Your vote matters in the forthcoming local government elections on 6th May. You have the power to elect the people who will effectively represent you and make key decisions that impact your daily lives – issues like, planning, education of your children, elderly care, bin collections and local roads & infrastructure.

I have lived in the Bulmershe & Whitegates ward since 2002 so I am aware of many of the concerns that impact Bulmershe & Whitegates residents because your issues are my issues.

I was privileged to serve Bulmershe & Whitegates residents until 2019. During my 8 years as your Borough Councillor I actively campaigned to improve the services for the residents as witnessed by these council investments. I am proud of my involvement in over £30 million investment in Bulmershe & Whitegates, a record that has not been repeated before or after me.

These investments included £6m for Bulmershe School to build a sixth form block, £6m for a high-quality elderly care home in Fosters Lane and £14m for brand new Bulmershe Leisure Centre in Woodley. As the Deputy Executive Member for Children's Services in 2019 I obtained approval for £4.4m investment to extend Addington School to create 50 additional spaces for children with disability.

I have been involved in charitable and social enterprise work for several decades. In 2005 I co-founded a local charity to improve academic and life chances of young people from vulnerable backgrounds. Over the years thousands of children have benefitted from this programme. During the pandemic I have been leading ‘feeding the homeless Project’ where we distributed thousands of hot meals to the most vulnerable members of our community. In addition, since 2014 I am a Governor of a large secondary school in Woodley.

Public service and adding value are what drives me to be a local councillor. Hopefully, with your support on 6th May I can continue to help and support the residents of Bulmershe & Whitegates.

Shahid Younis

Borough Candidate for Bulmershe & Whitegates Ward - Wokingham Borough Council