Find out about the local people who are standing to be Old Town's Conservative Councillors in May 2024:
Harry Curtis
I am delighted to be one of your candidates for the upcoming local elections.
I have been a resident in the Old Town from the day I was born. Like you, I am another disgruntled resident who has over time seen the Old Town suffer at the hands of the Labour Council. From anti-social behaviour (like graffiti in our alleyways and underpasses) to poor street cleaning and litter. Labour’s anti-business war on motorists with the proposed pedestrianisation of Lytton Way will economically damage our High Street and create a north/south divide in our town. The Council has also failed to address parking problems in Old Town with their costly and unrewarding parking permit schemes. Frankly, enough is enough, it is time for a change.
If you choose to elect myself, Maria and Dhiren; we will fight the Labour Council to deliver this change. We will oppose Labour’s war on motorists and residents. We will work towards cutting crime to create a safe Old Town for you and your family. We will work hard to give you and your family what you want, rather than what Labour Councillors decide is best for you.
I look forward to speaking with you in the coming weeks.
Dhiren Malavia
I have lived with my family in Stevenage for over 20 years and been part of the growth story that we have witnessed happening around the town.
My experience of working in the social care sector across various local councils puts me in a strong position to understand many of the issues faced by the residents. I am keen to make difference to the lives of local people in Old Town and champion our community.
I am family man, with two children who both attend a Stevenage secondary school, and my wife works in a special need school. Like you, I work hard to pay my bills and understand the challenges that we all face on day-to-day basis.
I do support various charity organisation, some involved with providing nutritious meals for children in poverty and education, and some to fund research to make a difference to the lives of people with sight loss and physical disabilities.
Some of the key priorities, that I am committed to deliver on are call for more resident parking, better lighting, and more CCTV to deter anti-social behaviour and to make the Old Town an even better place to live.
Maria Wheeler
I’ve lived and worked in Stevenage Old Town for approximately 25 years and honestly can say I love it here. I find it very relaxing with the open spaces available and countryside on our doorstep.
For over 20 years I’ve run an International trading business in IT with my Dutch partner.
Many years ago, I was a Conservative Councillor on Brent Council means I have experience in serving residents and understand how local government works. I now feel its time for me to give back to Old Town's society for everything it’s given me and my family to flourish for which I’m very grateful.
My son is disabled and would always benefit from any improvement in facilities, so I have first hand experience on how difficult it is for families to manage with disabled children or adults. I hope I can bring some life experiences to the benefit of Stevenage.
One of my pet hobbies is litter picking, I love seeing how a small amount of effort can make a big difference to our view when walking to the shops. It’s unfortunate the council can’t keep up with it themselves. But the broken glass is so dangerous for dogs and I have two, so I’m very keen to see if we can improve on having the streets cleaned faster and regularly.
Harry, Dhiren and Maria's 3 priorities for the Old Town:
Tackle Crime and improve safety
We’ll work with the police and residents to improve the police presence in Old Town. There are problems with drug taking and car racing which need to be dealt with.
Protect access to the High Street
We’ll oppose plans which restrict access and parking in the High Street, hurting local businesses. We’ll also oppose Labour’s proposal to close Lytton Way to through traffic.
Resolve Parking Permit problems
The permit parking scheme is not fit for purpose and costs residents money for no reward. The scheme needs a thorough rethink to improve parking for local people.