To finish our series of short interviews with Conservative councillor candidates for this year's local elections, we spoke to Michael Hope, who is standing for West Heath Ward. Please don't forget to follow Rushmoor Conservatives on Facebook to support Michael and our other fantastic candidates!
Why do you want to be a Councillor?
I have been a Councillor for the last three years supporting residents and businesses in West Heath, dedicating myself to addressing and managing their issues in a timely and constructive manner. This includes, fly-tipping, parking, drug abuse/trafficking, speeding, improper/illegal trading, public disturbance, refuse collection, flooding and lots more. I'm really proud to serve and support the Community, not only as a Councillor but also as a Mental Wellbeing Psychotherapist – a duty I take very seriously.
What is your link to Rushmoor and the Ward you’re standing for?
I won the seat of West Heath in 2021, and am standing again this year. I have lived in the Borough since 1988, and am happily married with daughter and son, as well as five grandchildren. My daughter was educated in two very good schools in Farnborough and is now an Architectural Technologist, testimony to the excellent education she recieved in the Borough. I too graduated as a Psychotherapist at Farnborough University Centre. I’m a local man through and through!
What issue do you think is most important for your Ward?
There is too much traffic, especially speeding in roads around Fernhill, which has two infant/ Junior Schools. I’m working closely with the Parent Teacher Associations and Businesses County Council colleagues, to manage traffic calming schemes.
What are some of the other developments / changes you’d like to bring to your Ward if elected?
I would like to solve other traffic-related problems like irresponsible parking and speeding, as well as other anti-social behaviour including fly tipping and dumping rubbish. I am also focussed on addressing intimidating behaviour and drug issues. I’m working with our dedicated Police to keep a close eye on drug trafficking on known hotshots. I’m also working with Council Officers to move certain public recycling bins to more suitable places in the Ward. I am also encouraging businesses to have strategically placed CCTV cameras to monitor fly tipping etc.
I am also passionate about developing a better relationship between communities in the Ward, with greater respect for whatever belief or background people come from. I am promoting the establishment of a Manshed with Farnborough Rugby Club to help improve the mental health and wellbeing of men in the area. I am also eager to help establish a Commonwealth Association so that we can more formally recognise the contribution these communities have made to our social fabric and life here in West Heath.
Describe yourself in 5 words!
Dedicated, responsible, honest, hard-working.
