In the local elections of Thursday 6 May, Frodsham residents will vote for both a new borough councillor and a new town councillor in Waterside ward.

The candidates standing for this role are Patrick Eakin, Chris Basey and Lucy Sumner.

Lucy, who is representing the Labour Party, is eager to protect and enhance Frodsham's green spaces and play areas, and hopes to collaborate with local organisations fighting to tackle the climate crisis.

She supports the call for a high-quality, easily accessible sport and leisure facility in Frodsham, as well as the building of affordable homes in suitable locations.

"I aim to work alongside other councillors at Frodsham Town Council to strive for excellence in the principles of public life, finance and governance," Lucy said.

"The principles of public life are selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership and they are key to the promotion of a positive and productive working culture. Adequate training for all is another key component and the willingness to support those with less experience to the role.

"In addition, I strongly believe that councillors should show willing to engage with the public and work responsively to encompass the needs of the community. Holders of public office should act solely in terms of public interest."

Frodsham Nub News: We've been hearing a lot about Saltworks Playing Fields recently, but how do you think the community can find lasting solutions for issues surrounding antisocial behaviour and safety at the site?

Lucy Sumner: "Firstly, I am keen not to stigmatise the Waterside ward with negative stereotypes as the people you meet here are people that you would be proud to call friends. Antisocial behaviour exists in many different forms and is not just confined to young people. However, the recent incident of the vandalised swing has caught the attention of the media.

"Community leaders, social services, schools and the police all have a role to play in the creation of positive interventions to tackle antisocial behaviour, however other aspects fall into the remit of local councils. Research shows that the creation and care of high quality public spaces is more effective than blanket use of tough security measures. The Scottish picture of antisocial behaviour report shows a strong link between ASB and a lack of both community facilities and support from social services.

"I have been in contact with Cheshire West and Chester Council regarding the skate park lights at Saltworks, and have not been met with any resistance to the lights being reinstated. I will make further contact once the play officer returns from leave. I am led to believe that the timer for the lights is not currently operational. I would like to avoid making promises without being aware of the full facts, however it does seem feasible that with some maintenance the lights could be reinstated. I am also an advocate of the installation of CCTV to safeguard our young people using the facilities."

FNN: How would you like to see The Green Gates Community Project grow and develop as time goes on? To your mind, why is it so vital that children have spaces such as these on their doorstep?

LS: "The pandemic has shown us more than ever the importance of being able to access green spaces close to our homes. Parks have been lifelines to people struggling to cope with isolation over the last year; they have provided an environment to meet a friend at a safe social distance and go for a walk.

"We all know that the outdoors is a great place for social interaction and a great place to boost our mental wellbeing. Having access to parks close to our homes means that they can be visited with the regularity required to maintain wellbeing. Fields in Trust have set accessibility benchmark standards for children's playing spaces. The recommendation is that a LEAP (locally equipped area for play) should be a maximum walking distance of 400m or 240m straight line distance away. Play areas intended for younger children have a much shorter catchment distance than spaces intended for older children. This is because of the different distances that parents allow children of different ages to 'range' unaccompanied from their home.

"Outdoor play is crucial as it helps children to be active, problem solve, take controlled risks, socialise and appreciate nature. When children are not able to access good levels of outdoor play they are at risk of play deprivation. Play deprivation causes lower levels of ability in numerous areas including, motor tasks, physical development, risk management, dealing with stress and social skills.

"The Green Gates Community Project was founded to keep the park lovingly referred to as the "baccie" for its intended use. The covenant states that it should be used for no other purpose than as a children's playground. The project aims for the space to be complimentary to the offering at Saltworks and to be designed to meet the needs of the youngest and eldest members of Waterside. Saltworks has a focus upon the needs of older children. It is surrounded by isolated marshland, isolated fields, deep fishing ponds and the M56. It is obscured from the road by tall hedges and presents safeguarding issues to children taking their first steps of independence.

"Research shows that 92% of respondents agree that housing should not be built on Green Gates Park and that 95% agree that it should be used as a public space to benefit the community."

FNN: How do you think Frodsham Town Council can help support local businesses as lockdown eases and the high street reopens?

LS: "Our local businesses have struggled throughout the pandemic and April 12 marked a fresh era of hope, as we begin the path to resume our lives as they once were.

"Frodsham Town Council can help our local economy by making Frodsham an exciting and vibrant place to visit. After a year of being able to do very little in terms of events there is new scope for opportunity. The Amenities Committee can make Frodsham appealing through the careful management of outdoor spaces, hanging baskets and planters. The provision of bins in appropriate locations can help to keep our streets clean and tidy. All of these things contribute to making time spent in the village an enjoyable experience, and this in turn benefits the local economy.

"Both the council and individual councillors are able to utilise online presence to promote everything that makes Frodsham a such a special place to live, work and spend leisure time. If elected, I would like to engage with Cheshire West and Chester councillors to promote working together for the benefit of Frodsham."

FNN: The climate emergency is obviously a key priority for all of us at the moment - in what ways do you think Frodsham can promote a more sustainable lifestyle?

LS: "I am keen to see Frodsham Town Council collaborate with local organisations such as Climate Action Frodsham and Plastic Free Frodsham. Both of these organisations promote methods in which individuals can make small changes that become significant changes when carried out in larger numbers. I am also keen to collaborate with Mersey Forest to plant new trees that will help to decarbonise the environment.

"I will continue to support the cycle network group with plans to progress safer, greener and more accessible modes of travel through investment in cycle paths. As a secondary school pupil cycling was always my preference as it was free, kept me fit and gave me independence. I will continue to raise awareness of the Frodsham air quality report and subsequent implications upon decision making. The implementation of HyNet North West is significant as it aims to be the UK's first net-zero carbon industrial cluster.

"We all have our part to play in the creation of a sustainable future fit for our children and our children's children, whether that be as individuals, councillors, or leaders in industry and science."