With Charlton going to the polls on Thursday to pick new councillors, The Charlton Champion asked each party if one of their candidates could answer a questionnaire about why they’re standing, what they’ve done, and what they can do. Here is incumbent Labour councillor GARY PARKER…

1. Why Charlton? Two of our candidates live here and the other has represented the ward on the Council for 20 years. Charlton is a great place to live and work.

2. What can you bring to the job of being a councillor? We bring a wide rang of skills and experience, from public service, small business, trade unionism, and life.

3. What is Greenwich Council good at? Greenwich Council has done a great job at managing to maintain quality services in the face of massive reductions in government funding, and in keeping services provided directly in house. Our primary schools rank as the fourth best in the country, and our secondary schools are not far behind.

4. What does Greenwich Council need to improve at? Greenwich Council is constantly trying to improve all aspects of its performance.

5. What makes Charlton special? We have a great sense of community and good mix of residents from all walks of life and a significant number of community organisation, some of the most active in the Borough which enriches community life..

6. What are the biggest issues affecting the people of Charlton? Housing costs, transport provision, air quality, poverty related issues.

7. What are the biggest issues affecting Greenwich borough? Adequate funding, bad planning legislation, property developers putting profit before need.

8. Why should people vote on Thursday? It’s your opportunity to decide who should run the borough.

9. Charlton is on the brink of huge change with redevelopment due in Charlton Riverside. What will you do to make sure residents’ voices are taken seriously throughout this process? Keep residents informed about planning issues as they develop, hold surgeries, public meetings and walkabouts to listen to residents views, advise residents of their rights, put residents concerns at the heart of our decision making.Use the Charlton Riverside Stakeholder forum as a platform for significant engagement on the CR programme

10. Labour has been in power since 1971. Why should residents keep on voting for them? Because Labour has a very good track record in this Borough in providing quality services and in listening to residents’ views.

Gary Parker is Labour and Co-operative candidate for Charlton. To find out more, visit greenwichlabour.org.

• See Green candidate Clare Loops’ responses.
• See the Lib Dem candidates’ responses.
• See Women’s Equality Party candidate Pamela Ritchie’s responses.
• See Conservative candidate Macharia Gakuru’s response.
• See the answers given to The Valley Hill Hub.
• See who’s standing in your ward, find manifestos and hustings
• Read what happened and see video from the Charlton ward hustings

Charlton ward candidates (three are elected): Gary Dillon (Labour), Macharia Gakuru (Conservative), Ian Gerrard (Liberal Democrat), Rebecca Ireland (Liberal Democrat), Catherine Latham (Conservative), Clare Loops (Green), Maya Mann (Conservative), Gary Parker (Labour), Linda Perks (Labour), Pamela Ritchie (Women’s Equality Party), Charlie Rome (Liberal Democrat). Polls are open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 3 May.

With Charlton going to the polls on Thursday to pick new councillors, The Charlton Champion asked each party if one of their candidates could answer a questionnaire about why they’re standing, what they’ve done, and what they can do. Here is Green candidate CLARE LOOPS…

1. Why Charlton?
Because it’s where I’ve lived for over 20 years; where I’ve raised my family. It’s my community, my neighbours, my friends.

2. What can you bring to the job of being a councillor?
If elected as a ward councillor for Charlton, I can bring my experience working in local government (including Greenwich) for many years as a strategic planner, responsible for leading a team of planning policy, conservation, urban design and sustainability officers. This experience makes me well suited to address many of the issues that matter to local people and gives me an in depth understanding about how local councils work.

In particular, I consider that my experience would serve particularly well matters surrounding development, the environment and our heritage.

In addition, I can bring an understanding of education matters: when my children were in primary school, I was elected as a parent governor, served as Chair of the governing body, and also was elected the parent governor representative for all primary schools across the borough, sitting on Greenwich’s children and young people scrutiny panel.

And finally, but in no way the least important, I can bring my honesty, empathy and strong ethical principles to the role of councillor.

3. What is Greenwich Council good at?
I’ve worked for Greenwich and know how hardworking and dedicated the staff is.

4. What does Greenwich Council need to improve at?
A key improvement would be a more open, transparent local government that involves residents and local businesses early and proactively in decisions that affect them.

One of my favourite walks takes me from my home near the station, down through the industrial area to the River Thames, past the Thames Barrier and then up through Barrier Park, Maryon Park and Maryon Wilson Park, then across to Charlton Park, past Charlton House, St Luke’s Church and then down home again.

Different routes take me past so many different landscapes, from the industry of the river to the hidden paths in the green spaces, and such a rich and varied history.. I love that all this – and more – is in my corner of London.

6. What are the biggest issues affecting the people of Charlton?
Issues that I think are important in Charlton are: reducing air pollution through improved public transport and safe cycle and walking routes; keeping our parks and streets and public spaces clean and in good repair; investing in Charlton Village to address its deteriorating condition (and high number of fast food takeaways); and, making sure that new development creates housing that is truly affordable for residents and also provides different types of homes so that we have a choice, particularly for young people, families, and seniors.

7. What are the biggest issues affecting Greenwich borough?
Addressing dangerously poor air quality! Particularly bad along Woolwich Road, Trafalgar Road and the Blackwall tunnel approach, and this is very likely to get worse when IKEA opens for business. The recent Council approval for a cruise liner terminal without clean onshore power, and the Silvertown tunnel, which is proposed only for road traffic, will only compound the problem, if they are built as currently proposed.

Ensuring that new housing is actually affordable for Greenwich’s residents, and that is the right type for young and old, families and singles, built together alongside social, community, green and transport infrastructure to create mixed, sustainable communities.

Providing good quality Council services even as funding continues to be cut by central Government, with a focus on health, social care, education and housing those most in need, but also services such as street cleaning, waste collection and repairing potholes, which can really make a difference to how people feel about their neighbourhoods.

8. Why should people vote on Thursday?
Voting for your local councillors is really important. It is our right to be represented by democratically elected people, who take the time to understand our issues and are the voice of Charlton in the town hall. Everyone who is eligible should register to vote and then vote! It’s the best way of ensuring that we are heard.

9. Charlton is on the brink of huge change with redevelopment due in Charlton Riverside. What will you do to make sure residents’ voices are taken seriously throughout this process?
Charlton, to the north of the railway line and south of the River Thames, which some people call ‘Charlton Riverside’ but to me is just another part of Charlton, has been changing over the last 25 years from an entirely industrial area to a major out-of-town centre retail area that is almost entirely car based.

Now that the industrial land use designations have been removed, residential development proposals are beginning and it will probably take another 25 years for the area to transform into a more residential neighbourhood.
The area benefits from a recently adopted master plan, which includes as part of its vision the objective of new development being integrated with the rest of Charlton.
For this to be successful, Charlton’s residents (and councillors) need to be involved in development proposals as they are being shaped, well before they are formal planning applications, so that they can actually influence what is being proposed, to ensure that new development will benefit existing and new residents.

If elected I would put forward a motion for residents and councillors to be consulted formally at the beginning of the pre-application process, before plans are drawn up. For Charlton in particular I know this will be effective, as Charlton already has a number of well organised residents’ groups that are keen to be involved. Charlton’s councillors need to be as well.

10 How can a Green vote make a difference?
Having even just one Green on the Council will make a difference. I think it’s safe to say that Greenwich is a Labour borough and will remain so. One feels though that Labour has become complacent as it has been in power in Greenwich since 1971.
If elected to represent Charlton, as a Green I will bring refreshing independence, and scrutiny: I’ll ask awkward questions when needed and challenge when things go wrong. I’ll work to make sure things are tackled properly.

Clare Loops is standing in Charlton ward for the Green Party. To find out more, visit greenwich.greenparty.org.uk

• See Labour councillor Gary Parker’s responses.
• See Lib Dem candidates’ responses.
• See Women’s Equality Party candidate Pamela Ritchie’s responses.
• See Conservative candidate Macharia Gakuru’s response.
• See the answers given to The Valley Hill Hub.
• See who’s standing in your ward, find manifestos and hustings
• Read what happened and see video from the Charlton ward hustings

Charlton ward candidates (three are elected): Gary Dillon (Labour), Macharia Gakuru (Conservative), Ian Gerrard (Liberal Democrat), Rebecca Ireland (Liberal Democrat), Catherine Latham (Conservative), Clare Loops (Green), Maya Mann (Conservative), Gary Parker (Labour), Linda Perks (Labour), Pamela Ritchie (Women’s Equality Party), Charlie Rome (Liberal Democrat). Polls are open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 3 May.

Charlton goes to the polls on Thursday in the Greenwich Council elections. Women’s Equality Party candidate PAMELA RITCHIE answers our questions on what she hopes to achieve…

1. Why Charlton?
I’ve lived in Charlton for 14 years, having grown up just the other side of Shooters Hill in Welling. I love the area and the diverse community we have and I want to make sure Charlton gets its fair share of investment to make sure it remains a vibrant, diverse and desirable place to live.

2. What can you bring to the job of being a councillor?
I like to get things done, and I am dedicated and not afraid of working hard. The best results come from being able to work collaboratively, setting aside differences and focusing on what we all have in common in order to achieve good outcomes for everyone. As a party WE were created to be a new collaborative political force in UK politics uniting people of all genders, ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, beliefs and experiences in the shared determination to see women and men enjoy the same rights and opportunities so that everyone can flourish.

I’m a computer programmer in my day job, working with data collection and reporting. I’m good at working through requirements of a client, turn that into a technical spec and explain the process in plain language for everyone to understand.

I’m a problem solver and a creative thinker, often able to come up with a different approach to a task, when all options look like dead ends.

I am an approachable, adaptable person who is not afraid to speak up, which I would always ensure I do on behalf of residents.

3. What is Greenwich Council good at?
I love the arts and cultural events that the council help fund and support in Greenwich. I am a big fan of the variety and innovative use of space – along with the spectacle that the Greenwich & Docklands Festival brings each year and particularly bringing Greenwich Pride to the centre of Greenwich town, closing the roads around the market.

I am proud to see so many visitors come and see our home borough stand out with the Cutty Sark & the maritime museum, the Tall Ships festival and the fantastic viewing points for the marathon.

4. What does Greenwich Council need to improve at?
Communication and accessing information. The website is a very difficult place to navigate – even if you know exactly what you are looking for & have found it before on the site, its not intuitive and the search function doesn’t seem to help you get the information you need to.

There are so many resources that are available to residents that I have only become aware of in the last couple of years since getting involved with the Women’s Equality Party, that had I known about could have really helped me in the past, particularly when I was unemployed. I want to make sure all residents are aware of the help and support for carers that’s available locally.

If I am elected, I’ll be making sure I am available regularly to listen to residents’ concerns, creating a hub of information, bringing together different service providers to ensure residents have access to any support they need.

5. What makes Charlton special?
Charlton has some unique characteristics, the big one for me is Charlton House. It’s a beautiful building in fabulous surroundings, however I would like to bring it more into use by the public. I’d like to see the café open some evenings and weekends and to encourage different community groups to meet there at no charge. I’d love to walk in to visit the library and see a vibrant mix of people of all ages and backgrounds, knitting, playing board games or chatting about the latest Charlton Athletic result.

This would be the centre for my ideas around tackling loneliness, ensuring this space is accessible for all and having information on hand for further help sign post anyone in need to local support and help that is available.

6. What are the biggest issues affecting the people of Charlton?
I’ve heard lots of things on the doorstep during this campaign, from pavements, pot holes and tree trimming – all things that can be solved if the funding can be allocated. Then there are the more complex issues such as housing and schools.

There is no simple solution to the housing issue, we have more than 10 thousand people on the housing waiting list in Greenwich. The current target of 35% affordable needs to be more ambitious, especially when we look at how a truly affordable rate is set within the context of the gender pay gap. We also need to ensure we are building the schools, doctors, dentists and transport network alongside so that all residents needs are met.

7. What are the biggest issues affecting Greenwich borough?
Air quality in Greenwich is a serious issue that demands immediate intervention, and yet we see plans in place with the cruise ship terminal, the Silvertown tunnel and Ikea set to open early 2019 – that will exacerbate the problem.

Toxic air is harming the health of all our residents, but especially those who spend more time outdoors in green spaces – namely, the children and predominantly female carers who are looking after them. With illegal levels of air pollution being recorded outside of local schools.

I want Greenwich to be leading the way with the diesel ban, encouraging electric vehicles and ensuring any planned housing has electric charging points in its plans.

The cost of childcare can be punishing, in particular for those on low incomes or wishing to undertake training or education. In the UK, the cost has been rising up to seven times faster than wages, with the greatest gap growing in London.

Nursery care providers are struggling to offer the 30 free hours of childcare as the government funding falls short of the actual cost. With 36% of children in Greenwich & Woolwich living in poverty, we need to ensure we are protecting vital services for families.

8. Why should people vote on Thursday?
Because representation matters, the people you have speaking up for you on the council chambers need to reflect the diversity of voices from the area.

Too many people choose not to vote in the local elections, however I would say they are more important to your every day life than a national election. Your local council control more than just bins and pot holes, it’s the planning applications, the trading standards and social care.

With the imminent arrival of universal credit, central government is devolving some of its financing to locally, one such example which will remove the ring fencing of funding for refuges putting this into the hands of the council to decide how much to allocate from a general pot of emergency accommodation.

We need to ensure we provide a secure and consistent pathway for women fleeing domestic abuse and that this is something that is prioritised from the emergency accommodation funding.

9. Charlton is on the brink of huge change with redevelopment due in Charlton Riverside. What will you do to make sure residents’ voices are taken seriously throughout this process?
I would make sure that all public meetings are widely advertised, with recordings and minutes of the meetings available for those unable to attend.

Consultation must be widely publicised & open for all to comment and raise concerns, not just those deemed immediately affected by the development.

I would make sure we push back to the developers to make sure the plans remain within the originally agreed master plan.

10. Why should the people of Charlton, whatever gender they are, give the Women’s Equality Party a vote?
Because equality is better for everyone.

Pamela Ritchie is standing for the Women’s Equality Party in Charlton ward. To find out more, visit womensequality.org.uk.

• See Labour councillor Gary Parker’s response.
• See Lib Dem candidates’ response.
• See Green candidate Clare Loops’ responses.
• See Conservative candidate Macharia Gakuru’s response.
• See the answers given to The Valley Hill Hub.
• See who’s standing in your ward, find manifestos and hustings
• Read what happened and see video from the Charlton ward hustings

Charlton ward candidates (three are elected): Gary Dillon (Labour), Macharia Gakuru (Conservative), Ian Gerrard (Liberal Democrat), Rebecca Ireland (Liberal Democrat), Catherine Latham (Conservative), Clare Loops (Green), Maya Mann (Conservative), Gary Parker (Labour), Linda Perks (Labour), Pamela Ritchie (Women’s Equality Party), Charlie Rome (Liberal Democrat). Polls are open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 3 May.