St Margaret - Cllr Mark Edwards

Mark Edwards, a resident of Stratton St Margaret, was elected on 5 May 2006 as the councillor for the ward. Mark has for many years worked within the Communities of North Swindon, where he is a well respected and active member of the local community.

Mark has for some 20 years worked for a major corporation, originally training as a scientist (he holds the qualification of Chartered Scientist and Chartered Chemist), he worked in research for over 10 years, before progressing through Marketing followed by a period of time working as a Technical Consultant in Istanbul.

He now works as part of a team of global purchasing professionals, ensuring that his organisation maximises its leverage and ensuring that spend is monitored, controlled and justified. He also is a member of the company Pensions Council.

His career in local politics started several years ago when the residents of Taw Hill were made aware that the "pub" that they were promised was now going to be a block of flats. Mark spent the next 18 months actively campaigning with all interested parties. The "Tawny Owl" was opened last year and has become a focal point for the whole community. As a direct result of the dedication, enthusiasm and professional way in which Mark conducted himself during this time he gained respect from all parts of the community, including praise from Michael Wills, the MP for North Swindon.

Marks reputation for getting things done extended beyond his own community and he joined Haydon Wick Parish Council where his "can-do" attititude has contributed significantly to the council. Mark is also Chair of Governors at a local primary school and was on the original governing body of the new Northern Sector Secondary School. He has a passion for education and feels that our children should have unrestricted access to education at all levels.

He also works with the youth in the areas he represents and constantly battles to ensure that they have things to do, places to go and assistance when they need it. He believes that we should provide facilities for our youth of all ages.

Mark understands that the only way to serve a community is to always be available and listen to peoples concerns. He is realistic and understands that it is not always possible to resolve every issue, every time, but with his now extensive network of contacts inside and outside the council - Mark fights all the way to exhaust every possibility and move every issues forward.

Notwithstanding the pub, Marks activities have covered everything from getting communities to work together to resolve problems, road design / layouts, planning concerns and issues all over north Swindon, education at all levels, parking issues, traffic issues, funding issues, local community events, provision of dog bins, running a youth club, whatever it is - Mark has been there working hard to ensure that his communities are adequately represented.

Mark has a proven track record of working for local residents, and is a strong voice for the residents of Stratton St Margaret in the Council Chamber.