Stoney Street Ward - David Hitchiner
My wife and I have lived in the Ward for over twenty years. I was first elected as Ward Councillor in 2019 and elected at the Council AGM in May 2019 to be Leader of Herefordshire Council.
In my election literature 4 years ago I referred to three areas of focus; the Natural Environment, the Economy and Accountability. I am heartened by the collaborative work we are doing across the different sectors to try and restore the health of the Wye and Lugg rivers, which were so badly let down over the last 15 years. On the economy, we need businesses to thrive to pay good local taxes and provide employment within the county but it is interesting to me that in the recent consultation, for the County’s vision for 2050, it became clear that the vast majority do not want growth at any cost – it is a delicate but important balance to get right. On accountability, I believe we have made significant improvements.
Under the previous administration, there was a lack of control over spending on projects such as Blueschool St and the City Link Road, where it seems that even Cabinet Members did not know what was happening. This can’t happen again. We now have much better controls in place and are delivering projects to budget and on time.
In terms of what I’m personally looking forward to, plans have been completed for the Museum on Broad Street (which will house the Herefordshire Hoard) with the main Library moving to Maylords. We will start building the long overdue Transport Hub at the railway station this year and will very shortly have completed the outline business case for the much-needed second river crossing to the East of the City.
In the context of the less visible, we must continue to improve the services the Council provides to our children. This is something that we have not got right for well over a decade but we have been open and honest as a new administration and put huge resources into the service to combat historic cuts, with a completely new senior team, alongside government advisors, and we will get the best service possible for our children and young people. We must get this right.
I hope that you will cast your vote for me to serve another 4 years. If elected, I will continue to do what I consider best for Stoney Street Ward and the County without having to consider national political party allegiances or doctrine. If you would like to discuss any issues with me please call or email me.
07786 430542 dhitchiner@hotmail.com
My wife and I have lived in the Ward for over twenty years. I was first elected as Ward Councillor in 2019 and elected at the Council AGM in May 2019 to be Leader of Herefordshire Council.
In my election literature 4 years ago I referred to three areas of focus; the Natural Environment, the Economy and Accountability. I am heartened by the collaborative work we are doing across the different sectors to try and restore the health of the Wye and Lugg rivers, which were so badly let down over the last 15 years. On the economy, we need businesses to thrive to pay good local taxes and provide employment within the county but it is interesting to me that in the recent consultation, for the County’s vision for 2050, it became clear that the vast majority do not want growth at any cost – it is a delicate but important balance to get right. On accountability, I believe we have made significant improvements.
Under the previous administration, there was a lack of control over spending on projects such as Blueschool St and the City Link Road, where it seems that even Cabinet Members did not know what was happening. This can’t happen again. We now have much better controls in place and are delivering projects to budget and on time.
In terms of what I’m personally looking forward to, plans have been completed for the Museum on Broad Street (which will house the Herefordshire Hoard) with the main Library moving to Maylords. We will start building the long overdue Transport Hub at the railway station this year and will very shortly have completed the outline business case for the much-needed second river crossing to the East of the City.
In the context of the less visible, we must continue to improve the services the Council provides to our children. This is something that we have not got right for well over a decade but we have been open and honest as a new administration and put huge resources into the service to combat historic cuts, with a completely new senior team, alongside government advisors, and we will get the best service possible for our children and young people. We must get this right.
I hope that you will cast your vote for me to serve another 4 years. If elected, I will continue to do what I consider best for Stoney Street Ward and the County without having to consider national political party allegiances or doctrine. If you would like to discuss any issues with me please call or email me.
07786 430542 dhitchiner@hotmail.com