Cllr Susan Crosby - Newark Town Council (Beacon) and Newark and Sherwood District Council (Beacon) Portfolio Holder for Health Wellbeing and Leisure

I’ve always played an active role in our community, since moving to Newark over 25 years ago to care for my parents. I’ve dedicated many hours volunteering at Beaumond House Hospice and Lombard Medical Centre, where my patient representative work led to a role on a Clinical Commissioning Group committee. I am currently Chair of the Friends of Newark Cemetery. Our group works with the town council to improve the cemetery facilities: reporting problems with vandalism or other issues; providing grave searches and helping with open days. We provide a welcoming presence for visitors to the cemetery, as guides and a source of help and information. 

I am standing as an independent candidate for Newark & Sherwood District Council and Newark Town Council because I want to play a part in making our lovely market town even better. I believe there is much that can be done to improve Newark and the well-being of its residents. 

I firmly believe that adversarial party politics in local councils is an obstacle to the best decisions being made. As an independent councillor, I will vote according to my conscience and make the best decisions that reflect the needs of Newark residents, free from the pressure of party politics. 

If elected, in addition to my formal councillor role, I will work hard to advocate for constituents who need advice about care, caring responsibilities or access to medical services. With my personal experiences of being a carer, alongside my patient representative work and my struggle with serious illness, I strongly feel I’d be able to help constituents in practical and supportive ways. It would be my privilege to do this. I am told I’m a great listener, problem-solver and tenacious about seeing projects through to fruition. 

We want to feel safe on our streets and in our homes, and the needs of the elderly and disabled must be better served. Our young people also need the best opportunities to thrive in our town. We want a clean, well-maintained town with great local shops and amenities for us all. We're also in dire need of improved medical services. I feel passionate about playing a positive role in achieving these aspirations for Newark. 

Many ordinary people in Newark are doing outstanding community work to help those in need and keep Newark united. This spirit needs better representation across our councils. I believe fresh faces and new voices on our local councils will greatly benefit Newark and our communities, and if I am elected, I will be fully dedicated to fulfilling the trust voters have placed in me. 

ONE YEAR ON …

It's been a challenging year filled with learning, especially with my long-term health issues. This has underscored the importance of enhancing healthcare and well-being services for all district residents. Advocating for improved access to healthcare, I spearheaded an IfND petition regarding the Urgent Treatment Centre's hours at Newark Hospital. Despite our efforts to convince Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust and the Integrated Care Board to reinstate 24-hour access, we have not yet achieved success. Nevertheless, the battle continues to secure essential healthcare access for Newark residents. 

The most fulfilling part of my work is assisting local constituents with various issues. It brings me great joy to offer guidance or direct them towards solutions. Acting as a bridge between residents and local councils, I strive to ensure that our community feels connected and supported by the councils, preventing any sense of distance or inaccessibility. 

Susie Crosby working for a healthier, more caring and better-serviced Newark.