Carole Edmunds is standing as the Conservative Party candidate in the forthcoming Bridgwater Town Council by-election for the Fairfax East (Bower) ward. A lifelong resident of Bridgwater, apart from a short time away for her career, Carole is deeply committed to her community.
She is Treasurer and Trustee of two active local charities and Treasurer of a third, alongside her work campaigning for causes close to her heart. Carole has worked closely with local representatives, including Bower Town Councillor Diogo Rodrigues and Bridgwater MP Ashley Fox, on key local initiatives such as promoting free sports sessions for young people at Bower Park and securing the extension of the Bath Road M5 bridge cycle path to improve safety for cyclists.
Carole’s track record includes successfully advocating against the introduction of parking meters in Castle Street, securing funding to expand a local Pre School, and campaigning for better road safety measures in Bower. She recently obtained a grant from National Grid to provide bike lights and high-visibility clothing, supporting active travel and reducing congestion along the A39.
Carole has also been outspoken about the Labour-run Bridgwater Town Council's decision to reject a consultation with residents on its proposed 40% rise in the council tax precept for this year. “Residents are being asked to pay huge amounts without being given a voice in the matter - Band D council tax will have soared from £91.31 in 2022/23 to a projected £413.05 this year” she said. “This increase is unacceptable, especially when many households are already struggling with the rising cost of living. I will work to ensure Bower residents get value for money and that decisions are made with transparency and accountability.”
Passionate about addressing residents' concerns around over-development, traffic, and the decline of Bridgwater’s town centre, Carole is committed to making Bower an even better place to live. She aims to work alongside current Bower Town Councillor Diogo Rodrigues to ensure future developments are sensitive to residents’ needs and to champion measures that enhance the local community.
