Newly-elected Clowne councillor vows to '˜earn respect' of community

Clowne in Bloom and grant providers Tesco celebrate the new play train installed at the park

Independent Ross Walker was elected to Clowne Parish Council’s South Ward last month.

He decided to put himself forward as a candidate after becoming frustrated following a number of changes at parish council meetings such as a reduced time-slot for public questions and questions being ‘noted’ rather than answered or discussed.

“I hope that the council will learn to work with me and not just against me,” Councillor Walker said.

“I know that changes can be a little bit daunting but they must happen and they will happen.

“People in Clowne have put their trust and faith in me and I intend to earn their respect.”

Councillor Walker received 546 votes, with Independent councillor David Ward polling 138 votes in the election on Thursday, February 16. The turnout was 22.03 per cent.

Councillor Walker said talks have started on trying to get a direct bus organised from Clowne to Chesterfield Royal Hospital and helping to arrange informative meetings for residents about fracking.

An anonymous letter sent to the Derbyshire Times last month said: “We feel our council does not listen or pay heed to what residents of Clowne ask of these elected people, democracy does not exist within this council.”

Councillor Walker added: “The support I have received is very humbling. I would like to say thank you to everyone.”