Dear Resident, It has been a great privilege to serve as your County Councillor for the last 8 years and to have been able to help our community solve numerous issues.

Full statement

I shall be standing again in the upcoming local elections and I am asking
for your support so that I can continue to represent you.

There have been considerable challenges within these years, but together, as a community, we’ve weathered the storms comparatively well. Over 80% of the County budget goes on legal requirements, things like children’s services and adult social care, that have to be done by law. All the other things, for example highways, verges, etc, (often things you can see) have to come from the remaining 20%. Much as we would like better roads, and clearer drains, we have to constantly lobby for
them. Teamwork is the key to good work, and I have a network of friends and contacts at County Hall that I know when, and how, to contact to get things done.

It’s where a strong voice with my little black book of contacts comes in useful! If you compare our roads to (for example) Barnstaple, you’ll see how useful my negotiation skills are. I recently managed to get a massive £300,000 drain cleaning lorry just for our town, for three days to hit the worst of the hot spots. There is more to do obviously, but it’s a start.

As most of you know, I am an effective and active councillor working for Ilfracombe. My priorities include fighting for fair funding for our lovely area and it’s services, ensuring it is enhanced and not spoilt, and making sure Ilfracombe’s voice is heard, loud and clear. There is much work to do and more issues to address in these difficult
times, especially in the shadow of the government slashing funding to Devon to send it to Northern cities. Councils themselves are being forced to change, and that’s why my years of experience as your County Councillor will be important as we face the challenges ahead.

It has been a pleasure meeting so many of you, and answering your queries and concerns, over the years. Hearing your views about local issues is always interesting, and it’s great to be able to help you when I can, whether individually, or through local organisations and activities. I intend to get even more things done with community
groups in our area when possible, and where we can leverage funding to make things happen.

There are many other things to talk about, but the main thing to remember is that the other candidates will promise the earth, with little idea how! Whereas I ALREADY have a track record of working hard and delivering for Ilfracombe. With YOUR vote, I promise to continue helping you, and make sure our town gets its fair share.

If you have any queries, please contact me (crabbie@outlook.com). I very much hope that you will give me your continuing support for the election on May 1st, and vote for me!

With many thanks and Best Wishes,
Paul Crabb
The local Conservative Party Candidate for Ilfracombe

Promoted by Jon Daniel on behalf of Paul Crabb, both of The North Devon Conservative Association, The Strand, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX31 1EU.