Joe Whibley is standing for election as an independent to represent the Exmouth Town ward at East Devon District Council.

He is currently a councillor at district and town level.

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I have been proud to serve as one of your district councillors for the last four years and would love to carry on.

I've worked in education and social care for over twenty years, where I've developed a love of listening to people and helping them.

I've kept you informed where others have not on issues such as residents' parking and issues on The Strand and have stood up for the residents of Exmouth when voting at EDDC and representing them in council matters, and with county and Westminster representatives.

I take pride in having a visible presence on social media, answering your questions and passing on information, even though sometimes it's not the easiest place to be!

I take casework very seriously - if you have an issue, council related or otherwise, I will help if I can and signpost you to who's best placed to help if I can't.

We need to provide more affordable housing for the town and I look forward to working with district colleagues to find ways to provide it - a huge, complicated task which requires innovative solutions and possibly changes in the law. Councils and councillors working together to push for that change is vital.

I will fight for the work on Exmouth's seafront to move forward as quickly as is possible and to find a solution to the issues on The Strand which benefits residents, tourists, and the businesses based there.

Most of all, I see Exmouth as a beautiful place with the potential to be a happy, inclusive town with something to offer everyone.

I'm not political in that I will support a good idea, no matter where it comes from.

Outside of council work, I'm a musician and am incredibly proud to be part of the local music scene.

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