Candidates set sights on Brookmeadow seat

9:37am Friday 25th April 2008

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Bin collections, recycling and crime will be on the agenda as candidates vie for the Brookmeadow seat on May 1.

Labour ward councillor Ian Feeney, who was elected last year after winning by only 13 votes, is being challenged by Conservative candidate Andrew Zucker and Green candidate David Harris.

Mr Feeney said he had been working hard to solve problems in the area. "The three big issues I have worked on are the state of the pavements and roads, youth services and bin collections," he said.

"All of these have had a real resonance with the community and the most fulfilment I have received is by personally helping people to solve their problems.

"The lack of Labour councillors in the area means there is no opportunity to debate issues properly, so I am also campaigning for balance on the council."

Standing for the first time is Mr Zucker, 38, a married father-of-four, who is a long-haul airline pilot for Virgin Atlantic and also works as a magistrate in St Albans.

He said: "I think crime, and more importantly the fear of crime, are the most important issues facing us today. We now have 28 PCSOs in Hertsmere and an alcohol-free zone in Borehamwood. I would like to see more of the same to tackle the antisocial behaviour which can have such a large impact on our lives.

"I would like the council to lead the way in making recycling even more accessible. For example, young families need help with nappy collections and people are asking about glass and other recyclables."

Mr Harris, 46, is a window cleaner using environmentally friendly products, and moved to the area in 1998. This is his second year standing for Brookmeadow.

He said: "One of the issues I want to highlight is the appalling state of bin collections. The rats and vermin that gather are getting out of control and will increase in the summer months.

"This is a problem that needs to be straightened out and I would suggest a weekly collection to solve this. I want to make sure there is as much green space as possible and that people are given environmental freedom to make their area as green as they would like. If there are more green representatives on the council then we can help make a difference."