Barkham ward was won by Cllr John Kaiser in 2019, but he is standing down in this election. This means whoever wins the seat will be a new face. However, Ian Pittock previously stood in Finchampstead, first for the Conservatives and now for the Lib Dems. 

2023 result

2019 result

Polling station

• Barkham Village Hall, Church Lane

The candidates

George Evans, Conservative

I have lived in Wokingham for the past 16 years and attended Emmbrook School. I have worked here and seen it change over the years. I understand our area.

For the past five years I have worked within the health and social care sector and currently hold a seat on Finchampstead Parish Council. At the weekends when the Formula 1 isn’t on I will likely be playing tennis or, if it’s dry, trying to play golf.

I’m motivated to stand to be your Councillor to further my service to our area and I have been shocked at some of the actions of the ruling coalition.

Many residents are struggling with the effects of post-covid life and now the rising costs of living; in these times I strongly believe our Council should be doing what it can to ease pressures and not hike taxes and daily costs. Since the Lib Dems took control of the Council in May I’ve seen how they are providing less for more. And aren’t listening to or delivering on residents’ priorities.

They are cutting services such as bin collections, making real terms cuts to road maintenance and doubling the cost to park in the town centre while hiking our taxes. This is not how you ease the pressure on residents.

I share your concerns about over-development; this needs to be carefully controlled to ensure we are putting homes in the right places and protecting our green fields. There has been significant development in the past few years, and we must get control of it. The Lib Dems have stalled the Local Plan process meaning that developers are submitting speculative applications on land not previously intended for development.

Until the Local Plan process is unblocked, we will continue to see this. I want to protect our green fields and ensure development that is proposed enhances our area and is also desired by local residents. I’m keen to work with our MP on planning reform to reduce high housing targets.

I would very much like to hear from you on your priorities and your views on my campaign so please do get in touch. With your support on 4th May I will be a strong, fresh voice on the Council representing you and your interests.

Asad Feroz, Green party

Dear fellow citizens, As we approach the May 4th election for councillor, I am excited to represent Barkham Ward from Green Party and share my vision for our community.

My name is Asad Feroz, and I am running for councillor because I believe that our community deserves a leader who is passionate, committed, and dedicated to making a better place to live, work, and play.

Over the years, I have been actively involved in various community initiatives and have gained valuable experience and skills that have prepared me for this role. As your councillor, I will bring fresh ideas, strong leadership, and a collaborative approach to solving the challenges facing by the community.

My platform is based on three key pillars: 

Community engagement: I believe that the best way to make progress is by listening to and working with community members. I will actively seek input from residents, businesses, and community organizations to ensure that our decisions are inclusive and representative of all voices.

Economic growth: We need a thriving local economy to support our community’s needs and aspirations. I will work tirelessly to attract new businesses, support existing ones, and create jobs that offer good wages and benefits.

Sustainable development: We have a responsibility to protect our environment and natural resources for future generations. I will advocate for smart, sustainable development that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship.

I am passionate about our community and committed to making it a better place for all. If elected, I will work tirelessly to make our place a more vibrant, prosperous, and sustainable to live.

I humbly ask for your support and your vote on May 4th. Together, we can create a brighter future for our community.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Asad Feroz

Annette Medhurst, Labour

Awaiting information from candidate.

Ian Pittock, Lib Dem

I have lived here for 30 years with my wife Jane and our now adult daughter who attended local state schools. After gaining degrees, military service and Civil Service, I became a school governor, parish councillor and then a borough councillor.

I had a large part in delivering Bohunt School (with space for a 6th form) and want to ensure the sixth form is now opened. 

I am against over-development, while ensuring that we meet local needs, especially 1, 2 and 3 bedroom houses, built in the right places. 

I want to ensure the expected new Arborfield with Barkham ward is implemented to the benefit of residents.

Roderick Stevens, Independent

Roderick Paul Stevens is standing as an Independent Councillor for Barkham Ward.

I am married with four adult children and moved to Arborfield 10 years ago. Upon retirement from the teaching profession, I became a Parish Councillor for Arborfield and Newland and Chair of Trustees of Arborfield Village Hall. 

I am passionate about village life and the environment.

If elected my aims would include brownfield not greenfield sites for housing, with affordable housing a priority. Rewarding positive community involvement through annual awards and ensuring anti-social behaviour is met with suitable community “pay back” activity. Encouraging greater biodiversity through rewilding projects and protecting veteran trees, hedgerows, and flood plains. 

Actively encouraging small scale community based alternative energy projects to help fight Global Warming. 

Lifelong learning for all who want or need it to help our community prosper and grow. Encouraging those who have skills to share them and providing places and means for them to do this in a safe way.

Independent candidates and elected members answer only to their electorate and their conscience. 

They are free to focus on improving local services in all areas of concern to the local community, unhindered by considerations of party politics or old rivalries.

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