Ashley Dickenson is the Christian Peoples Alliance (CPA) candidate for the Sutton Central ward by-election in the London Borough of Sutton. We spoke with Ashley about his decision to stand.
“I’m running to promote the Christian Peoples Alliance in this Borough and not least our policies that could benefit Sutton High Street that’s in this ward”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I’m running to promote the Christian Peoples Alliance in this Borough and not least our policies that could benefit Sutton High Street that’s in this ward. For example, our turnover tax of 5% on turnovers of at least £85,000, offset against corporation tax, in order to reduce business rates that have cost us our High Street shops. Just earlier this month I read of an independent coffee shop, Tazza, that has been forced to close owing to the ‘chain’ coffee shops in Sutton. OK this is an issue that needs to be addressed at a national level but, if elected, this is what I would raise, given the opportunity.
On a more practical level: school buses! Given that more money has been raised through the ULEZ scheme, is it not possible that a % of that could not fund school buses to reduce school-run traffic and thereby reduce even further any pollution, to say nothing of increasing road works owing to the pressure on our roads. At one time the Tramlink was proposed for Sutton: this will be pointless unless there’s a re-vitalisation of our High Street, not least through independent and family-run businesses.
“At least one main concern brought to my attention is the site of the former B & Q on which it is proposed to build new developments called Chalk Green. Not least the increased pressure on one of our Health Centres”
You’re the candidate for Sutton Central. What are the main concerns in the area?
At least one main concern brought to my attention is the site of the former B & Q on which it is proposed to build new developments called Chalk Green. Not least the increased pressure on one of our Health Centres; the limited parking which means that homeowners who own cars will have to park (creating ‘overflows’) on nearby roads, adding to parking pressures.
“Time and again I have witnessed overcrowding on our regular routes by pupils. If our excellent schools had their own buses, this would go a long way to alleviating the ‘school run’ traffic”
What do you see as the major issues more widely in Sutton and if elected what do you hope to champion?
The housing issue as well as speeding restrictions. The latter as, if you’re going to have 20 mph imposed on some roads then drivers will increase speeds on other roads to make up ‘for lost time’ as it were and so risk accidents and breaking the speed limit, even 30 mph. Regarding roads, I refer you back to the need for school buses.
The benefits of a school bus:
- Children are always on time
- They can make new friends
- Children learn to look after their things
- Children learn about time management
- Lower accident/crime rate against our children
- Parents’ peace of mind.
- It would restore the face-to-face contact between friends considering the enforced separation of each other since this pandemic started. As:
When children are being driven to school they contact friends via mobile or tablet. A school bus encourages more natural contact and would help reduce over-dependency on technology, as marvellous as it is. Though I accept that contact via mobiles will still take place, even on buses.
Time and again I have witnessed overcrowding on our regular routes by pupils. If our excellent schools had their own buses, this would go a long way to alleviating the ‘school run’ traffic. We have excellent schools in this Borough.
Also: leaves! They are not swept away as regularly as they should be and those that are left I take it on myself to use as compost for our shared garden. The more upswept leaves end up inside our drains they are blocking the same and so rainwater is not efficiently or sufficiently dealt with.
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
You can find out more about the CPA at https://cpaparty.net/ and contact Ashley at [email protected].