Independents planning to slash funding to Collett Park?

I am not trying to tar anyone with any sort of brush, merely trying to make sense of the very confused political landscape that we are now operating in. Andrew Rainsford made my point perfectly by saying that when Independents form a group or party, the distinction is somewhat vague, they cease to be Independent if they start working as a group for a common purpose. We have at least three Independent groups or parties currently, one seemingly run by Mike Free, one by Les Bennett and one with no apparent leader here in Shepton. I think for the sake of clarity we should know who are members of these disparate groups or parties, and who are not. Andrew Rainsford has nailed his colours to the mast saying that he is Independent of all groupings, Susan has now clarified her position. There are others who have not. It would be useful to know whether the Independent party in Shepton who appear to have three members are affiliated to either of the other groups. The other point that Andrew Rainsford makes is that all political parties have a wide range of views within them. I know of Conservatives who are left of centre, and many who are very right of centre. Having a wide range of views does not prevent you working together to acheive things for the common good, it does make you behave like an adult and ensures that you take other peoples views into account.

Collett Park is something relatively easy to attract funding for. This may not be possible for day to day running costs but very possible for improvements and enhancements. This may include educating people regarding litter. It was like a tip yesterday.

Hello Susan. I think that part of the problem is being linked in with a 'group'. Mnay of us saw the advert for nine independent candidates, across the district, in the recent copy of the journal. I attended a meeting, prior to the nomination period where it was obvious that the co-ordinator (Mike Free, Glastonbury) was organising a group alias party. He was quite miffed that a different indpendent group (coordinated by Les Bennett) were planning to put a candidate in 'his' ward. Then we have the Shepton Independents - wander down to the Belll and see their stuff there - who appear to be working as a group/party. It is all very confusing to the electorate who may well assume that common literature equals common thoughts. And, from there, it is a short step to polictical groupings/parties. Not all Tories share all their policies - nor indeed do Labour and Liberals. So, with a diverse breadth of thought in parties what is to say that common adverts/literature are not indicating a similar range of thought but not in a party - but that it may be. I can truly state that I am Independent Thank You For Your Vote. Close inspection of my feet will prove this.

As an Independent candidate I can assure you that Collett Park is important to me, and I would fight to protect it and keep it maintained. After all, it is the Jewel in Shepton's crown! I do not know Mr Dunscombe, so can not speak for him, only myself. I am concerned, however, about this talk of plans by 'The Independent Party'. I have never heard of them, and I am not part of them. Are you participating in tactical brush-tarring Mr Parham? To do so would be quite low, desperate and would also assume that the electorate are stupid, which they are not. Susan Gibbs, Independent Candidate for East Shepton.