Ilkley Community Alliance: Ian Smith

My views...

Transport

We must find ways to manage downwards the levels of traffic and reduce the dominance of cars, especially at the pinch points on The Grove and Springs Lane

Democracy

We must put in place ways to increase the engagement between the town council and the town’s residents and businesses, so that decision making becomes more truly democratic

Climate & Sustainability

We must improve sustainability and reduce our carbon footprint, both as part of the broader efforts to combat climate change, but also to reduce waste and bring down our energy bills

My name is Ian Smith

I'm standing as part of the Ilkley Community Alliance group of independent candidates in the Ilkley Town Council election on May 4th 2023. I am standing as an independent because I feel that local politics should be about our community’s needs, and that national party agendas are unhelpful at this level of local government.

I have lived in Ilkley with my family for over 17 years, and my wife and I have brought up our two sons here. As a resident of Ilkley South and a small business owner working out of my office in Ilkley West, I've been fortunate enough to get to know our town and its people quite well. I have contributed my time to a number of local events and initiatives such as Climate Action Ilkley’s annual Car Free Festival, and the Ilkley Live Garden Music Festival for which I built the website. I’m also part of the team that is currently working to open Ilkley’s new Library of Things - Ilkley Thingery.

Ilkley has a well deserved reputation as a wonderful place to live, and I am grateful every day for my good fortune in making my home here. I love and want the best for the town. We must work together to keep Ilkley as the outstanding place it is today.