Meet the candidate: Colin Smart

On Thursday, 7 May, Ipswich residents will head to the polls for two local elections on the same day — one for Ipswich Borough Council, the other for Suffolk County Council. Colin Smart is standing for the Labour Party in the Sprites ward, contesting one of 16 borough council seats up for election across Ipswich.

As an apolitical publication, we sent every candidate standing in the town the same five questions, and we're publishing every response in full, without editing, so that residents can hear directly from the people asking for their vote. No candidate receives more or less prominence than any other. This is what Colin told us.

Who are you, and what is your connection to the ward?

I am Colin Smart, Ipswich born-and-bred, and I have lived in Chantry for over 15 years. I use the local roads, shops, pharmacy, nearby doctor's surgery – the area is my home, and I have had the privilege of being a councillor for Sprites these last few years.

What are the biggest issues and challenges facing the ward?

The number one issue that comes up on the doorstep in the ward is the state of the roads. Much of the area was built in the 1960s when concrete roads were used for the new estates. Unfortunately, these roads had a lifespan of around 50 years, so they are now well beyond their intended life. The roads are coated with a thin layer of asphalt, which both deteriorates rapidly, and also the damage is rarely deep enough to warrant a pot-hole fix by the County Council.

Though Ipswich Borough Council has an excellent record on housebuilding, and being a great provider of homes, in Sprites many houses have elderly, often single, occupants which require adaptations and improved accessibility. Having suitable next-stage living for many residents is a challenge as many are fond of our area but require more suitable and manageable homes.

We also have issues with small pockets of low-level crime, drugs and anti-social behaviour which I have regularly raised with the police through official council channels. We have provision of great parks with new equipment for younger children and a few areas of green open space, but we could do with more outlets for older children and teens to socialise and engage in activities.

What is your view on local government reorganisation?

Being on the edge of Ipswich, Sprites ward could stand to benefit greatly from the planned restructuring. We'll go from being on the border between councils to being in a bigger more-joined up area with all the strategic bigger-picture advantages that will bring. For example, housing, infrastructure and transport can be planned with the wider area in mind.

Our area suffers greatly when there are issues with the A14, so a northern bypass for Ipswich would be a major positive. Going from two council layers to one will make things simpler for residents when dealing with 'the council' – one authority with more direct accountability. Some of our roads currently have the borough boundary going down the middle of it, or single houses under a different council to their neighbours - all these quirks and areas of confusion about land ownership, bin-collections, council tax will be gone as we'll all be in the same council.

What is your biggest achievement in the area, and how do you approach the role?

I think the biggest and most satisfying achievements come about when it's been something supported or asked for by residents.

Recently, I was able to successfully oppose the building of a large telecoms mast at Ellenbrook Green, which would have been an unsightly and unsuitable addition to the area. I surveyed the views of residents in the area and got enough signatures for it to be stopped.

Similarly, I was able to get two dropped kerbs installed to help elderly residents much more easily access their sheltered accommodation, as well as other pedestrians - this was all due to the support I get from the residents themselves. This is very much the approach I take to the role of councillor, being a facilitator for residents and to get things done with their support.

How will you be accessible and approachable to residents?

I'm never too far away, and can easily visit residents in Sprites when asked to. Myself and my colleagues carry out litter picks in the area and also knock on doors fairly regularly and enquire about any issues they may have. My contact details are publicly available to anyone who wishes to get in touch, but probably best approached firstly by email. I also use Facebook and can be reached there too.

Want to hear from the other candidates standing in Sprites — and across the rest of Ipswich? We're publishing every response we receive in full.

Polling stations open at 07:00 and close at 22:00 on Thursday, 7 May, with results expected on Friday, 8 May. To vote in person you will need a valid form of photo ID — if you don't have one, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate at gov.uk before 17:00 on Tuesday, 28 April. The last day to register to vote is Monday, 20 April. For a full breakdown of every candidate standing across Ipswich and all the key deadlines, read our complete guide to the May elections.

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