I am Shropshire born and bred, raised in Market Drayton, I moved to Telford in 1989 with my fathers employment. Following a successful period in higher education, I went on to open a community based care business with my parents and (now) wife in 1999. Our Company now employs over 70 people in Telford and Wrekin alone and provides for in excess of 180 of the most vulnerable adults in our community. I moved from Telford to Chetwynd Aston in 2000 and to Howle in 2001, where My wife Jen and I have been settled ever since.

I stood as elected member for only one reason: to prove that your local councillor can make a difference. I was tired of contacting my councillor and getting no results. It was and is my belief that our councillor can be effective: that he or she can make a difference: that our councillor should be contactable and provide feedback to all residents in the the ward, regardless of their voting intentions.

So, I threw my hat into the ring. I stood as candidate in May 2007 and was fortunate enough to be elected by the residents in our ward. And now I have very clear a job to do. I have made commitments to you all. I have stated that I will make a difference but I cannot do so unless you let me know how I can be of help. I have made a number of positive differences in our ward and if you believe there is anything more I can do to fulfil the pledges I made to you, please contact me.

Stephen Burrell is borough councillor for Edgmond on Telford & Wrekin Council.