Meet the candidate: Dawn Allum

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. Dawn Allum is standing for the Labour Party in the Castle Hill 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 Dawn told us.

Tell us a little about yourself and why you're standing

I am Dawn Allum, married with three children and two step-children. I am a candidate for the Castle Hill Ward, which I have lived in for 20 years. Castle Hill overlaps Whitton, Westbourne, and Westgate Ward, and I have lived in those Wards too, attending Westbourne High School and being brought up in Westgate Ward. I come from very humble beginnings, both my parents being working class, and supported the Labour Party all their lives.

I have always given my time to helping others, volunteering in my children's nursery and school. Being an active member of the PTA and then a parent governor. So, becoming more involved with Labour as a member, it feels right for me to become a Councillor for my home town, which I love.

I am very approachable, a good listener, and I will speak up, stand up, for members of the community on issues that are affecting their lives.

What are the three biggest issues facing your ward?

The three biggest issues facing Castle Hill Ward that I have witnessed are:

1. Broomhill swimming pool, which has been closed for many years, means the community is losing out on something that has been great for everyone in the town. I'm pleased that IBC have ring-fenced £3.3M for the restoration of this wonderful facility.
2. Traffic, especially during peak times. Norwich Road, Henley Road, is very congested. Also, the roads close to the schools in the Ward get very congested, and parking is a problem that upsets residents.
3. Safeguarding issues on our parks for children especially, and anyone else using them.

What would you do as a councillor to address those issues?

1. I would get involved in finding ways to finance plans to get Broom Hill swimming pool open. It's a great benefit to the community, even if you don't like swimming; it's in a great setting and a real suntrap to relax. I would advertise and encourage people to use it. And make sure it's affordable to everyone.
2. With the traffic situation, I would organise traffic surveys to find out how many passengers as well as the driver per car. I would encourage more use of buses through advertising on local radio and leaflets. Also, check timings on traffic lights, make sure they're efficient at the right times. Parking issues outside schools, I would speak to residents to find out how they feel, as I have seen arguments when walking my children to school over the years. To find a way to have a happy medium.
3. We have some lovely parks in Castle Hill Ward, which I have used for many years when bringing up my children. Children love to play, being outdoors, exercise is good for them. A park ranger needs to be present at all parks on a regular basis. I feel it's important for a person in authority to oversee any outdoor communal area, in order to safeguard children, especially, and anyone else using our parks. To keep them secure, so everyone can carry on enjoying them. I know there are community officers who work alongside the Police in the area too. I would make sure this happens on a regular basis, too, as I feel it's very important.

How would you balance the competing pressures on housing, transport and public services?

There are ongoing pressures on housing, transport and public services. So I personally would be at the Ipswich Borough Council meetings to have my say and be involved in any decisions that are made. To have knowledge is important, to be prepared for the questions asked by residents in the town. And small meetings can be arranged, or coffee mornings for people to have a chat about any concerns they may have.

How can residents get in touch with you, and is there anything else you'd like to share?

I am quite happy to be contacted by email: dawnmarjoram1@gmail.com

Facebook is the only social media I am using at present, and I am happy to be contacted on there, too.

I am looking forward to meeting you all in Castle Hill Ward; many of you know me already! And I am looking forward to serving my home home town!

I have many personal achievements. The one that stands out the most for me is the love and care for my parents. They were always there for me, very supportive, they taught me to be strong, and stand on my own two feet. And as they got older and more frail, I did for them what they had done for me all my life. Be there, and do any task when they ask me to, give love and support when needed. I supported their wishes when the time came for them to pass away in their own home. I cared for both of them, took time out of work, and was there for both of them, right to the end. They got their wish; I made sure of that. I stayed strong, I stayed right by their side.

And this says everything about the person that I am, which is Loyal!

Want to hear from the other candidates standing in Castle Hill Ward — 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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