The newly elected councillor for Leamington Clarendon ward has laid out his priorities.

Cllr Chris Knigt told Nub News that tackling anti-social behaviour, re-engaging young people and ensuring residents have a stronger voice in local decision-making are high on his agenda.

Cllr Knight, who represents the Labour Party, won the election by 13 votes more than the Liberal Democrats, which followed closely behind. 

Discussing the tight turnout, Cllr Knight acknowledged it was a very "close race," and expressed that his work in the justice system and focus on addressing anti-social behaviour in the local area may have influenced the win. 

"I want to bring back more youth clubs and things for kids to do, so they won't get bored.

"When we get rid of the youth clubs and there's nothing to do, where are the kids going to go? There's nothing."

He explained that idle time often fuels negative behaviour among both young people and adults, including shoplifting and similar acts of anti-social behaviour.

"When the prisons don't have anything for inmates to do, they cause more trouble. It's the same for young people; when there's nothing to do, they find something, and that often leads to problems. 

"If we give them clubs, classes, and trades to learn, whether it's cooking or other skills, it'll help, so that is something I'd love to implement."

Low turnout and the importance of voting

Only around a quarter (25.16 percent) of residents turned out to vote in the election. 

Acknowledging the challenge with lower voting for local council elections, Cllr Knight stressed the importance of local participation.

Cllr Knight stated: "Some people just feel fed up with the whole situation and feel like nothing will change. 

"When I do door-knocking, I try to encourage people to go out and vote because the only way you can change things is to vote.

"Yes, you may feel like nothing will change, but you've got to give somebody a chance."

Restoring trust in local government

The election was called following the resignation of Labour's Helen Adkins, who criticised the leadership culture at the local authority when she stepped down.

While Cllr Knight said he would not comment directly without full facts, he underlined the importance of respect and accountability.

"We need to respect each other's opinions, and we need to make sure residents are brought into the decision-making process. 

"Too often, decisions are made without the community on board. 

"That's something I want to change."

Tackling pollution and listening to residents

Beyond youth engagement, Cllr Knight also highlighted pollution and traffic as another key issue he wants to help tackle. 

One of his immediate proposals is to encourage drivers to switch off their engines when stationary.

" I know it's not going to solve all the problems at once, but we all have to play a part to reduce it [pollution] and even if that's just starting by turning off your car engine instead of leaving it running."

He further stated the importance of listening to residents in the community and ensuring their concerns are heard, and strategies to tackle these concerns are implemented by the council. 

Having lived in Leamington for over 20 years, this is Cllr Knight's first time serving as a councillor. 

He said his decision to run came from dissatisfaction with how the council had been operating.

"Sometimes they waste a lot of money and forget it's public funds. 

"I didn't really like how the council was running and didn't really understand it, and I also wanted to bring the residents on board, as the council often makes decisions without bringing residents on board", he added. 

Looking Ahead

For Cllr Knight, success as a councillor will be measured by reducing antisocial behaviour, giving young people constructive outlets, and building trust with residents.

He is already drafting an emergency motion for the district council to bring youth services back onto the agenda.

"I will do my best to implement more youth clubs for a better Clarendon, and for Warwickshire too," concluded Cllr Knight.