As the parties get fired up for the General Election this year Mike Pyle interviews another of the candidates with hopes of winning the Bracknell seat

People should remember lessons from the past when they go to the polls later this year, says the Labour prospective Parliamentary candidate.

John Piasecki adds he will gladly lay his record of community involvement next to that of any of his political rivals.

Bracknell is traditionally a Tory stronghold but, after years of Conservative governance, the door has been opened for other parties, he believes, by MP Andrew MacKay’s decision to stand down following revelations about his expenses.  

John, who lives in Great Hollands and runs clothing shop Hudson Bay in Wokingham town centre, said: “This election offers people a real choice between a Labour government that will help support and encourage Bracknell residents, against a Conservative government that will cut services and take any opportunity to leave people without support.

“They’ve done it in the past and they will do it again.”

Early favourite for the election in Bracknell is Maidenhead-based Dr Philip Lee, Mr MacKay’s replacement as Conservative candidate.

John said: “His aim is nothing to do with Bracknell.

“His aim is a personal quest to become an MP, Bracknell is just the horse he’s chosen to ride.

“I did not apply anywhere else because the only place I know is Bracknell – I’ve been a councillor here and I’m involved in a lot of community groups.

“I’ve been involved in Bracknell for many years and would like the opportunity to do more of that and have influence because I think I understand what is needed in this area.”

John says major issues for Bracknell and Finchampstead, the area covered by the Bracknell constituency, include health services and the town centre regeneration but employment and support for those looking for jobs is paramount.

He said: “The main thing is the economy.

“We are hopefully coming out of a major recession but the issue of jobs and careers, certainly for young people, remains.

“The Labour view is to get involved and help people rather than the traditional Tory view that is if you’re unemployed you should just be left to help yourself.

“People say there’s no difference between the parties but that is a key difference.”

John said the future of the Heatherwood Hospital in Ascot will be a major issue for years to come but hopes the Healthspace, a facility planned to provide a range of facilities in the town centre, and the cancer and renal care centre planned for Brants Bridge in Bullbrook, could lessen the impact of any changes at Heatherwood.

He said: “I think Heatherwood’s future is safe for the next few years but I think over the next 20 years there will be changes.

“I don’t think that will mean Heatherwood will be shut totally but I think it will mean more services will be available at the Healthspace, at the heart of Bracknell, than at Heatherwood.”

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