“Improving Highways, Community Safety And Protecting Our Environment”: Parish Council Chair's Election Pitch

The chair of Freshwater Parish Council has said her priorities will be “improving highways, community safety and protecting our environment” if elected as an Isle of Wight councillor.

Emma Cox, who previously served on the Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee as a representative for parish councils, said her key issues will “remain the priorities of the community” in a pitch to Freshwater voters ahead of next month’s by-election.

Ms Cox is contesting County Hall’s Freshwater South ward as an independent candidate along with fellow Freshwater parish councillor Anne Bamford (Labour), Bill Nigh (Reform UK), Warren Whyte (Conservatives), Tony Zeid (Liberal Democrats) and Becca Cameron (independent).

She said:

“I live and work in Freshwater South. I served on the Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee, speaking on behalf of parish councils across the Island until I became chair of Freshwater Parish Council last year.

“It is a privilege to serve, and if elected as your Isle of Wight councillor, my priorities will remain the priorities of the community: improving highways, community safety and protecting our environment.

“I want to continue to fight and build on successes already achieved.  I like to get things done. 

"Trust me, let me work for you, by please voting for Emma, your independent voice for Freshwater South.”

Anne Bamford, who lives on Glenheadon Drive, Totland Bay, said:

“For 11 years I have been serving my community on Freshwater Parish Council. Now, I hope to preserve the unique character of Freshwater while securing the best devolution deal for the Island as your councillor for Freshwater South.”

Ms Bamford said a devolution deal must include ‘mayoral oversight of ferry services’.

Fellow Freshwater parish councillor, architect and bookseller Warren Whyte said:

“I’m standing as the Conservatives candidate for a strong and local voice for Freshwater, and as a candidate that lives and works right here in the ward, you can rely on me to have Freshwater’s interests first and foremost in everything I do.”

Becca Cameron, an artist and environmental campaigner who lives on Totland Bay’s Granville Road, said:

“I believe in a future where environmental sustainability and community values go hand in hand.

"My lifelong commitment to our local heritage and my proactive approach to tackling issues like flooding, pollution, and community well-being position me uniquely to serve West Wight.”

The Freshwater South by-election will take place on May 1.

Tony Zeid and Bill Nigh have been contacted for comment.