Day 2 of the Calne Lickhill Ward By-election Campaign

Day 2 of the Calne Lickhill Ward by-election campaign and it has been quiet except for a solo leafleting session and offers of support from local BNP members and supporters. The mail brought forth the official notification of all candidates standing together with the names of those nominating them.

January isn't the best time of year for an election campaign as most people are suffering from Christmas and New Year overload and want to just get on with their lives. One of the things I have often said to people when out canvassing is that, irrespective of what their political views might be, they should still go out and vote, but unfortunately, certainly in local elections, the turnout is very rarely more than 40%. I feel quite strongly that it should be compulsory for people to vote even if it means including an option for voting for "None of the Above". We all know of those who whinge and moan about the state of the country but do nothing to make a difference. I really hope I am proved wrong on the 31st January but I somehow doubt it.

Two local news story that have gone national have been of interest to me recently. The first, as it brings home that although we may all live full and vibrant lives we may end up being neglected and forgotten particularly with the way this government treats the elderly like second class citizens.

Olive Archer, from Swindon, but of late lived in a care home in Chippenham, hit the local news having passed away at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon in a Chippenham nursing home at the age of 83. She received no visitors in her last 5 years and it seemed would have no mourners at her funeral. Local vicar the Reverend Lonsdale said "It is very sad that the passing of a life is only marked by a funeral director and a minister." Apparently Olive never married and spent much of her life caring for her mother. It may well be that Olive wanted to spend her last days the way she did, but with the news hitting the national press it tugged on people's hear strings and some Swindon residents have come forward having been acquainted with Olive, including an ex-mayor of Swindon, as well as others from further afield such as a lady from Chester, who has offered to provide flowers for the funeral. It certainly is a sad day when after 83 years of life it could have been possible that this lady would have ended her days alone. It certainly makes you appreciate the importance of your own family and friends.

The second story relates to the daughter of a Second World War RAF pilot who was charged with assault after allegedly slapping a boy she believed had vandalised a remembrance garden in Mangotsfield near Bristol. Julie Lake claimed the 15-year-old was one of a number of youths responsible for the attack on the memorial in her village dedicated to those killed fighting for Britain. Mrs Lake felt she had to take action and intervene but was arrested after giving a boy, whom she believed to be the ringleader, a talking-to and a "cuff round the ear" just before Christmas. Mrs Lake put into words the feelings that the vast majority of British people must feel about this saying "The memorial is a sacred place - it's like a grave. How dare these youngsters tarnish the memories of those who made a sacrifice for future generations?" As is so familiar with much anti-social behaviour these days Mrs Lake had called the police and tried to talk to the youths but had got nowhere, losing her temper in frustration after two years of trying to get something done. Now something has been done Mrs Lake is in the wrong and immediately the police are after her.

This week when Mrs Lake attended Staple Hill police station in Bristol, she was flanked by 15 members of the Royal British Legion who went along to support her. Outside of the police station she said that "Long after this is over, we will continue our fight against anti-social behaviour." Mrs Lake said that 15 youths surrounded her and mockingly asked if her husband, who was in their car, was going to rescue her. She said many older villagers were too scared to venture out at night as gangs of teenagers in hooded tops roam around. Mrs Lake added: "I'll go to prison if I have to because this is not about me, it is about the whole community who are scared to leave their homes."

Mrs Lake was bailed and will appear before magistrates on January 17 to potentially face an assault charge carrying a maximum penalty of six months in jail or a £5,000 fine.

Part of my local election campaign will concentrate specifically on this type of activity, such that due to the anti-social activities of gangs of youths many people are frightened to go out after dark. I believe the responsibility for dealing with this rests with the police, but if they aren't prepared to do something about this then I know there are others who are prepared to do so.