over as a car park. However, it is a possibility that we could work with the Allotment Society to agree a section of the allotment site, adjacent to the Festival Hall, being taken over for car parking spaces. Just a possibility.
"There are many options being reviewed for a solution to the parking problems, and I think a combination of all - and some innovative ideas currently coming to the fore - will be the answer, rather than a public amenity being destroyed as a 'single solution' to the problem. (UNQUOTE)
There is no hypocricy here. Ruth clearly states that she doesnt want to lose the allotments to car parking, however there MAY be (after consultation / costing / agreement) a possibility to use a strip of the land to provide car parking spaces. Equally (and this is only my opinion) why not take a strip of land at Chorley Hall Lane, and why not convert that overgrown area alongside the Crewe-bound platform at the Railway Station into more parking spaces?
In addition, look at an equitable way of using the many driveways in the village that lay empty during the day.
All new ideas to be applauded, considered, and perhaps acted upon....not criticised.
One thing I feel certain of: If anyone cares about green spaces and the natural environment it's Ruth Norbury!
As I stated previously, I am NOT a loudspeaker for the views of the Conservative party or any conservative candidate standing for election. Any AE1 candidates/family members who wish to comment on conservative PC candidates are entitled to do so. Alan, I have lived in this village my whole life and will be a voter for the PC in 2 weeks time. I am therefore entitled to point out and then examine why an AE1 candidate has changed her position on the fate of the Heyes Lane allotments, having told my neighbours and I that she previously opposed ANY changes to them. It is even more justified when both she and other AE1 candidates/ people related to them have been so aggressively opposed to ANY interference with the allotments when it has been suggested by the current PC members. It strikes me that whilst they claim that they have been insufficiently consulted on the proposed car park, when pressed for an alternative, AE1 don't have one, and will essentially carry out what has already been proposed and put in place by the current PC. Having left the door open as a possibility, means that they have surely climbed down from the position stated in their leaflets and various social media outlets that the green space should be protected at all costs. As a voter, being told that there will be more consultation, which will itself cost us all money, only to be presented with the same solution as is presently offered, is once again total hypocrisy and means that AE1 is in no way a viable alternative to the current PC or other prospective candidates.
Secondly, you refer to 'more consultation'. If you are referring to the somewhat ridiculous 'Parish Pledge' that was hastily distributed once the petition of 1,800 names was delivered, what was the outcome of that? Were the views generated by that document reflected upon and responded to? I suspect, if the PC had done so, as we, the electorate reasonably expected them to, 'the same solution' you refer to would no longer have legs. I'd suggest that using inflammatory phrases like 'total hypocrisy' is not helping your case... but of course, that is for you to decide..
May I ask you a question? What is your own view on what needs to happen regarding the allotments on Heyes Lane? I am unclear from what you have written if you are for or against the idea.
Thank you.
It is in no way inflammatory to suggest that an AE1 candidate who has stated that in the above article that in principle she has no objection to some kind of change to the allotments, has previously been so vociferous in stating the complete opposite. I am left to assume that either AE1 have significantly changed their stance, or Ruth is saying this in isolation, in which case it suggests that there is a inconsistent and incoherent argument on the part of AE1. I am pleased that you raise the 1850 signatures. People signed that petition because they believed that the allotments needed to be saved in their current state, so for one for one of the organisers of that petition to then publicly state that, actually on reflection it is acceptable to in some way tamper with the allotments is a betrayal of those same people. I have heard several AE1 candidates and their supporters talk about the need for further consultation. That was the consultation is was referring to in my last post. As a voter, hearing that non committal, and frankly vague promise is disappointing for a pressing and immediate problem, particularly when AE1 cannot promise, even after consultation, a different solution to the one currently offered.
I decided to come on here to ascertain what AE1 think, let's stick to that point. Please lets not filibuster with my views as a means of avoiding answering the questions on what AE1's actual policy is on the Heyes Lane allotments. Frankly, I am now unclear where they stand.
I admire your valiant attempts to support your Father, but you really are tying yourself up in knots.
On the one hand you accuse Ruth of betraying the wishes of the 1850 signatories (which she isn't) whilst conveniently pushing to one side the fact that your fathers colleagues have completely and consistently ignored the 1850 good souls.
There is a huge difference between concreting over the whole allotment and sacrificing a strip of it as a partial solution to a complex problem - I feel sure that the 1850 and many others will fully understand that difference.
You do not seem to be genuinely searching for understanding. You have had many people trying to explain to you what AE1 is about and what Ruth is about. You have asked questions and they have answered them eloquently. So you maybe unclear where they stand but they are unclear where you stand and the only person who can help with that is you.
I really do not think you are doing yourself or more importantly, in this election, your father any great favours.
I was struck by your original comment in which you said "and I'll be telling as many people as possible not to vote for a cabal of hypocrites." You will be telling people? I infer from this that you have an expectation that people will do what you tell them. I am not certain that having that belief is going to work for you. It is certainly not working to tell the members of AE1 what they believe in. I suspect they already know.
A simple question or two for the AEFirst group.
Q1. Do you believe that there is a need for a goodly sized car park? Can this be a yes or no answer please?
As this matter has been debated for months, I assume that during that time, those people who have come together as a AEFirst party have formulated ideas as to the possible site/s of a car park. So please do not answer the following question with a time-wasting assertion that you will eventually look into it.
Q2 if there is to be a car park, where does AEFirst propose it to be located?
Can I ask YOU a question?
If the current AEPC arrive at a position whereby they can't build a car park on the Heyes Lane Allotment site - and this is a very real possibility as legal title is still in dispute - what is your "Plan B?"
What is it exactly that you don't understand about the very clear communication AE1 has so far provided? I think most people get it. I certainly do.
Do you not realise that you are appearing as a bit of a bully.
I am very far from tying myself up in knots. As I now understand it, AE1 previously believed the allotments should remain intact, but have now changed their position to accept that the allotments are a legitimate target for helping to reduce parking. That admission is extremely important as it represents the unravelling of the entirety of AE1'S election pledge.1850 signatories to me is a consultation, and having asked for the village's views, they have decided that they would prefer to see the allotments stay as they are. Yet, Ruth's admission that they may need to in some way change for parking spaces indicates a complete disregard for the results of your consultation. Who's to say that after further consultation actually AE1 will simply decide that the entire allotments would need to go to make way for a car park? Claiming that the current PC has ignored the wishes of the majority of the village, now looks like the pot calling the kettle black.
Just to be clear, again, my father does not need me to support him, he can stand up for himself, if anything your personal attacks suggest that you are devoid of any substantiative argument. I am not standing for election, therefore my views on the allotments are irrelevant. Ruth Norbury is a candidate however and so I am entitled to ask for as much clarification as possible on what her position on the allotments is. She has yet to personally respond, and her supporters, contrary to Martin's assertions, have exposed AE1's pledge to preserve green space as a hollow promise.
Oh, and Martin, my points are aimed at those in the village who may be considering voting for AE1, not those who, curiously live in Stockport and therefore cannot vote on issues affecting my village. Those standing have a duty to be upfront about what they stand for and it is increasingly obvious that AE1 is not being clear. I am entitled to point out where the flaws in their arguments lie.
I think you are confusing 'debate' with 'bullying'. In much the same way you are confusing Stockport with Alderley Edge.
I would suggest that You, your brother Max and your mum Jane have been doing a brilliant job of undermining you dad Martin. You know him very well and seem to all be of the opinion that he cannot be trusted to speak for himself. Not the best bit of Hallam PR.
I have to say that trying to brow-beat the electorate has done a certain vulgarian no favours at all; if you follow his example, then you have lost the plot. There is no divine right to "rule".
It really is time to kick party-politics out of this level of "government".
You have both explained in great detail the Heyes Lane Car Park situation and you are both to be commended for this, but yet, some of the AE1 candidates and their supporters STILL try and snipe at you .............
Thanks to you both for your patience and persistence in identifying the many flaws of the AE1 policies and all their "We'll look into this" and "We'll look into that" nonsense.
I will say however that neither my Father nor I are bullies. Asking questions is not bullying.
Thanks Elly
another day of political cut and thrust awaits us eh?
1. my apology for posting an entry above, in the name of Elly Herald; this darn machine sometimes gets the better of me!
2. I posed two questions yesterday. I don't think that they have been answered. Instead Martin has accused me of bullying. Bullying by questioning?
We seem to have a situation where what are innocuous questions are not answered, where AEFirst members and/or apologists refuse to disclose policies/plans and show an increasingly vituperative approach to rival candidates/PC and are slowly starting to contradict each other (yes/no to a partial car park at Heyes Lane and yes/no being non-political). Does this all mean that some AEFirst members feel that they have lost the arguement and so have resorted to shouting yah-boo-sucks?
Pete Taylor- is your comment directed at me- if so please pose me a question by my article and I shall try to reply.
And I apologise for posting on Ruth's article but couldn't refrain from saying how disgusted I was at some of the above. I think Ruth would agree that the comments towards Sophie are wholly inappropriate and unnecessary.
As you have chosen not to answer my question above, can I ask you another question?
Where in the foregoing thread have any "adult men" been "nasty and rude" toward Sophie?
As I understand it, in this age of equality, Sophie is a modern young woman who is more than capable of holding her own in this debate. She has neither asked for (nor received) any quarter, and she is (I would say) giving as good as she gets.
Are you sure that you are cut-out for the cut and thrust of local politics?
My comment 23rd at 6.17 makes clear why I did not answer your question- hope this clarifies for you.
I would like to respect Ruth's article (as I'm a fellow candidate) above so will answer you other question next to my article.
Thanks Elly
congratulations as your interview has easily attracted the most response. A little pro and anti?
I think my interview goes up next, so I'm bracing myself against the 'slings and arrows'. Will I be able to overtake your magnificent total?
Forgive me, as I cannot find the post that I am about to refer to, but a couple of days ago you quite rightly mentioned a recollection that AEPC had announced plans to develop a 'state of the art' sports facility on land between Wilmslow and Alderley Edge. A significant part of this announcement was that it would provide facilities and pitches for 300 of Alderley Edge United's young players (along with a hockey pitch for AESG). This piece of publicity appears to have been conveniently forgotten in the raging debate about sites for parking. Surely, if this is the plan, then this would make the football pitch at Chorley Hall Lane redundant? And, if redundant, then I should imagine it would be far easier to convince the owners of that land (CEC) to consider allowing the village to use it for parking, would it not?
Here's the link to the press release (on AEPC's website).http://bit.ly/1ze1OKG
As I said in a previous post, I am extremely optimistic that the new Parish Council, consisting of a wide range of thoroughly engaging and committed individuals with fresh ideas and a 'can do' approach, can deliver solutions this village needs without going against the wishes of substantial proportions of the electorate they serve. They are also more than capable of ensuring that the new Medical Centre is realised, our public park is improved and our Festival Hall is turned into a thriving venue which serves our community. Most importantly of all, they will invite comment, engage in constructive dialogue and deal with everyone with respect. I believe our village has a really promising future, with these people representing us.
Thank you Claire! I knew I'd seen it somewhere. So the current Parish Council's plans for new football facilities on the Wilmslow Road site will effectively make the Chorley Hall Lane football pitch redundant in the long term.
Any clues what use is now proposed for the CHL football pitch?
And, as I have already asked, is there anyone looking at this information from the Alderley Edge football club who would care to comment on their wishes & desires for either site?
Thanks.
Is there a bit of misunderstanding? As I see it, the new sports facility on Wilmslow Rd. will be part of the AESG site. It is intended, as far as I know, that some part of that facility will be available to the general public.Soits not a 'PC plan' as such.
In any case, may I ask, as I have done before, whether anyone from AEFirst has consulted with CEC regarding possible roles for CHL Field? Please remember than each time CEC has been asked about the possibility of parking on CHL Field, they have said 'no'.
As the whole 'deal' is between AESG and CEC, with the PC getting the old St. Hilary's sports field for use as additional allotments site, you need to ask questions at CEC?
I do so agree that it would be useful to have input from the football club. As far as I know (essentially 'gossip') the football club do not intend to give up the CHL Field.
http://bit.ly/1ze1OKG
I quote from para 2: "On that single site, there will be sports facilities for the Girls School, available to the wider public, plus football fields for the near 300 young players from Alderley United."
However I can see why you say "it's not a PC plan as such" - I've remembered what it was about this Press Release that was a bit strange.
It's not from the Alderley Edge Parish Council, it's from this person:
"Councillor Frank Keegan, Cheshire East Ward Member for Alderley Edge"
I assume he did tell you what his plan was?
you caught me out there. mea culpa!
The latest news/gossip I have however said that the 'Alderley United' folk did not intend to give up the CHL Field. So as often in politics, events have overtaken us.
Please will someone from 'Alderley Utd.' give us the latest on this?
Just so I don't seem to be 'rolling over'; my question as to whether anyone from AEFirst has contacted/consulted CEC re. the CHK Field. Are you able to answer please?
I don't suppose you have any idea when work on the new playing fields will be completed?
Sorry if it seems I am sniping at you, I'm not because I (still) believe that you are one of the good guys. But "latest news / gossip" suggesting that Alderley Edge United folk dont like the idea doesn't really cut the mustard does it?
This was a very interesting proposal given that it bought into focus a piece of land that had previously been out of scope.
Has it not been discussed further in PC meetings?
sorry but no idea. I suspect that such may be with the planners and as that is a matter between AESG and CEC Planners, you'd have to ask them? Or scour the CEC Planners web site? Or ask the AESG Governors?
Hi Alan,
the 'latest news/gossip came to me by an individual and of course I don't give names. It was simply a report from me of what I'd 'heard'. One makes of it what one will.
Unless the good folk of 'Alderley United' care to share info. with us all, we're in the dark together.
Hopefully the new Parish Council will be able to help things along. There are some good candidates, lots of competition. Sadly not enough room for everyone Duncan!
I have now read and re-read that press release and am overcome with a sense of incredulity.
Here is a plan, that releases up a piece of land on Wilmslow Road on which we can build a state of the art, all weather, sports complex of which, not only Alderley Edge, but Cheshire, England and the International Olympic Committee (through their Legacy Programme) can be justifiably proud - even George Osborne is behind the plan.
The land is obviously "available" else this carefully crafted, ambitious scheme would never have seen the light of day - much less received the public backing of George Osborne.
So, there are now options for three sites (Heyes Lane / Chorley Hall Lane or Lydiat Lane) being converted either partially or wholly to car parking to serve the needs of the village and, at the same time bringing about a sate of the art sports facility.
But alas, when questioned on why this wonderful "coach" of an idea is not being driven with a team of Arab stallions foaming at the mouth, through the planning process, you tell us that you think you got some "info / gossip" from someone who shall remain nameless suggesting that someone at Alderley Edge United didn't like the idea?
When is the election?
Three options for a car park? As far as I can tell, few people give any credulity to either CHL Field or Lydiat Lane as car park sites. So again, who are you quoting or is it simply your own opinion?
If I don't pass on what people have said to me then I'm being secretive. If I do pass on what has been said to me then again I'm at fault. Oh well.
The election is in approx 7 days. The voters will either choose to support the P.C. who have a solid record of making things happen or the voters will choose to support the well-meaning but mainly mandate-free opposition.may the best (wo)men win.
Your obfuscation is beginning to frustrate.
Why would I be consulting with AESG or CEC? Surely this was a job done by AEPC prior to that press-release being, er, released.
You cannot deny (I hope) that the availability of land at Wilmslow Road, creates wider and much better options than have, to date, been considered.
I cannot imagine that the land would not be available, or that the plan was in any way "ill-conceived" if the idea was deemed so good that even George Osborne put his support behind it.
So what happened?
I quote: "As far as I can tell, few people give any credulity to either CHL Field or Lydiat Lane as car park sites."
And then I am bound to ask:
"who are you quoting or is it simply your own opinion?"
Honk honk!
Claire,
as ever, what I write is my own opinion. Surely that is what this space is all about? Do you deny that most people are against sacrificing CHL Field to save the H.L. site?
In any case, I contend that most people are against AEFirst kicking children etc. off CHL Field, just to make 14 allotment users feel better?
Alan,
in what way am I obfuscating exactly? Please illustrate.
I am very pleased that there is a piece of land to be used for the main benefit of the girls of AESG. The degree to which the new facilities there will become available to the general public remains to be seen. I do not doubt the good intentions of AESG abd CEC, but I think it best to wait and see.
You ask why I would expect you to consult AESG or CEC? Because if you want to know something, you need to get up off your gluteal maximas and ask?