Bishop's Stortford Town Council election: Labour absent as Tories and Lib Dems contest two Silverleys seats

Just four candidates – two Conservatives and two Liberal Democrats – are contesting the two seats in Bishop’s Stortford Town Council’s Silverleys ward. The Labour Party has not fielded a candidate.

Dave Anderson (Con), the current town mayor, has lived in Stortford for 30 years and has enjoyed seeing his family and the town grow and flourish.

He is passionate about encouraging businesses to participate in community projects and charities.

Dave has worked for many years helping people with mental health issues. A particular area of focus for him has been PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), which affects many ex-servicemen and women. He appreciates the sacrifice they have made for their country and feels it is a privilege to be able to help them.

Dave has just returned from delivering humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

Sarah Copley (Lib Dem) is a local solicitor and mum. She was born in Stortford and grew up in Sawbridgeworth.

After working and living in London, she is now pleased to be living with her family in Stortford.

Sarah is keen to ensure that the necessary facilities and infrastructure are in place to support all residents of the growing town.

Sarah has already worked tirelessly to ensure developers in North ward do not overstep the planning permission they have been given. She is passionate about protecting the interests of Stortford’s residents.

Tim Page (Con) lives in Bishop’s Stortford, is married with two adult children and has been active in community life for over 30 years.

As a local councillor, Tim has helped to deliver improvements to local infrastructure and facilities. He is proud of the new leisure centre at Grange Paddocks and the youth facilities being built in Castle Park.

Tim has worked hard to make sure developers on the Stortford North site are held to account.

He has served as town mayor and is a current district councillor. His committee appointments include development management, licensing and environment and public amenities.

Stephen Skinner (Lib Dem) is a retired marketing director who has lived in Stortford for over 30 years.

He said: “I'm very aware of the problems confronting our town and how it is suffering under the many changes forced upon it.

“Even residents in established areas, like Silver Leys, are affected by the worsening traffic congestion and air pollution in the centre of the town.

“Like many others, I am strongly critical of the district council’s plans to develop the Old River Lane site and I spoke out against them at the recent public meeting and also at several town council meetings.

“As a keen cyclist and a driver, if I am elected, I will work vigorously for sustainable environmental transport policies.”