By-election candidates interview

19 questions. 4 candidates in the upcoming Shirebrook by-election. EDIT: Last candidate sent answers, and I added them after publishing the article. Despite my efforts and persistence, I was unable to make contact with the fourth candidate. I acknowledge that this is largely my fault. I began preparing for the interview too late, which left me with insufficient time to coordinate. Additionally, formatting the text comprising three four separate responses also took considerable time. Fortunately, I managed to complete everything several days before the vote.

I would like to thank all participants who took part in this interview. Finding time to write responses during the intense campaign period was undoubtedly an additional challenge in what is already a demanding time. Answers are unedited- I posted them as they came into my email. There are some editorial notes marked (S247-in italic font).

This interview follows somewhat of a debate format. Candidates will respond to the first question in set-up order, and after the first question, the order of responses will rotate so that each candidate has the opportunity to be first to answer a question.

Participating in the debate are: [surname (ward – party affiliation)]:
Tony Burns (South – Independent):
Martin Barber (North – Independent):
Oliver Kershaw-Dickson (North – Reform):
Russell Dixon (South – Reform)

Here we go:

Question: Why did you decide to stand in the by-election?
Tony Burns (South – Independent): Having been interested in local issues that affect myself and my partner, I began to look at how the local authority was addressing them. We felt they should be questioned as answers were not readily available. This led to me not agreeing with them on multiple points and becoming involved with the SOS group. Now that a position has become available I feel it would be hypocritical of me not to stand and be counted.

Martin Barber (North – Independent): Shirevale day centre was under review for closure along with NBH by DCC. Nikki Bailey and myself put a petition together signed by 3000 residents. This led too more local questions being asked, SOS group and website being formed. My interest in the local community grew, attending meetings, etc.

Oliver Kershaw-Dickson (North – Reform): because I’m tired of the status quo. I’m tired of nothing being done in my home town.

Russell Dixon (South – Reform): Watching the constant decline of my hometown whilst my parents were alive and now moving back, I’d spent a lifetime of talking politics and I feel that it’s time to act.

Q: Following the official publication of the candidates list by Bolsover District Council, there was some discussion on Facebook regarding the candidates’ place of residence. To clarify matters for local voters: do you live in Shirebrook, and are you standing in the ward where you currently reside?
Martin Barber (North – Independent): I was raised in the North Ward, Yew Tree Drive, Park Road School followed by Shirebrook Comprehensive. Moved to the South Ward, The Coppice for 18 years when I was 21 years old. Now living in the North Ward on Park Road since 1998.

Oliver Kershaw-Dickson (North – Reform): I have lived in Upperlangwith since 1996 a few houses down from the dev. I have been in and around shirebrook all the time. I have not moved out then come back. Using its shops and facilities and seeing the damage. Per the electoral rules I am well within the boundary of being allowed to stand. 

Russell Dixon (South – Reform): I live just on the north side of Main Street and I’m standing in the south 

Tony Burns (South – Independent): I do live in Shirebrook in the South ward where I am standing as a candidate.

Q: Many—including myself—believe that to be an effective councillor, one should already be acting in that spirit before being elected. That includes attending council meetings and keeping up with official documents. With that in mind: how many Shirebrook Town Council meetings have you attended this year?
Oliver Kershaw-Dickson (North – Reform): If the meetings were accessible and welcoming and informative I would gladly attend however the feedback throughout the constituency is that the meetings are poor and the public are not listened to and represented. 

Russell Dixon (South – Reform): The simple answer is none. My current commitments since moving back have made it extremely difficult, something that I’ll have to adapt. The current councillors are at these meetings, are they effective?

Tony Burns (South – Independent): For the council calendar year May 2024 to May 2025 I have attended 10 meetings

Martin Barber (North – Independent): I have attended all but one STC meeting in the past year. I have also attended several committee meetings. I also attend when possible the BDC planning, scrutiny and executive meetings.

Q: What is your view on the events that unfolded during the first part of this year’s Annual General Meeting of Shirebrook Town Council?
Russell Dixon (South – Reform): I only received the information 2nd hand, so it’s difficult. However, if a council meeting can’t be open and honest, not starting early. Do they believe what they are doing is justifiable?

Tony Burns (South – Independent): My views are that councillors should uphold the principles of public office. Public displays of confrontation should not take place. Party politics should not be aired in public, this was a meeting to ensure the council could continue to run efficiently. Unfortunately this did not happen and resulted in the council being brought into disrepute.

Martin Barber (North – Independent): This years ATM was farcical, it started with 30 minutes public questions before residents arrived. No guest speakers like there normally is at the annual event. When we arrived at nominating the chairman and committee for the next 12 months, we were told the chairman was under investigation by the labour party for allegedly trying to recruit other party members for the upcoming by-election. Obviously the meeting was cancelled. Farsical 

Oliver Kershaw-Dickson (North – Reform): Unfortunately I cannot comment as due to my surgery I was not able to be there so will find it unfair to answer that question. I will add that I have had feed back from a large group of residents regarding the meeting which by all accounts was a shambles and presses home my point in the previous question. 

Q: At the second part of the AGM, the Labour majority on Shirebrook Town Council voted to appoint former Labour councillors—now sitting as Independents—to key positions, including Mayor and Committee Chairs. What is your view on this unusual turn of events
Martin Barber (North – Independent): I personally do believe if you have been elected as part of a party, you shouldn’t be allowed to change without a by-election. Many of the votes a candidate gets will be because of that party they represent not just the candidate.

Oliver Kershaw-Dickson (North – Reform): I believe that some independent councillors have the interests of the residents at heart however the independents that were labour councillors I feel are acting more like Trojan horses or a wolf in sheep’s clothing. They show a pattern of standing by the old party colleagues even if it’s not in the interests of the residents.

Tony Burns (South – Independent): I was surprised to witness, at the time, Labour councillors nominating and voting for councillors who are now Independent. If any party affiliated councillor was intending to do this they should have spoken privately prior to the meeting with other party members. This could have avoided more disagreement in front of the attending public. I am a believer that at this level of authority party politics should not be relevant. Independent only, it’s for local residents and issues. I would have liked the potential two new councillors to have been included in these appointments. To back this statement up, a standing councillor has been appointed into a position even though they were not present. Only essential council business could have been conducted with appointments to committees carried out after the by-election.

Russell Dixon (South – Reform): If the independents wish to join a failing council, then that’s their right. It shows that the current council is trying to block any opposition by attempting to incorporate them.

Q: What’s your assessment of the current state of Shirebrook Town Council as a whole?
Oliver Kershaw-Dickson (North – Reform): I feel that they have had it their own way for too many years and have been far too comfortable. Which has lead to a closed off and unapproachable council.

Tony Burns (South – Independent): Without being able to see all the documentation a standing councillor can, within my residential status, I can say that I believe there is plenty of scope for change and improvement. An example of this comes from the recently published Dragonfly Development Ltd report, Shirebrook, has and had, councillors who made decisions that affect Shirebrook who could and should have asked more questions about projects involving Shirebrook land. The council is working in a difficult political and financial environment, however that doesn’t mean the core values of doing what is right for its residents should be neglected. Recent meeting events, observations from the public gallery cement my application to be a councillor and use my life and work experience to help improve the public’s view and workings of the council.

Russell Dixon (South – Reform): If they are aiming to achieve continuous decline in our town, then they are succeeding! 

Martin Barber (North – Independent): I think the current STC is dysfunctional, attendance for the last year was around 65%, I do believe many Councillors have been there too long and have lost the drive and hunger. Joining NALC with help the council, especially the new councillors with courses etc.

Q: What lessons have you taken from observing the current Shirebrook Town councillors, and how would you aim to improve on their performance if elected?
Tony Burns (South – Independent): Observing from the position as a resident, I would say the Nolan Principles were produced for a reason. Councillors would be wise to regularly revisit them and self assess to ensure they are working for the electorate. Councillor training and guidance would be a major part of improving performance. Especially now that Shirebrook Town Council have joined the bodies, NALC & DALC

Russell Dixon (South – Reform): Without seeing what is actually happening within, then it’s impossible to say. What is the true state of affairs? The SOS group has asked a huge number of questions without getting the complete picture. Honesty and Transparency are required, that’s what I would bring. We appear to have neither. 

Martin Barber (North – Independent): We have 16 councillors and some I haven’t heard speak. I would try and involve all councillors in meetings, to make sure they are understand what they are voting for. I would push for a delay in voting on key issues if information isn’t given in advance with time to digest it and if I feel information isn’t correct or in-depth enough.

Oliver Kershaw-Dickson (North – Reform): I feel that I need to look at all the operations of the council to see why there’s stalled projects and areas that should be improved that are not improving. Starting with a full audit of accounts which is what I would like to request first if elected to hopefully ensure total transparency of the council. Building trust. Again some councillors have the residents at heart but not all of them.

Q: Many residents, myself included, find it difficult to identify a clear achievement of Shirebrook Town Council outside of leisure and entertainment events. Setting aside the Town Show, Car Show, Fireworks Display, and Boxing Events—what do you believe has been the Labour majority’s most significant accomplishment since the end of the Covid lockdowns (2020)?
Russell Dixon (South – Reform): That’s simple – a vastly over budget crematorium that is likely to have a financial impact on the town for many years to come. Something that is likely to affect every upcoming decision. 

Martin Barber (North – Independent): I don’t believe we have seen any improvement in Shirebrook since the Skate park which is approaching 20 year’s ago. Since COVID STC have achieved nothing new, just carried out the basic maintenance needs. The leisure centre has introduced lots of events for the elderly and young. The market has been neglected and totally mismanaged.

Oliver Kershaw-Dickson (North – Reform): sadly none apart from the easy wins like mentioned in the question they’ve failed to deliver the market place rejuvenation, failed to deliver the completion of the crematorium project and only completed 20 yards of a laughable bike lane in the market place.

Tony Burns (South – Independent): This question has been raised during my time out delivering leaflets and canvasing. Personally I am finding it very difficult to name any. So by talking to other residents for their input it has proven to be almost fruitless. The only exception that has been mentioned is the memorial on the market square. To which the only involvement I can see, unless corrected, is they gave permission for it to be erected on council land.

Q: Shirebrook247 has reported extensively on the pellet contract scandal involving the Leisure Centre. A motion was introduced by the former STC leader to prevent the Town Clerk from releasing documents related to this matter. All Labour councillors voted in favour of that motion, which remains in force to this day. If elected, would you support overturning this decision and vote to allow the Town Clerk to disclose the relevant invoices and details of the ‘net zero’ pellet delivery contract, which is funded by Shirebrook residents?
Oliver Kershaw-Dickson (North – Reform): 1000%. If elected I will request an internal audit of all years dating back to before covid to find out if unfair financial gain has been in place. If the STC will not cooperate then I will look to the National Audit Office to do an external investigation. If there’s nothing to hide why hide documents.

Tony Burns (South – Independent): Having been present at a recent Shirebrook Town Council meeting, where the issue of the pellets was raised. I believe that from information produced on the 247 blog along with my own research into the cost of the contract, the offer at that meeting of agreeing to the opening of invoices, to the resident who questioned the costs, should be upheld. As long as the request does not breach any legal requirements that the NALC or DALC may advise upon.

Martin Barber (North – Independent): I am not sure why invoices are not open and transparent to the public, it is residents money funding the town. There are several issues where I have requested FOIs and haven’t received them, what is too hide. Lots of questions to be asked.

Russell Dixon (South – Reform): Yes. There is suspicion around irregularities. If there is nothing to hide, then prove it. Honesty!

Q: The 2022/23 Finance Report of Shirebrook Town Council contained multiple irregularities. The Labour majority chose to shield the fallout by designating the matter as exempt. (S247 for readers: “Exempt” is a bureaucratic term used to restrict public access to certain agenda items or documents—typically by discussing them in confidential sessions or withholding them from published records, often citing legal or commercial sensitivity.) To this day, there is no mention of these financial irregularities in the Council’s public documentation. Do you believe that issues involving taxpayer money should be made public? And if elected, what steps would you take to ensure greater transparency in cases like this?
Tony Burns (South – Independent): I believe that unless there are data protection or personal safety issues around any documentation produced by the council, if it involves tax payers money full transparency should be upheld. Now that membership of the NALC & DALC has taken place, these bodies can advise the Clerk and councillors on such issues. Along with this I would attend the open public viewing of the accounts, usually July/August. So I can take questions from residents and relay them to the Clerk and councillors. If elected I would use these associations for advice and training regarding confidential items and use this knowledge to ensure proper procedures are followed. To keep the public and councillors informed within the law.

Martin Barber (North – Independent): I was sent a few FOIs about this period that didn’t add up. I eventually went to the commissioner’s office and received some information. It appears a huge pay rise had been implemented giving a rise in the salary expenses by £167k per annum. There was no mention of this in the minutes of any of the meeting’s, WHY

Russell Dixon (South – Reform): There can be legal reasons that makes it difficult to release information. Commercial sensitivities are also to be considered, but who’s? If neither of these is actually true, then the people who pay for it have a right to know. 

Oliver Kershaw-Dickson (North – Reform): I would push for full transparency top to bottom. That’s the only way residents will begin to trust what the council says. Why hide. You only deny or hide behind exempt from public if there’s something to hide.

Q: Some time ago, Shirebrook247 reported that a manager at Shirebrook Town Council had hired a member of their own family. There have also been informal concerns raised about similar cases. What is your view on this practice?
Martin Barber (North – Independent): I personally don’t have any issues with employing family members. I have enquired in the last 12 months however the roles of the staff in our town office to justify the high salary expense its generating. No reply each time obviously, I am not happy with the staffing issues and have outstanding questions.

Russell Dixon (South – Reform): Hiring family members is not unusual or wrong. The question is are they capable of doing it and were they hired correctly? Advertise the job and the best candidate gets it. 

Oliver Kershaw-Dickson (North – Reform): I have no issue with this but only if correct processes were followed. If in the hiring process an independent and fair recruitment process was followed and candidates were interviewed and this family member was shown to be more qualified or suitable than other candidates then fine. If not then I do take issue with this.

Tony Burns (South – Independent): This question is dealt with under Shirebrook Town Councils policy, 24 Employment of close relatives and partners policy. This policy is something I have looked at previously and would, if elected, revisit to assess it is fit for purpose. It’s publicly available on the council’s website. Section 24.6 states “ close relatives and members of the same household cannot normally be employed where one has supervisory responsibility for the other or makes employment decisions pertaining to the other or exercises authority over the other” Again advice from the NALC and DALC can be sought.

Q: Shirebrook Market has seen a steady decline in footfall in recent years. Do you think this is simply part of a wider trend and changing habits that can’t easily be reversed—or do you believe Shirebrook Town Council shares some responsibility for this decline? If so, what would you change, and how would you go about revitalising Market Square?
Russell Dixon (South – Reform): Unfortunately, it is the trend. However, areas that offer better quality shops and amenities tend to flourish. Those with lots of charity shops, numerous night-time fast-food shops, multiple (empty) hairdressers, and a shuttered appearance, don’t. Try to encourage new, different shops. Rule out nonsense projects. Work with the police to deter anti-social behaviour. 

Oliver Kershaw-Dickson (North – Reform): yes I do. No vetting of shops allowing to a massive increase of fast food, hairdressers and beauty salons. Whilst loosing a variety of shops. Closing off the market place for a stalled rejuvenation project unfortunately is the last nail in the coffin. I would push to change this and get the market place back open.

Tony Burns (South – Independent): Shopping habits have changed over the past 20 years, however the council must take some responsibility for its decline. Markets have been discussed in various arenas over the years so it is not a surprise to the council of changing shopping habits, so they have to accept they knew and could have addressed this earlier. The first change is to get the market redevelopment finished as soon as possible. Having discussions and reports produced about a variety of market types on Sundays (artisan, food, farmers, etc) should have been acted upon. Discussions with existing market traders and shop owners should have been a priority of the council and councillors. I have spoken to several longstanding traders who have consistently stated lack of communication as a problem, with the redevelopment of the square causing considerable anxiety. I would propose ways to revitalise the market square by looking at getting the long established previous events back up and running. I would also like to see the celebration of the great work local groups do, by offering space and time on the market square to show their talents. This would encourage parents, friends and residents to the square. Thus increasing footfall. The council also needs to address the empty premises, have open discussions with owners and potential occupants about the pitfalls of opening a business in the town.

Martin Barber (North – Independent): STC is solely responsible for the drop in footfall in and around our market. Market’s are the heart of the town, it needs proper management. Organizing key events and theme markets, working with traders, market groups and taking advice from more advanced councils in this area. In my opinion the pavilion will be another nail in our coffin. It’s closing off the market place until next year, making traders places smaller and has no benefit to our footfall. Councillors stating we are getting it for nothing is absurd. It has no business case whatsoever, a complete white elephant.

Q: Shirebrook247 has proposed dissolving the Leisure Committee and transferring its responsibilities to the Operations Committee. This, we believe, would allow more time and focus on pressing issues such as anti-social behaviour, crime, fly-tipping, and securing external funding for the town. In your view, why does the Labour majority continue to allocate over a quarter of a million pounds per year to leisure activities, while spending comparatively little on crime prevention and public safety?
Tony Burns (South – Independent): I am of the view that Leisure, Market, Village Hall, Cemetery, Council Offices and general council operations should be one committee. Then a committee could be established to oversee the Anti-social activities, crime etc, with a proposedcommitment to meet the local SNT on a quarterly basis. The leisure centre is an invaluable asset for the community and the council. It is a topic of discussion both internally and externally. As a councillor I would be active in looking at all the pros and cons of it in its present form, having seen the consultation for the leisure centre redevelopment. Without having access to the documentation relating to leisure spend by STC, it would be difficult to give a definitive answer, however all of the points made in the question have merit to be discussed.

Martin Barber (North – Independent): I have attended quite a few of the leisure committee meetings and enjoyed them actually. If they go ahead with the proposed management engagement committee which has been passed not sure there will be a need for both.

Oliver Kershaw-Dickson (North – Reform): because I feel there are other agendas involved. Which is why I would support a merger with the operations committee. Re evaluation of all portfolios and directing them to councillors who are suited to them and again auditing the council to see if our money could be put to better use.  (S247- answer seems to be cut in half at start- sadly we had no time to contact candidate again to rectify it- apologies)

Russell Dixon (South – Reform): They have an agenda that only they know. If the Leisure Committee can achieve tangible results, which may help to reduce crime by giving people something to do. Whilst, at the same time working with the police to improve safety, reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, then we win. The two have to work together, in some way.

Q: Devolution: genuine opportunity for local improvement or just more bureaucracy and wasted time?
Martin Barber (North – Independent): Devolution is a contentious issue, I am not in favor of it and not sure it’ll save much money like its intention. If it does go ahead Shirebrook needs councillors who understand about the new unitary to achieve the best for our town once negotiations start. My main concern is we are right on the edge of Derbyshire, will we become the forgotten town.

Oliver Kershaw-Dickson (North – Reform): whilst I feel devolution is a brilliant idea to give more autonomy to shirebrook, shirebrook will sadly always be under majority control from BDC until the leadership there is changed. This is an issue that needs addressing. 

Tony Burns (South – Independent): Unfortunately it’s something that the previous government and now the current government has forced upon us. It has the potential to remove a level of red tape if done correctly. In my opinion that isn’t happening, we have a small number of District and County councillors discussing and making decisions for local people without, again in my opinion, conducting a proper consultation. Devolution will leave a large void between the new authority and local town/parish councils, there will be a requirement for upskilling of councillors and officers at this level in order to cope with the additional pressure on them. I feel it’s like going to an expensive restaurant, paying the bill but being told by the people sitting next to you what you can have. Then after you are left with the bill, they disappear.

Russell Dixon (South – Reform): Personally, I don’t see the potential benefit for local people. Do Regional Mayors work for the entire area or mainly for the larger cities? Have Police and Crime Commissioners improved policing? Have they both just added a level of bureaucracy created well paid jobs for those involved?

Q: In your view, who is the most effective councillor currently serving on Shirebrook Town Council—and why?
Oliver Kershaw-Dickson (North – Reform): There’s no I in team and an individual does not make a team. It needs passionate individuals to make a collective difference to the community.

Russell Dixon (South – Reform): I wouldn’t single anyone out, they should be a team. As a whole, the council isn’t effective. Some councillors believe in making a positive improvement to the community. They need to be prepared to stand up against the rot.

Tony Burns (South – Independent): I do not think I can single any one councillor out as asked in the question. I do however believe that the councillors who have shown their commitment to the elected position, know who they are. They will continue to do their best for the community I am sure until the next election, 2027 is due. With the scrutiny of the public and action groups the councillors who can hold their head high with no repercussion should be thanked.

Martin Barber (North – Independent): I do believe the most effective serving councillor at this present time has to be the new chairman Cllr Harford. He does attend every meeting apart from illness, he has the knowledge and is Shirebrook through and through. He now needs to show his leadership and cut ties with the puppet masters.

Q: In your view, which councillor is falling short in their duties—and why?
Russell Dixon (South – Reform): Leadership drives success or delivers failure. What’s happening with our council?

Tony Burns (South – Independent): As previously stated I cannot single any one councillor out as asked in the question. I can say that as a resident, I would like my councillors to comply with the Nolan principles and the councils own code of conduct. Attendance at meetings both public and confidential should be paramount to being an elected member, if this falls short of an agreed number then measures should be taken to rectify this. Furthermore I do know Shirebrook has councillors who are members of other councils where they attend more frequently. How is this serving the residents who have put their trust in them? It also brings into question, conflict of interest. If you are in an elected position for Shirebrook then you do what is right for those residents not the council you might be sitting at on that particular day.

Martin Barber (North – Independent): The most inefficient is Cllr Fritchley, never attends public meetings, hasn’t attended a full council meeting in over 12 months. The attendance record for full council meetings in 2024 was around 65%.

Oliver Kershaw-Dickson (North – Reform): Sadly it has to be the leader. As with anything having a good leadership is paramount. The rest naturally will follow. Bad leaders shout from the back whilst great leaders lead from the front and by example.

Q: Why should Shirebrook residents vote for you rather than your opponent?
Martin Barber (North – Independent): I do believe residents should vote for myself because I have been an active resident in community attending meetings, asking questions and gathering a portfolio of information through FOIs etc for way over a year. I do believe I probably know more about the finances and running of STC more than most of the current councillors. I will not need a few months to settle, at council meetings I speak more than most of the councillors do now.

Oliver Kershaw-Dickson (North – Reform): whilst our aims are the same in trying to bring shirebrook back from the dead. I feel that I have the opportunity to push harder. Coming from a strong aerospace engineering background I have the technical problem solving skills that will help me drive shirebrook forward. Also having worked in a customer services role for large companies I feel my people management skills will also provide valuable skills to help shirebrook thrive. I am driven to find the answers and find solutions that will benefit the residents whilst looking at reducing financial miss management and waste.

Tony Burns (South – Independent): I have in my opinion shown that I can give the time and effort required of being a local councillor. This includes being visual for residents to see and communicate with and attending council meetings to raise and discuss important issues. I will take into account residents’ concerns and discuss them within the bounds of being a local councillor, this has to include all communities. We need to address housing, retail and industry in the area. The coming years are going to be difficult, as your councillor I will do my utmost to ensure Shirebrook has a voice at local, district and county level. Issues such as the Market Square, Crematorium, Local Plan and Devolution need councillors who will be pushing for the residents and not have national party restrictions. Independent councillors should act for the residents of the community.

Russell Dixon (South – Reform): I was born and raised here. Enjoyed the good times, when people had pride in themslves and the community. We made an effort and cared. The town has lost 30 years. We cannot afford to be looking backwards; we have to look forwards. What can we do for now and for future generations. We have to have a new focus. The past reminds us of a good life, we must not live there!

Q: If you could ask your opponent one question during this campaign, what would it be?
Oliver Kershaw-Dickson (North – Reform): who did you vote for in the 2024 general election. As I voted reform.

Tony Burns (South – Independent): What song would you choose as your election anthem? ( My choice would be Proud by Heather Small )

Russell Dixon (South – Reform): I’ve spoken to him. He’s a good man. The question is, can we work together to make it better?

Martin Barber (North – Independent): The one question I would ask is why have you applied to be a STC councillor when you have never shown any interest in the council or Shirebrook, you have never attended any meetings and never used any of our services and facilities.

Q: Any final message you’d like to share with Shirebrook voters?
Tony Burns (South – Independent): The town of Shirebrook needs committed councillors who will act appropriately and responsibly to ensure we do not get left behind on issues that will affect us for years to come. In return all I ask is for your trust and vote

Russell Dixon (South – Reform): This has to be the beginning of the end for the Labour party that has dominated Shirebrook politics since before I was born. They used to stand for us, now they stand for themselves. If people want things to change then they must stand up and take the flak! Who am I? – Grew up on the Pear Tree estate, went to both comps, played football as a kid for the Model, played rugby league for Shirebrook. Left in my mid 20s. Came back when both of my parents (life-long residents) passed a few years ago. I don’t do social media, but I will talk and listen face to face. The way it should be. I don’t drink but enjoy going out and socialising. I’m honest.

Martin Barber (North – Independent): My involvement with council business came about because of the threat to our DCC elderly centres. After a successful petition one remained open and one is in limbo. It became apparent Shirebrook needed councillors willing to stand up for our town. Since retiring I now have the time and energy to represent our community. I won’t be a councillor who won’t answer public questions and say thats nothing to do with me. As a Shirebrook councillor, any issues relating to our community will be concern for myself if elected by the good residents of our town.

Oliver Kershaw-Dickson (North – Reform): A lot has been made about me not being from Shirebrook or a local lad like my opponent. Whilst my address does not have Shirebrook but Upperlangwith I am a local lad raised in the area, made dens in the woods and played in the fields and worked in Shirebrook. I have your interests at heart. I enjoyed Shirebrook 10/15 years ago with its diverse and thriving marketplace with all the different offerings and shops. Now it’s all but gone. I think the current council have lost sight of what’s important and I feel they are giving handouts to their friends. I intend to find out the truth and start the hard work to make Shirebrook Town Council fully transparent and how the council can change direction to start rebuilding the sleepy down on its luck town that I love. A vote for me and reform will be a worthy vote. We can bring change and we can bring Shirebrook back for you.

THE END

That’s it from me. I have a few really tough articles in the pipeline, so please stay tuned! Good luck to candidates and VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!

Sylwester Zwierzynski info@shirebrook247.com