Cllr Simon Forde - Newark & Sherwood District Council (Balderton South) Balderton Parish Council (Balderton South)

From discussions with residents in the lead-up to the election in May 2023 I have taken away that the key priorities, in order, are

(i) cost of living and the council tax;

(ii) improving the street scene and a general feeling that public spaces are unkempt and poorly maintained;

(iii) better amenities for youngsters, particularly teenagers; (iv) protecting open spaces; and (v) better public transport.

I now serve as vice-chair of the Audit and Governance Committee on the District Council. I would like to see the district council becoming more consultative and responsive to residents and developing a bottom-up approach to policy and a more joined-up approach to key areas of concern.

I also serve as a director of Active4Today, the council-owned company that runs four leisure centres and other sports and recreation facilities in our area.

I am also the Footpaths Officer for Balderton Parish and also the co-ordinator with British Gypsum/St Gobain to liaise over the final phases of quarrying and the installation of a new park on that land.

I work roughly half-time on council business. Even so, I have to prioritise. Based on my own competencies I am focusing on:

1. Rights of way in Balderton, prioritising better access and provision for walkers, cyclists, residents with restricted mobility (wheelchairs, mobility scooters, tandems etc.) – and developing an integrated plan for walking, cycling and public transport for Balderton and its neighbouring areas.

2. Implementing the district’s Open Space Strategy for Balderton, since the provision is hugely below target. My aim is to have this Strategy, and the Transport Plan incorporated in a Balderton Neighbourhood Plan that is in development.

3. Sports and recreational facilities in Balderton and across the district.

4. Pushing for a freeze on council spending at District and Parish level and for greater input from Balderton and more resources dedicated to improved street maintenance and youth amenities.

5. Following through with cases of concern from residents in Balderton South, alongside my fellow district councillor, Jean Hall.

I am particularly keen to hear from residents who have experiences, contributions or expertise that can inform the first two of my priorities above.

Cllr. Forde has been instrumental in a broad community group preparing the following Active Travel plan which has been submitted to try and influence the Newark Town Masterplan and NSDC's Active Travel Plan.

ONE YEAR ON …

I serve as vice-chair of the District's Audit and Governance Committee. Together with the LibDem chair, we are pushing hard for greater consideration for value for money. We are working on improving the policy-making and governance aspects which have been ignored for many years. As Balderton Parish footpaths officer I am working on increasing the benches and facilities for people to get around the village. 

This first year I have focused on improving long-term access to green space in the Lowfields area of Balderton, preventing kayaking on Balderton Lake, and working with St. Gobain (British Gypsum) to fund new play equipment for Stafford Avenue Park. I am pushing hard for a series of improvements to the district's Playing Pitch Strategy and Active Travel Plan. I have been active in promoting the new no. 90 bus route that now offers early morning and evening buses from Balderton to Newark and Nottingham.