TRIMLEY St Martin went to the polls today to elect a new parish councillor.Voting got off to a slow start with the election taking place after supporters of the Save Trimley Against Growth (STAG) campaign called for a vote rather than allow councillors to co-opt a new member.
TRIMLEY St Martin went to the polls today to elect a new parish councillor.
Voting got off to a slow start with the election taking place after supporters of the Save Trimley Against Growth (STAG) campaign called for a vote rather than allow councillors to co-opt a new member.
STAG is fighting proposals to build up to 1,500 homes in the historic twin villages and already has two members of its team on neighbouring Trimley St Mary parish council.
Now it is hoping to have a voice on St Martin - although all the parish councillors are broadly in line with its views and are also fighting the extra homes proposed.
Because the election is costing the village £750 for polling cards, staffing the polling station and administration, residents have been urged to make sure they use their vote.
The Memorial Hall in High Road has been turned into the polling station for the day for a very low-key election - with candidates not able to afford posters, leaflet and canvassing teams.
Residents have three choices - carnival chairman John Sills, STAG member Ian Cowan, and former Kirton and Falkenham Parish Council chairman Robert Parker.
Mr Sills, 67, a retired electrical and mechanical engineer, has lived in Trimley St Martin for 12 years. He is married to Pat and they have three grown up children and six grandchildren.
As well as his work with the carnival, he has been on the committee of the sports and social club and wants more people to get involved with village life.
Mr Cowan, who has lived with his wife in the village for five years, is highlighting the development threat to the village.
Mr Parker, who has lived with his wife and three children in the area for 30 years, has been a governor at Trimley St Martin Primary School for 16 years, serving as chairman.
He is also concerned about the future of the community and is determined the council should work to obtain what is in the best interests of all for now and future generations.
WEBLINK: www.trimley-st-martin.org.uk
Do you think £750 is good value for money for an election of a parish councillor? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk
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