Arlene Dearlove is the Reform UK candidate for the 22nd May, Carshalton South and Clockhouse ward by-election in the London Borough of Sutton. We spoke with Arlene about her decision to stand.
“I have been involved in the local community as a provider of not-for-profit social care and support to our most vulnerable members of society for over 27 years”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I have been involved in the local community as a provider of not-for-profit social care and support to our most vulnerable members of society for over 27 years. In this role I assist children and young people with profound physical and sensory difficulties to access local services and activities. Also, for over 17 years I have been running day services, offering respite to families with activities including horticulture, cooking, baking, pottery and skills for living.
I am a Christian and my faith is my foundation as I seek to serve the local community to the best of my ability. It is a real privilege to be the local Reform candidate for the upcoming council election.
“We feel the council didn’t fully back us when we raised concerns over ULEZ, and we don’t feel the council is backing residents over concerns on crime and anti-social behaviour”
You’re the candidate for Carshalton South and Clockhouse ward. What are the main concerns in the area?
Carshalton South and Clockhouse ward is such an interesting and varied ward covering the Clockhouse area in Coulsdon, the countryside Little Woodcote and Carshalton Beeches.
I live in the ward, and I know many people feel ignored by Sutton Council, which is increasingly complacent after many years of LibDem councils. We feel the council didn’t fully back us when we raised concerns over ULEZ, and we don’t feel the council is backing residents over concerns on crime and anti-social behaviour.
I will speak up for residents’ day to day concerns and be your voice for Reform on the Council.
“Businesses are both crucial to our local economy and the employment of our local work force. It is essential that they get the support and help they need to thrive and bolster our community”
What do you see as the major issues more widely in Sutton and if elected what do you hope to champion?
There are 3 main areas I will focus on.
Community Support Networks
I want to establish communication links with residents to tackle issues that affect us all, from housing to potholes.
Protection and support for our local businesses and public houses
Businesses are both crucial to our local economy and the employment of our local work force. It is essential that they get the support and help they need to thrive and bolster our community. The effect of ULEZ expansion and ongoing uncoordinated roadworks, is having a dire effect on footfall.
Tackling crime with the Safer Neighbourhood teams
As a priority, I will work closely with residents and the police to ensure our safety as the incidents of all kinds of criminal activities and anti-social behaviour are increasing.
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
You can find out more about Reform UK at https://www.reformparty.uk/, follow us locally on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ReformUKCroydonSutton and get in touch by emailing us at [email protected].