Branksome West & Penn Hill
Marion Le Poidevin and Oliver Walters
Marion Le Poidevin
Background
Marion Le Poidevin has lived in the ward for more than 20 years and is proud to call the area home. She has served as a councillor since 2011 where she has a proven track record of taking action on the issues that affect residents.
Experience
From sorting out faulty street lights, potholes, overgrown hedges, abandoned vehicles and road defects, to leading the successful community campaign to stop a football stadium being built on Branksome Rec, Marion is someone who gets things done. She recently secured funding to replace broken fencing along Playfields Drive and Recreation Road, and to start work on addressing long-standing flooding problems in the area later this year. Marion isn’t afraid of getting stuck in and has helped improve local green spaces, planting bulbs and trees at Haskell Rec, Hatchards Field and Branksome Recreation Ground.
Marion is Vice-Chair of Parkstone Community Group and helps organise popular local events such as Come Outside Ashley Road, the Platinum Jubilee Tea Party and the annual Christmas Tree lights switch-on at St John’s Church.
Community & Interests
Marion loves to cook and volunteers her time at a luncheon club, helping provide meals and companionship for older residents. Marion enjoys working with local people to strengthen community spirit and support neighbourhood projects.
Oliver Walters
Background
Oliver has been a BCP Councillor since 2023 and runs the European arm of an international software company. He has the experience and the track record of delivering real investment in our part of Poole.
Experience
Oliver is a tireless campaigner for our green spaces, fighting for funding to improve Alexandra Park Café and working with the National Trust to expand tree planting to make our part of Poole an even better place to live. Oliver plays an active role in speaking up for children and families as a member of BCP Council’s Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, helping young people get the support and opportunities they deserve.
He has also championed greater recognition and support for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, pressing councils and health services to provide stronger support for the vital care the charity provides to families. Oliver works closely with local residents and community groups, including the Dorset Lake Community Group, helping them to access grant money and ensuring their voices are heard in local decisions.
Community & Interests
As BCP’s representative on the Poole Cherbourg Twinning Association, Oliver helps strengthen historic cultural links between Poole and its twin town of Cherbourg in Normandy. Oliver is a keen paddleboarder and when he isn’t enjoying Poole’s beaches, he loves to brew cider at home.
