Stevyn Ricketts is delighted to be nominated as the local Conservative candidate representing the Lee West Ward alongside Dan Hayes in the forthcoming Borough Elections. He looks forward to continuing the fantastic work carried out by Cllr John Beavis MBE and Cllr John Gledhill, who are both retiring at the May elections. Having lived in Lee-on-the-Solent with his family since 2004, he enjoys the mix of facilities that Lee-on-the-Solent has to offer, from the vibrant High Street with its array of independently owned shops, cafes, and tap rooms to the shingle beach where one can enjoy a walk along the promenade with views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.
Stevyn highlights the great facilities in Lee-on-the-Solent, catering for all groups and ages from the Splash Park and Skate Park on the seafront to parks and open spaces that include sports pitches, play areas, and the Alver Valley Country Park, which provides an opportunity to get close to nature. With 22 years of service as a Special Constable with Hampshire Constabulary, he takes great pride in public service and served as part of the Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team for Lee-on-the-Solent, retiring as a Special Inspector. He was also a member of the Lee-on-the-Solent Community Centre Committee for over 10 years, holding the position of Treasurer.
With over 25 years of experience in local government, Stevyn has a wealth of knowledge on local issues. He served as the Head of Streetscene of Gosport Borough Council for the last 20 years until May 2023. If elected, he pledges to continue the great work already carried out by Cllrs Beavis and Gledhill in supporting the businesses and residents of Lee-on-the-Solent. He will campaign to ensure parking charges are reduced with the charging times reverting to those in place before the Liberal Democrat administration took over the Borough Council in 2022. Additionally, he will campaign to ensure open spaces, leisure and play facilities, along with allotments, are sufficiently funded, as well as services such as grounds maintenance, street cleaning, and refuse collections.
Stevyn looks forward to working with Dan Hayes and serving the local community to ensure that residents receive value-for-money services and that Lee-on-the-Solent remains a great place to live and work.