Edward Kirk

Richard Clewer announced as new leader of Wiltshire Council

News article courtesy of ThisIsWiltshire.co.uk:...

Results of Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner election

The count for the Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner elections has been completed t...

Wiltshire Council announces turnout for unitary, parish and PCC elections

Conservative led Wiltshire Council has today (Saturday 8 May) completed the count for the council un...

About Edward

I am fortunate to finally be representing Trowbridge Adcroft Division as both a Town and Wiltshire Councillor. It has taken a little while to be elected, as I first stood for election in Adcroft over 25 years ago. I grew up in this area of Trowbridge, so I know it and many of the residents extremely well and course they also know me…. I remember the old campaigning style of using a car and a megaphone from my late father John Kirk – I still believe in using methods of direct contact with residents, not just leaflets and all this social media...

Personal Background

I am married to Nicola and I have two daughters, Emily 21 and Felicity 16. My hobbies include, walking Bob our Cocker Spaniel and cycling. I run the family business suppling school uniforms with shops in five towns, including the one in Trowbridge opened by my Grandfather nearly seventy years ago. I also operate an embroidery and printing business on the White Horse Business Park in Trowbridge.

Dog sign

RIPtoilet1

Council Work

Whilst I have a couple of committee places on Wiltshire Council, primarily I enjoy working in the local community and helping residents where I can. I have the great benefit of being self-employed and working in Trowbridge, so I am generally free anytime to see residents and do my best to assist them. My work colleagues say I will use any excuse to go off and deal with a resident’s issue. I would probably win the award for the fastest on-site response time of any Councillor!

When I became elected, I was staggered at the debt level of the Town Council - it remains the highest in England. It shocks me the ease at which Councillors can borrow money secured on the backs of hard-working Trowbridge residents. During my time on the Town Council, I have tried to ensure that residents are genuinely consulted on any Council schemes or projects that require borrowing. In addition to consultation, I believe there should be external professional advice given to Councillors prior to decision making. I have a business background and I am shocked that millions can be borrowed for decades into the future, with such a low level of financial reporting and business planning.